After writing a post of the necessity for a "hands on" approach to Christianity, I decided it would be important to develop the concept a little further. While "hands on" training is important for honing skills in a trade, the work done in the classroom is not necessarily what you will face in the field. In fact, it is safe to assume the work done in a classroom will always be different than the field! The concepts could be applied, but the differences are many. The level of fitness required to be a mechanical insulator (potentially climbing up and down a 10 foot ladder hundreds of times in a day, for instance) is not addressed in the confines of a classroom. In a classroom, the material needed for the job is on hand. Specialised tools are easily accessible to fabricate metal. Pipes and vessels in class are not energised, unlike in the field when repairs need to be made on "live" steam pipes. In class therefore, no care is required to avoid burns. Insulation in the class setting is applied to pipes without any interference of any kind at eye level. These conditions are shockingly different from the field, where there could be shortages of the correct-sized material and necessity demands you to "make it work." Material may need to be carried long distances, and hoisted or lowered with a rope. Ships are notorious for having all manner of interference: pipes, electrical, and equipment not associated with insulation work have to be carefully avoided and kept clean. While classwork is valuable for developing hands, eyes, and skills, there is undoubtedly a large divide from practice in school and actual insulation in the field.
This is very true in the spiritual arena. It became evident to me when I entered university that in church I had learned answers to questions nobody was asking! Growing up in church, certain things were a given: God exists, the Bible is the Word of God without error, and truth is absolute, just to name a few. We did not spend much time discussing the reality of these facts, because apparently they were self-evident. But in university, everything was debatable. Everything was questioned. It was a good thing for me, because I was forced to carefully examine the things I believed. That experience helped me to understand the necessity of approaching the Bible and Christianity from a view of unbelief - though I believe myself. We need to be prepared to give an answer for the hope that is in us in a manner unbelievers can relate to. The Holy Spirit will give us wisdom and discernment to speak the truth in love and demonstrate through love unfeigned the truth of the Gospel. How much Christians would learn if we could organise a time to meet with people who hate Christians or deny the existence of God and ask them some simple questions for the purpose of understanding their perspective! I'll bet their reasons for believing what they believe will surprise you.
When I was in trade school with Local 5 in Los Angeles, we insulated the same pipes with the same insulation in the same arrangement all the time. It was not long before the work became a routine. Some sneaky apprentices saved their layouts as patterns - only to have the sizes changed for the final! The students who did this struggled with time and didn't learn the concepts behind laying out a circular pipe on a flat surface. Without a proper grasp of the basic fundamentals, I doubt the techniques learned in class were ever applied outside the classroom. The same thing can happen in church. We are around "church" people so often that we forget there are so many different issues and struggles people have. We cannot simply apply a "pattern" to approach people with the Gospel. Using an insulation pattern in the field with all sorts of interference would be a waste of time. The pattern we must follow is that of Christ who always did the will of the Father. It is so important that all we do is steeped in Christ's love as we are led by the Holy Spirit.
There were plenty of guys I trained with who had skills at layout and insulating in class, but their knowledge did not immediately correlate to ability in the field. Some lacked speed and fitness required to put in a full day of work in sweltering conditions. Others were confronted with their fear of heights. In the church many have skill within the church context, but struggle with the idea of speaking to an atheist or someone of another faith. But no matter where we find ourselves in our Christian walk, the imperative is to take the concepts and truths we learn in the church and apply them in our lives wherever we are. We are to continue growing in grace and knowledge, seeking to walk in love always. God desires His people walk skillfully through life. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. As we are led by Christ, may we grow to maturity and bring much glory to His name.
31 August 2013
Hands On!
Something I've been mulling over lately is the value of "hands on" experience. When I was in training to be a journeyman mechanical insulator, my classes were broken into two basic parts: book work and hands on. We spent a good deal of time learning about hydronic systems, four and three pipe systems, chillers, boilers, and identifying what pipes or surfaces required insulation. A bit dry at times, but valuable information. But hitting the books did nothing to develop the eye, hands, or gain any practical experience of actually doing the work. Hands on training was the primary part of our training so we could familiarise ourselves with layouts, cutting styrene, metal jacketing, fiberglass cloth, and rubber. The high quality our teachers required was obtainable only after much practice, repetition, and the development of learned skills.
In the church today, I think the tendency is to have things backwards. In my view, there is a real possibility we focus primarily on the book work and put little emphasis on the "hands on" portion of our faith. Can you imagine a hairstylist who spent 95% of time in beauty school learning about the history of scissors and brushes, the anatomy of hair follicles, the chemical properties of various hair products, studying the evolution of hair styles through the centuries, and and only spent 5% of their time in school actually cutting, curling, dyeing, and styling hair? But this is what we can do with our many Bible studies, home groups, Sunday Schools, prayer meetings, and discipleship classes. Don't get me wrong - fellowship, prayer, and study of God's Word is vital to our spiritual health and growth. The point is, how often are you actually getting your hands dirty, learning through experience to apply your knowledge in real life situations? Unless our faith includes a lot of hands on, we have the Christian skills of a hairdresser who really hasn't styled much hair ever!
There was no person more hands on than Christ. He invested wisdom and time with His disciples, taught the Word in the synagogue, and He laid hands on the sick and healed them. He fed the hungry, and discussed spiritual truth with unbelievers. Jesus went about His Father's business, which involved Him traveling around and doing good. He had a message to share with the world, and He compassionately shared it with all who would hear. How important it is that we provide a Christ-like example for our spouse and children, our friends and co-labourers in Christ! Unless our kids are given hands on experience in following Christ and are taught to live skillfully as we invest ourselves in them individually, how will they practically know what following Jesus looks like? We can't be content to feed them information alone.
Once we are washed from our sin, our call is to engage in the work of the ministry. So let's get our hands dirty, people!
In the church today, I think the tendency is to have things backwards. In my view, there is a real possibility we focus primarily on the book work and put little emphasis on the "hands on" portion of our faith. Can you imagine a hairstylist who spent 95% of time in beauty school learning about the history of scissors and brushes, the anatomy of hair follicles, the chemical properties of various hair products, studying the evolution of hair styles through the centuries, and and only spent 5% of their time in school actually cutting, curling, dyeing, and styling hair? But this is what we can do with our many Bible studies, home groups, Sunday Schools, prayer meetings, and discipleship classes. Don't get me wrong - fellowship, prayer, and study of God's Word is vital to our spiritual health and growth. The point is, how often are you actually getting your hands dirty, learning through experience to apply your knowledge in real life situations? Unless our faith includes a lot of hands on, we have the Christian skills of a hairdresser who really hasn't styled much hair ever!
There was no person more hands on than Christ. He invested wisdom and time with His disciples, taught the Word in the synagogue, and He laid hands on the sick and healed them. He fed the hungry, and discussed spiritual truth with unbelievers. Jesus went about His Father's business, which involved Him traveling around and doing good. He had a message to share with the world, and He compassionately shared it with all who would hear. How important it is that we provide a Christ-like example for our spouse and children, our friends and co-labourers in Christ! Unless our kids are given hands on experience in following Christ and are taught to live skillfully as we invest ourselves in them individually, how will they practically know what following Jesus looks like? We can't be content to feed them information alone.
Once we are washed from our sin, our call is to engage in the work of the ministry. So let's get our hands dirty, people!
27 August 2013
Taught to Know War
"Now these are the nations which the LORD left, that He might test Israel by them, that is, all who had not known any of the wars in Canaan
2
(this was only so that the generations of the children of Israel might be taught to know war, at least those who had not formerly known it),
3
namely, five lords of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who dwelt in Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal Hermon to the entrance of Hamath."
Judges 3:1-3
When the people of Israel neglected to drive out the inhabitants of the land according to God's command, He allowed the people to remain to test the Israelites. In Judges 2:22 God revealed one purpose why He allowed the nations to remain: "...So that through them I may test Israel, whether they will keep the ways of the LORD, to walk in them as their fathers kept them, or not." By allowing nations that did not fear God to remain, He effectively provided His people a choice. The Israelites were granted an opportunity to prove themselves faithful to God's commands or reveal their disobedience.
This second reason God allowed the nations who did not fear God among His people I find most compelling. There was a new generation of Israelites who did not know God, His mighty works (Judges 2:10), and had not experienced war firsthand. They were not battle-hardened warriors who placed their faith in God to fight their battles. This new generation was soft, easily influenced by the enemies of God, and needed to learn how to fight and stand up for righteousness. So God saw fit to allow enemies of Israel to remain so His people would "be taught to know war." No one gains skill through ignorance. No one improves without a level of training and practical experience.
It is for this reason that God has allowed Satan - the enemy of our souls - to remain presently alive and well on this earth. He goes to and fro like a hungry lion, seeking who he may devour. We are called to resist him, steadfast in the faith, standing strong girded with armour supplied through the Holy Spirit. God wants Christians to learn how to fight, defend the truth, to resist temptation, and to be strong. God does not want us to be warmongers against flesh and blood, but to be battle tested and grow increasingly proficient with our blade: the Sword of the Spirit which is is the Word of God. He wants our minds to be sharp, our lives focused, our hands toughened, taking courage in God though we see the enemy advancing. No one in the midst of a fight entangles himself with the affairs of this life, and we must remain vigilant. God wants us to be battle-hardened veterans, not doughy and soft through lack of exercise. He desires we be courageous and bold to trust His promises. Every day we are being tested and tried: are we willing to make peace with the world through compromise? Are we willing to stand up for righteousness or will we acquiesce to the world's wisdom to please the flesh? Will we choose to love God and others enough to labour to pull down the enemy's strongholds?
God has provided all His people with a choice. Our desires, decisions, and the use of our time shows if we are truly loyal to God or not. May God be able to say to us at the end of our days: "Well done! You have fought the good fight; you have run a good race; you have finished the course. Enter into the joy of the LORD." Even as the enemy gains strength, we need not fear. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. The battle is the LORD's, but we must be resolute to fight!
26 August 2013
Nimby!
I learned a new word today: nimby. It means, "Not in my backyard!" It reminded me of something I've been thinking of lately. The messages at Calvary Chapel Sydney lately have compelled me to do some personal examination and inventory. As a parent or leader, we are to be circumspect in our conduct and that of our children. There is always the potential that we will be personally offended when kids we are supervising (especially our own!) fall into destructive or sinful behaviour. We can forget that we too are imperfect, and sin ultimately is not against us but God.
