While driving down Old Windsor Road I saw a company name written on a vehicle which interested me: it read something to the effect of "Inner Alchemy Massage Therapy." Alchemy is a fascinating subject because it has never been successful. Like Rumpelstiltskin turned straw into gold, people through the ages have tried to use chemical means to change worthless or cheap metals into valuable ones. No matter how many chemicals a person adds to lead or tin, it will never become platinum or gold.
The company name I read illustrates the fact that man thinks that by stimulating the body or mind with religion, philosophy, or exercise, he can purify himself. Is it possible that a massage of muscles can increase the value of my soul? This is a far stretch! And why, if man believes himself naturally good (which he is not - that is why we lock our doors, protect our personal details, and buy pepper-spray), do we need any "inner alchemy" at all? Man has been born into sin, and no amount of pampering or make-up or holidays will change this. Our chemical imbalances pale in comparison to our spiritual negligence. No amount of counseling or psycho-therapy will solve our sin-problem: only Jesus can purify our hearts from sin!
There is much a man can do to make himself a better person from without, but no man can begin to be good inside without the saving grace and power of Jesus Christ within. All attempts at alchemy have failed, and so has every attempt of man to draw near to God by his own "goodness." Religion churns out devils, but Jesus redeems sinners and makes them saints. How many men in a vain attempt to earn the favor of God have denied themselves of God's grace and perished eternally, while those who cry out "O LORD be merciful to me a sinner!" have entered into life eternal. Praise God for the transformation He alone can do! He does not change us from one element to another, but a complete change from death to life. Thank Him for that!
28 January 2011
24 January 2011
The Atheist's Dilemma
People are dynamic and unique, and no two share the same personality. To claim to speak for all people is simply impossible, though we all share similar needs and natures. As I was cleaning a pool this morning, I was thinking about atheism, a belief system that claims "there is no God." There are some who might claim this is an oversimplification, but the basic premise is the assertion God does not exist.
There may be many reasons that brings a person to this stance. Atheism stands in defiance of God and places self as a substitute. The allure of atheism for many is there is no right or wrong, no Supreme Being that must be contended with, no judgment, and no hope of life after death. In this world a man can become like God, doing what is right in his own eyes without eternal consequence. This was the same advice and argument present by Satan to Eve in the Garden of Eden: Genesis 3:4-5 reads, "...You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. " In essence the devil said, "What God says doesn't matter. If you eat the fruit you will be like God and can make your own rules." This proposition tempts people to this day.
The irony of claiming "there is no God" is that in doing so man makes himself a god. He can live without confessing his sin to another and sit in God's judgment seat of himself and others. The Bible speaks clearly concerning those who are deluded to deny the True God who has created all things. Romans 1:16-23 says: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things."
I rejoice in the God of the universe, by whom all things have been created. While atheists have no hope in this life beyond themselves and random chance, I am rooted upon a sure eternal foundation of Jesus Christ, in whom I stand by faith. No guilt, no shame, and no condemnation I harbor in my soul, for He has cleansed me of all my sin. I delight in submission to His will, for it is God who has purchased me that He might be glorified. This hope is for all people who will humble themselves, repent, and trust in Christ as Savior, LORD, and God. Jeremiah 3:22-24 says, "Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings." "Indeed we do come to You, for You are the LORD our God. 23 Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains; truly, in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel."
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul (Matt. 16:26)? What will it profit a man to live as a god on earth and perish like the devil in hell, when God has offered redemption through His own blood (Acts 20:28)? Come to Jesus everyone, and find rest for your souls.
There may be many reasons that brings a person to this stance. Atheism stands in defiance of God and places self as a substitute. The allure of atheism for many is there is no right or wrong, no Supreme Being that must be contended with, no judgment, and no hope of life after death. In this world a man can become like God, doing what is right in his own eyes without eternal consequence. This was the same advice and argument present by Satan to Eve in the Garden of Eden: Genesis 3:4-5 reads, "...You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. " In essence the devil said, "What God says doesn't matter. If you eat the fruit you will be like God and can make your own rules." This proposition tempts people to this day.
The irony of claiming "there is no God" is that in doing so man makes himself a god. He can live without confessing his sin to another and sit in God's judgment seat of himself and others. The Bible speaks clearly concerning those who are deluded to deny the True God who has created all things. Romans 1:16-23 says: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things."
