Yesterday I finished the book There Is A God, a book by Anthony Flew. For fifty years he was a leading atheist and professional philosopher who denied and argued against the existence of God. He was an adherent to the Socratic principle of "following the evidence wherever it leads." After half a century of being an atheist, Anthony Flew startled the world by saying he had changed his mind. The overwhelming array of evidence convinced Flew of the existence of a "God" he describes as "self-existent, immutable, immaterial, omnipotent, and omniscient Being." (pg. 155)
It is a very satisfying thought that Anthony Flew was a man of such distinction and quality in the field of philosophy for fifty years and arrived to a place of believing in God based upon the evidence. The book primarily interested me because I was curious what earth-shattering evidence would make an atheist change to a deist. In a way, reading the book was a little anti-climactic. Why? Because the evidence he speaks of is the exact same evidence that already confirmed God's existence to me! I do not consider myself an intellectual or academic, and indeed I am not. I have not taught philosophy at a any level for a single class, nor have I been exposed to the breadth of evidence Anthony Flew has. He graduated from Oxford and later taught there, and I went to a Junior College and later worked in construction! Yet we have arrived at the same place: we both believe God exists.
I am reminded of the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 11:25-27: "At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.
26
Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.
27
All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him." Consider the goodness and grace of God, that He would reveal Himself to babes! There are intellectuals who can tie my brain in a knot with a sentence who are devoid of the knowledge of God. They wrestle for years over problems that Jesus Christ unravels with a single verse of scripture when guided by the Holy Spirit. People debate, argue, and draw battle lines over philosophies or ethics which have been simply declared by God. I have heard men dogmatically speak of the elegance of their scientific theories while being bankrupt of the true wisdom of God. God turns the wisdom of such into foolishness. God's wisdom is so much higher, pure, and altogether wonderful man's greatest discoveries or triumphs cannot compare. All the intricate and amazing discoveries man makes today only add evidence to support the existence of God - not deny Him.
It is one thing to acknowledge God. It is another thing altogether to know Him. God has made this possible through the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus says, "No one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him." If we seek to intimately know the Father, we do so only through the Son Jesus Christ. What is the next thing Jesus says in the passage? Matthew 11:28-30 says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Science and philosophy alone cannot account for the fundamental needs and desires of human beings. There are no suitable answers for the yearning God has placed in the human heart for love, acceptance, and life. Jesus not only supplies answers, but He is the substance, the personification of God's wisdom made accessible to man. Believing that God exists is the first step towards salvation found ultimately in Jesus Christ, a risen LORD and Saviour.
You believe God exists? Then seek after Him with your whole heart. God's Word promises in Deuteronomy 4:29, "But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul." He desires that you know Him and abide with Him forever! That is a reason God has given us evidence of His existence. May He open our eyes to see Him, our ears to hear Him, and our hearts to receive Him!
12 March 2013
11 March 2013
Faith and Politics
An article I read the other day still has me thinking. It was a write-up of a "60 Minute" interview of Tony Abbott, Leader of the Opposition and potential candidate for the Prime Minister role at the next national election. The article reads, "Mr Abbott, who once trained for the priesthood, said religion would not play a part in how he would govern if he won office. He said faith was important and had helped shape him as a person. "But it must never, never dictate my politics,'' he said." I frankly admit I struggle with the concept that it is admirable for a man's character and principles not to dictate the decisions he makes in political office. Looking at the quote from another tack, I wonder if these words can possibly be true. Politics has the potential to rip the heart and will out of the very people in whose hands rest the power to forge government according to the same faith and values which made that person a fit candidate to lead in the first place!
This goes way deeper than politics, of course. There are many people with genuine faith in God that never allow it to dictate their way of doing business, their way of parenting, their way of conducting their lives outside the confines of a church building. What good is your faith unless it is lived out? What profit is there is a mental ascent to truth which never reveals itself in your actions? What good is it to have Christians in public office unless they are willing to live like Christians? I understand being a politician today is the art of rhetoric, posturing, sympathising, party and self-promotion, and offering future promises. It is about working together with people and groups which are often fiercely divided, making demands or offering concessions if it aids the party to promote legislation and policies. Parties in government seek to provide "checks and balances" to limit one group from having all the power. Because in Australia we have a representative government, it makes sense that a Prime Minister whose job it is to represent their party should not allow their personal convictions to dictate policy. The Prime Minister is not a king who makes all the laws as he personally sees fit. He must operate within the current system. But here is the point: IF the Prime Minister is first a servant of the King of Kings Jesus Christ, and second a public servant in Australian politics, should his or her faith in God "play a part in how he or she governs" through decisions and policies?