It has been revealed to me by God that I tend towards a "nimby" or "Not on my watch!" mentality. When we make the struggles of others focused on primarily how they affect us, we have ceased to walk in love. If I grit my teeth in frustration because of the inconvenience of an internet filter installed for the safety of my children, I am walking in selfishness - not love. It occurred to me that as a parent, it is better to be watchful and discern sinful behaviour than to bury my head in the sand and pretend all is well. Sometimes as parents we discover our kids are struggling in an area, it feels like an indictment against us. We are tempted to believe the lie that this means we must be doing a terrible job as a parent. Actually, quite the opposite may be true! It is a good watchman who notices the danger and does something about it. His discovery of a threat proves he is doing his job, and his loyalty to his master and his position moves him to action.
When we aren't aware of the struggles of our kids, we may think we are doing a spectacular job. But our ignorance of a struggle does not mean there is not fight a going on. God is the best Father, yet that doesn't mean His kids are perfect! The fella who said "Ignorance is bliss" clearly never considered the certain end of that path. God said in Hosea 4:6 that His people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. Ignorance of the law does not make a man innocent, and ignorance concerning the struggles of others does not spare them the consequences. It would be better for our children to go "off the rails" whilst in a nurturing, loving environment where they are accountable before man and God than to do so after they have left home and resort to their own devices. If open communication is established while kids are young without there being hell to pay, kids will confide more with their parents about the real issues they face. The consequences of freely confessing sin should not bear the same punishment for sin parents discover themselves. If you think all is well because your kids haven't approached you with a conflict, don't be deceived to think they are immune from sin. It won't be your great parenting that saves them, but the grace of God.
I must move beyond the nimby mentality which suggests as long as I don't know about it, everything is fine. As long as I remain my children's prime deterrent to sin, what will keep my children following God into adulthood and after they have moved away from my home? We must teach our children to honour God proactively, not instruct them through our negative reactions to cleverly mask their pains and hide their sins. A life of holiness goes far beyond the outward conduct, but is a matter of the heart. If we make the Christian lifestyle of one preoccupied with externals, the inner man has not been affected. Therefore we must labour to deal with the source of sin by gently shepherding our children's hearts as we are led by the Holy Spirit. It is for us to maintain our walk with God, so we will be able to demonstrate for our children the relationship God intends man to have with Him.
We may have all the wisdom in the world but unless we walk in love, we are nothing. It is the love of God that pursued and captured our hearts, and God's love through us will have the greatest and most profound impact on our kids as we encourage them to receive of His love and walk therein.
It has been revealed to me by God that I tend towards a "nimby" or "Not on my watch!" mentality. When we make the struggles of others focused on primarily how they affect us, we have ceased to walk in love. If I grit my teeth in frustration because of the inconvenience of an internet filter installed for the safety of my children, I am walking in selfishness - not love. It occurred to me that as a parent, it is better to be watchful and discern sinful behaviour than to bury my head in the sand and pretend all is well. Sometimes as parents we discover our kids are struggling in an area, it feels like an indictment against us. We are tempted to believe the lie that this means we must be doing a terrible job as a parent. Actually, quite the opposite may be true! It is a good watchman who notices the danger and does something about it. His discovery of a threat proves he is doing his job, and his loyalty to his master and his position moves him to action.
When we aren't aware of the struggles of our kids, we may think we are doing a spectacular job. But our ignorance of a struggle does not mean there is not fight a going on. God is the best Father, yet that doesn't mean His kids are perfect! The fella who said "Ignorance is bliss" clearly never considered the certain end of that path. God said in Hosea 4:6 that His people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. Ignorance of the law does not make a man innocent, and ignorance concerning the struggles of others does not spare them the consequences. It would be better for our children to go "off the rails" whilst in a nurturing, loving environment where they are accountable before man and God than to do so after they have left home and resort to their own devices. If open communication is established while kids are young without there being hell to pay, kids will confide more with their parents about the real issues they face. The consequences of freely confessing sin should not bear the same punishment for sin parents discover themselves. If you think all is well because your kids haven't approached you with a conflict, don't be deceived to think they are immune from sin. It won't be your great parenting that saves them, but the grace of God.
I must move beyond the nimby mentality which suggests as long as I don't know about it, everything is fine. As long as I remain my children's prime deterrent to sin, what will keep my children following God into adulthood and after they have moved away from my home? We must teach our children to honour God proactively, not instruct them through our negative reactions to cleverly mask their pains and hide their sins. A life of holiness goes far beyond the outward conduct, but is a matter of the heart. If we make the Christian lifestyle of one preoccupied with externals, the inner man has not been affected. Therefore we must labour to deal with the source of sin by gently shepherding our children's hearts as we are led by the Holy Spirit. It is for us to maintain our walk with God, so we will be able to demonstrate for our children the relationship God intends man to have with Him.
We may have all the wisdom in the world but unless we walk in love, we are nothing. It is the love of God that pursued and captured our hearts, and God's love through us will have the greatest and most profound impact on our kids as we encourage them to receive of His love and walk therein.
22 August 2013
Why This Blog Exists
We are living in a day when point of view is king. People see what they want to see, and hear what they want to hear. The internet has transformed the way we view information, a place where we decide whether the information is credible or not. If you disagree with the "facts" presented, it can be explained away as irrelevant propaganda - despite any research or support for the view. Whether it is news being reported on TV, books, magazine articles, or blogs, there seems to be a constant and growing suspicion of an underlying personal bias or political agenda. We may not even notice that the one with the bias could be ourselves! I wrote more on this point in a previous post in titled, "Particularized Trust." The field has been leveled to such a degree that a claim substantiated from 20 years of research can be instantly debunked by a web surfer who doesn't know a test tube from a beaker.
I recognise this blog is one among hundreds of millions and is therefore of infinitesimal significance. It is not possible for a blog to change a single person's mind concerning their established beliefs either of Christ, Christians, morality, or the Bible. People may click on a post from this blog and before one sentence is read fully declare "Rubbish!" and move onto something they already agree with. This also goes for Biblical doctrine and interpretation among Christians. It used to be that people actually toiled over their own Bibles in prayer, seeking answers to life's questions. Now prayer has been replaced by search engines like Yahoo and Google with millions of results to choose from. More than seeking the truth for our questions, we can fall into the rut of seeking confirmation in our ignorance. Find one person that agrees with you, and it would take more than the earth splitting in two to move us to reconsider.
I don't write these blog posts because I think I can do any good in this world. I can't save a soul. But I pray that God uses them for His glory in encouraging, challenging in a healthy way, and building up the Body of Christ. The only power of this blog is found in the Word of God through the Holy Spirit. He has the power to pierce, to reveal, instruct, to personally impact each and every person who reads looking for the Truth. Over and over in scripture the words of Jesus ring out: "He who has an ear to hear, let him hear!" Most people have ears, but it is rare person who knows how to use them. More than talking only of the functional aspect of listening, hearing in the sense that Jesus speaks of is "heeding." Heeding is hearing and walking accordingly. Hearing is when we actually listen and digest carefully what we have heard before we formulate a rebuttal in our minds. Are you the kind who is chomping at the bit in a discussion, that while another person is speaking to you already you are working out what to say next instead of hearing what is being said? Haven't we all been guilty of this offense?
From time to time I step back and examine why I blog and what purpose it serves in these treacherous times. My answer to continue at this time comes from 2 Timothy 4:1-4: "I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." We are living in these days Paul predicted, when people will not endure teaching from God's Word. People pick and choose what confirms their existing beliefs. They will subscribe and follow teachers they agree with, and refuse any that raise contrary positions. People will gladly choose fables or stories over the revealed truth of God's Word. They will call the Bible a fable should it contradict their views! People assert there is no god so they can in essence be one! So what are the righteous to do? Preach the Word. Be ready in and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. That is why God has me contributing to this blog. I rarely see any fruit from it, but God will bring the increase in His time. Since it's His increase, I don't need to see it to continue pressing on. Even if there never is any measurable effect on the world or church from these posts, that's not my problem.
We Christians have been given the message of the Gospel as ambassadors for Christ in a world fully opposed to Him. We must speak, regardless if people seem to listen or not. The church has always faced obstacles, and always will. Christ is the only one who can open the eyes of the blind, open the ears of the deaf, heal the lepers, or raise the dead. Jesus has overcome, and we can only overcome through Him!
I recognise this blog is one among hundreds of millions and is therefore of infinitesimal significance. It is not possible for a blog to change a single person's mind concerning their established beliefs either of Christ, Christians, morality, or the Bible. People may click on a post from this blog and before one sentence is read fully declare "Rubbish!" and move onto something they already agree with. This also goes for Biblical doctrine and interpretation among Christians. It used to be that people actually toiled over their own Bibles in prayer, seeking answers to life's questions. Now prayer has been replaced by search engines like Yahoo and Google with millions of results to choose from. More than seeking the truth for our questions, we can fall into the rut of seeking confirmation in our ignorance. Find one person that agrees with you, and it would take more than the earth splitting in two to move us to reconsider.
I don't write these blog posts because I think I can do any good in this world. I can't save a soul. But I pray that God uses them for His glory in encouraging, challenging in a healthy way, and building up the Body of Christ. The only power of this blog is found in the Word of God through the Holy Spirit. He has the power to pierce, to reveal, instruct, to personally impact each and every person who reads looking for the Truth. Over and over in scripture the words of Jesus ring out: "He who has an ear to hear, let him hear!" Most people have ears, but it is rare person who knows how to use them. More than talking only of the functional aspect of listening, hearing in the sense that Jesus speaks of is "heeding." Heeding is hearing and walking accordingly. Hearing is when we actually listen and digest carefully what we have heard before we formulate a rebuttal in our minds. Are you the kind who is chomping at the bit in a discussion, that while another person is speaking to you already you are working out what to say next instead of hearing what is being said? Haven't we all been guilty of this offense?