I rejoice in the God of the universe, by whom all things have been created. While atheists have no hope in this life beyond themselves and random chance, I am rooted upon a sure eternal foundation of Jesus Christ, in whom I stand by faith. No guilt, no shame, and no condemnation I harbor in my soul, for He has cleansed me of all my sin. I delight in submission to His will, for it is God who has purchased me that He might be glorified. This hope is for all people who will humble themselves, repent, and trust in Christ as Savior, LORD, and God. Jeremiah 3:22-24 says, "Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings." "Indeed we do come to You, for You are the LORD our God. 23 Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains; truly, in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel."
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul (Matt. 16:26)? What will it profit a man to live as a god on earth and perish like the devil in hell, when God has offered redemption through His own blood (Acts 20:28)? Come to Jesus everyone, and find rest for your souls.
23 January 2011
Love is Genuine
1 Corinthians 13:1-8 describes God's love in this manner: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,4 Love suffers long and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away."
God's love is so contrary to anything in this world. We cannot quantify it, sum it up in a sentence, or even explain it fully. It is infinite in abundance yet a single selfless deed can portray it clearly. It is a power more earth-shattering than a million atomic bombs, yet is peaceable and gentle. Countless books have been written about God's love and all the sermons ever preached have scarcely explored its depths. A man might as well try to free-dive the Mariana trench or jump to Jupiter: those physical feats would be simple in comparison to discovering the furthest reaches of God's love. Real love is something every person deeply longs for, but only those who have been born again from above can begin to digest, process, or comprehend it.
People are fed up with hearing about the love of God. Love is not something to be talked about but continually lived out. As Christians we should not merely ask, "Who can I tell of God's love today?" but rather, "How shall I display the love of Jesus to people today?" To put it simply, the love that God gives is displayed through a genuine, gracious interest in others even to my own detriment. I should not serve others to receive anything in return, and do not speak to people simply for the opportunity to give them a sales pitch.
There is nothing more practical, generous, and gracious than love. Love meets real needs. The wages of sin is death, and the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Because all have sinned, all are condemned to die and remained separated from God in hell for eternity. Then the love of God sprung into action as Romans 5:7-8 proclaims: "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us ." Love is a not a demonstration like a salesman with his knives at a fair, but is practical, tangible, and undeniable display of regard for others.
Christ is the only true source of this love. The world has substituted lust for love, and worshiped the creation over the Creator. It is up to those in whom God has placed the Holy Spirit to be ambassadors of the love of Christ, not only to be talked about, but to be practically displayed. As Jesus says in John 15:10, "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." And what are the greatest commandments? Love the LORD our God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves. In fact, Jesus trumps the second command by saying, "Love one another as I have loved you." And how did Jesus love? Compassionately, continually, and completely. May God be free to pour out His love through us!
God's love is so contrary to anything in this world. We cannot quantify it, sum it up in a sentence, or even explain it fully. It is infinite in abundance yet a single selfless deed can portray it clearly. It is a power more earth-shattering than a million atomic bombs, yet is peaceable and gentle. Countless books have been written about God's love and all the sermons ever preached have scarcely explored its depths. A man might as well try to free-dive the Mariana trench or jump to Jupiter: those physical feats would be simple in comparison to discovering the furthest reaches of God's love. Real love is something every person deeply longs for, but only those who have been born again from above can begin to digest, process, or comprehend it.
People are fed up with hearing about the love of God. Love is not something to be talked about but continually lived out. As Christians we should not merely ask, "Who can I tell of God's love today?" but rather, "How shall I display the love of Jesus to people today?" To put it simply, the love that God gives is displayed through a genuine, gracious interest in others even to my own detriment. I should not serve others to receive anything in return, and do not speak to people simply for the opportunity to give them a sales pitch.
There is nothing more practical, generous, and gracious than love. Love meets real needs. The wages of sin is death, and the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Because all have sinned, all are condemned to die and remained separated from God in hell for eternity. Then the love of God sprung into action as Romans 5:7-8 proclaims: "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us ." Love is a not a demonstration like a salesman with his knives at a fair, but is practical, tangible, and undeniable display of regard for others.
