Marching Forth!

While preparing for a sermon this week, I was reminded of an occasion years ago when someone came to me with a question.  It was apparent he was looking for a particular answer that I did not give him, for he immediately went to another believer and asked their opinion on what the Bible said concerning a topic of interest.  It seemed he wanted to use the Bible to affirm his convictions so he could have the backing of Scripture to impose a rule that forbade his employees from having tattoos.  I suspect when I have been asked questions about the Bible, many times there have been ulterior motives that were not freely disclosed, and often hypothetical questions raised are personal questions in disguise. These thoughts all flooded into my mind when I read a chapter in the Gospel of Mark today.  One observation that always amuses me is how many times the Pharisees posed a question to Jesus' disciples about Jesus rather than asking Him directly.  The disciples of Jes...

" For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect ." 1 Corinthians 1:17 At Bible study last night, we discussed how the Jews sought a sign and the Greeks desired wisdom.  When Jesus came as the Saviour of the world the LORD provided both of these things and much more, yet God coming as a human being, dying on the cross and rising again was not what they were looking for.  Paul did not seek appeal to people's minds with the use of clever oration, for he preached Jesus Christ crucified which seemed like foolishness to Jews and Greeks--but is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe.  It is not slick arguments or persuasive words that possess power to transform the hearts of lost sinners, but simple faith in Jesus Christ can and does. Paul's statement suggests it is possible to place our faith in ourselves, our manner of presentation or our own wisdom rather than r...

Though I have lived in Australia a relatively short time compared to people who have lived their whole lives here, I have seen a number of significant changes.  I have watched as urban sprawl has swallowed up my old neighbourhood, and I have enjoyed the benefit of better public transportation using the Metro in western Sydney.  One of the biggest changes I see constantly is costs continue to rise as government, council and business try to squeeze maximum profit from consumers.  While wages remain unchanged, the cost of rates, taxes, insurance and food continues to increase.  The other day I saw chocolate offered at Woolies at half price for $18, and I remember only a few years ago $18 was full price .  As the cost has gone up, the amount purchased has also diminished 16%!  While the cost of a bag of coffee beans went down less than 10%, the amount of beans also shrunk a whopping 30%. When we begin to feel the pinch of the cost of living increases when we fi...

Many Hollywood film adaptations of written works have been wildly popular and successful.  In many cases, like with the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies or Narnia films, there seems to always be "purists" who are known for expressing disdain for changes made by a director in storytelling.  They do not like how the modern portrayal of characters can deviate greatly from the author's intent or new characters or conflicts are introduced which do not appear in the original books.  When novels and plays are adapted in our modern day, stripping away critical elements from a classic can feel like betrayal for financial gain or to advance a political agenda. I have not watched the recent adaptation of The Odyssey , and the director in an interview made it clear the film was an adaptation of the original.  Lately I have wondered if it is more likely to enjoy an film adaptation when you have never read the book because there are no points for comparison, no expect...

As the Light of the World, Jesus did not come to the earth to leave mankind in darkness.  In a parable Jesus told, He asserted no one brought a burning lamp into a room to hide it under a basket or bed.  The whole point of bringing a lamp or candle in the room was to place it where the light would shine and be seen.  Like one who brought a light into a room to illuminate, Jesus taught using parables to reveal truth to those who followed Him as it says in  Mark 4:33-34 :  " And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it.  34  But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples ."  Unbelievers only heard Jesus tell a story, yet through parables disciples of Jesus had God's word revealed to them as Jesus expounded His word. This intention of God to reveal Himself and His righteous ways to mankind did not begin with the coming of Jesus Christ.  ...

" If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.  25   And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand ." Mark 3:24-25 When scribes from Jerusalem made light of the miraculous deliverance Jesus wrought when He cast out demons, claiming Jesus cast out demons by the power of Satan, Jesus gave a simple illustration to show how ridiculous and foolish this claim was.  If Satan drove out demons, he would be actively undermining and destroying his own kingdom.  Before too long, he wouldn't have a kingdom, authority or subjects at all!  When a homeowner knows he is being robbed, he will rise and defend his household and property:  he will not gag or tie himself up and sit quietly in a corner.  To bind him requires someone stronger than himself, and Jesus is infinitely more powerful than Satan. Today I meditated upon the principle Jesus held forth in these verses concerning kingdoms and houses, that if divided against its...

