On United States money it is written, "In God we trust." There is a truth to be gleaned here: whatever you trust is your god. There is One God (capital G), but there are many lesser gods in this world. There are many idols people look to in place of God but are powerless to hear, speak, or save. It is ironic that atheists reject a belief in the existence of God to the end they might be god themselves. People want to claim absolute "control" of their lives and deem themselves masters of their own destiny. But how much control do we really have? We cannot keep the sun from rising, and a day will come when we cannot keep our hearts beating or our lungs breathing. Will laws stop lawbreakers? Will political discussions ensure peace? Will signing a treaty remove hatred from a man's heart? We are not masters but servants, and every day we must decide who or what we will serve..
Psalm 33:12 reads, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance." It is a happy and blessed nation who places their trust in God. More important still, after trusting God we must make Him our LORD. God chose the Jewish people not because they were strong, but because they were few and weak. Through their weakness God's strength, power, and grace would be made evident to the entire world. God has also chosen the foolish things to confound the wise, and He has called the Gentiles (non-Jews) through the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be born again and adopted into His family as His own inheritance. By grace through faith all can be grafted into the Vine, Jesus Christ, and be recipients of God's love, forgiveness, and salvation.
I visited Israel this year and am concerned with the reports I hear of the terror and bloodshed. I am saddened to hear of the rocket attacks back and forth between the Israelis and Palestinians and the loss of life. Where are the days of Jehoshaphat when the people were overwhelmed by their enemies and sought the LORD their God? These days Israel has grown strong with their nuclear arsenal, Iron dome, highly trained and specialised soldiers, vast resources, technologically advanced weapons, intelligence, and loyal allies. If they are attacked it seems they must strike back or appear weak. Is God not able to fight for them any longer? How long has it been since Israel was overwhelmed by their enemies and rejoiced to put their singers in front as they marched towards their enemies because God had promised to fight for them? Israel won a miraculous victory in the "6 Day War," and it was truly miraculous - God helped His people triumph despite impossible odds. I am convinced, however, that unless God's people turn to Him, trusting only in Him for salvation, all their gains can be lost in a moment, all their military might will crumble, and all their resources will pass into the hands of their enemies - that is, until they turn to God as their LORD who will fight for them and grant them the victory in His time and way.
I wonder: is Israel willing to stand still and see the salvation of the LORD who fights for them? 2 Chronicles 20:20-22 reads, "So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper."
21
And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: "Praise the LORD, For His mercy endures forever."
22
Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated." This is not only a historical narrative, but instructive concerning the future faced by all God's people. We need to believe in God and obey Him as LORD. Only then will we be truly blessed. It is not the aggressive nor those who retaliate violently who are blessed, but the people whose God is the LORD. It is not good policy in a fallen world to make God your defense, yet the people and nations who do will be blessed and prosper. We do not need to fight when God fights for us!
12 August 2014
11 August 2014
The Life Worth Living
As I drove home from the discipleship course at CC Sydney last night, for some reason the idea popped into my head of the heroin addict who decided he was finally going to quit for good - he just wanted to get loaded one more time. No sense in letting those drugs already purchased go to waste! But it would turn out to be the last time shooting up, because it caused an overdose which led to death. In light of the ultimate result we might see that decision to use drugs "just once more" as pathetic and foolish. The fact is, that is the picture of the natural condition of every person in the world when it comes to sin. We are all born sinners, and completely addicted to it. We are born into this world like drug babies, hooked on sin. We are rebellious degenerates who simply can't say no. For us it's always, "Just once more." Even when we say, "Never again!" it's not long before we are back at it like we never quit.
When our eyes are opened to our helpless condition and we come to Christ in repentance and faith, He is the one who sets us captives free. We can go beyond just saying "no" because we don't have to be enslaved to bondage to sin any more. Every person in the world knows the relentless power of addiction. We know how impossible it is not to worry, and how controlling our temper is beyond our power. Standing in judgment of others is as thoughtless for us as drawing breath, and wicked motives and intentions seep from our minds with every pump of our deceitful hearts. It is a view of a holy God according to the scripture which sheds light on our condition: lost, depraved, and damned. Thanks be to God, for He is a sure hope of salvation, forgiveness, help, comfort, and everlasting for all who trust in Him. He alone gives us a life worth living, and it's a life we can enjoy forever because He is in us, and we in Him.