I expect there to be a divide between the answers. I expect people to answer "Yes," "No," and "Yes and no!" When we share beliefs and principles with people in office, it is natural we would desire they openly uphold them with their policies. But when people with views contrary to ours hold office, we appreciate when they show restraint in adopting hard lines according to their personal views. Perhaps this is a bit of a double standard. People are amazingly hard to please. Christian bands have been rejected by people because they are "too Christian" and others because they are "too worldly." It is hard to know if we merely toe or cross the arbitrary lines of public favour. It is fine and good to have an opinion of others, but how carefully have we examined the way we conduct our own lives? It is a double standard we ought not to perpetuate, no matter what others do. What or who dictates your principles, character, and decisions? Maybe being a good Christian means you are a bad politician. I believe Christians make the best politicians, but only when they allow God to dictate their politics as well as every other part of their lives. Those who have submitted under the rule of Christ in humility are made fit by the Holy Spirit to wield authority governed by love. Each must make his own decision of how he will live, for we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Every Christian will have his works put through the fire.
If we would only weigh our words, attitudes, thoughts, and actions according to scriptural truth now, we will undoubtedly have more to show for our efforts when we enter into eternal rest. To stand in judgment of politicians is useless. Let us examine our own hearts and work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Why do we labour to please men and forget about glorifying God? Man is impossible to please. Is there any cost or sacrifice too great when it comes to pleasing God?
This goes way deeper than politics, of course. There are many people with genuine faith in God that never allow it to dictate their way of doing business, their way of parenting, their way of conducting their lives outside the confines of a church building. What good is your faith unless it is lived out? What profit is there is a mental ascent to truth which never reveals itself in your actions? What good is it to have Christians in public office unless they are willing to live like Christians? I understand being a politician today is the art of rhetoric, posturing, sympathising, party and self-promotion, and offering future promises. It is about working together with people and groups which are often fiercely divided, making demands or offering concessions if it aids the party to promote legislation and policies. Parties in government seek to provide "checks and balances" to limit one group from having all the power. Because in Australia we have a representative government, it makes sense that a Prime Minister whose job it is to represent their party should not allow their personal convictions to dictate policy. The Prime Minister is not a king who makes all the laws as he personally sees fit. He must operate within the current system. But here is the point: IF the Prime Minister is first a servant of the King of Kings Jesus Christ, and second a public servant in Australian politics, should his or her faith in God "play a part in how he or she governs" through decisions and policies?
I expect there to be a divide between the answers. I expect people to answer "Yes," "No," and "Yes and no!" When we share beliefs and principles with people in office, it is natural we would desire they openly uphold them with their policies. But when people with views contrary to ours hold office, we appreciate when they show restraint in adopting hard lines according to their personal views. Perhaps this is a bit of a double standard. People are amazingly hard to please. Christian bands have been rejected by people because they are "too Christian" and others because they are "too worldly." It is hard to know if we merely toe or cross the arbitrary lines of public favour. It is fine and good to have an opinion of others, but how carefully have we examined the way we conduct our own lives? It is a double standard we ought not to perpetuate, no matter what others do. What or who dictates your principles, character, and decisions? Maybe being a good Christian means you are a bad politician. I believe Christians make the best politicians, but only when they allow God to dictate their politics as well as every other part of their lives. Those who have submitted under the rule of Christ in humility are made fit by the Holy Spirit to wield authority governed by love. Each must make his own decision of how he will live, for we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Every Christian will have his works put through the fire.
If we would only weigh our words, attitudes, thoughts, and actions according to scriptural truth now, we will undoubtedly have more to show for our efforts when we enter into eternal rest. To stand in judgment of politicians is useless. Let us examine our own hearts and work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Why do we labour to please men and forget about glorifying God? Man is impossible to please. Is there any cost or sacrifice too great when it comes to pleasing God?