From time to time I step back and examine why I blog and what purpose it serves in these treacherous times. My answer to continue at this time comes from 2 Timothy 4:1-4: "I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." We are living in these days Paul predicted, when people will not endure teaching from God's Word. People pick and choose what confirms their existing beliefs. They will subscribe and follow teachers they agree with, and refuse any that raise contrary positions. People will gladly choose fables or stories over the revealed truth of God's Word. They will call the Bible a fable should it contradict their views! People assert there is no god so they can in essence be one! So what are the righteous to do? Preach the Word. Be ready in and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. That is why God has me contributing to this blog. I rarely see any fruit from it, but God will bring the increase in His time. Since it's His increase, I don't need to see it to continue pressing on. Even if there never is any measurable effect on the world or church from these posts, that's not my problem.
We Christians have been given the message of the Gospel as ambassadors for Christ in a world fully opposed to Him. We must speak, regardless if people seem to listen or not. The church has always faced obstacles, and always will. Christ is the only one who can open the eyes of the blind, open the ears of the deaf, heal the lepers, or raise the dead. Jesus has overcome, and we can only overcome through Him!
20 August 2013
More Than Just Facts
Some people say their primary hindrance to sharing their faith in Christ is a lack of knowledge. Faced with the prospect of arguments they do not feel equipped to answer, sharing Christian beliefs with others may appear a daunting task. It is important to recognise Christianity is more than facts but a real relationship with God. If we have Christ we can share Christ, even if we do not have the academic background to match others. Knowledge is valuable and reasonable, and for Christianity it is an imperative. Our minds are convinced of the truth by evidence in scripture. Our hearts are moved to receive the truth, and our will responds to walk according to it. These three things in that order - the mind, heart, and will - must unite together to be born again by grace through faith.
Facts are like keys, but we must realise only God can fit them into a locked mind and turn them to open the understanding of an unbeliever. That is why facts alone will not convince a person of the existence of God, His righteous Law, the desperate need for salvation, and furnish the desire to receive His free gift through Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 tells us, "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." We need the Holy Spirit to open our understanding so we might know what God has freely given us. If only our natural mind is employed to consider spiritual truth, it will seem like foolishness. Facts are a necessary means, but they are not the end.
There is a balance: we must study to show ourselves approved unto God by rightly dividing the Word of Truth, yet we must be reliant upon the Holy Spirit to convince us and others of the wisdom of God. A blind man may be very perceptive, but he is still without sight. He could not possibly describe a picture of a simple object you hold in your hand, though it appears to a person with perfect sight clear as day. We should not be impatient with a person who cannot see, but ought to show grace and compassion in carefully describing the picture in detail. When we are harsh, easily frustrated, or abrupt without demonstrating love towards the person, the message we intend to convey will be lost. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. Those who rely upon knowledge seek to use facts to bolster their own case, but love seeks to encourage and build up others. "Winning" an argument is not the point, for if that is our aim we likely slam and bolt shut a door of interest and opportunity others could potentially enter at a later date.
Don't let mockery or the scorn of unbelievers cause you to waver from the foundation of scriptural truth. When Paul preached in Athens, many of the intellectuals laughed and mocked his message. When Jesus expounded on a passage from Isaiah in the synagogue, the religious men of the city tried to kill Him in their fury! If you hold forth the truth in love, and both you and your message are refused with ridicule, you are in good company. Instead of feeling forlorn, double your efforts in prayers for those blinded by the devil. Seek the answers in the Bible. Trust that God is able and willing to open the eyes of the blind and deliver the slaves from bondage to sin, for that is the purpose Jesus was sent and a primary purpose God chooses to leave Christians on this earth. Don't preach yourself, but Christ. It is Jesus who is being rejected. Should you abandon all faith and agree with those who oppose you, you would be gladly accepted. But it is better to be rejected by man and received by God than to be accepted by men and destroyed by God.
2 Corinthians 4:5-18 reads, "For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-- 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you. 13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
Facts are like keys, but we must realise only God can fit them into a locked mind and turn them to open the understanding of an unbeliever. That is why facts alone will not convince a person of the existence of God, His righteous Law, the desperate need for salvation, and furnish the desire to receive His free gift through Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 tells us, "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." We need the Holy Spirit to open our understanding so we might know what God has freely given us. If only our natural mind is employed to consider spiritual truth, it will seem like foolishness. Facts are a necessary means, but they are not the end.
There is a balance: we must study to show ourselves approved unto God by rightly dividing the Word of Truth, yet we must be reliant upon the Holy Spirit to convince us and others of the wisdom of God. A blind man may be very perceptive, but he is still without sight. He could not possibly describe a picture of a simple object you hold in your hand, though it appears to a person with perfect sight clear as day. We should not be impatient with a person who cannot see, but ought to show grace and compassion in carefully describing the picture in detail. When we are harsh, easily frustrated, or abrupt without demonstrating love towards the person, the message we intend to convey will be lost. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. Those who rely upon knowledge seek to use facts to bolster their own case, but love seeks to encourage and build up others. "Winning" an argument is not the point, for if that is our aim we likely slam and bolt shut a door of interest and opportunity others could potentially enter at a later date.
Don't let mockery or the scorn of unbelievers cause you to waver from the foundation of scriptural truth. When Paul preached in Athens, many of the intellectuals laughed and mocked his message. When Jesus expounded on a passage from Isaiah in the synagogue, the religious men of the city tried to kill Him in their fury! If you hold forth the truth in love, and both you and your message are refused with ridicule, you are in good company. Instead of feeling forlorn, double your efforts in prayers for those blinded by the devil. Seek the answers in the Bible. Trust that God is able and willing to open the eyes of the blind and deliver the slaves from bondage to sin, for that is the purpose Jesus was sent and a primary purpose God chooses to leave Christians on this earth. Don't preach yourself, but Christ. It is Jesus who is being rejected. Should you abandon all faith and agree with those who oppose you, you would be gladly accepted. But it is better to be rejected by man and received by God than to be accepted by men and destroyed by God.
2 Corinthians 4:5-18 reads, "For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-- 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you. 13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
19 August 2013
The Man at the Inn
I've been thinking lately about the parable Jesus told about the "Good Samaritan." When tested by a man who sought to justify himself by asking, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus told a story about a man traveling the road to Jericho who fell among thieves. He was beaten, robbed, stripped, and left for dead. A priest who walked by ignored his plight, as well as a Levite who passed by on the other side. It was the Samaritan, a man hailing from a group of people despised by the Jews, who showed compassion on the man when he stopped, lifted him from the ground, anointed his wounds, and took him to an inn so he might recover - all at his own expense.
Perhaps it is more ironic still that Christ alludes to Himself through the care of the foreign Samaritan who helped the wounded man. Jesus has done for us far more than the Samaritan in the story did for the wounded man. Jesus was despised and rejected by His own. He revealed love and compassion for all people through coming to earth as God-made-flesh, and paid for our healing and salvation with His own blood on the cross. He has not merely left us with money as we recover, but He has given us the Comforter -the Holy Spirit - who dwells within us. Jesus will someday return to settle all accounts, and His reward is with Him.
From this perspective then, the picture of the man who was beaten, stripped, and robbed represents all people who have inherited the sin nature of Adam. Man was stripped of his standing before God because of his sin, robbed of his innocence, and if left in his sinful condition faced certain death and eternal punishment in hell. Those who respond to the Gospel by grace through faith are born again and receive new life through Christ. We have been raised from the grave and restored to fellowship with God again. Having been washed in His blood, He has placed upon each Christian a robe of righteousness. He has provided a place of lodging for us in this world and a role in His Body, the church. Jesus has promised to someday return for us and will set all things right.
The aspect of this parable which has captivated me is the attitude and thoughts of the man during his recovery at the inn. I'm sure the healing man was thankful for the sacrifice of the Samaritan who helped him. Yet is there a potential that the man had bitterness toward the Samaritan for not coming sooner and driving off the bandits? Maybe he nursed a grudge against those who passed by and refused to help him. Or perhaps he was annoyed with the fact he had to share a room with someone he didn't know or the toilet was too far away. Maybe the healing process took longer than he would have liked and it was a growing source of frustration. There are potentially thousands of complaints the man may have had even though his life had been saved! How would we view someone who had nothing but complaints after being saved from certain death? We might call him forgetful, self-centered, ungrateful, and foolish. Before we judge him too harshly, let's remember that when we look at him we are looking at ourselves.
This is how we can be as Christians, even after all Jesus has done for us. We can be frustrated with our circumstances, pain, or limitations. The church is a place God has provided for healing and fellowship. But we can be filled with criticism or complaints rather than grace and thankfulness. Colossians 3:12-17 describes well the attitude we ought to have as we go through the healing process of our near-death experience while Christ tarries: "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Hasn't God been good to us? Let us remember how Christ has saved, restored, and reconciled us to God by His grace. Let us demonstrate our thanks and gratefulness to God through loving one another. In light of all God has done for us, our complaints ring hollow. Instead of a critical spirit, let us praise God with thanksgiving.
Perhaps it is more ironic still that Christ alludes to Himself through the care of the foreign Samaritan who helped the wounded man. Jesus has done for us far more than the Samaritan in the story did for the wounded man. Jesus was despised and rejected by His own. He revealed love and compassion for all people through coming to earth as God-made-flesh, and paid for our healing and salvation with His own blood on the cross. He has not merely left us with money as we recover, but He has given us the Comforter -the Holy Spirit - who dwells within us. Jesus will someday return to settle all accounts, and His reward is with Him.
From this perspective then, the picture of the man who was beaten, stripped, and robbed represents all people who have inherited the sin nature of Adam. Man was stripped of his standing before God because of his sin, robbed of his innocence, and if left in his sinful condition faced certain death and eternal punishment in hell. Those who respond to the Gospel by grace through faith are born again and receive new life through Christ. We have been raised from the grave and restored to fellowship with God again. Having been washed in His blood, He has placed upon each Christian a robe of righteousness. He has provided a place of lodging for us in this world and a role in His Body, the church. Jesus has promised to someday return for us and will set all things right.
The aspect of this parable which has captivated me is the attitude and thoughts of the man during his recovery at the inn. I'm sure the healing man was thankful for the sacrifice of the Samaritan who helped him. Yet is there a potential that the man had bitterness toward the Samaritan for not coming sooner and driving off the bandits? Maybe he nursed a grudge against those who passed by and refused to help him. Or perhaps he was annoyed with the fact he had to share a room with someone he didn't know or the toilet was too far away. Maybe the healing process took longer than he would have liked and it was a growing source of frustration. There are potentially thousands of complaints the man may have had even though his life had been saved! How would we view someone who had nothing but complaints after being saved from certain death? We might call him forgetful, self-centered, ungrateful, and foolish. Before we judge him too harshly, let's remember that when we look at him we are looking at ourselves.