This morning I heard shocking news of the death of comic Robin Williams, and from initial reports suicide was suspected. It is always surprising when we hear of celebrated musicians, actors, athletes, a pastor, or a friend intentionally ending their own lives. The public is often presented the glamorous side of celebrities, them posing for pictures on a red carpet wearing gowns and stylish suits. We read of their large salaries and because they are famous we assume they must be among the world's happiest people. The characters they portray on the screen or skills they possess on the field colour our view of them as people. "Oh, I loved him in that movie" some say - expressing a conditional love that can feel good at times but also bites like a tiger. Since celebrities have a public level of fame and success few people will ever experience, we figure there must be a level of satisfaction and rest in their private lives. But this is not always the case. It is folly to think more money, fame, or an arbitrary level of success brings peace in your world. It speaks to me of sheer desperation when death seems a better option than living. Live long enough on this world and the day may come when you think you are better off dead. For me I can truly say a relationship with Jesus Christ makes this life worth living, regardless of the amount of outward success or notoriety (or lack thereof!).
The preacher says in Ecclesiastes 5:10: "He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity." The Bible reveals this is the human condition apart from Christ. Even those who have a relationship with God can be staggered by depression, grief, and personal loss. There is always a potential that we will seek ways to numb feelings with drugs, alcohol, through work, escapism, games, sport, sex, body image, even comedy. We must embrace more activity - even Christian service - to lose ourselves so we can cope with our pain, disappointment, worries, or insecurities. Jesus said in Matthew 16:25, "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." It is easy to lose ourselves in so many things: work, addictions, entertainment, chemicals, activities, and the list goes on. We human beings have been fashioned in God's image and therefore have a need of dependance upon Him, even as an human embryo naturally must grow in the womb of the mother. It is only through being born again through the Gospel that we experience the life God intended for us on earth and into eternity, a life filled with love, joy, and peace.
When I hear of someone dying, I am confronted with not only my limited life span on earth, but the mortality of everyone on this world who does not know Jesus Christ. There are also many people who know Jesus and struggle with depression, anxieties, and sins. As long as we are in this body of flesh, there will be struggles. But take heart, for Jesus is a Deliverer and Redeemer of all who come to Him in faith. We are sinners, but He is a Saviour. He heals broken hearts and lives. If we are hungry we can partake of Him, and if we are thirsty He will provide Living Water. It is natural for us to grab all the world can possibly offer to gratify the flesh, but we are insatiable. There is a part of a man that remains troubled apart from Christ, no matter what he does or what he has. The Godfather made offers no one could refuse, but Jesus Christ has offered Himself - with the freedom of refusal. Will you refuse the one who loves you and died for your sins? Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-29, "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."
When our eyes are opened to our helpless condition and we come to Christ in repentance and faith, He is the one who sets us captives free. We can go beyond just saying "no" because we don't have to be enslaved to bondage to sin any more. Every person in the world knows the relentless power of addiction. We know how impossible it is not to worry, and how controlling our temper is beyond our power. Standing in judgment of others is as thoughtless for us as drawing breath, and wicked motives and intentions seep from our minds with every pump of our deceitful hearts. It is a view of a holy God according to the scripture which sheds light on our condition: lost, depraved, and damned. Thanks be to God, for He is a sure hope of salvation, forgiveness, help, comfort, and everlasting for all who trust in Him. He alone gives us a life worth living, and it's a life we can enjoy forever because He is in us, and we in Him.