10 March 2013
Do You Need Him?
When speaking of Christian ministry I have heard many people say, "God doesn't need us." I agree with the statement. He loves us and has chosen to use people as His instruments and vessels - along with angels, storms, plagues, and even donkeys. It is a good mind set to keep as we abide in Christ: God doesn't need me, but I really need Him! He is able to raise up servants of Abraham from stones if need be. That being said, He has opened the doors of heaven and invited all who will repent, believe the Gospel, and enter by faith. God has given Himself to those who obey Him in the person of the Holy Spirit. God is the one who makes us useful and profitable for His glory.
As I was reading the scriptures last night, I saw this truth illustrated in wonderful fashion. Jesus had risen from the dead and Peter announced to fellow followers of Jesus: "I'm going fishing!" It sounded like a good idea and they all went along. They fished all night long from a boat and caught absolutely nothing. When morning came, they saw a man on the beach who called out to them. "Hey boys! Caught your breakfast yet?" No, they said. The man on the beach shouted out, "Cast your net over the right side of the boat, and you'll find fish." I wonder the thoughts that passed through the men as they muttered to each other in frustration, fatigued by fishing the night through. Who cares what side of the boat you fish from? It's a boat, for crying out loud! Their thoughts of the fishing "expert" instantly left them when their nets hit the water, for they were suddenly full to the breaking point with fish. Unable to lift the heavy catch, they started rowing for shore. It became evident this curious man on the beach was none other than Jesus Christ, their risen LORD.
The thing which I find interesting is when the fishermen lug the packed net to shore, they found Jesus already had a fire of coals with fish and bread cooking. The net was miraculously free from any damage. Jesus knew the disciples would catch fish, for He was clearly the cause. But Jesus chose not to wait to use any fish from the catch to feed his weary disciples. Whether the cooking fish was as a result of a miracle or He bought the fish at the market, I cannot say. But what I can say is the fish Jesus provided was enough to feed them all - without the miraculous catch. After the fish were laid out and counted - 153 large fish to be precise - Jesus invited the men to eat what He had already prepared. The need for breakfast was supplied by Christ before the men caught a single fish. Yet when they were obedient to His directives, their efforts were rewarded with abundance.
As they ate together, Jesus used the great catch as an object lesson. John 21:15 reads, "So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." In my mind I see Jesus waving His nail-scarred hand towards the fish Simon had been futilely trying to catch all night without result: "Do you love me more than these?" Jesus did not want to be loved merely as a cause for fishing success, or because He provided food for Peter's belly. At that moment Peter needed to make a decision. Jesus did not need Peter's efforts to spread the Gospel. Peter's best labour and energy in his flesh would avail nothing for the kingdom of God. Jesus did not need Peter, but He loved and wanted him. Peter responded, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." His life would prove that Peter spoke the truth and indeed loved Him. We never read of Peter fishing for fish again, for through the Holy Spirit Jesus would make Peter a bold, effective fisher of men.
God doesn't need us to do anything because He is sufficient in Himself. Yet He has invited, redeemed, accepted us and granted us the awesome privilege of serving Him. We serve by permission, not by commandment. Praise God for such grace and love, that He calls to us and directs our lives according to His perfect will. The thing you are willing to chase all night to catch, the thing you labour for and consumes your thought, that is the thing that Jesus points to and says, "Do you love me more than this?" Let us love Jesus most of all, for only He can supply our needs.
As I was reading the scriptures last night, I saw this truth illustrated in wonderful fashion. Jesus had risen from the dead and Peter announced to fellow followers of Jesus: "I'm going fishing!" It sounded like a good idea and they all went along. They fished all night long from a boat and caught absolutely nothing. When morning came, they saw a man on the beach who called out to them. "Hey boys! Caught your breakfast yet?" No, they said. The man on the beach shouted out, "Cast your net over the right side of the boat, and you'll find fish." I wonder the thoughts that passed through the men as they muttered to each other in frustration, fatigued by fishing the night through. Who cares what side of the boat you fish from? It's a boat, for crying out loud! Their thoughts of the fishing "expert" instantly left them when their nets hit the water, for they were suddenly full to the breaking point with fish. Unable to lift the heavy catch, they started rowing for shore. It became evident this curious man on the beach was none other than Jesus Christ, their risen LORD.
