No matter how much warning is given, inevitably people are not ready for when disaster strikes. There are times without number I have seen interviews of people talking about their near brush with death because they did not evacuate in time to ensure their safety. Whether speaking of a tsunami, flood, fire, hurricane, there is a common phrase said by those interviewed: "It just happened so fast. We didn't have any time." Please don't misunderstand my point: many times tornadoes, earthquakes, or fires can be so fierce and unexpected that there was not even enough time to jump into the bathtub. I don't want to trivialize or appear to blame victims in any way for being swept up in a disaster.
But the brutal irony is that in some disasters which require rescue or some lose their lives, time was actually on the side of the victims. Their death was preventable, had they heeded warnings in a timely manner. In some cases, warnings of severe weather patterns were broadcasted many days before the storm hit land. There was plenty of time for filling sandbags, boarding up windows and doors, and loading up the car. The government sends messages telling people they must evacuate. Patrol cars drive up and down streets blaring the warning of the imminent disaster from patrol cars. In extreme cases, officers walk up to every door to ensure the message is heard loud and clear: the storm is coming, it is bad, and time is running out.
There always seems to be some people who disregard the warnings and decide to "ride out the storm." When the fire is roaring towards a home, some choose to stay to fight back the flames from their doorstep with a garden hose. Others delay because they are unsure if the warning is valid. Perhaps they had evacuated once before only to have the hurricane miss their area completely. Just like people question the warnings of the government and weather service, people question the warnings in the Word of God. Hebrews 9:27 says, "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment..." Every person of the seed of Adam will certainly face death because of the consequence of sin. For this reason king Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil." Every man will be judged not according to his own relative standard, but according to God's standard of perfect righteousness. Romans 6:23 teaches us, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." One sin damns a man to hell for eternity, because it is a grave act of rebellion and wickedness before a holy God.
I am convinced that there are professing believers and proud heathens alike who will be snatched into an eternity in hell quite unexpectedly. The warnings had been broadcast, the message had been played over and over to the point where people weren't affected any more. In their heart they say, "Time is on my side" and do nothing concerning their eternal salvation. But who can know when their soul will be required of them? What does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul? There are plenty of people who call themselves Christians who will experience the fires of hell because they have been tricked by the deceitfulness of sin. They sow to the flesh, reap of the flesh corruption, yet think because they said a prayer, believe in God, and read a Bible they are saved.
When Jesus wrote the letter to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22, He revealed their true condition. They were convinced they were living righteously, honouring God, and glorifying Him. Their wealth and health was a testimony of God's favour because He approved of them. They were deceived, being far from God. Revelation 3:17-20 reads, "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 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." God has given us His Word, prophets, teachers, each person his own conscience, and sent Jesus to be the Saviour of the world and shine bright in the darkness.
Think of it! A storm of judgment is coming for those who practice sin in the church, for such shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21)! The patrol cars have blared the warning, and see the blackened clouds building off the coast! Last of all, Jesus Himself knocks at the door, calling out, seeking to save those who are lost. He offers Himself as a sacrifice for sin so all might repent, believe on Him, and live for Him. If you will not respond to the warnings of scripture or Jesus Christ Himself, how can you be saved - you who are like those in Laodicea? Will you even now lay hold of the promise in Hebrews 9:27-28: "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, 28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation."
Are you eagerly waiting for Jesus Christ? Or drunk with sin do you say, "Not yet, O LORD." Praise God that He is patient and faithful. Time rushes away at the speed of a cyclone. Will you listen to the words of Jesus Christ and build your life upon Him as your Rock of Salvation and follow Him to the end? Or will you build upon the sinking sand of worldly desires and aspirations? Jesus says it best in Matthew 7:21-27: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' 24 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."
19 March 2012
15 March 2012
A Broken Vessel
In Gene Edward's book A Tale of Three Kings, he shows how God breaks a man before He uses Him. David is cited as a chief example of a broken man and the means God uses to break men: circumstances, people, being misunderstood and wrongly judged. On Wednesday night I heard a message on brokenness. A man who is self-assured, self-confident, and self-reliant is unfit for use in the hands of the Master Potter. There is no salvation in self, only destruction. God is wise, loving, and good to break us from what kills us.