This morning I heard shocking news of the death of comic Robin Williams, and from initial reports suicide was suspected. It is always surprising when we hear of celebrated musicians, actors, athletes, a pastor, or a friend intentionally ending their own lives. The public is often presented the glamorous side of celebrities, them posing for pictures on a red carpet wearing gowns and stylish suits. We read of their large salaries and because they are famous we assume they must be among the world's happiest people. The characters they portray on the screen or skills they possess on the field colour our view of them as people. "Oh, I loved him in that movie" some say - expressing a conditional love that can feel good at times but also bites like a tiger. Since celebrities have a public level of fame and success few people will ever experience, we figure there must be a level of satisfaction and rest in their private lives. But this is not always the case. It is folly to think more money, fame, or an arbitrary level of success brings peace in your world. It speaks to me of sheer desperation when death seems a better option than living. Live long enough on this world and the day may come when you think you are better off dead. For me I can truly say a relationship with Jesus Christ makes this life worth living, regardless of the amount of outward success or notoriety (or lack thereof!).
The preacher says in Ecclesiastes 5:10: "He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity." The Bible reveals this is the human condition apart from Christ. Even those who have a relationship with God can be staggered by depression, grief, and personal loss. There is always a potential that we will seek ways to numb feelings with drugs, alcohol, through work, escapism, games, sport, sex, body image, even comedy. We must embrace more activity - even Christian service - to lose ourselves so we can cope with our pain, disappointment, worries, or insecurities. Jesus said in Matthew 16:25, "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." It is easy to lose ourselves in so many things: work, addictions, entertainment, chemicals, activities, and the list goes on. We human beings have been fashioned in God's image and therefore have a need of dependance upon Him, even as an human embryo naturally must grow in the womb of the mother. It is only through being born again through the Gospel that we experience the life God intended for us on earth and into eternity, a life filled with love, joy, and peace.
When I hear of someone dying, I am confronted with not only my limited life span on earth, but the mortality of everyone on this world who does not know Jesus Christ. There are also many people who know Jesus and struggle with depression, anxieties, and sins. As long as we are in this body of flesh, there will be struggles. But take heart, for Jesus is a Deliverer and Redeemer of all who come to Him in faith. We are sinners, but He is a Saviour. He heals broken hearts and lives. If we are hungry we can partake of Him, and if we are thirsty He will provide Living Water. It is natural for us to grab all the world can possibly offer to gratify the flesh, but we are insatiable. There is a part of a man that remains troubled apart from Christ, no matter what he does or what he has. The Godfather made offers no one could refuse, but Jesus Christ has offered Himself - with the freedom of refusal. Will you refuse the one who loves you and died for your sins? Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-29, "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."
The Faith of the Son of God
I love it when God illuminates a scripture in a fresh way. Yesterday I was reading the Bible waiting for my number to be called in the Medicare office and read Galatians 2:20 in the King James Version: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." There is a subtle difference from the New King James I found most illuminating. I point this out not for the purpose of pitting one translation over another, but it shed light on another facet of God's truth I had not yet considered. The New King James Versions reads, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." I do not believe one of these is "right" and therefore the other is "wrong," but they both hold forth important God-breathed truth.
Do you see the difference? The NKJV renders Paul's statement "...the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God." Christians realise our life is intended to be one marked by active reliance in Christ, delighting to do His will. We place our trust in Christ, and as we walk in obedience the life of Christ is lived out through us. Now compare this with the wording of the KJV: "...the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God." I found this remarkable. Not only do we live by faith in Christ, but we live by the faith of the Son of God. The faith we possess is a gift from God. We cannot muster or manufacture such a response to God in our flesh. God has dealt to each person a measure of faith, and our faith can be increased as we step out in obedience and see God's faithfulness.
The genuine faith we possess, therefore, is of the exact kind Jesus demonstrated when He went to the cross for the sins of the world in obedience to the Father. The very fabric of our faith is cut from Christ's faith. Our spiritual DNA is the same, having been filled with the same Spirit and same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:19-23 tells us we were not purchased with corruptible things "...but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever." Our faith and hope is to be in God, and now the life that we live is to be a demonstration of the faith of the Son of God, even as we love one another as He has loved us.
This is just another example of how the living Word of God is powerful, packed with truth, and applicable to our lives. God's Word will never pass away, and the wisdom and power of it will not be exhausted for eternity. Of making books there is not end, yet there will never be another book like the Bible that searches hearts, convicts of sin, is a lamp to our path, and will remain relevant and fresh for all time. You who are hungry dig into God's Word, for a feast awaits!
