With every passing day, the return of Christ grows nearer. For thousands of years, the world waited for the Messiah who would save people from their sins. When Jesus was born to the virgin Mary, it was the sign promised to reveal His arrival in Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." David wrote as directed by the Holy Spirit when he referred to the coming Messiah as "my Lord" (Psalm 110:1) because Jesus is a King of Kings, far greater than David: Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. His kingdom is from everlasting to everlasting.
The Jews had been looking for the promised Messiah, but Jesus did not take the form they expected. Instead of conquering the Romans and establishing the sovereignty of the nation Israel, He took the form of a servant. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, cast out demons, preached repentance and righteousness, and even raised the dead. The religious leaders were envious of Christ's authority and influence over the people. They falsely accused Him and delivered Jesus to be crucified. Although all the hosts of the armies of heaven stood ready to intervene at one word from Jesus, He chose to lay down His life in obedience to the Father on Calvary. Three days later, as He predicted many times, Jesus rose from the dead. Many believed, and some doubted. Jesus then ascended to the Father in the presence of hundreds of witnesses. Acts 1:10-11 reads, "And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel,
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who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."
Jesus is coming and all men ought to ready themselves. No man knows the day or the hour, and it will be at a time no one will expect. For this reason we ought to be prepared. I was born and raised in Southern California where for many years people have been expecting "the big one." Because of the close proximity to the active San Andreas Fault, plus the history of destructive earthquakes in the last century from San Fransisco to Los Angeles, people are encouraged to be prepared. With increasing frequency people are told to put aside emergency supplies of water, wind-up radios, flashlights, and non-perishable foods. It is recommended to have an evacuation plan, a spanner accessible to shut off the flow of natural gas to the home, and bags packed with toiletries, a first-aid kit, parkas, and a utility knife. It is not a matter of "if" another big earthquake will occur: it is a matter of when. Since no one can precisely predict the timing of a future disaster, it makes sense to prepare beforehand. Some laugh off the warnings, while others choose to prepare.
The same Jesus who ascended to the heavens will return. But it will be another side of Jesus that will be revealed. The first time Jesus came preaching the Gospel of salvation: this time He will return to take vengeance upon those who hate His rule by persistence in their sins. Those who love Christ will rejoice in His return, while those who hate Him will face unspeakable destruction. When a body becomes sick, the safest remedies which promote healing are best. But when it is discovered that deadly flesh-eating bacteria is to blame for infection, drastic action must be taken. On the day when Jesus returns, every gentle remedy will have been proudly refused. Only the most brutal action will be appropriate to rid the world of the sin Jesus shed His own blood to cleanse. You do not want to be the enemy of the King of Kings. Today you must choose, for you are either for Him or against Him. No decision is a decision against God. No man knows the day of this reckoning, and no man knows when his life on earth will come to an abrupt halt. If you die without Christ, if you die in your sins, you will loathe that day. You will hate it because it will end with eternal death and torment in hell - a preventable tragedy that brings God no pleasure.
But for those who have repented and trusted in Christ, it will be a glorious day. Isaiah 26:1-5 reveals, "In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: "We have a strong city; God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks.
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Open the gates, that the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter in.
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You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
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Trust in the LORD forever, for in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength." The world will ultimately be destroyed, but we Christians have no hope in this world. Our hope is in Jesus. Even as Jesus Christ was mocked, scorned, tried, hated, and murdered, so have Christians been from the beginning. Christ's coming will not so much be a vindication of His people, but the open and undeniable glorification of Jesus as the Most High! His loyal subjects will rejoice in that day. It is a joy to be entered today which will continue for eternity because Christ makes His followers citizens and co-heirs with Him in heaven.
To become a citizen of another country, a process must be completed. It is required to provide appropriate documentation, to pay a fee, to take a test, and go through a ceremony. Some countries allow for dual citizenship, while others require a renunciation of any other citizenship. Becoming a citizen of heaven is similar but with notable distinctions. The required documentation to enter into heaven is a confession you are a sinner. We must admit we have disobeyed God's written commands. The fee for anyone to obtain citizenship in heaven has already been paid through the blood of Jesus Christ. Once we make a decision to trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, our faith is tested by the trials and difficulties of this life. Should our faith by God's grace prove genuine, we will enter into heaven as citizens when our life on earth is through. We must renounce all allegiance to all upon this earth, even ourselves. It is Jesus who says in Matthew 16:24-25, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
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For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."