The thing which I find interesting is when the fishermen lug the packed net to shore, they found Jesus already had a fire of coals with fish and bread cooking. The net was miraculously free from any damage. Jesus knew the disciples would catch fish, for He was clearly the cause. But Jesus chose not to wait to use any fish from the catch to feed his weary disciples. Whether the cooking fish was as a result of a miracle or He bought the fish at the market, I cannot say. But what I can say is the fish Jesus provided was enough to feed them all - without the miraculous catch. After the fish were laid out and counted - 153 large fish to be precise - Jesus invited the men to eat what He had already prepared. The need for breakfast was supplied by Christ before the men caught a single fish. Yet when they were obedient to His directives, their efforts were rewarded with abundance.
As they ate together, Jesus used the great catch as an object lesson. John 21:15 reads, "So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." In my mind I see Jesus waving His nail-scarred hand towards the fish Simon had been futilely trying to catch all night without result: "Do you love me more than these?" Jesus did not want to be loved merely as a cause for fishing success, or because He provided food for Peter's belly. At that moment Peter needed to make a decision. Jesus did not need Peter's efforts to spread the Gospel. Peter's best labour and energy in his flesh would avail nothing for the kingdom of God. Jesus did not need Peter, but He loved and wanted him. Peter responded, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." His life would prove that Peter spoke the truth and indeed loved Him. We never read of Peter fishing for fish again, for through the Holy Spirit Jesus would make Peter a bold, effective fisher of men.
God doesn't need us to do anything because He is sufficient in Himself. Yet He has invited, redeemed, accepted us and granted us the awesome privilege of serving Him. We serve by permission, not by commandment. Praise God for such grace and love, that He calls to us and directs our lives according to His perfect will. The thing you are willing to chase all night to catch, the thing you labour for and consumes your thought, that is the thing that Jesus points to and says, "Do you love me more than this?" Let us love Jesus most of all, for only He can supply our needs.
09 March 2013
Bridging Visa and Building Houses
From the moment God began to establish our family in Australia, I have looked upon it as a permanent move. When it comes to serving God in a foreign field, there can be an overwhelming amount of "unknowns." The timing for visa approval, God's provision of money, and the administration of paperwork are just a few of them. There is much that lays outside our ability to directly control. The stress level of our lives has been greatly eased through committing those things into God's capable hands. The call is to be casting our cares upon Him, and God helping us we do. We are called to be faithful to do our part, and God will be faithful to fulfill His Word. We sow the seed, and He will make it grow.
We came to Australia over two years ago on a tourist visa. While in country we applied for a 428 Religious Worker's visa and a bridging visa was issued. It was later approved and allowed us to stay in country for two years. After the two years the 428 Religious Worker's Visa could be renewed. But last year our family received a letter in July which notified us that the 428 visa was no longer a path to permanent residency. That would have been bad news by itself. We were informed, however, that the church could nominate me under a Minister of Religion Visa which is a permanent residency visa. That was welcome news indeed! The church has now lodged the nomination and application with Australian immigration and we have been notified that a bridging visa is now in place. Instead of having to leave the country in April, we can now stay in country until the visa application is completely resolved. At the moment it appears we will be in Australia for a while - and God willing permanently!
Even before our family immigrated to Australia, God directed me to take to heart Jeremiah 29:5-7: "Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. 6 Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters--that you may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace." When we face uncertainty, the temptation is to hold back from putting down deep roots. God used this passage to impress upon my heart that whether He has us in Australia for two years or seventy years, live like this is our permanent home. As citizens of heaven we recognise this is not our real home, but we are to commit ourselves fully to the people, work, activities, and culture of our new home. Instead of pining for what is old, comfortable, and familiar, we must open our arms and hearts to these beautiful people God has called us to serve without reservation. We should enroll the kids in school for the year, buy that second car we need, renew the insurance for the whole year, and live trusting that God has placed us here according to His will. Jeremiah 29 influenced me to live like we aren't going anywhere!