This is how we can be as Christians, even after all Jesus has done for us. We can be frustrated with our circumstances, pain, or limitations. The church is a place God has provided for healing and fellowship. But we can be filled with criticism or complaints rather than grace and thankfulness. Colossians 3:12-17 describes well the attitude we ought to have as we go through the healing process of our near-death experience while Christ tarries: "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Hasn't God been good to us? Let us remember how Christ has saved, restored, and reconciled us to God by His grace. Let us demonstrate our thanks and gratefulness to God through loving one another. In light of all God has done for us, our complaints ring hollow. Instead of a critical spirit, let us praise God with thanksgiving.
18 August 2013
The Pitfall of Slackness
"Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: "How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers has given you?"
Joshua 18:3
God had brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the Land of Promise. He also provided victory as the people drove out the inhabitants of the land. The tabernacle had been set up in Shiloh, and the land was subdued before the people. But a point came when 7 of the 12 tribes had not yet entered the land
God intended His people to dwell in as their inheritance. Joshua rebuked the people for their slackness. The words of Joshua in verse 3 in the KJV read, "How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you?"
The word "slack" in the Hebrew means, "abate, cease, fail, wax feeble, forsake, idle, let alone." Once the people became established in the land, they seemed to lose the motivation to expand the borders God ordained for them and were slack to drive out the enemies which remained. Free from enemy assault and able to dwell peacefully, they became idle.
Isn't this a potential pitfall which Christians face today? When we are free from overt resistance or satanic assault, we can fall prey to a more subversive, more sinister attack. We can be content with our justification by faith but cease to press on in sanctification and growth. In not labouring to progress we lose ground as the strength of the enemy builds. We would never be so foolish to suggest "We have arrived!" but are we heading anywhere? Are we doing anything? In God we have potential for perpetual growth and fruitfulness, but we can be content with last season's harvest. The enemies we co-habitate with are not too bad or threatening at the moment, meaning they do not make our lives too inconvenient or uncomfortable. We can lose sight of the fact that those enemies, those hindrances to our spiritual growth and fruitfulness, are occupying the very ground God intendeds us to take, having claimed it as our inheritance.
When a threat of certain attacked is understood, the men within the city would feverishly prepare. Weapons would be sharpened and protective armour prepared. The fortifications of the city would be strengthened, and watchmen would remain vigilant in their duties. But when the people of the land are established and enjoy a season of rest and peace, slackness creeps in. The same can be true in our lives as Christians. Godliness with contentment is great gain, but contentment without godliness is a sin which the flesh prefers. May we not be slack to enter into all that God has ordained for us. He is our Inheritance, and there is much land yet to possess!
16 August 2013
Refugee to Resident
Long before I became a resident of Australia, there has been an ongoing debate concerning how to handle the boats of refugees and "asylum seekers." There are differences between these groups, though the terms are often used interchangeably. Similar to where I lived previously in Southern California where drug trafficking and people smuggling are ongoing issues, the position of Australia provides unique challenges. Having little practical knowledge of the conditions which have evolved over the decades to bring us to this point, I have no unique insight or authority to even suggest a solution. It seems unlikely that a single action or policy will make the "problem" of people smuggling go away. Even this term is a misnomer, because these profiteering smugglers are the ones who are bringing desperate refugees or asylum seekers. Those who feel they have no where else to flee will do anything to save themselves, their family, and seek a future in Australia.
Are there clear guidelines and policies in place so people can be processed as refugees whilst remaining in their country? Do people have access to facilities that do not rely upon the internet or electronic banking? Is there a way for genuine refugees to be accepted into Australia even if they lack the funds to take their case before the court? The boats of people may be more of a symptom than the cause. But from what I hear on the news - whether it is true or not I cannot be certain - many people pay money for the boat trip to Australia because they are convinced it will expedite or even ensure their processing into Australia. People sadly pay money and find themselves aboard leaky vessels, some perish at sea, and others are intercepted and processed at offshore facilities. They believed the words of a smuggler but were deceived. Whilst some are found to be true refugees and brought to Australia in time, others are sent back home to start the process over again.
Having just finalised the process for permanent residency for my family and me, it is clear there is a legal way to immigrate to Australia. While some have no choice but to flee, others make a decision to take the risk to climb aboard a boat with the hope of becoming a resident and possibly a citizen of Australia. It must be beyond sobering for people who spend all their money for a trip they are told will result in them being processed and accepted into Australia and never make it. I think we can all sympathise with their plight, having been deceived by people who stand to profit from them.
I wonder if this is the way some people think about heaven. They are told that as long as they are a "good person" they will be accepted. They like to think that on the Day of Judgment God will be sympathetic towards their plight, their ignorance of His policies, and throw themselves upon His mercy. But God has been very clear that there are not many paths to salvation. There may be many routes one can take to acquiring residency status in Australia, but there is only one way to heaven: through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and LORD. Many will say to Jesus on that day, "Lord, Lord!" but He will say to them, "I never knew you. Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness." I am sad at the thought of people being deceived to think they can be good enough or that they will be able to sweet-talk their way into heaven. God is a Just Judge, and He has made a way for all people to be saved. They must first meet His exacting conditions. Jesus says in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
If we want to do the works of God, we must believe on the One He has sent, the God-Man Jesus Christ. It is one thing to lose your life savings because you were duped to believe a boat trip would end in residency; it is far worse still to lose your soul because you were deceived to think your "good" works could save you. Salvation is in Christ and no other. Only those who seek refuge in Christ will become residents of heaven!
Are there clear guidelines and policies in place so people can be processed as refugees whilst remaining in their country? Do people have access to facilities that do not rely upon the internet or electronic banking? Is there a way for genuine refugees to be accepted into Australia even if they lack the funds to take their case before the court? The boats of people may be more of a symptom than the cause. But from what I hear on the news - whether it is true or not I cannot be certain - many people pay money for the boat trip to Australia because they are convinced it will expedite or even ensure their processing into Australia. People sadly pay money and find themselves aboard leaky vessels, some perish at sea, and others are intercepted and processed at offshore facilities. They believed the words of a smuggler but were deceived. Whilst some are found to be true refugees and brought to Australia in time, others are sent back home to start the process over again.
Having just finalised the process for permanent residency for my family and me, it is clear there is a legal way to immigrate to Australia. While some have no choice but to flee, others make a decision to take the risk to climb aboard a boat with the hope of becoming a resident and possibly a citizen of Australia. It must be beyond sobering for people who spend all their money for a trip they are told will result in them being processed and accepted into Australia and never make it. I think we can all sympathise with their plight, having been deceived by people who stand to profit from them.
I wonder if this is the way some people think about heaven. They are told that as long as they are a "good person" they will be accepted. They like to think that on the Day of Judgment God will be sympathetic towards their plight, their ignorance of His policies, and throw themselves upon His mercy. But God has been very clear that there are not many paths to salvation. There may be many routes one can take to acquiring residency status in Australia, but there is only one way to heaven: through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and LORD. Many will say to Jesus on that day, "Lord, Lord!" but He will say to them, "I never knew you. Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness." I am sad at the thought of people being deceived to think they can be good enough or that they will be able to sweet-talk their way into heaven. God is a Just Judge, and He has made a way for all people to be saved. They must first meet His exacting conditions. Jesus says in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
If we want to do the works of God, we must believe on the One He has sent, the God-Man Jesus Christ. It is one thing to lose your life savings because you were duped to believe a boat trip would end in residency; it is far worse still to lose your soul because you were deceived to think your "good" works could save you. Salvation is in Christ and no other. Only those who seek refuge in Christ will become residents of heaven!
14 August 2013
The Power of Politics
The tendency in all people is to look to the wrong things for salvation. Even people of faith in God can be duped at times into placing too much trust in things and people other than God. The illustration in the life of Peter on the Sea of Galilee when he took his eyes off Christ, overwhelmed by the storm's wind and waves, is a fitting one. Whether I read the news from my home State of California, or watch debates and news concerning the approaching election in Australia, the focus is on the same sort of things: economics, health care, and social justice issues. The expectation on the government to "fix things" is misplaced, seeing the government has had much influence to bring us to where we are. You might as well shout at a lost man with a megaphone and demand he find his way without a map or have 100 million people sign a petition if you want - but that will not bring his wandering to an end.
C.S. Lewis wrote, "If tribulation is a necessary element in redemption, we must anticipate that it will never cease till God sees the world to be either redeemed or no further redeemable. A Christian cannot, therefore, believe any of the those who promise that if only some reform in our economic, political, or hygienic system were made, a heaven on earth would follow." (The Problem of Pain, pg. 102) Those in politics are not so rash to predict a "heaven on earth," but they no doubt place faith in their policies to bring about improvement. The difference between many of these politicians, businessmen, leaders, and citizens and the perspective of C.S. Lewis is that Lewis believed wholly that there is a God, and He is in complete control. Much of the activism we see today is a response to a symptom rather than the root cause. Sin is the cause of all suffering in this world. It is the source of the curse which ensures all will wax worse and worse - not "better and better." Ultimately this world will only be "better" after Jesus Christ sets up His throne on earth and reigns in righteousness. The world is sick, and this healing will only come through Christ.
I am grateful that even in a world growing darker with every passing day, the light of Jesus Christ will shine ever brighter through the steadfast testimony of His people and scriptures. We can make a difference as we labour in prayer, obedience, and faith, following Jesus and making disciples. When the President of the United States visited Australia last year, one of the newscasts attached a moniker to his name: "The most powerful man in the world." This perception suggests that Jesus Christ is not still alive. I only state this title because apparently it is a perception some have. I agree that the office of the President is both respected and has great authority. But in relation to God, how powerful is a man? So you vote your preferred politician into office: what then? Can they save you? Are they capable of providing life for all? Here is a haiku I wrote as I mused upon the subject. Let me preface this by saying this poem is not an indictment against any particular person, party, or policy.
