Marching Forth!

A video blurb I saw on social media questioned why the focus of Christianity was often on a Saviour and man's need to be saved.  A false assertion made was that Christianity introduces the problem of sin in the Garden of Eden with the fall of mankind and then offers a cure through control by the church.  As a contrast, he said indigenous spirtuality never required a saviour because the world is not sinful but sacred, that salvation was never the goal.  While there are several fundamental errors with these claims concerning Christianity from a biblical worldview, the main problem with the explanation is the Garden of Eden nor the earth itself are the starting point.  The mic-drop moment for all humanity is the first verse of  Genesis 1:1 , " In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth ."  The purpose of this post is not to criticise or take shots at the spiritual traditions of people but to answer the original querey:  why do Christians focus...

God is more than impressive, for He is awesome beyond comprehension.  It is amazing God our Creator has revealed Himself to us in the person of Jesus Christ, speaks to us in His word, and helps guide us by the power of the Holy Spirit.  His ways and thoughts are completely above ours, and at most we merely perceive the edges of His marvellous works ( Job 26:14 ).  Because the divide between God's miraculous abilities and ours is so vast, we often bring Him down to our size through unbelief.  When we feel helpless, we assume help cannot be found.  God is not always presently in the front of our minds, so we tend to lean on our own understanding and abilities rather than placing our confidence in God. I was immeasurably blessed by a passage I recently read in  Jeremiah 33:19-22 :  " And the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying,  20  "Thus says the LORD : 'If you can break My covenant with the day and My covenant with the night, so that t...

When someone wronged me as a child, I often looked for visible signs of contrition before I would accept their apology and forgive them.  We all realised (even as children) people can say things they do not necessarily mean.  We said "please" and "sorry" because our parents told us we needed to, and doing what we were told was the means of earning good standing with them again.  This, of course, is not the biblical model of forgiveness made possible by God after we are born again by faith in Jesus.  Trying to ensure people prove they really are sorry and have learned their lesson is not the basis of our forgiving of others, but Jesus has freely forgiven us according to His grace.  People are more likely to adopt a system of imposing penance on those who do wrong or put a burden on themselves rather than freely forgiving others and receiving forgiveness by God's grace. The definition of "penance" in the Webster's 1828 Dictionary is as follows:  ...

There was big news in the online gaming world this week when it was announced a live-service game had run its course and would no longer be updated.  For over a decade this game was popular enough to support careers of many content creators who played, discussed, analysed and critiqued the game they thoroughly enjoyed.  When the news hit, there was one content creator who sat in silence as he processed what this meant for him personally.  Moved by emotion, his observations were insightful of how important the game had been in his life.  He compared the game to an "anchor" and a "foundation" he could always return to, and with the game ceasing development he expressed fear about what the future held for him. I don't know if he realised it or not, but the honest, raw realisation of the YouTuber is a microcosm of everyone who puts their trust and reliance in things of this world that are surely passing away.  He came to a conclusion people sometimes found on a deat...

Recently I was encouraged by a church gathering and the edifying fellowship we shared together.  One of the recurring exhortations was for those who are not regularly reading the Bible to make it a priority moving forward.  While I believe this is of critical importance in the life of a Christian who walks in victory, quantity does not equate with good quality.  We can read pages and chapters of Scripture that wash over us, and we may not have a memorable verse, phrase or word we carry into the day by aligning our outlook and lifestyle with it.  We can be in such a rush we do not remember a thing!  When we are already reading the Bible, reading the Bible "more" is not necessarily feasible--and will be of nominal help unless we believe God and put what He has said into practice. While we might not be physically able to kneel before an open Bible, sit with the Scriptures open or hear it read to us, we can live in consideration of what God has spoken to us continua...

Many Christians are aware of the compelling power of a personal testimony in leading people to Jesus Christ.  The man born blind who was healed by Jesus was fiercely interrogated by religious rulers who intimidated his parents from even speaking on his behalf--lest they be excommunicated from the synagogue.  Poisoned by unbelief, those blaspheming rulers judged Jesus to be a sinner and told the man to give God the glory for his miraculous healing.   John 9:25 gives us his brilliant response:  " He answered and said, "Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see. "  Though this man was unskilled in matters of Jewish religion and law compared to those experts, he spoke wisdom by sharing his personal transformation by Jesus these men could not even speak again.  All their scorn could not shake the faith of the man in Jesus. Something which Christians can overlook is how sharing our personal testimony...

Years ago when I worked as a foreman, some of my colleagues were bemoaning the chronic bad behaviour of our employees.  Workers were showing up late, taking long breaks and production had fallen off.  No matter how much they complained, begged or threatened their workers, their efforts to "right the ship" had little to no effect.  Perhaps the workers would immediately make a show of work, but the second their foreman left the room everyone reverted back to their careless, meandering ways.  Our workers had been conditioned to do as they wanted because there were no consequences besides complaining. As a relatively new foreman at that company, after observation and consideration I asked:  "Do we have a disciplinary policy?"  They affirmed the corporation had a policy in place.  Then I questioned, "Why aren't we putting it into practice?"  Somehow the implementation of the formal disciplinary policy of our company had been neglected, and it took time...