This is a great illustration for people who believe God has called them into a particular ministry. Because God has revealed a call for them to serve in a specific role - say a pastor - they are reluctant to serve in other capacities. Or perhaps they see their church fellowship languishing and begin to sit in judgment, withholding contributions of time and resources. Let me encourage you: wherever God has you in fellowship, give Him your all. Serve with all your might no matter how long you might remain at the fellowship. Build houses, plant gardens, and eat of their fruit. Get married, settle down! I offer these not as literal commands for you to perform, but to keep in mind the principle God intends. A day may come when God moves you into a new arena of ministry, a day when the calling upon your life sees ultimate fruition, that day when you have a one-way ticket to a foreign country! But as long as God tarries, wait on the LORD. Many people succumb to waiting for the LORD. They are always waiting for God to do something before they obey in the first place. They never put down roots and begin to wilt. Start serving and labouring for God's glory right where He has you and when God moves you, continue serving like you won't be going anywhere for a while.
I praise God for the bridging visa He has provided for our family, and our prayer is that our application for permanent residency will be quickly approved. I desire to spend and be spent for Jesus Christ in Australia for His glory, for He is worthy of all honour. I am grateful for the friends and family who have greatly enriched our lives during these two years. No doubt God has much more to do both in and through us here!
We came to Australia over two years ago on a tourist visa. While in country we applied for a 428 Religious Worker's visa and a bridging visa was issued. It was later approved and allowed us to stay in country for two years. After the two years the 428 Religious Worker's Visa could be renewed. But last year our family received a letter in July which notified us that the 428 visa was no longer a path to permanent residency. That would have been bad news by itself. We were informed, however, that the church could nominate me under a Minister of Religion Visa which is a permanent residency visa. That was welcome news indeed! The church has now lodged the nomination and application with Australian immigration and we have been notified that a bridging visa is now in place. Instead of having to leave the country in April, we can now stay in country until the visa application is completely resolved. At the moment it appears we will be in Australia for a while - and God willing permanently!
Even before our family immigrated to Australia, God directed me to take to heart Jeremiah 29:5-7: "Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. 6 Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters--that you may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace." When we face uncertainty, the temptation is to hold back from putting down deep roots. God used this passage to impress upon my heart that whether He has us in Australia for two years or seventy years, live like this is our permanent home. As citizens of heaven we recognise this is not our real home, but we are to commit ourselves fully to the people, work, activities, and culture of our new home. Instead of pining for what is old, comfortable, and familiar, we must open our arms and hearts to these beautiful people God has called us to serve without reservation. We should enroll the kids in school for the year, buy that second car we need, renew the insurance for the whole year, and live trusting that God has placed us here according to His will. Jeremiah 29 influenced me to live like we aren't going anywhere!
This is a great illustration for people who believe God has called them into a particular ministry. Because God has revealed a call for them to serve in a specific role - say a pastor - they are reluctant to serve in other capacities. Or perhaps they see their church fellowship languishing and begin to sit in judgment, withholding contributions of time and resources. Let me encourage you: wherever God has you in fellowship, give Him your all. Serve with all your might no matter how long you might remain at the fellowship. Build houses, plant gardens, and eat of their fruit. Get married, settle down! I offer these not as literal commands for you to perform, but to keep in mind the principle God intends. A day may come when God moves you into a new arena of ministry, a day when the calling upon your life sees ultimate fruition, that day when you have a one-way ticket to a foreign country! But as long as God tarries, wait on the LORD. Many people succumb to waiting for the LORD. They are always waiting for God to do something before they obey in the first place. They never put down roots and begin to wilt. Start serving and labouring for God's glory right where He has you and when God moves you, continue serving like you won't be going anywhere for a while.
I praise God for the bridging visa He has provided for our family, and our prayer is that our application for permanent residency will be quickly approved. I desire to spend and be spent for Jesus Christ in Australia for His glory, for He is worthy of all honour. I am grateful for the friends and family who have greatly enriched our lives during these two years. No doubt God has much more to do both in and through us here!
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