Are you prepared? Are you ready? Jesus says in Revelation 22:12, "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work." The world has never anything like it, and never will again. 100 on the Richter scale is nothing compared to THAT day!
18 July 2012
16 July 2012
What is the Church?
The church is not a place but an living organism: it is the Body of Christ of which He is the head. Even as a body is diverse, made of many members united as a whole, so the church is comprised of different races, cultures, and people with a single point of unity: faith in Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour. When I write "the church" I am not speaking of membership or
attendance, but those who are born again Christians who have been bought
with the blood of Jesus. Going to a church does not make a man a Christian, but only Christians are part of Christ's Body. Being a Christian is not a claim of perfection. Actually, it is the exact opposite. A Christian is someone who is acutely aware of his sin, is aware of the eternal punishment he justly deserves, and the desperate need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
The church isn't perfect. We serve a perfect God, but everyone in the church are marked with flaws. If we were perfect in ourselves we wouldn't need redemption or salvation. We wouldn't need deliverance or accountability. Jesus came not for the righteous but to call sinners to repentance. If God only used perfect people, not a single person on earth would measure up. It is the imperfection, weakness, and foolishness of the vessels which best display God's redemptive and transforming love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and power. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 reads, "For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-- 31 that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."
Do you really want to know who makes up the church? Here is the stark reality: we are addicts, drug dealers, proud, lying, thieving adulterers and adulteresses, deceivers and deceived. We are fornicators, alcoholics, suicidal, porn junkies, fools, rapists and murderers. We are foul-mouthed haters, perverts, homosexuals, self-injurers, gang members, and back-stabbers. We are self-righteous bigots, ignorant, gluttons, prostitutes, johns, and pimps. We are traitors, selfish, blind, violent, judgmental, and hypocritical. The list goes on and on. We were lost in the dark, confused, helpless, and hopeless. But every one of us has been washed totally clean in the blood of Jesus Christ. We have all been forgiven by His grace and mercy. The long record of our sins has been purged through Christ's sacrifice. The church is made of people who have taken God at His Word as it is written in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." We have come from darkness into the light. We are clean, pure, free, and holy. Instead of regrets and shame the joy of the LORD is our strength. Instead of being condemned to hell for eternity we have been promised eternal life with Jesus Christ in heaven as an adopted child of God! Every one of us has an incorruptible inheritance reserved for us in heaven which cannot be stolen or lost.
Once we are born again we are called and enabled to live according to Christ's righteous standard. We must make a clean break with our old sinful lifestyle and follow Christ, honouring Him with our lives. When we fall into sin we are called to admit it and repent. Every day we are to feed on the good Word of God, making disciples of all nations. We are called to join in fellowship with other believers, holding each other accountable with love and grace. Instead of being defined by our faults we are to live as the express image of Christ on this earth, being ambassadors for His Kingdom. We are to boldly proclaim the Gospel to those who remain in bondage, praying for all people. We are to exercise the spiritual gifts granted us through the Holy Spirit who indwells us, glorifying God and edifying the Body of Christ. Praise the LORD He has given us all things which pertain to life and holiness.
Do you want to be set free from sin and become part of God's family? It doesn't happen by going to church on Sunday, listening to Bible studies, or becoming a member of a local church fellowship: it happens when you acknowledge your sins and repent, trusting only in the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse you. When you repent, trusting in Christ alone for salvation, the Holy Spirit will take up residence within your heart and make you a new creation as a living child of God. God transforms people from within! Praise God for His love and forgiveness! What does the church look like? See for yourself!
The church isn't perfect. We serve a perfect God, but everyone in the church are marked with flaws. If we were perfect in ourselves we wouldn't need redemption or salvation. We wouldn't need deliverance or accountability. Jesus came not for the righteous but to call sinners to repentance. If God only used perfect people, not a single person on earth would measure up. It is the imperfection, weakness, and foolishness of the vessels which best display God's redemptive and transforming love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and power. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 reads, "For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-- 31 that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."