When it comes to ministry and money, I am very cognisant it can be a huge stumbling block to people inside and outside the church.  I find persistent fundraising appeals by Christian ministries can feel like harassment, and it is disgusting when preachers dangle financial prosperity for those who give to support their lavish lifestyle.  In fitness culture, people put stock in the chiseled or ripped physique of their trainer at the gym, and at some churches people are drawn by professional productions, opulent wealth, and prosperity of pastors because they desire to obtain those results for themselves.  Unfortunately the "gospel" put forth by some is a false gospel, for it shifts the focus from Christ and all He has done to ourselves, our entitlements, and how to be prosperous now. Though envy, greed and selfishness can creep into a person, ministry or a church, this does not invalidate the responsibility and privilege of Christians to regularly and gladly give according t...

Our world is filled with complexity.  People, languages, relationships and theology are all complicated.  While there are aspects of all these that remain the same, there are things that change and morph over time.  The use of words can change to the point someone can mean the exact opposite of the word's common definition.  I remember when the Michael Jackson song "Bad" was at the peak of popularity (which meant the best), and other words have taken its place like "sick" or "mean."  When it comes to interpreting the Bible, it can clash with the modern take of the meaning of words.  A recent and useful conversation I had illustrated well the importance to carefully define what we mean when we use a particular word. Because words are complicated and not limited to a single definition, the context helps us determine what people mean and thus the conclusions we draw.  A statement I find challenging to accept at face value without explaination is the claim...

Over the years I have watched shows that chronicle the experiences of people who have sought assistance with a hoarding problem.  Slowly stuff and clutter accumulates in the house to the point the movement and activity of the homeowner is severely restricted.  Rooms become impossible to enter, basements fill, and stuff begins to spill into the yard.  Quite often by the time television crews are on the scene, the house has become dangerous to the occupants and nearly impossible to traverse.  Mould, vermin and spoiled food create an environment that becomes increasingly unpleasant and unhealthy. Another thing I have noticed when a house is full of stuff, maintenance of the house itself become impossible and is neglected.  The desire to acquire, preserve and save things ends up being thwarted by all the things accumulated that are inaccessable and exposed to fouling by pests and water damage.  Leaks in the roof are not able to be fixed, and plumbing repairs ar...

God has given Christians the Bible, the indwelling Holy Spirit and fellowship with other believers to help guide our thinking and conduct.  God does not trample the freedom He has given people with unique personalities to consdier what God has said and express their own convictions.  Looking back, I can say there were times I had very strongly held convictions I do not have any more because studying the Bible and conversations with Christians changed my mind.  I realised there were many considerations I was ignorant of in forming my theology, convictions and personal practices, and fellowship with other Christians is vital to avoid an internal echo chamber that repeats lies and unbalanced views we once believed. I was saddened to hear reports of a man who rushed through security who allegedly intended to assassinate President Trump, joining a growing list of those whose foiled murder plots have come to public light.  Based on current reports, it seems the man was mot...

I remember watching a show that interviewed centenarians and to what they credited with their advanced age.  The ironic thing was many of them admitted habits and choices of food and drink that would not be considered healthy--like smoking cigars and cigarettes, eating chocolate, drinking beer, and downing shots of whisky or Worcestershire sauce.  There were some healthier habits credited, like walking, swimming and dancing, but for the large part I doubt there was any medical or scientific evidence to support things people swore by. In God's wisdom, Jesus came to earth and did miraculous works and signs that could not possibly be attributed to anything or anyone other than Him.  When else did mud placed on the eyes cure blindness?  At what point in history did water turn to quality wine in an instant?  There was no formula Jesus followed, no magic incantations, amulets, charms or gathering of obscure items to bring cures.  His power over demons, illnesses,...

During discussion groups at church camp, one of the questions I wanted to ponder more deeply is how our goals are often different to God’s intended destinations.   As people living in this world, our goals relate to here and now—to what will be passing away.   We seek God’s guidance in decisions we make, not realising every trial and circumstance of life we wish could change can be used by God to change us.   We set our sights on making money, having a successful career or what we will do after retirement when God is working spiritually to make us wiser, reliant upon Him and quicker to obey His word every day. For Christians, we know our home is in heaven.   Ultimately God will call us home to be with Jesus forever, and we will enjoy the presence of the LORD glorified free from sin, sorrow, pain and death.   One thing about goals we often make is they are quantifiable.   We work towards buying a house, earning a raise, or winning the competition.   S...