C.S. Lewis wrote, "If tribulation is a necessary element in redemption, we must anticipate that it will never cease till God sees the world to be either redeemed or no further redeemable. A Christian cannot, therefore, believe any of the those who promise that if only some reform in our economic, political, or hygienic system were made, a heaven on earth would follow." (The Problem of Pain, pg. 102) Those in politics are not so rash to predict a "heaven on earth," but they no doubt place faith in their policies to bring about improvement. The difference between many of these politicians, businessmen, leaders, and citizens and the perspective of C.S. Lewis is that Lewis believed wholly that there is a God, and He is in complete control. Much of the activism we see today is a response to a symptom rather than the root cause. Sin is the cause of all suffering in this world. It is the source of the curse which ensures all will wax worse and worse - not "better and better." Ultimately this world will only be "better" after Jesus Christ sets up His throne on earth and reigns in righteousness. The world is sick, and this healing will only come through Christ.
I am grateful that even in a world growing darker with every passing day, the light of Jesus Christ will shine ever brighter through the steadfast testimony of His people and scriptures. We can make a difference as we labour in prayer, obedience, and faith, following Jesus and making disciples. When the President of the United States visited Australia last year, one of the newscasts attached a moniker to his name: "The most powerful man in the world." This perception suggests that Jesus Christ is not still alive. I only state this title because apparently it is a perception some have. I agree that the office of the President is both respected and has great authority. But in relation to God, how powerful is a man? So you vote your preferred politician into office: what then? Can they save you? Are they capable of providing life for all? Here is a haiku I wrote as I mused upon the subject. Let me preface this by saying this poem is not an indictment against any particular person, party, or policy.
Mister President:
The "World's Most Powerful Man."
He sits there, farting.
I'm sure the irony is not lost on you! We are foolish to deify men who are at the mercy of the health and digestion of their own bodies, just like you and me. Compared to God, what power does man possess? Man only has power God has granted to him. Christians have the most power to do good in this world because the Spirit of the Living God lives within us. He is the One who empowers us for service, enables us to stand strong in the face of adversity, and to intercede on behalf of the poor. God has ordained good works He has called us to enter for His glory. Prayer is more than talking, and obedience to God's Word greater than any policy a man can enact. If God is for us, who can be against us? In these times of uncertainty, when the only certainty is things growing worse and worse, place your faith in Jesus Christ. He is our source of life and will complete the good work He has begun. Stand, O Christian! Stand and praise the LORD! He will fight for us, for the battle is the LORD's.
12 August 2013
Lesson from a Boot
I suppose there is a first and last time for everything, and hopefully I ticked both boxes yesterday with a law mower "mishap." During all the time I have mowed lawns since my youth, I have only had two incidents to report. One of them was when I pressed my knee into the hot muffler (which cost me a little skin!) and my second came yesterday. I was wrestling with a rusty gate whilst reaching over the running mower. When I pushed against the resistance with my right, my left hand which held the handle pushed down slightly. The momentum of my body went forward, and my right boot slid barely under the whirring blades. Before you could say "jack rabbit" I heard a strange noise, then instantly sensed a vibration, and found the blades had contacted the toe of my boot. Here's the result:
I was a bit annoyed by my careless stupidity, but the feeling was quickly swallowed up with thankfulness that I still had my toes! I can't vouch that the boot is still waterproof, but after a little "Shoe Goo" it cleaned up nicely. As I finished mowing the lawn, a lesson came out of the experience. It was not my intention to slide my foot under a moving mower, but in the course of work damage was done. It was a foreseeable, predictable consequence considering the situation: if a boot comes in contact with sharp blades, the boot will lose. Our proximity to sin adds greater potential for damage and loss. No one figures they will be the one to be overtaken with a trespass. They believe they are in control until suddenly, before they can even react, the fangs sink in and with them a numbing agent that kills from within. I was taught as a child never to play with matches because of potential risk. Don't think you can play with sin and not be burned. Sin always brings death.
It was a good lesson, and I'm thankful the cost was only damage to a boot and not the loss of my toes! Praise the LORD for His grace and goodness.
I was a bit annoyed by my careless stupidity, but the feeling was quickly swallowed up with thankfulness that I still had my toes! I can't vouch that the boot is still waterproof, but after a little "Shoe Goo" it cleaned up nicely. As I finished mowing the lawn, a lesson came out of the experience. It was not my intention to slide my foot under a moving mower, but in the course of work damage was done. It was a foreseeable, predictable consequence considering the situation: if a boot comes in contact with sharp blades, the boot will lose. Our proximity to sin adds greater potential for damage and loss. No one figures they will be the one to be overtaken with a trespass. They believe they are in control until suddenly, before they can even react, the fangs sink in and with them a numbing agent that kills from within. I was taught as a child never to play with matches because of potential risk. Don't think you can play with sin and not be burned. Sin always brings death.
It was a good lesson, and I'm thankful the cost was only damage to a boot and not the loss of my toes! Praise the LORD for His grace and goodness.
11 August 2013
The "R" Word
I've been thinking lately how the word "consequences" typically carries with it a negative connotation. Very rarely is the word used to convey something desirable. If we talked about the consequences of sin, it would almost seem a stretch to find anything good from sinning against God.
Last Sunday at Calvary Chapel Sydney, we examined the passage in 2 Samuel 12 when David was confronted by the prophet Nathan about his sin: the murder of Uriah the Hittite and the theft of his wife. God makes it clear that the core of sin is not human weakness or indiscretion, but stems from the hatred of God. The prophet spoke for God in 2 Samuel 12:10: "Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife." David had done a horrible thing in sinning against God. Yet when confronted with his sin, David owned it, confessed without reservation, and repented.
Repentance is a critical and necessary doctrine in the church today. Without repentance, there can be no forgiveness or salvation. Luke 24:46-47 says of Christ, "Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." Also Paul said in Acts 17:30-31: "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." The word "repent" has the meaning to "think differently" and results in a change of life as one chooses to live according to God. Except we repent, we will perish.
Sorrow takes a primary role in the act of repentance. Webster wrote in his 1828 Edition Dictionary of what it means to repent: "In theology, to sorrow or be pained for sin, as a violation of God's holy law, a dishonour to His character and government." He writes of "repentance:" "Sorrow for any thing done or said; the pain or grief which a person experiences in consequence of the injury or inconvenience produced by his own conduct...real penitence; sorrow or deep contrition for sin." Because the concept of repentance is tied closely to sorrow for sin, repentance never tends to be a popular subject. People can be overwhelmed by their sense of grief for past sins and some remain in a constant cycle of guilt, embarrassment, and shame. An improper understanding of repentance leads people to remain mired in past sins and therefore prevented from entering into the joy of the LORD.
Repentance is actually a very good thing to come out of sin. Our God is a Redeemer, and repentance is the step a man must take before He can be restored to fellowship with God. Something Webster neglected to address is the end of repentance - another "R" word - rejoicing! Did you know that the end of repentance is rejoicing? After David confessed his sin, look at what he wrote in Psalm 51:8-12: "Make me hear joy and gladness, that the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit." Rejoicing in the ultimate consequence of repentance. Understand this: we do not rejoice over our sin, but in the goodness of our God to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God chastens those whom He loves, and we should rejoice in such love. Do you not know heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents? When David repented, heaven rejoiced. Jesus says in Luke 15:7: "I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." If God and all heaven rejoice over your repentance, should we remain in perpetual sorrow?
If repentance has not resulted in rejoicing, there remains a step of faith for you to take. Paul wrote while incarcerated in Philippians 4:4: "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" This is the cutting edge: we are to rejoice in the LORD always. When we are in sin, God has ceased to be our focus and first love. We are to approach repentance with a similar view of Christ's crucifixion. We view Christ suffering and dying on the cross with sorrow because of our sin. Yet we take comfort that it pleased the Father to bruise Jesus and make Him a sacrifice for sin so we could be cleansed and make whole. Should the disciples have continued to mourn Christ's death when He stood among them alive three days later? No! If we are risen with Christ, forgiven and made new, may the joy of the LORD be our strength. Repentance isn't a dirty word. The intended end of repentance is rejoicing. Repent, and by faith enter in!
Last Sunday at Calvary Chapel Sydney, we examined the passage in 2 Samuel 12 when David was confronted by the prophet Nathan about his sin: the murder of Uriah the Hittite and the theft of his wife. God makes it clear that the core of sin is not human weakness or indiscretion, but stems from the hatred of God. The prophet spoke for God in 2 Samuel 12:10: "Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife." David had done a horrible thing in sinning against God. Yet when confronted with his sin, David owned it, confessed without reservation, and repented.
Repentance is a critical and necessary doctrine in the church today. Without repentance, there can be no forgiveness or salvation. Luke 24:46-47 says of Christ, "Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." Also Paul said in Acts 17:30-31: "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." The word "repent" has the meaning to "think differently" and results in a change of life as one chooses to live according to God. Except we repent, we will perish.
Sorrow takes a primary role in the act of repentance. Webster wrote in his 1828 Edition Dictionary of what it means to repent: "In theology, to sorrow or be pained for sin, as a violation of God's holy law, a dishonour to His character and government." He writes of "repentance:" "Sorrow for any thing done or said; the pain or grief which a person experiences in consequence of the injury or inconvenience produced by his own conduct...real penitence; sorrow or deep contrition for sin." Because the concept of repentance is tied closely to sorrow for sin, repentance never tends to be a popular subject. People can be overwhelmed by their sense of grief for past sins and some remain in a constant cycle of guilt, embarrassment, and shame. An improper understanding of repentance leads people to remain mired in past sins and therefore prevented from entering into the joy of the LORD.
Repentance is actually a very good thing to come out of sin. Our God is a Redeemer, and repentance is the step a man must take before He can be restored to fellowship with God. Something Webster neglected to address is the end of repentance - another "R" word - rejoicing! Did you know that the end of repentance is rejoicing? After David confessed his sin, look at what he wrote in Psalm 51:8-12: "Make me hear joy and gladness, that the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit." Rejoicing in the ultimate consequence of repentance. Understand this: we do not rejoice over our sin, but in the goodness of our God to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God chastens those whom He loves, and we should rejoice in such love. Do you not know heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents? When David repented, heaven rejoiced. Jesus says in Luke 15:7: "I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." If God and all heaven rejoice over your repentance, should we remain in perpetual sorrow?