Do you really want to know who makes up the church? Here is the stark reality: we are addicts, drug dealers, proud, lying, thieving adulterers and adulteresses, deceivers and deceived. We are fornicators, alcoholics, suicidal, porn junkies, fools, rapists and murderers. We are foul-mouthed haters, perverts, homosexuals, self-injurers, gang members, and back-stabbers. We are self-righteous bigots, ignorant, gluttons, prostitutes, johns, and pimps. We are traitors, selfish, blind, violent, judgmental, and hypocritical. The list goes on and on. We were lost in the dark, confused, helpless, and hopeless. But every one of us has been washed totally clean in the blood of Jesus Christ. We have all been forgiven by His grace and mercy. The long record of our sins has been purged through Christ's sacrifice. The church is made of people who have taken God at His Word as it is written in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." We have come from darkness into the light. We are clean, pure, free, and holy. Instead of regrets and shame the joy of the LORD is our strength. Instead of being condemned to hell for eternity we have been promised eternal life with Jesus Christ in heaven as an adopted child of God! Every one of us has an incorruptible inheritance reserved for us in heaven which cannot be stolen or lost.
Once we are born again we are called and enabled to live according to Christ's righteous standard. We must make a clean break with our old sinful lifestyle and follow Christ, honouring Him with our lives. When we fall into sin we are called to admit it and repent. Every day we are to feed on the good Word of God, making disciples of all nations. We are called to join in fellowship with other believers, holding each other accountable with love and grace. Instead of being defined by our faults we are to live as the express image of Christ on this earth, being ambassadors for His Kingdom. We are to boldly proclaim the Gospel to those who remain in bondage, praying for all people. We are to exercise the spiritual gifts granted us through the Holy Spirit who indwells us, glorifying God and edifying the Body of Christ. Praise the LORD He has given us all things which pertain to life and holiness.
Do you want to be set free from sin and become part of God's family? It doesn't happen by going to church on Sunday, listening to Bible studies, or becoming a member of a local church fellowship: it happens when you acknowledge your sins and repent, trusting only in the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse you. When you repent, trusting in Christ alone for salvation, the Holy Spirit will take up residence within your heart and make you a new creation as a living child of God. God transforms people from within! Praise God for His love and forgiveness! What does the church look like? See for yourself!
15 July 2012
A Useful Tool
Tools are designed for specific purposes. Pliers, for instance, are excellent for tying wire or holding a bolt steady. A wrench or spanner is great for busting bolts, but useless for tying wire. I have seen many good tools used and abused by improper use. I have a nice 10" Crescent spanner (not as nice as it could be!) that will not open fully because of when I used it as a hammer!
Christians can be compared to tools in the hands of the Master Craftsman. God could have designed things that at the moment of conversion people would be immediately whisked away into eternity. But God has manifold purposes for allowing us to remain upon the earth: to share the Gospel with others, to glorify God through good works, to disciple others, to further sanctify us in preparation for future service, and to encourage, strengthen, and edify the Body of Christ. It is important for us in the Church to have the singular focus we see demonstrated in Jesus Christ and His followers. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, having been sent to the "lost sheep" of Israel. Paul recognised God had called him to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles that they too might come to faith in Christ and be saved.
Jesus always operated in the will of the Father, faithfully walking in obedience and submission to Him. Sometimes I feel like a spanner that chucks itself into running machinery rather than tightening bolts! I can forget God's purpose of why He has graciously left me here on earth. I pray that my lapses of looking away from Christ grow less and less frequent! Last night before bed, it was as if the LORD pulled back the veil from my eyes to see myself in light of His glory and it was disgusting what I saw. But thanks be to God who can fashion these flawed vessels into instruments for His glory and use! It is not amazing that God is able to use weak vessels, but that He chooses to.
So what's your purpose for living? Are you working to fulfill God's call upon your life? Everybody may be working for the weekend, but we ought to say in truth with Paul: for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 reads, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." May it ever be so!
Christians can be compared to tools in the hands of the Master Craftsman. God could have designed things that at the moment of conversion people would be immediately whisked away into eternity. But God has manifold purposes for allowing us to remain upon the earth: to share the Gospel with others, to glorify God through good works, to disciple others, to further sanctify us in preparation for future service, and to encourage, strengthen, and edify the Body of Christ. It is important for us in the Church to have the singular focus we see demonstrated in Jesus Christ and His followers. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, having been sent to the "lost sheep" of Israel. Paul recognised God had called him to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles that they too might come to faith in Christ and be saved.
Jesus always operated in the will of the Father, faithfully walking in obedience and submission to Him. Sometimes I feel like a spanner that chucks itself into running machinery rather than tightening bolts! I can forget God's purpose of why He has graciously left me here on earth. I pray that my lapses of looking away from Christ grow less and less frequent! Last night before bed, it was as if the LORD pulled back the veil from my eyes to see myself in light of His glory and it was disgusting what I saw. But thanks be to God who can fashion these flawed vessels into instruments for His glory and use! It is not amazing that God is able to use weak vessels, but that He chooses to.