When it comes to Christians being baptised, I have seen varying levels of emphasis.  The common extremes are problematic, that it is necessary for salvation or because it is not required for salvation it is unnecessary!  The Gospel is clear the salvation of sinners is by grace through faith in Jesus alone, and baptism is necessary for obedience.  Jesus commanded His disciples to proclaim His death by receiving communion together and also said in  Matthew 28:19-20 :  " Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  20   teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen ."  Both receiving communion and being baptised in water are symbolic of what Jesus has accomplished for us, outward acts pointing to Christ's inner works. John the Baptist came baptising in water, and his baptism was...

During my university days long ago, my co-workers and I had a dress-up for fun.  I worked in shipping a receiving and fashioned a hat out of a large manilla folder that resembled a bishop's hat.  "Do you know why those hats are shaped like that?" a co-worker asked.  She offered, "Those hats were made in the shape of Dagon modelled after a fish, and by wearing that hat you are worshipping Dagon."  I was incredulous and at this suggestion, for I could not see how wearing a hat in any way paid homage to a heathen idol.  Once I was made aware she found the hat offensive, I did not goad her by wearing it. When I grew up in the church, no one I knew ever took issue calling the holiday "Easter" that is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  As a kid there was simply no other name in Christians circles I ever heard the holiday called.  It was probably in my twenties when I noticed a shift in our church and the name "Easter"...

During my Christian walk and time in ministry, I can recall a handful of occasions where times of corporate worship were disrupted by people doing their own thing.  I remember when there was a decorated Christmas tree in the back of the church and a mother removed a functional bell ornament from the tree and handed it to her fussy child who rang it for the remainder of the worship set.  On another occasion, ribbons were handed to children in the back of the church who ran around with them as an impromptu activity.  In both of these instances, there had been no discussion with the worship team who was leading the congregation and practiced and prepared for the occasion.  Though the bell or ribbons were not loud in volume, the disunity revealed by those activities was louder to me than a clanging cymbal. The first problem that came to mind was the message sent by giving bells and ribbons to children.  It immediately puts the emphasis on the item given and what the...

I recently received a large, colour brochure about an upcoming performance of Shen Yun which is an outreach funded by the religious group Falun Gong.  As a follower of Jesus Christ, alarm bells start ringing when I read of this group and how all spiritual authority is vested only in teachings of Falun Gong's founder, Li Hongzhi.  While the dance performance looks to be very colourful, performed by skilled dancers and accompanied by orchestral music, going to a show does not interest me in the slightest because of the clear connection with a group whose teachings are not of Jesus Christ. The flier contained a quote that grabbed my attention more than the vivid colours which encouraged people to see the show:  " Go see it to believe it, because otherwise, you are going to miss the most important thing in your life ."  This is a very interesting thing to say as it runs absolutely contrary to the revelation of Jesus who was born of a virgin, died on the cross, rose from ...

I was struck by the first part of God's command to His people in  Exodus 22:29 (LSB) :  " You shall not delay the offering from the fullness of your harvest and the juice of your wine vat.  The firstborn of your sons you shall give to Me."   According to the blessing of the LORD upon His people, they were guided to give.  The command for the Hebrews under the Law of Moses to bring tithes and offerings to God is well-known, but this command not to delay bringing it may be less known.  To delay doing what is right can lead us to forget or put off doing it altogether. Another reason God's people were not to delay in bringing the fulness of their harvest and juice of their vats was the priests and Levites were dependent on offerings to provide for the service of the house of God, for drink offerings that were required by Law.  A portion of what was brought to the temple was also provision of food and drink for those serving in the tabernacle or temple...

There is a local bridge that attracted the attention of a community Facebook group due to an odd reason.  Someone, for some reason, had climbed the supports of the bridge to fly an Australian flag.  Days passed and I was surprised an individual or local council had not had it taken down.  From a liability standpoint, it makes sense to remove the flag to deter additional people from risking their health in scaling the bridge to fly a flag.  When the flag was finally removed, people on the online forum noticed and the majority lamented it was gone.  Overnight, on each side of the bridge Australian flags were attached near the footpath.  After these were taken down, 10 Australian flags took their vacant spot--5 on each side! The bridge was flag-free until around Australia Day when one Australian and Australian Aboriginal flag were displayed by one another on each side of the bridge.  It wasn't too long until the Australian flags were taken down, but the A...

I have seen pictures of religious annual festivals where people traditionally re-enact the crucifixion with people nailed to a cross.  It is one thing to do a stage production where the crucifixion of Jesus is shown, but for me it goes too far to shed real blood in a demonstration when Jesus already shed all His blood to provide atonement once for all sinners when He laid down His life ( Hebrews 10:10 ).  The cutting and piercing of the flesh was a pagan practice in the Old Testament and was forbidden for God's people in the Law of Moses, and the mutilation of the body does nothing to sanctify anyone or honour God by obedience.  The aspect of crucifixion not copied in the festival was the whole point of the brutal Roman method of execution:  the killing of a person. Perhaps some view people with hands nailed to crosses as pious and devout to voluntarily suffer such pains out of devotion to Christ.  I am reminded of Paul's words to believers who put themselves un...