If repentance has not resulted in rejoicing, there remains a step of faith for you to take. Paul wrote while incarcerated in Philippians 4:4: "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" This is the cutting edge: we are to rejoice in the LORD always. When we are in sin, God has ceased to be our focus and first love. We are to approach repentance with a similar view of Christ's crucifixion. We view Christ suffering and dying on the cross with sorrow because of our sin. Yet we take comfort that it pleased the Father to bruise Jesus and make Him a sacrifice for sin so we could be cleansed and make whole. Should the disciples have continued to mourn Christ's death when He stood among them alive three days later? No! If we are risen with Christ, forgiven and made new, may the joy of the LORD be our strength. Repentance isn't a dirty word. The intended end of repentance is rejoicing. Repent, and by faith enter in!
08 August 2013
Seek Counsel of God
The book of Joshua tracks the path of the Israelite's entry and conquest of the Promised Land. God gave His people the land, and He called them to drive out or destroy all the inhabitants of the land. They were forbidden to make a league with the inhabitants of Canaan. When the people who lived in Canaan heard about how the children of Israel crossed over Jordan on dry ground and the fall of mighty Jericho through the power of their God, they were afraid. They gathered together to fight against Israel in battle. The people of Gibeon, however, took a different tack. They cleverly disguised themselves as foreign ambassadors who had been on a long journey, having heard of the might of Israel and their God. To add credence to their story, when questioned they appealed to their appearance. Joshua 9:12-14 says, "This bread of ours we took hot for our provision from our houses on the day we departed to come to you. But now look, it is dry and moldy.
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And these wineskins which we filled were new, and see, they are torn; and these our garments and our sandals have become old because of the very long journey."
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Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the LORD."
Based upon the false "evidence" presented, Joshua agreed to make a covenant with these people who turned out to be Gibeonites who lived nearby! This is a classic case of the oft repeated mistake we all make of walking by sight instead of by faith in God. The inference is that if Joshua had sought the counsel of the LORD, the ruse would have been revealed and this grave error prevented. The error of walking by sight created a chain reaction which led to troublesome future consequences. When I read this, I was convicted for all the times I pray about problems or dilemmas but do not explicitly ask counsel of the LORD and seek an answer in His Word. I pray about things, sure: but praying about a problem is very different than seeking counsel with intent to obey. Sometimes we are like those who want to vent but don't necessarily want advice on how to rectify their situation. We prefer sympathy over being told what to do. God does not cast pearls of wisdom before swine. If we want to wallow in indecision and doubts like a pig in the mud, God will allow us to do so. But if we will ask counsel of the LORD, seeking to perform His will, He will speak and empower us to carry out what He requires of us.
Based upon the false "evidence" presented, Joshua agreed to make a covenant with these people who turned out to be Gibeonites who lived nearby! This is a classic case of the oft repeated mistake we all make of walking by sight instead of by faith in God. The inference is that if Joshua had sought the counsel of the LORD, the ruse would have been revealed and this grave error prevented. The error of walking by sight created a chain reaction which led to troublesome future consequences. When I read this, I was convicted for all the times I pray about problems or dilemmas but do not explicitly ask counsel of the LORD and seek an answer in His Word. I pray about things, sure: but praying about a problem is very different than seeking counsel with intent to obey. Sometimes we are like those who want to vent but don't necessarily want advice on how to rectify their situation. We prefer sympathy over being told what to do. God does not cast pearls of wisdom before swine. If we want to wallow in indecision and doubts like a pig in the mud, God will allow us to do so. But if we will ask counsel of the LORD, seeking to perform His will, He will speak and empower us to carry out what He requires of us.
07 August 2013
God, Money, and Faith
When Jesus sent out His disciples into the harvest, He told them not to bring any supplies. In doing so, He was teaching them to walk by faith in God. Even as God provided for the children of Israel in the wilderness and the birds of the air, He would supply their every need. Before Jesus went to the cross Jesus said to His disciples in Luke 22:35-36: "When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?" So they said, "Nothing."
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Then He said to them, "But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one." There is nothing wrong with wisely preparing as we follow Christ on our journey wherever He leads. Often the securing of financial pledges or support is a means of missionaries and ministries discerning the legitimacy of a call upon a prospective missionary before leaving for a field. But let me say this: fundraising in the modern sense carries with it the risk of walking by sight and not by faith. People love the testimony of George Mueller's faith demonstrated through prayer and wisdom concerning money. There aren't many George Muellers today because God isn't provided the opportunity to come through at the last moment. Most want to have the support up, accounts looking healthy, and a great exchange rate forecast before they will take the first step of faith. What sort of faith is that?
One of the sticking points for many people when it comes to missions is, "But who is going to pay for this? How can we afford it?" One missionary support ministry I met with required for any missionaries who sought to enter a mission field secure 80% of their monthly financial support before they were permitted to enter the field. Money can become for people today (missionaries or not) a focal point instead of the God who has promised to provide. Everyone in the early church contributed to the financial strength of the church, some selling everything they had. They weren't caught up in mutual funds and Roth IRAs. Some like Paul, who laboured long in a vast mission field, worked with his own hands to support himself. Collections were received from house churches on a weekly basis to bless and help other churches. Perhaps because we live in a world of insurance, schools, visas, airplane tickets, and retirement funds, money concerns seem to have risen in importance. I like the picture of Peter being directed by Jesus to catch a fish to pay the temple tax in Matthew 17:27. Jesus said, "After you throw in the hook and catch the fish, it will have a coin in its mouth. Take the coin and pay the tax, lest we offend them." Jesus didn't have the money on hand for the temple tax, but He miraculously provided it. He will do the same for us if we will seek, trust, and obey Him no matter where we find ourselves.
I struggle with the concept of "fundraising." Perhaps that sounds ironic, coming from a missionary pastor who receives money each month by God's grace and the generosity of churches, family, and friends. Just the idea makes me uncomfortable. Before I left for the field in Australia, before I knew where or when I would be going, I was connected with Shepherd's Staff Mission Facilitators. We let people know there was a need through our church with a flier, and if God moved them to give they could support our ministry through sending money to Shepherd's Staff, who provided accountability and would send the money once a month when we were in the field. Truth be told, I don't fundraise - though I am not against it. When I was youth pastor, we used to raise money for kids to go to camp who worked car washes, pancake breakfasts, and spaghetti dinners. I feel most awkward when it comes to raising funds for myself. I don't want to pressure people to buy something to support me or play upon any obligation they may feel to give when they really don't want to. What is amazing is there have been people God directed in unique ways to raise funds on our behalf. Instead of sending out letters asking people to give, I pray that God would faithful provide according to His promise and He keeps moving people to do so. I don't ask for money, but God moves people to give according to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Let me brag on my God a little bit. God has always met our needs, and He has used many people to do it. I remember times when work was slow and odd jobs would come up. When I first came on staff at a church and took a 45% cut in pay in 2005, there was a real potential we would need to sell our house. I had already committed to go on an Israel trip when a friend of mine out of the blue gave me a check for $1,000. I hadn't told anyone but God of our financial needs. During that season whilst in paid ministry, God provided borders who hired a room and we were able to keep the house until we sold it and moved to Australia. God's provision has continued to this day. For over two and a half years, I was prohibited from working for pay in Australia. That's a bit crazy, seeing as Sydney is one of the most expensive cities to live in the entire world! The amount received from Shepherd's Staff would rise and fall at the perfect times. When I visited the States this June, before I arrived God put it on someone's heart to put money in an envelope - not knowing that my ATM card had expired! That money covered my incidentals for the trip. God moved family and friends to give money during my two week stay without me even asking. Last night I praised the LORD for dear friends who gave us money specifically for the purchase of tablets for the boy's school which will be required soon. When the money received during the trip was added up, we had enough for the expense of the tablets and cases. God is awesome!
The other day I read in Joshua 5:10-12: "Now the children of Israel camped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight on the plains of Jericho. 11 And they ate of the produce of the land on the day after the Passover, unleavened bread and parched grain, on the very same day. 12 Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year." God knew exactly the needs of His people. He provided manna for His people for 40 years, a steady, predictable supply of heavenly bread. But when He brought His people into the Land of Promise and they ate of the produce of the land, the manna ceased. I'm sure at times the people lamented the loss of the manna, even as they missed the familiar food of Egypt. The LORD used this passage to remind me that when He provides a job for Laura or myself outside of the church, it will be time to trust God in thanking people for their generosity and encouraging them to give to others as the Holy Spirit leads. He's the One who has supplied all our needs, and He will ever be faithful to do so.
Don't allow money to ever become a focal point of your ministry or service unto God. God knows we need money, housing, clothing, and transport, and He will supply our needs. 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." I want to thank every single person who has offered up prayers on our behalf and has given money to support our family and the ministry in Australia. You have provided us a glittering testimony of the faithfulness of our God and the generosity of His people. My God shall supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. It is a humbling and amazing thing to be a recipient of God's goodness and grace through you. May God reward you according to the riches of His grace.
One of the sticking points for many people when it comes to missions is, "But who is going to pay for this? How can we afford it?" One missionary support ministry I met with required for any missionaries who sought to enter a mission field secure 80% of their monthly financial support before they were permitted to enter the field. Money can become for people today (missionaries or not) a focal point instead of the God who has promised to provide. Everyone in the early church contributed to the financial strength of the church, some selling everything they had. They weren't caught up in mutual funds and Roth IRAs. Some like Paul, who laboured long in a vast mission field, worked with his own hands to support himself. Collections were received from house churches on a weekly basis to bless and help other churches. Perhaps because we live in a world of insurance, schools, visas, airplane tickets, and retirement funds, money concerns seem to have risen in importance. I like the picture of Peter being directed by Jesus to catch a fish to pay the temple tax in Matthew 17:27. Jesus said, "After you throw in the hook and catch the fish, it will have a coin in its mouth. Take the coin and pay the tax, lest we offend them." Jesus didn't have the money on hand for the temple tax, but He miraculously provided it. He will do the same for us if we will seek, trust, and obey Him no matter where we find ourselves.