So what's your purpose for living? Are you working to fulfill God's call upon your life? Everybody may be working for the weekend, but we ought to say in truth with Paul: for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 reads, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." May it ever be so!
14 July 2012
Certain Life in Christ
Life on earth is uncertain. Few people who walk out their front door in the morning think they may have a heart attack, be in a fatal car accident, or be punched unprovoked in the face and never make it home. Last night a few of us at church were discussing the recent tragic loss of an 18 year old in King's Cross. It was reported that as he talked on his mobile phone, he was "king hit" (sucker punched) in the face. When he fell backwards his head hit the footpath and he never regained consciousness. It's a nightmare no one should have to experience. Unfortunately, because of this world soaked with sin, these kind of stories seem to occur with increasing frequency. Our prayers go up for this young man, his family, and those who knew and loved him.
Due to the incident, the security of King's Cross has been much discussed in the media and government. Steps are being taken to increase the number of cameras and late-night patrols. There has been talk of reducing trading hours, increasing the public transport, and reducing the amount of liquor licenses. Whatever we can do to keep people safe is good. But even if all the talk produces real improvements in the safety of King's Cross, life still remains an uncertainly. Quoting from the preacher in "Pollyanna," "Death comes unexpectedly!" The only certainty we have in life is that it IS coming for us all. Death does not discriminate between young or old, during night or day. Death is a certainty of life.
It is only through Christ people can have a certainty of eternal life! The old saying goes, "No one lives forever." This is a false statement. Jesus overcame death at the cross, rising from the dead after three days. Death could not keep Jesus in its grip because Christ was without sin. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our LORD. For all people who die in their sins, they face eternal separation from God in unspeakable torment in hell as their wages for sins committed. Yet for those who will repent of their sins, trusting in Christ alone as Saviour, we receive the promise of eternal life. The death of the body does not mark the end: it is the beginning of life in the presence of God free from sin as He intended. Jesus says in John 11:25-26: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
So many people who go through life today have no idea of what awaits them after their body ceases to function. Do you know what awaits you? Should you die in your sins without atonement, the Bible spells it out clearly: no second chances, no hope, no life. God is a Good Judge, and He cannot allow lawbreakers to go free. For those who believe the testimony of scripture, we have the sober responsibility to warn people of the eternity that awaits them in Hell due to their sins and share the promise of forgiveness and eternal life to all who repent and trust in Christ. I'm certainly glad someone dared tell me the truth concerning my sinful condition. Let's take the time and make the effort to tell others about the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Tomorrow might be too late.
Due to the incident, the security of King's Cross has been much discussed in the media and government. Steps are being taken to increase the number of cameras and late-night patrols. There has been talk of reducing trading hours, increasing the public transport, and reducing the amount of liquor licenses. Whatever we can do to keep people safe is good. But even if all the talk produces real improvements in the safety of King's Cross, life still remains an uncertainly. Quoting from the preacher in "Pollyanna," "Death comes unexpectedly!" The only certainty we have in life is that it IS coming for us all. Death does not discriminate between young or old, during night or day. Death is a certainty of life.
It is only through Christ people can have a certainty of eternal life! The old saying goes, "No one lives forever." This is a false statement. Jesus overcame death at the cross, rising from the dead after three days. Death could not keep Jesus in its grip because Christ was without sin. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our LORD. For all people who die in their sins, they face eternal separation from God in unspeakable torment in hell as their wages for sins committed. Yet for those who will repent of their sins, trusting in Christ alone as Saviour, we receive the promise of eternal life. The death of the body does not mark the end: it is the beginning of life in the presence of God free from sin as He intended. Jesus says in John 11:25-26: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
So many people who go through life today have no idea of what awaits them after their body ceases to function. Do you know what awaits you? Should you die in your sins without atonement, the Bible spells it out clearly: no second chances, no hope, no life. God is a Good Judge, and He cannot allow lawbreakers to go free. For those who believe the testimony of scripture, we have the sober responsibility to warn people of the eternity that awaits them in Hell due to their sins and share the promise of forgiveness and eternal life to all who repent and trust in Christ. I'm certainly glad someone dared tell me the truth concerning my sinful condition. Let's take the time and make the effort to tell others about the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Tomorrow might be too late.
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