" He has not dealt with us according to our sins, n or punished us according to our iniquities.  11  For as the heavens are high above the earth, s o great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;  12  as far as the east is from the west, s o far has He removed our transgressions from us ." Psalm 103:10-12 Everyone living today can truly echo David's sentiment, that God has not punished us as our sins deserve.  The wages of sin is death forever, and the fact we still live and breathe is evidence of God's mercy which is greater towards us than the heavens are higher than the earth.  While flames of fire and divine wrath is stored up to be released upon this world for sin on the day of judgment,  2 Peter 3:9 tells us:  " 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 ."  Looking back, we ought to acknowledge ...

Because I want to avoid forgetting things, I will often make a list before I go to the shops.  I spend a bit of time jotting down notes on paper or type a note into my phone.  Even with a list there have been many occasions when I forgot to look for or buy something written on my list!  If forgetting wasn't a problem, Sticky Notes would likely never have been invented. As always, God thought of everything when He decided to provide His word in the Bible--in written form.  God has His word written down so we could study, learn and be reminded of all we have forgotten.  The LORD God commanded His people in  Deuteronomy 6:6-9 :  " And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.  7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.  8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets be...

Years ago I attended a conference at a church in Riverside that boasted a terrific lineup of well-known and influential pastors.  One of them told a memorable story that always stuck with me.  He shared while he was in seminary, a notable day for each student came when they were called upon to preach during chapel with all students in attendance.  What made this an especially momentous occasion was all the learned scholars and professors who taught at the seminary were present and provided individual feedback.  Needless to say, for many budding pastors wanting to impress their cohort and professors with their Scriptural acumen and oratory skill, this was their time to shine. The pastor said he spent a great deal of time preparing for his talk, and that there was one professor in particular he wanted to make a good impression on.  He prayed as he poured over the Bible and his notes for hours, and he spent a great deal of time and effort to perfect every aspect of...

The use of Artificial Intelligence has ramped up of late, and it is common for me to see social media posts that utilise AI in visuals and text.  Every time I use a search engine, the AI results are annoyingly placed at the top of the page, spewing regurgitated information that needs to be carefully checked for accuracy.  Yesterday the AI response was incorrect twice in a row, as it told me a company offered free shipping and then (after an apology) said the same company had a flat rate of $29.99!  While technology can be beneficial and can aid us to find what we seek online, I find actual human intelligence and practical help infinitely more useful in my daily life. In a recent interview , Elon Musk said concerning AI:  " I think AI may exceed the sum of human intelligence in roughly five years...There really won't be anything that AI can't do better than humans apart from being human, perhaps ."  Musk zeroed on the very thing AI can never do, and that is to be...

After being away for a few weeks, the overgrown and weedy condition of the yard made my recent absence obvious.  Today I spent some of the morning doing yardwork as I pulled clover, mowed grass, edged the nature strip, raked up leaves that dropped into planters and used a leaf blower to clean up.  I was reminded of a passage of Scripture where Solomon addressed a lazy sluggard to consider the ant and to follow the example of this hard-working insect.  Without having a king or guide, ants work individually and collectively to tirelessly provide for their food in the appropriate season. Proverbs 6:9-11 reads, " How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep?  10  A little sleep, a little slumber, a  little folding of the hands to sleep-- 11  so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, a nd your need like an armed man ."  Sleep and rest are things some people do not seem to be satisfied with, though they sleep lo...

This morning I spent some time meditating on Jesus' words at the conclusion of a parable in  Matthew 22:14 :  " For many are called, but few are chosen ."  Consideration of the whole parable was helpful to better understand why Jesus made this the point of emphasis.  I was quite familiar with the passage of Scripture, but after consideration and asking the LORD I feel my understanding of the parable has grown. In the parable likened to the kingdom of God, Jesus spoke of a king who arranged a marriage for his son and then sent his servants to gather those who were invited to attend.  It was a very attractive proposal, for the king had already slaughtered the oxen and fatlings.  The time for joyous feasting in the presence of royalty had come for all invited!  Strangely, those who were invited made light of the king's invitation and continued in their menial duties, going to work at their farms or businesses rather than feasting at the king's command....

Some are watching with interest of the testimony Dr. Fauci being confronted by members of a Senate committee in a hearing concerning his statements, knowledge and involvement during the COVID pandemic.  It became immediately apparent the doctor was unwilling to answer any questions when he invoked the 5th Amendment over one hundred times.  On the advice of counsel Fauci refused to answer questions about subjects as banal as if there was a red folder on the desk in front of him or what colour of tie he was wearing.  The refusal to honestly answer any questions presented to him to avoid incriminating himself did not look good to the public, but it may have been the safest strategy given his uncomfortable predicament. Senators, members of congress, lawyers and judges ask questions that may or may not be answered honestly.  Jesus distinguished Himself from all rulers, elected politicians and savvy citizens because He knows the hearts of all people.  He knows why peo...