I struggle with the concept of "fundraising." Perhaps that sounds ironic, coming from a missionary pastor who receives money each month by God's grace and the generosity of churches, family, and friends. Just the idea makes me uncomfortable. Before I left for the field in Australia, before I knew where or when I would be going, I was connected with Shepherd's Staff Mission Facilitators. We let people know there was a need through our church with a flier, and if God moved them to give they could support our ministry through sending money to Shepherd's Staff, who provided accountability and would send the money once a month when we were in the field. Truth be told, I don't fundraise - though I am not against it. When I was youth pastor, we used to raise money for kids to go to camp who worked car washes, pancake breakfasts, and spaghetti dinners. I feel most awkward when it comes to raising funds for myself. I don't want to pressure people to buy something to support me or play upon any obligation they may feel to give when they really don't want to. What is amazing is there have been people God directed in unique ways to raise funds on our behalf. Instead of sending out letters asking people to give, I pray that God would faithful provide according to His promise and He keeps moving people to do so. I don't ask for money, but God moves people to give according to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Let me brag on my God a little bit. God has always met our needs, and He has used many people to do it. I remember times when work was slow and odd jobs would come up. When I first came on staff at a church and took a 45% cut in pay in 2005, there was a real potential we would need to sell our house. I had already committed to go on an Israel trip when a friend of mine out of the blue gave me a check for $1,000. I hadn't told anyone but God of our financial needs. During that season whilst in paid ministry, God provided borders who hired a room and we were able to keep the house until we sold it and moved to Australia. God's provision has continued to this day. For over two and a half years, I was prohibited from working for pay in Australia. That's a bit crazy, seeing as Sydney is one of the most expensive cities to live in the entire world! The amount received from Shepherd's Staff would rise and fall at the perfect times. When I visited the States this June, before I arrived God put it on someone's heart to put money in an envelope - not knowing that my ATM card had expired! That money covered my incidentals for the trip. God moved family and friends to give money during my two week stay without me even asking. Last night I praised the LORD for dear friends who gave us money specifically for the purchase of tablets for the boy's school which will be required soon. When the money received during the trip was added up, we had enough for the expense of the tablets and cases. God is awesome!
The other day I read in Joshua 5:10-12: "Now the children of Israel camped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight on the plains of Jericho. 11 And they ate of the produce of the land on the day after the Passover, unleavened bread and parched grain, on the very same day. 12 Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year." God knew exactly the needs of His people. He provided manna for His people for 40 years, a steady, predictable supply of heavenly bread. But when He brought His people into the Land of Promise and they ate of the produce of the land, the manna ceased. I'm sure at times the people lamented the loss of the manna, even as they missed the familiar food of Egypt. The LORD used this passage to remind me that when He provides a job for Laura or myself outside of the church, it will be time to trust God in thanking people for their generosity and encouraging them to give to others as the Holy Spirit leads. He's the One who has supplied all our needs, and He will ever be faithful to do so.
Don't allow money to ever become a focal point of your ministry or service unto God. God knows we need money, housing, clothing, and transport, and He will supply our needs. 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." I want to thank every single person who has offered up prayers on our behalf and has given money to support our family and the ministry in Australia. You have provided us a glittering testimony of the faithfulness of our God and the generosity of His people. My God shall supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. It is a humbling and amazing thing to be a recipient of God's goodness and grace through you. May God reward you according to the riches of His grace.
05 August 2013
Consecrated to God
Today my thoughts were arrested by a passage of scripture. The Israelites had been brought over Jordan on dry ground after 40 years in the wilderness. In obedience to God's command, they walked around the city of Jericho once a day without speaking for six days. The seventh day they walked around the city seven times, and at the sound of the priest's trumpets they were to shout because God had given them the city. Joshua commanded the people in Joshua 6:18-19: "And you, by all means abstain from the accursed things, lest you become accursed when you take of the accursed things, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it.
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But all the silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, are consecrated to the LORD; they shall come into the treasury of the LORD."
This is most interesting. The men of Israel were warned not to take any of the accursed things, let a curse rest upon them and the entire camp be troubled. The next verse reveals the articles of gold, silver, and vessels of bronze and iron were not cursed in themselves, for they were consecrated to the LORD. God would not bring evil objects into His treasury. We know therefore the valuables plundered from Jericho were not "cursed" or "evil" in themselves, but would be a curse to any who took them because they were God's. The principle is established here that taking for yourself what is consecrated to God brings a curse and trouble. The next chapter reveals the grave consequences for disobedience in this matter was pride, fear, defeat, and ultimately death. To take what is God's is theft. If men are punished for stealing from another man, who will come to your aid if you steal from God? Ananias and Sapphira being dead still speak.
God speaks through the prophet in Malachi 3:7-12: "Yet from the days of your fathers You have gone away from My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you," says the LORD of hosts. "But you said, 'In what way shall we return?' 8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.11 "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," says the LORD of hosts; 12 "And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land," says the LORD of hosts." God's desire is to bless, protect, and provide for His people. Yet if a man robs God of what God has consecrated for Himself, it will bring a curse and trouble.
It is a good line of thought: have I given God all that is rightfully His? As Christians - God's children and inheritance - we are to consecrate ourselves to God, for He has purchased us with His own blood (Acts 20:28 ). God doesn't want us for our money or service. Being infinite, He needs nothing. But He desires that we would consecrate ourselves wholly to Him, as is our reasonable service. Should not our deeds exceed those spoken of in 2 Chronicles 29:30-31, being under the New Covenant with better promises? 2 Chonicles 29:30-31 says, "Moreover King Hezekiah and the leaders commanded the Levites to sing praise to the LORD with the words of David and of Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshiped. 31 Then Hezekiah answered and said, "Now that you have consecrated yourselves to the LORD, come near, and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD." So the assembly brought in sacrifices and thank offerings, and as many as were of a willing heart brought burnt offerings." Let us be the willing sacrifices, consecrated for God's glory and praise.
This is most interesting. The men of Israel were warned not to take any of the accursed things, let a curse rest upon them and the entire camp be troubled. The next verse reveals the articles of gold, silver, and vessels of bronze and iron were not cursed in themselves, for they were consecrated to the LORD. God would not bring evil objects into His treasury. We know therefore the valuables plundered from Jericho were not "cursed" or "evil" in themselves, but would be a curse to any who took them because they were God's. The principle is established here that taking for yourself what is consecrated to God brings a curse and trouble. The next chapter reveals the grave consequences for disobedience in this matter was pride, fear, defeat, and ultimately death. To take what is God's is theft. If men are punished for stealing from another man, who will come to your aid if you steal from God? Ananias and Sapphira being dead still speak.
God speaks through the prophet in Malachi 3:7-12: "Yet from the days of your fathers You have gone away from My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you," says the LORD of hosts. "But you said, 'In what way shall we return?' 8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.11 "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," says the LORD of hosts; 12 "And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land," says the LORD of hosts." God's desire is to bless, protect, and provide for His people. Yet if a man robs God of what God has consecrated for Himself, it will bring a curse and trouble.
It is a good line of thought: have I given God all that is rightfully His? As Christians - God's children and inheritance - we are to consecrate ourselves to God, for He has purchased us with His own blood (Acts 20:28 ). God doesn't want us for our money or service. Being infinite, He needs nothing. But He desires that we would consecrate ourselves wholly to Him, as is our reasonable service. Should not our deeds exceed those spoken of in 2 Chronicles 29:30-31, being under the New Covenant with better promises? 2 Chonicles 29:30-31 says, "Moreover King Hezekiah and the leaders commanded the Levites to sing praise to the LORD with the words of David and of Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshiped. 31 Then Hezekiah answered and said, "Now that you have consecrated yourselves to the LORD, come near, and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD." So the assembly brought in sacrifices and thank offerings, and as many as were of a willing heart brought burnt offerings." Let us be the willing sacrifices, consecrated for God's glory and praise.
04 August 2013
God Kills and Makes Alive
The Bible predicts that this universe and earth will someday pass away. It is not even bold to say it will not be man's doing. Man has corrupted the earth with sin and violence, but man does not have the power to vaporise the earth. Even if the nuclear arsenals of the world were detonated, the world would remain. How can I be so sure? Because the Word of God makes it clear that it will be God's doing. The God who spoke the world into existence from nothing also has the power to make it into nothing with His Word alone. Jesus says in Luke 21:33, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." No power devised by man, no scheme of Satan, and not even the violence of Armageddon will fully destroy this earth created by God. God created it, and God will someday destroy it. The good thing is God will create a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells. All who repent and are born again through faith in Christ will have a place in His heavenly kingdom.
When I was growing up, I remember many people being frightened during the "Cold War" about the threat of nuclear warfare. It is doubtless a devastating and scary spectre. But I believe our fear of God must far outweigh any fear of man, making the threat of nuclear disaster of no consequence compared to our reverence and fear of the One True God, Creator of Heaven and Earth. Revelation 20:11 puts this in clear perspective: "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them." The earth which currently stands solid under our feet will dissolve in the presence of God. The universe with all its stars, planets, and galaxies, an ever-expanding area of practically infinite dimensions, will flee from His face like a frightened rabbit from a pack of baying hounds in the end. God is awesome, and that really is an understatement.
The certain demise of the world is laid out in 2 Peter 3:3-14: "...knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless..." God has reserved fire for the judgment of the world and all who refuse to repent and trust in Him. Ultimate destruction is not in the hands of man. He can kill the body but cannot touch the soul. God is the One we must fear, the One who can kill the body and after He has killed can throw the soul into hell. It is not His will any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The potential of nuclear warfare pales in comparison to the power and glory found in God. It is fear of God which dissolves fear of man. As it is written in 1 Samuel 2:6, "The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up." God will one day dissolve the earth in fervent heat, so let us be those who, "according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."
When I was growing up, I remember many people being frightened during the "Cold War" about the threat of nuclear warfare. It is doubtless a devastating and scary spectre. But I believe our fear of God must far outweigh any fear of man, making the threat of nuclear disaster of no consequence compared to our reverence and fear of the One True God, Creator of Heaven and Earth. Revelation 20:11 puts this in clear perspective: "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them." The earth which currently stands solid under our feet will dissolve in the presence of God. The universe with all its stars, planets, and galaxies, an ever-expanding area of practically infinite dimensions, will flee from His face like a frightened rabbit from a pack of baying hounds in the end. God is awesome, and that really is an understatement.
The certain demise of the world is laid out in 2 Peter 3:3-14: "...knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless..." God has reserved fire for the judgment of the world and all who refuse to repent and trust in Him. Ultimate destruction is not in the hands of man. He can kill the body but cannot touch the soul. God is the One we must fear, the One who can kill the body and after He has killed can throw the soul into hell. It is not His will any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The potential of nuclear warfare pales in comparison to the power and glory found in God. It is fear of God which dissolves fear of man. As it is written in 1 Samuel 2:6, "The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up." God will one day dissolve the earth in fervent heat, so let us be those who, "according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."