Do you see the difference? The NKJV renders Paul's statement "...the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God." Christians realise our life is intended to be one marked by active reliance in Christ, delighting to do His will. We place our trust in Christ, and as we walk in obedience the life of Christ is lived out through us. Now compare this with the wording of the KJV: "...the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God." I found this remarkable. Not only do we live by faith in Christ, but we live by the faith of the Son of God. The faith we possess is a gift from God. We cannot muster or manufacture such a response to God in our flesh. God has dealt to each person a measure of faith, and our faith can be increased as we step out in obedience and see God's faithfulness.
The genuine faith we possess, therefore, is of the exact kind Jesus demonstrated when He went to the cross for the sins of the world in obedience to the Father. The very fabric of our faith is cut from Christ's faith. Our spiritual DNA is the same, having been filled with the same Spirit and same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:19-23 tells us we were not purchased with corruptible things "...but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever." Our faith and hope is to be in God, and now the life that we live is to be a demonstration of the faith of the Son of God, even as we love one another as He has loved us.
This is just another example of how the living Word of God is powerful, packed with truth, and applicable to our lives. God's Word will never pass away, and the wisdom and power of it will not be exhausted for eternity. Of making books there is not end, yet there will never be another book like the Bible that searches hearts, convicts of sin, is a lamp to our path, and will remain relevant and fresh for all time. You who are hungry dig into God's Word, for a feast awaits!
07 August 2014
Reaffirm Your Love
"Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.
9
For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things.
10
Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ,
11
lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices."
2 Corinthians 2:8-11
In his prior letter to the church in Corinth, Paul had exhorted the church to take seriously their responsibility to discipline a member of their fellowship who was living in sin. The purpose of church discipline is not to punish or humiliate people, but for their ultimate restoration to a close relationship with God and his people. The man repented of his sinful lifestyle and was truly penitent. Paul exhorted them to forgive and comfort the man. He urged them to "reaffirm your love to him." This is a lovely benefit of being a part of the Body of Christ, the Church. People will know we are Christians by our love for one another, even after mistakes have been made.
Paul concluded this section with an interesting observation, that Satan is able to take advantage of those who do not forgive. Love keeps no record of wrongs, but unforgiveness and bitterness continue to claim wrongs and judge others as perpetually guilty. Unforgiveness, disobedience, and all manner of sin cultivated in our hearts become tools of the devil, his effective devices to influence and deceive individuals who comprise the Church. Satan cannot destroy the church, but he can sow discord and divide. We are not ignorant of Satan's devices because we have all employed his tactics freely and liberally before we became Christians. Perhaps Satan hoped to use the sinning man or Paul's strong rebuke to drive a wedge between relationships, to splinter and divide the church. Thankfully his schemes were thwarted: the church responded obediently, the man repented and was restored, and Paul encouraged them to reaffirm their love to him.
I am convinced confirmation of love is good evidence we have actually forgiven someone. Sometimes we confuse forgiveness with "renewed agreement of civil toleration." The words, "I forgive you" may have tumbled out of our mouths, but sometimes our affections towards the offending party cool. Perhaps we do not feel they have suffered enough or have been let off easily. We remember their cutting words and evil deeds and the pain remains fresh. We are Christians, so we will agree to tolerate their presence. We know if we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us. So we shake their hand and smile, perhaps even sharing light conversation. If we would be honest, we do not prefer to be around them. For all we care, they can disappear and take their baggage along with them! But we cannot blame them for our disobedience in refusing to forgive. Forgiveness is an act of faith enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is a decision to transfer their sin toward us upon Christ, even as our trespasses have been laid upon Him! We need to walk in the Spirit to love as well. Then the joy of the LORD will be our strength, and the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds. We will rejoice to affirm our love in practical ways, and begin to live in the liberty Christ has granted us by grace.
Isn't it great that God forgives our sin, reaffirms His love for us, and speaks comfort to our hearts? How many practical ways God has demonstrated and confirmed His love for me again and again. Instead of allowing Satan to take advantage of us through unforgiveness, let us forgive and affirm our love for one another. The demonstration of God's love compels us to love one another, a tangible testimony to the church and the world of God's love that never fails.
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