During a holiday many years ago, I attended a Catholic Mass with a good friend who told me what to expect and do as the service went on.  When it came time to receive communion, he encouraged me to go forward with other parishoners and cross my arms to "receive a blessing" from the priest.  In good faith I followed the advice of my friend and did something I never observed anyone else do before.  The sign of the cross being waved over me was a little thing compared to the blessing that was already provided by Christ spoken of in Psalm 32:1 :  " Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered ."  Jeremiah 17:7 also reads, “ Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD ."  How blessed we are in Jesus Christ! The fact a blessing is made available during mass for visitors and those unable to partake of communion demonstrates people desire blessing.  We Christians frequently pray for blessing--that God would ble...

Preparing for a wedding is a mammoth task.  Coupled with the desire of trying to make everything perfect, the pressure can be overwhelming.  I have found when our expectation is perfection, we will almost always be disappointed--even when we have done our best.  As a groomsman years ago, I remember watching other groomsmen tie and retie their neckties to acheive the perfect looking knot.  What's funny is the ties we wore back then are probably so out of style no one would consider wearing them today. I am amazed at the level of detail people consider and the extensive preparation when it comes to outfits, makeup, accessories, suits and shoes for weddings and special events.  Even as people put a great deal more thought and investment into their wardrobes than I do, God has considered more intricate and intimate details about us and the world we live in.  The God who created all things is the God of details that are bigger than the universe and smaller than ...

When Samuel looked at Eliab, he imagined the anointed of the LORD stood before him.  God immediately corrected the erroneous thinking of the prophet who was impressed by Eliab's good looks and physical height, for God does not see as man sees--focused on the outer appearance--but looks upon the heart.  God easily recognised pride that hid behind a humble fascade and selfishness, arrogance and fear of man that disqualified him to be considered a man after God's own heart.  Hebrews 4:12 explains the piercing nature of God's word:  " For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. "  Man's secret motives, thoughts, unbelief and faith are clearly seen by God. For our benefit the Bible often reveals the motivation of people like in Matthew 14:14 that reads, " And when Jesus went out He saw ...

" Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it.     But the correction of fools is folly ." Proverbs 16:22 Our ability to understand is a gift given us by God.  Elihu said in Job 32:7-9 , " I said, ‘Age should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’   8 But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. 9 Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice ."  God who knows all things and created mankind is able to give eternal life and understanding by His grace.  Unless the living God had revealed Himself to us, we could never know Him or experience the abundant life He delights to provide all who trust in Him. Solomon described understanding as a "wellspring of life" to those who have it.  This understanding is more than observing or accepting reality as we perceive it, but it is knowledge of what is true and the desire to submit our lives to it.  This wellspr...

From beginning to end, the Bible is a revelation of the one true God to all mankind.  The Old Testament is a grand epic that foretells the promised Messiah revealed as Jesus in the New Testament, and Jesus Christ is the central figure throughout all Scripture.  Genesis 1:1 says, " In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth ."  The beginning of the Gospel of John says in John 1:1-3 :  " In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made ."  John established immediately the divine nature and power of Jesus Christ, and that Jesus the Word spoke all things into existence as part of the eternal and supreme Godhead.  The whole Bible is written to lead us to know Jesus Christ as KING OF KINGS and our Saviour. Observing Jesus is the primary and central figure in the Bible helps us better understand the st...

After Jesus called Matthew to follow Him, Jesus ate at his house and many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him.  When the Pharisees saw this they asked His disciples:  "Why does your master eat with tax collectors and sinners?"  Merely asking this question exposed the unbelief and ignorance in these religious leaders.  Their question implied they saw His sinful company as a blight upon His character; it showed they did not believe sinners could be redeemed or Jesus was able to cleanse or change them.  Their response showed they did not believe Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah God sent to seek and save the lost. Jesus answered their query in Matthew 9:12-13 :  " When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance .”  Jesus pointed out t...

I had a great conversation with a new believer in Jesus who was saved this week, and we briefly discussed the importance of reading God's word to grow in maturity.  Just like we need to eat food to uphold the health and strength of our bodies, we need to regularly receive God's word to be strengthend in faith as we obey.  When we read the Bible, it can be quite foreign and strange to us because it is not the way we naturally think, God's ways and thoughts being higher than ours.  Careful reading ought to provoke questions in the spiritually hungry, and we will wonder with the disciples at time how things Jesus said could possibly be true. Reading the Bible with faith in God is key to receiving spiritual benefits from God's word, for divine truth is obscured and even appears foolish to the natural man.  It is important for us to allow the Bible to begin to frame our new worldview as children of God and disciples of Jesus Christ rather than imposing our own opinions up...