The Old "Shave and a Haircut" Knock Trick
This Sunday after 3pm I lay down for a little sleep. I had not been laying there ten minutes when I heard a loud, "Shave and a Haircut - two bits!" knock on the glass by the front door. "Now who could that possibly be?" I thought to myself as I creaked to my feet. I walked down the stairs hoping it would be someone that I knew. It wasn't. It's an experience I've had far too often for my liking, even after placing a sticker which asks politely for salespeople to refrain from knocking. The second I cracked the door the nice young lady wouldn't stop talking, briskly showing me her wares, and inquiring about my interest in her paintings. She was a bit put-off when I was able to break in a minute later and say, "I'm sorry, but I'm not interested." She kept talking even after I closed the door.
I have to say, I really struggle when people come to my door to sell me things. If I wanted to change my electricity provider, I wouldn't do it with a fast-talking salesman who shows up at my door unannounced. Then there are those cagey folks who aren't actually selling anything - so they say! It doesn't matter who it is or what they are selling: after they leave, I always tussle with salesmen rejection remorse. It is not that I have ever actually been tempted to buy anything. But I always think later: "Was I too harsh or abrupt? It could have been a scam, but possibly it was someone trying to make an honest living. Should I have tried to engage them in an actual conversation? How could that have gone better?" The self-talk inevitably goes on an on. And I pray. Something about people coming to my door sends me crying out to God, and sleeping becomes out of the question.
After this latest unwanted intrusion, many thoughts swirled around in my head. The truth is, I don't trust anyone who comes to my door I don't already know. I don't know who they are or what they are about. Then I started thinking: what if that girl had come to the door asking for water, food, or money? My guard would have dropped a little. Once it is clear I am not being swindled out of something I can relax a bit. When the Salvos have their shield appeal, it's a very different feeling.
When I lived in San Diego, I had an interesting conversation with a friend who originally was from Ohio. He said it was not out of the ordinary for friend to drop by unannounced and to extend hospitality, share a drink and a chat. He said he noticed that was not often the norm in Southern California. When he dropped by a friend's house because he was in the area, they were quite guarded. They might open the door to shake his hand, but never once invited him inside. He found it most disappointing. It's true: inviting an unexpected visitor into your home is personal business. It means you are choosing to put aside your plans and to gladly extend hospitality to an impromptu guest. It is a sacrifice of love when done joyfully. As I thought of my friend's story, I thought of Jesus Christ's words in Revelation 3:20: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."
Jesus says those words in context not to strangers, but to the members who comprise His Body - the church. When Jesus stands at the door and knocks, calling out to those within, it is with the implication that the person on the inside of the house has the power to either open the door or leave it shut. We can ignore the door and Christ's voice, we can open the door for a chat but block His entrance (because we're not exactly prepared or have other things we'd rather do), or we can open the door and invite Him in. If Jesus chooses to drop by, I don't want to be too busy with other things to spend time with Him. I don't want to pretend I'm not available when my Saviour seeks my company. To have a meal with Jesus! What a treat! If we will hear His voice and open the door, Jesus will come in to us so we can share fellowship together.
This morning at church we had a wonderful time of fellowship and a time of remembrance through Communion. Bread and juice were received, symbols of Christ's broken body and shed blood for our sins. It is a good thing to walk in obedience to Him and proclaim His death until He comes in remembering the price paid. God is challenging me to show my appreciation to Him for all He as done in the form of loving others even as He loves me. Even when pesky fast-talking sign-ignoring salespeople with agendas knock at my door, I pray God helps me make it my agenda to love them as people He died to save. When someone knocks at the door, Christ knocks in a strange disguise!
I have to say, I really struggle when people come to my door to sell me things. If I wanted to change my electricity provider, I wouldn't do it with a fast-talking salesman who shows up at my door unannounced. Then there are those cagey folks who aren't actually selling anything - so they say! It doesn't matter who it is or what they are selling: after they leave, I always tussle with salesmen rejection remorse. It is not that I have ever actually been tempted to buy anything. But I always think later: "Was I too harsh or abrupt? It could have been a scam, but possibly it was someone trying to make an honest living. Should I have tried to engage them in an actual conversation? How could that have gone better?" The self-talk inevitably goes on an on. And I pray. Something about people coming to my door sends me crying out to God, and sleeping becomes out of the question.
After this latest unwanted intrusion, many thoughts swirled around in my head. The truth is, I don't trust anyone who comes to my door I don't already know. I don't know who they are or what they are about. Then I started thinking: what if that girl had come to the door asking for water, food, or money? My guard would have dropped a little. Once it is clear I am not being swindled out of something I can relax a bit. When the Salvos have their shield appeal, it's a very different feeling.
When I lived in San Diego, I had an interesting conversation with a friend who originally was from Ohio. He said it was not out of the ordinary for friend to drop by unannounced and to extend hospitality, share a drink and a chat. He said he noticed that was not often the norm in Southern California. When he dropped by a friend's house because he was in the area, they were quite guarded. They might open the door to shake his hand, but never once invited him inside. He found it most disappointing. It's true: inviting an unexpected visitor into your home is personal business. It means you are choosing to put aside your plans and to gladly extend hospitality to an impromptu guest. It is a sacrifice of love when done joyfully. As I thought of my friend's story, I thought of Jesus Christ's words in Revelation 3:20: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."
Jesus says those words in context not to strangers, but to the members who comprise His Body - the church. When Jesus stands at the door and knocks, calling out to those within, it is with the implication that the person on the inside of the house has the power to either open the door or leave it shut. We can ignore the door and Christ's voice, we can open the door for a chat but block His entrance (because we're not exactly prepared or have other things we'd rather do), or we can open the door and invite Him in. If Jesus chooses to drop by, I don't want to be too busy with other things to spend time with Him. I don't want to pretend I'm not available when my Saviour seeks my company. To have a meal with Jesus! What a treat! If we will hear His voice and open the door, Jesus will come in to us so we can share fellowship together.
This morning at church we had a wonderful time of fellowship and a time of remembrance through Communion. Bread and juice were received, symbols of Christ's broken body and shed blood for our sins. It is a good thing to walk in obedience to Him and proclaim His death until He comes in remembering the price paid. God is challenging me to show my appreciation to Him for all He as done in the form of loving others even as He loves me. Even when pesky fast-talking sign-ignoring salespeople with agendas knock at my door, I pray God helps me make it my agenda to love them as people He died to save. When someone knocks at the door, Christ knocks in a strange disguise!
01 August 2013
Sin is Eternal
Here's an interesting thought for consideration. Perhaps you have wondered how the punishment of eternity in hell is a fitting penalty for a sin committed on earth. One sin to us doesn't seem like such an awful thing. Everyone sins, so it must not be that bad, right? But consider the perspective of the eternal God, the Judge of All. Because He operates outside the confines of time, one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years a day. A sin committed on earth is not a single moment from God's perspective outside of time: it is an eternity. It is therefore just and reasonable sin be punished eternally.
C.S. Lewis wrote, "We have s strange illusion that mere time cancels sin. I have heard others, and I have heard myself, recounting cruelties and falsehoods committed in boyhood as if they were no concern of the present speaker's, and even with laughter. But mere time does nothing either to the fact or to the guilt of a sin. The guilt is washed out not by time but by repentance and the blood fo Christ: if we have repented these early sins we should remember the price of our forgiveness and be humble. As for the fact of a sin, is it probably that anything cancels it? All times are eternally present to God. Is it not at least possible that along some one line of His multi-dimensional eternity He sees you forever in the nursery pulling the wings off a fly, forever toadying, lying, and lusting as a schoolboy, forever in that moment of cowardice or insolence as a subaltern?" (Lewis, The Problem of Pain, pg. 49)
Each sin committed is an eternal offense against the unceasing righteousness of God. The sins of my youth demand punishment as much as the sins I have committed this week. But thanks be to God, who in His love for fallen man has sent Christ to seek and save the lost and once for all become a divine sacrifice for sin. From God's vantage point, Jesus was slain from the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8). After we repent and are washed in His blood by faith, all memory of our sins from God's perspective is put away. It is written in Hebrews 10:14-17: "For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. 15 But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, 16 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,"17 then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." We live now in this day of the New Covenant of Christ's blood, and we are very privileged to do so.
Wounds sometimes heal over time, but the stain of sin lasts forever. Only repentance and the blood of Jesus can cleanse us by grace through faith. When He cleanses us, we are washed and purified forever. How grateful and blessed I am that God has chosen to remember my sin no more!
C.S. Lewis wrote, "We have s strange illusion that mere time cancels sin. I have heard others, and I have heard myself, recounting cruelties and falsehoods committed in boyhood as if they were no concern of the present speaker's, and even with laughter. But mere time does nothing either to the fact or to the guilt of a sin. The guilt is washed out not by time but by repentance and the blood fo Christ: if we have repented these early sins we should remember the price of our forgiveness and be humble. As for the fact of a sin, is it probably that anything cancels it? All times are eternally present to God. Is it not at least possible that along some one line of His multi-dimensional eternity He sees you forever in the nursery pulling the wings off a fly, forever toadying, lying, and lusting as a schoolboy, forever in that moment of cowardice or insolence as a subaltern?" (Lewis, The Problem of Pain, pg. 49)
Each sin committed is an eternal offense against the unceasing righteousness of God. The sins of my youth demand punishment as much as the sins I have committed this week. But thanks be to God, who in His love for fallen man has sent Christ to seek and save the lost and once for all become a divine sacrifice for sin. From God's vantage point, Jesus was slain from the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8). After we repent and are washed in His blood by faith, all memory of our sins from God's perspective is put away. It is written in Hebrews 10:14-17: "For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. 15 But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, 16 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,"17 then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." We live now in this day of the New Covenant of Christ's blood, and we are very privileged to do so.
Wounds sometimes heal over time, but the stain of sin lasts forever. Only repentance and the blood of Jesus can cleanse us by grace through faith. When He cleanses us, we are washed and purified forever. How grateful and blessed I am that God has chosen to remember my sin no more!
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