As pastor Drew preached from the Word concerning Moses and Peter, he used a clay pot smashed by a hammer to illustrate the breaking process. Moses was raised as a prince in Pharaoh's house and had all the benefits of royalty, while his countrymen toiled under harsh oppression in Egypt. God used being misunderstood by the Israelites, fleeing for his life from Pharaoh after killing an Egyptian, and 40 years of tending the sheep of his father-in-law to break him. Peter was a confident, brave man whom Jesus called to follow Him. Peter was humiliated by denying Jesus Christ after bragging that he would face prison and even die for Jesus. Moses and Peter are numbered among those men and women of faith whom God shattered before He could use for His glory.
A point of emphasis which I appreciated in the message is that breaking is not a one time thing. The milestones along the path of Christian experience for me are the points of breaking, not the points when I stood in church, came forward for prayer, or raised my hand in response to an invitation in a service. I have been broken by my own sin and grave offense before God, broken by death of loved ones, broken by being deceived and lied to, broken by hurtful words and betrayal, broken through the power of God's Word and Holy Spirit, and broken through witnessing the pain of others. The ways that God breaks a person are all ordained by God to accomplish His purposes for our good and His glory. If we believe that God is supreme over all, we cannot fault His means or methods. When God breaks a man, that is an Ebeneezer stone along our path towards eternity in Christ: that is where God most helped us. Brokenness is the only way to completion and sanctification in Christ.
God says in Jeremiah 23:29: "Is not My word like a fire?" says the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" Whether the hammer that breaks us is a devastating illness, people, betrayal, being misunderstood, slander, bigotry, or Satan himself, we need to recognize that it is simply a tool in God's hands. When we are broken, a temptation is the resent or hate the tool God uses. Instead of hating God or the implement He chooses to use, we must determine to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength. What did Paul say? Romans 8:28 reads, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Faith in God and recognition of His guiding hand brings comfort even in the midst of trials. When our broken bones are being set back in place, God holds us closely and whispers sweet comforts to our hearts. Our pain is overshadowed by the healing in His wings, the love from which nothing or no one can separate us from.
Romans 8:35-39 reads, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." There is only one person who can separate you from the love of God: you! You can choose to reject this love, this healing balm which God freely has given to us through Jesus Christ. We can wallow in our pain, lash out in anger, and flee from the hand of God because we do not trust Him. We resent Him for allowing suffering. We can become bitter, cynical, jaded, hateful, and filled with self-pity. But God's love remains. It is an active love which pursues all wandering, fleeing, failed men to their graves. It is a sacrificial love revealed in Jesus Christ as He died for our sins on the cross.
God didn't leave His love for man in the heavens, but sent Jesus so His love could be revealed and received by all who are willing. Broken bones grow back stronger, and faith in God and our love for Him is strengthened when God breaks us. Instead of hating the instrument He chooses or the means He uses, may we receive His love and love Him with all our heart, soul, and strength. Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy!
As pastor Drew preached from the Word concerning Moses and Peter, he used a clay pot smashed by a hammer to illustrate the breaking process. Moses was raised as a prince in Pharaoh's house and had all the benefits of royalty, while his countrymen toiled under harsh oppression in Egypt. God used being misunderstood by the Israelites, fleeing for his life from Pharaoh after killing an Egyptian, and 40 years of tending the sheep of his father-in-law to break him. Peter was a confident, brave man whom Jesus called to follow Him. Peter was humiliated by denying Jesus Christ after bragging that he would face prison and even die for Jesus. Moses and Peter are numbered among those men and women of faith whom God shattered before He could use for His glory.
A point of emphasis which I appreciated in the message is that breaking is not a one time thing. The milestones along the path of Christian experience for me are the points of breaking, not the points when I stood in church, came forward for prayer, or raised my hand in response to an invitation in a service. I have been broken by my own sin and grave offense before God, broken by death of loved ones, broken by being deceived and lied to, broken by hurtful words and betrayal, broken through the power of God's Word and Holy Spirit, and broken through witnessing the pain of others. The ways that God breaks a person are all ordained by God to accomplish His purposes for our good and His glory. If we believe that God is supreme over all, we cannot fault His means or methods. When God breaks a man, that is an Ebeneezer stone along our path towards eternity in Christ: that is where God most helped us. Brokenness is the only way to completion and sanctification in Christ.
