Yesterday I was thinking how blessed we are to have God's Word written in a language we can easily understand. I most commonly read the King James and New King James versions, and my life is enriched by familiarity with both. While reading recently I came across the passage in Acts when Paul was discussing his Roman citizenship with a Roman captain. The NKJV rendering of Acts 22:28 is, "The commander answered, "With a large sum I obtained this citizenship." And Paul said, "But I was born a citizen."
When I read it in the KJV however, my eyes and understanding were further opened: "And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born." In the Strong's Concordance, the Greek word "politeia" is transliterated "citizenship" or "freedom" which means "citizenship; concretely a community, commonwealth, freedom."
When the Roman captain explained his citizenship as freedom, that grabbed by attention. Being an alien in a foreign land, I appreciate the fact that being a citizen of Australia provides freedoms I do not yet enjoy. I live in the Commonwealth, but I am not yet a beneficiary of the Commonwealth. I am not permitted to work for wages, cannot receive free public schooling for my children, health insurance, vote, or take out a loan to purchase property. Because I am not a citizen I cannot obtain an Australian passport, extend my driver's license beyond a single year, or change occupations without notifying immigration. The captain divulged to Paul that he had paid a great sum of money to become a Roman citizen. Paul replied that he was free born: becoming a Roman citizen with the freedoms and benefits was his by virtue of birth alone.
How true this is when we consider it in spiritual terms! My citizenship is in heaven because I have been born again through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have been given this freedom by the grace of God and am part of God's commonwealth. It is God's good pleasure to give to His people the kingdom! No longer am I bound by sins and guilt. Jesus affirms in John 8:36, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." It will cost me a good chunk of change to become an Australian citizen, but God has granted all who repent and trust in Him citizenship in heaven at His expense. We have been adopted as sons into His family and the benefits of royalty are ours. This freedom is not without responsibility. Many have sacrificed their lives for temporary earthly freedom: how much more valuable is eternal freedom by the grace of God?
A famous American patriot once said, "Give me liberty or give me death." In God's economy, we must die to self and die to sin to be truly free. We enter into this freedom only through Christ's death and resurrection by faith. Let's remember to thank God for the precious freedom we have through Jesus. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 says, "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
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But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." If you have been born again through Christ, you are free indeed and a citizen of heaven! Enter into to this freedom today!
23 November 2012
22 November 2012
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving from Sydney, Australia! Instead of football on TV, we are in the second day of a cricket test between Australia and South Africa. With my San Diego Chargers taking another season off from competitive, quality play, I will relish this two-ton effort from Clarke and a century from Hussey instead! For those who are curious, yes, turkey is on the menu for tonight. But I have to say, there are trappings, traditions, and people long associated with our Thanksgiving celebrations that we will miss.
I've celebrated Thanksgiving in Australia and Israel, but it's never the same as celebrating it in the States with family and friends. The good thing is that no matter where we might live in the world, God is still completely worthy of worship, honour, and praise. He never changes and remains worthy of all honour. Thanksgiving is traditionally my "favourite" holiday, but it's not because of the food, companionship of family, or the fun activity of tossing the pigskin around. From the very beginning, this holiday in particular is all about thanking God for life, provision, and blessings. While we ought to be thankful and thank God everyday, it's good to have a day set aside for that purpose.
Thank you heavenly Father for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ and eternal life provided through Him. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to regenerate my soul and empower me for your service. Thank you for the blessings of shelter, food, family, friends, clothing, and even so many things not necessary for life you graciously give us to enjoy. You are awesome, God! Be glorified now and forever! As it is written in James 1:17, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." Holy, holy, holy is the One who was, is, and will ever be!
I've celebrated Thanksgiving in Australia and Israel, but it's never the same as celebrating it in the States with family and friends. The good thing is that no matter where we might live in the world, God is still completely worthy of worship, honour, and praise. He never changes and remains worthy of all honour. Thanksgiving is traditionally my "favourite" holiday, but it's not because of the food, companionship of family, or the fun activity of tossing the pigskin around. From the very beginning, this holiday in particular is all about thanking God for life, provision, and blessings. While we ought to be thankful and thank God everyday, it's good to have a day set aside for that purpose.
Thank you heavenly Father for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ and eternal life provided through Him. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to regenerate my soul and empower me for your service. Thank you for the blessings of shelter, food, family, friends, clothing, and even so many things not necessary for life you graciously give us to enjoy. You are awesome, God! Be glorified now and forever! As it is written in James 1:17, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." Holy, holy, holy is the One who was, is, and will ever be!
20 November 2012
Extreme Climate Change!
Climate change is a common topic these days. Australia has made an effort to "go green," reducing carbon emissions and creating a "carbon price" (a tax, in other words!). I am no expert when it comes to researching scientific studies conducted to prove our climate is indeed changing permanently or we are in the middle of a long term cycle. I support conservation and efforts to keep the air, water, and land clean that God has provided us. I am convinced, however, that God has marvelously created the earth to cool, clean, and maintain itself. Man didn't make the earth, and his best efforts to preserve it will prove fruitless in the end. Using less electricity in Australia is not going to keep the polar ice caps from melting.