Christ is the only true source of this love. The world has substituted lust for love, and worshiped the creation over the Creator. It is up to those in whom God has placed the Holy Spirit to be ambassadors of the love of Christ, not only to be talked about, but to be practically displayed. As Jesus says in John 15:10, "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." And what are the greatest commandments? Love the LORD our God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves. In fact, Jesus trumps the second command by saying, "Love one another as I have loved you." And how did Jesus love? Compassionately, continually, and completely. May God be free to pour out His love through us!
20 January 2011
Official Crazy Time
It's been a good experience to have the family with me in Australia. It has demanded many changes from my normal routine of writing, exercise, and visitation. Because Laura is not driving yet, it has also meant that all errands have become a family adventure! We've also been sharing the same computer, so the time that I could spend preparing sermons, communicating with people, and blogging has been adjusted to accommodate us both.
Yesterday we were able to spend an afternoon at Featherdale Wildlife Park. A collection of animals hailing almost exclusively from Australia, this park provides a wonderful opportunity to see, touch, and experience these beautiful creatures up close. We were able to pet koalas, emus, kangaroos, wallabys, blue-tongued lizards, kookaburras, and tawny frogmouths (both birds, two of my favorites!). We watched as the penguins were fed (yes, I'm told Sydney is home to penguins which can be seen in the harbour), as well as the dingos and Tasmanian devils eat dinner. While we were near the penguin exhibit we had a unique experience: I heard a loud thump or crash, and suddenly I saw ten people scamper in every direction. A goanna (an Australian monitor lizard) nearly two meters long had jumped from his sign to the top of the wall of his enclosure. He nimbly dropped to the ground, ignoring the amazed people who kept their distance, and waddled over to some bushes where he was promptly hauled out by a park employee. He told us that one of the handlers years ago needed 300 stitches to close a wound on his arm inflicted when he tried to stop two of them from fighting! Glad to say no one was injured, and I love Featherdale more than ever!
Today is a day we've long been anticipating as a family, the day when we pick up the keys for our rental house. It is a very exciting accomplishment, having spent over three months actively searching for a property with an owner willing to rent to us. We have not rented for over twelve years, and certainly have no Australian renting history! In Sydney (I have no experience dealing with real estate in other territories or cities), if you desire to submit an application for a property you MUST physically go to the open house to be considered - which is a grand total of 15 minutes in duration! These 15 minute open houses can be far apart or a struggle to make on time because of traffic or other obstacles. Needless to say, this involves a LOT of driving around! Many thanks to Ross and Peter and all of those who have labored with us in this endeavor. The funny thing is, after all the applications we submitted without success, the day our first application is finally accepted, we were accepted to rent two properties! The property we finally did choose has a year rental agreement, and is one of the best houses we've seen during the last three months. Praise the LORD!
I suppose I'm not sure how often I will be able to blog in the coming week or two because of church meetings, moving house, buying appliances, driving all over town...it's officially crazy time! We are blessed to be loved and supported by people all over the world, and our fellowship in Sydney is very precious to us. Our family is experiencing that same gracious, miraculous provision that our Savior is faithful to grant those who trust in Him. He knows when a sparrow falls to the ground or when a goanna scuttles out of his enclosure: how much more shall He provide for all our needs?
Today is a day we've long been anticipating as a family, the day when we pick up the keys for our rental house. It is a very exciting accomplishment, having spent over three months actively searching for a property with an owner willing to rent to us. We have not rented for over twelve years, and certainly have no Australian renting history! In Sydney (I have no experience dealing with real estate in other territories or cities), if you desire to submit an application for a property you MUST physically go to the open house to be considered - which is a grand total of 15 minutes in duration! These 15 minute open houses can be far apart or a struggle to make on time because of traffic or other obstacles. Needless to say, this involves a LOT of driving around! Many thanks to Ross and Peter and all of those who have labored with us in this endeavor. The funny thing is, after all the applications we submitted without success, the day our first application is finally accepted, we were accepted to rent two properties! The property we finally did choose has a year rental agreement, and is one of the best houses we've seen during the last three months. Praise the LORD!
I suppose I'm not sure how often I will be able to blog in the coming week or two because of church meetings, moving house, buying appliances, driving all over town...it's officially crazy time! We are blessed to be loved and supported by people all over the world, and our fellowship in Sydney is very precious to us. Our family is experiencing that same gracious, miraculous provision that our Savior is faithful to grant those who trust in Him. He knows when a sparrow falls to the ground or when a goanna scuttles out of his enclosure: how much more shall He provide for all our needs?
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