God says in Jeremiah 23:29: "Is not My word like a fire?" says the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" Whether the hammer that breaks us is a devastating illness, people, betrayal, being misunderstood, slander, bigotry, or Satan himself, we need to recognize that it is simply a tool in God's hands. When we are broken, a temptation is the resent or hate the tool God uses. Instead of hating God or the implement He chooses to use, we must determine to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength. What did Paul say? Romans 8:28 reads, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Faith in God and recognition of His guiding hand brings comfort even in the midst of trials. When our broken bones are being set back in place, God holds us closely and whispers sweet comforts to our hearts. Our pain is overshadowed by the healing in His wings, the love from which nothing or no one can separate us from.
Romans 8:35-39 reads, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." There is only one person who can separate you from the love of God: you! You can choose to reject this love, this healing balm which God freely has given to us through Jesus Christ. We can wallow in our pain, lash out in anger, and flee from the hand of God because we do not trust Him. We resent Him for allowing suffering. We can become bitter, cynical, jaded, hateful, and filled with self-pity. But God's love remains. It is an active love which pursues all wandering, fleeing, failed men to their graves. It is a sacrificial love revealed in Jesus Christ as He died for our sins on the cross.
God didn't leave His love for man in the heavens, but sent Jesus so His love could be revealed and received by all who are willing. Broken bones grow back stronger, and faith in God and our love for Him is strengthened when God breaks us. Instead of hating the instrument He chooses or the means He uses, may we receive His love and love Him with all our heart, soul, and strength. Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy!
Back from New Zealand
This morning Drew and I returned from a four-day jaunt to New Zealand to speak at the Calvary Chapel Bible Institute. It was a blessing as we enjoyed the fellowship of Jesus Christ with staff and students alike. It is a wonderful privilege to catch a small glimpse of what God is doing in another part of the globe.
My first impression when flying into New Zealand was lush, green beauty. Ironically, the Bible Institute is located directly across the street from a thermal pool and spa resort called, "Hell's Gate." On one side of the road people are spreading their beliefs concerning Ruaukoto, the Maori god of earthquakes and volcanic activity, while on the other side people are teaching the Good News of Jesus Christ, the One True God. The demons worshiped by the Maori people have great power and influence over man, but the Almighty God is both Creator and Supreme Ruler. Demons can copy God to a fixed point He ordains and deserve no worship. 2 Samuel 22:7-9 reads, "In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry entered His ears. 8 "Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven quaked and were shaken, because He was angry. 9 Smoke went up from His nostrils, and devouring fire from His mouth; coals were kindled by it."
Not only did we enjoy several wonderful days at the Bible Institute, but we were treated to an afternoon of walking through the city of Rotorua. One of the things I wanted to do was drink an "L & P," which is "world-famous in New Zealand." In May of 2009 in Brisbane was the last and only time I had previously enjoyed the drink. After Drew and I had ice cream (I chose "dark chocolate raspberry and chili" which I highly recommend) we walked around, handed out some Gospel tracts, and spoke with folks from Calvary Chapel Rotorua. The anointing of the Holy Spirit permeated our evening, and we rejoiced in the grace and greatness of our God.
Our prayers for a safe return to Australia were answered, and I am happy to be back in the land of OZ. As I shared with both students and staff of my testimony concerning God's call and faithfulness to me and my family in Australia, it reaffirmed how good and gracious God has been. How blessed and privileged we are to be broken by Him so He can heal and use us for His glory. Over and over He bids us trust in Him, for He shall bring His perfect will to pass. Rejoice in the LORD, believer, wherever God has you now. Give no room for impatience! Instead, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Be faithful, even as God is faithful. He will establish His Word!
My first impression when flying into New Zealand was lush, green beauty. Ironically, the Bible Institute is located directly across the street from a thermal pool and spa resort called, "Hell's Gate." On one side of the road people are spreading their beliefs concerning Ruaukoto, the Maori god of earthquakes and volcanic activity, while on the other side people are teaching the Good News of Jesus Christ, the One True God. The demons worshiped by the Maori people have great power and influence over man, but the Almighty God is both Creator and Supreme Ruler. Demons can copy God to a fixed point He ordains and deserve no worship. 2 Samuel 22:7-9 reads, "In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry entered His ears. 8 "Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven quaked and were shaken, because He was angry. 9 Smoke went up from His nostrils, and devouring fire from His mouth; coals were kindled by it."