I have been reading through the book of The Revelation lately, the last book in the Bible. When the just wrath of God is poured out upon the earth and its inhabitants it will make the most apocalyptic movie created seem silly in comparison. Chapter 16 describes when vials of God's righteous judgments are poured out upon the earth. By that time, all people will be firmly entrenched in survival mode. The sea, rivers, and fountains of water will turn to blood. The sun will be increased in strength for the purpose of scorching people. People will be afflicted with painful sores in darkness. Catastrophic earthquakes will rend the earth and divide cities. Entire islands will be removed into the sea of blood. Great hail will fall, and the weight of a stone will be about 25 kilos (Rev. 16:21)!
I am convinced these biblical predictions will someday take place. I also believe that people will try to explain them away as "natural" phenomena. Instead of repenting of their sins and trusting in Jesus Christ, men will blaspheme the God whose just wrath is being poured out. Can you imagine the stench from the oceans turning to blood and all the creatures in the seas dying? People risk their lives to save whales from harpoons: what will they do when all the whales die in one moment? Is it an act of cruelty, that God would allow whales, fish, and crustaceans to die? No. It is an act of righteous, divine justice. Revelation 16:3-7 reads, "Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died. 4 Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel of the waters saying: "You are righteous, O Lord, the One who is and who was and who is to be, because You have judged these things. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. for it is their just due." 7 And I heard another from the altar saying, "Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments."
Death is a grave tragedy, the ultimate effect of sin. Should you be angry that animals die or that God is blasphemed daily by people He created and loves? God has gone and goes to great lengths to save people from their sins, sending His own Son Jesus to die in the place of all who will repent and believe on Him. It is sad that most people value the environment over the God who created the universe and gave them life! The gift is loved and respected more than the Giver. Day by day man adds to his guilt and a time will come when God's just wrath will be poured out upon the earth. No government, scientist, tax, or collective effort of men will be able to undo the destruction which man will rain down upon himself through unbelief and disobedience. Only one Man will make it right upon His awesome return: Jesus Christ. He will establish His rule in righteousness, and will make all things new.
Can you imagine being on a Greenpeace ship when the waters turn to blood? As far as the eye can see on every side - blood! Imagine the reek and dead fish, sharks, and whales bob to the surface, slowly suffocating in the blood. Frankly I cannot imagine the horror. The world has a lot of blood on its hands. From the blood of Abel, Christ, and those martyred today for the testimony of God, from the drug cartel slaughters in Mexico to the blood sucked up of a unborn baby in a sanitised examination room, God is keeping tabs. A day will come when it is time to answer for the bloodshed. Praise God He has made the way of salvation through the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, so we might be forgiven and free! Let us be in agreement with the angel: "Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments."
I have been reading through the book of The Revelation lately, the last book in the Bible. When the just wrath of God is poured out upon the earth and its inhabitants it will make the most apocalyptic movie created seem silly in comparison. Chapter 16 describes when vials of God's righteous judgments are poured out upon the earth. By that time, all people will be firmly entrenched in survival mode. The sea, rivers, and fountains of water will turn to blood. The sun will be increased in strength for the purpose of scorching people. People will be afflicted with painful sores in darkness. Catastrophic earthquakes will rend the earth and divide cities. Entire islands will be removed into the sea of blood. Great hail will fall, and the weight of a stone will be about 25 kilos (Rev. 16:21)!
I am convinced these biblical predictions will someday take place. I also believe that people will try to explain them away as "natural" phenomena. Instead of repenting of their sins and trusting in Jesus Christ, men will blaspheme the God whose just wrath is being poured out. Can you imagine the stench from the oceans turning to blood and all the creatures in the seas dying? People risk their lives to save whales from harpoons: what will they do when all the whales die in one moment? Is it an act of cruelty, that God would allow whales, fish, and crustaceans to die? No. It is an act of righteous, divine justice. Revelation 16:3-7 reads, "Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died. 4 Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel of the waters saying: "You are righteous, O Lord, the One who is and who was and who is to be, because You have judged these things. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. for it is their just due." 7 And I heard another from the altar saying, "Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments."
Death is a grave tragedy, the ultimate effect of sin. Should you be angry that animals die or that God is blasphemed daily by people He created and loves? God has gone and goes to great lengths to save people from their sins, sending His own Son Jesus to die in the place of all who will repent and believe on Him. It is sad that most people value the environment over the God who created the universe and gave them life! The gift is loved and respected more than the Giver. Day by day man adds to his guilt and a time will come when God's just wrath will be poured out upon the earth. No government, scientist, tax, or collective effort of men will be able to undo the destruction which man will rain down upon himself through unbelief and disobedience. Only one Man will make it right upon His awesome return: Jesus Christ. He will establish His rule in righteousness, and will make all things new.
Can you imagine being on a Greenpeace ship when the waters turn to blood? As far as the eye can see on every side - blood! Imagine the reek and dead fish, sharks, and whales bob to the surface, slowly suffocating in the blood. Frankly I cannot imagine the horror. The world has a lot of blood on its hands. From the blood of Abel, Christ, and those martyred today for the testimony of God, from the drug cartel slaughters in Mexico to the blood sucked up of a unborn baby in a sanitised examination room, God is keeping tabs. A day will come when it is time to answer for the bloodshed. Praise God He has made the way of salvation through the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, so we might be forgiven and free! Let us be in agreement with the angel: "Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments."
19 November 2012
God's Help
Benjamin Franklin is often credited with the maxim, "God helps those who help themselves." Whether or not this thinking actually originated with Mr. Franklin, it has been perpetuated even to our day. This quote is both true and false, depending on your perspective. The statement infers that God only helps those who "help themselves." If you believe that God created the world and remains in complete sovereign control over all, then it is clear that God helps people who can't help themselves. When I was enslaved by my sins, the ability to help myself was beyond me. It was only by the grace of God my eyes were opened, I came to my senses by the power of the Holy Spirit, and received the Gospel. by faith.
This statement is true in the sense that the level of faith and obedience to God I choose to walk in either restricts or frees God to further teach, guide, and empower me for His service. Because God's promises are often conditional upon my belief and obedience, the help He provides is often contingent upon me meeting God's conditions. Aspects of God's character are not conditional: He is always willing and able to accomplish what concerns me today. It is a fascinating thing that God desires to save men from their sins, but many frankly have no desire to be saved. Refusing to meet the conditions of the Gospel, countless rush to certain eternal destruction through unbelief. God would help them, God would save them - but they are unwilling to help themselves. Jesus promised to grant the Holy Spirit, also called the Helper, to those who obey Him (John 14:26, Acts 5:32).
2 Thessalonians 3:10 contains a condition: "For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat." In the infancy of the church, people shared with one another and gave to any as each had need. If someone was unwilling to work due to laziness, he should not expect the church to supply his needs. If he wanted help, he would need to help himself. Another condition which exists in scripture is the necessity to ask. James 4:2 says, "You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask." We do not need to be pedantic about making sure everyone meets certain conditions before we help them graciously. But we ought to be aware of God's conditions as revealed through scripture. Then we will understand how we must be willing to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, asking according to His will, and meeting His conditions through obedience.
It's a sad thing when people refuse to ask for help or deny they need help at all. Few things make me feel more helpless than a fervent desire to help someone who does not want help. What pain we experience when we reach out to a lost soul only to be pushed away! How sad it is when we have the words of eternal life and the ministry of reconciliation through the Gospel and people angrily reject it, as if we intended to maliciously offend! Love does not allow us to forget about those for whom Christ died. No amount of hate or vitriol can drive away the love of Christ that wells up in our hearts for those who cannot help themselves. Praise God that He is faithful, and it is He who loves us with an everlasting love. Jesus came to seek, save, and help the lost, even when we were helpless and didn't deserve it. Let's be faithful to love others and help them according to the grace and mercy God has granted us. Galatians 6:9-10 reads, "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."
This statement is true in the sense that the level of faith and obedience to God I choose to walk in either restricts or frees God to further teach, guide, and empower me for His service. Because God's promises are often conditional upon my belief and obedience, the help He provides is often contingent upon me meeting God's conditions. Aspects of God's character are not conditional: He is always willing and able to accomplish what concerns me today. It is a fascinating thing that God desires to save men from their sins, but many frankly have no desire to be saved. Refusing to meet the conditions of the Gospel, countless rush to certain eternal destruction through unbelief. God would help them, God would save them - but they are unwilling to help themselves. Jesus promised to grant the Holy Spirit, also called the Helper, to those who obey Him (John 14:26, Acts 5:32).
2 Thessalonians 3:10 contains a condition: "For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat." In the infancy of the church, people shared with one another and gave to any as each had need. If someone was unwilling to work due to laziness, he should not expect the church to supply his needs. If he wanted help, he would need to help himself. Another condition which exists in scripture is the necessity to ask. James 4:2 says, "You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask." We do not need to be pedantic about making sure everyone meets certain conditions before we help them graciously. But we ought to be aware of God's conditions as revealed through scripture. Then we will understand how we must be willing to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, asking according to His will, and meeting His conditions through obedience.
It's a sad thing when people refuse to ask for help or deny they need help at all. Few things make me feel more helpless than a fervent desire to help someone who does not want help. What pain we experience when we reach out to a lost soul only to be pushed away! How sad it is when we have the words of eternal life and the ministry of reconciliation through the Gospel and people angrily reject it, as if we intended to maliciously offend! Love does not allow us to forget about those for whom Christ died. No amount of hate or vitriol can drive away the love of Christ that wells up in our hearts for those who cannot help themselves. Praise God that He is faithful, and it is He who loves us with an everlasting love. Jesus came to seek, save, and help the lost, even when we were helpless and didn't deserve it. Let's be faithful to love others and help them according to the grace and mercy God has granted us. Galatians 6:9-10 reads, "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."
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