Not only did we enjoy several wonderful days at the Bible Institute, but we were treated to an afternoon of walking through the city of Rotorua. One of the things I wanted to do was drink an "L & P," which is "world-famous in New Zealand." In May of 2009 in Brisbane was the last and only time I had previously enjoyed the drink. After Drew and I had ice cream (I chose "dark chocolate raspberry and chili" which I highly recommend) we walked around, handed out some Gospel tracts, and spoke with folks from Calvary Chapel Rotorua. The anointing of the Holy Spirit permeated our evening, and we rejoiced in the grace and greatness of our God.
Our prayers for a safe return to Australia were answered, and I am happy to be back in the land of OZ. As I shared with both students and staff of my testimony concerning God's call and faithfulness to me and my family in Australia, it reaffirmed how good and gracious God has been. How blessed and privileged we are to be broken by Him so He can heal and use us for His glory. Over and over He bids us trust in Him, for He shall bring His perfect will to pass. Rejoice in the LORD, believer, wherever God has you now. Give no room for impatience! Instead, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Be faithful, even as God is faithful. He will establish His Word!
08 March 2012
When the Devil says no...but God says yes!
Every Christian knows we are pitched in a spiritual battle. Our flesh, Satan, and the world under his sway resist and rage against obedience to Jesus Christ and the Word of God. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit and faith in Christ that we can overcome. Though our awareness or sensitivity to this battle against satanic wickedness and obedience to God might at times be muted, other times we become acutely aware of how much the devil hates God and all those who trust in Him.
Jesus was condemned and crucified an innocent man, though He had only always done what had pleased the Father. After He rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit was sent to fill and come upon Christ's faithful followers to instruct and empower them to live for God's glory. Men who once cowered behind closed doors for fear of reprisal from the religious leaders boldly preached Christ crucified and risen. On one occasion Peter and John were arrested because they preached publicly after performing a notable miracle in the name of Jesus. The religious leaders severely threatened them if they decided to ever preach in the name of Jesus Christ again. In their presence Peter and John said, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to obey you rather than God, you judge. We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
Later Peter, John, and other believers gathered for prayer. This portion of their prayer is written in Acts 4:29-31: "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." 31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness." God doesn't just rattle the gates of hell: He crushes them to powder so the captives might be set free. Instead of making concessions to the enemy of their souls, through God Satan was cast under their feet as they boldly proclaimed the Word of God.
A day will come for every Christian when the devil says "No!" because you are close to encroaching upon his territory. We can choose to be afraid of Satan and run and hide. We can be like the Israelites when confronted with the giant Goliath, who cowered in fear in the false hope he would just be quiet and go away. Or we can respond with the boldness of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah because His perfect love casts out all fear. It is in this moment that God is testing us: will we respect the "No!" of the prince of this world or obey the "Yes!" of the Almighty God, Creator of All? Let us make a stand in obedience for righteousness. Jesus says in Luke 12:4-5: "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!"
Jesus was condemned and crucified an innocent man, though He had only always done what had pleased the Father. After He rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit was sent to fill and come upon Christ's faithful followers to instruct and empower them to live for God's glory. Men who once cowered behind closed doors for fear of reprisal from the religious leaders boldly preached Christ crucified and risen. On one occasion Peter and John were arrested because they preached publicly after performing a notable miracle in the name of Jesus. The religious leaders severely threatened them if they decided to ever preach in the name of Jesus Christ again. In their presence Peter and John said, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to obey you rather than God, you judge. We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
Later Peter, John, and other believers gathered for prayer. This portion of their prayer is written in Acts 4:29-31: "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." 31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness." God doesn't just rattle the gates of hell: He crushes them to powder so the captives might be set free. Instead of making concessions to the enemy of their souls, through God Satan was cast under their feet as they boldly proclaimed the Word of God.
A day will come for every Christian when the devil says "No!" because you are close to encroaching upon his territory. We can choose to be afraid of Satan and run and hide. We can be like the Israelites when confronted with the giant Goliath, who cowered in fear in the false hope he would just be quiet and go away. Or we can respond with the boldness of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah because His perfect love casts out all fear. It is in this moment that God is testing us: will we respect the "No!" of the prince of this world or obey the "Yes!" of the Almighty God, Creator of All? Let us make a stand in obedience for righteousness. Jesus says in Luke 12:4-5: "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!"
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