Last night I turned on a random music mix as our family washed up after dinner. As a song by the band Third Day played, I was reminded of a friend named Mark Peters who has already passed into eternity. Thinking of Mark caused me to think of Mark Rawn who also has gone been to be with the LORD while I have been living in Australia. We used to attend Calvary Chapel El Cajon together, and I was always blessed to serve alongside them.
It was a unique experience as I washed dishes and listened to the song. It was like Mark Peters and Mark Rawn were together, and they were laughing. Try as I might, in my mind I could only see them smiling broadly in supreme comfort. They were rejoicing! Could I mourn for them now, seeing they had entered into the presence of the LORD for eternity? In a strange way I almost envied them. "You don't need to cry for me when my body dies," I told my son who was in the room. Thinking about it now, that's a strange thing to say out of the blue, but I suppose my kids are fairly used to such things! He wasn't worried at all. I kept going. "I am looking forward to it. It will be my coronation day, my boy." And according to God's grace, it will be the greatest day I will have ever experienced or imagined.
Thinking about the day of my death is an emotionally moving experience for me, but perhaps not in the way you might think. There is not a shred of fear or uncertainty in my soul, but sheer joy wells up within me. I tremble not in fear but in ecstatic anticipation! Whether the day of my decease comes unexpectedly or with warning, regardless if I am in a hospital or by myself somewhere, I know I will not be alone in that moment. God will be with me, and I need not fear. Jesus is my Good Shepherd, and He is able to present me faultless before the Father with exceeding joy. He holds the keys to death and hell. It was fear of death which caused John Wesley to realise he had never been born again. It is complete rest in the prospect of death - knowing both heaven and hell are real and an eternity in hell is what I deserve - that is strong evidence of the genuineness of my salvation. Fear of God has swallowed up fear of death, for God has conquered death and given me victory through Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus Christ provides ample evidence of this reality.
Are you afraid to die? Is there any niggle of doubt in your heart or mind faced with the prospect of passing into eternity today? If you are in Christ, you need not fear. I am blessed to know God's work shall continue without me, and His provision for my family does not depend upon me either. All our needs are met in Him, and what peace and rest are available in Jesus Christ. Moses wrote in Psalm 90:12, "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." We only have so many days left, so may we use every one of them wisely: hearing God's Word and putting it into practice!
12 October 2014
Run to Win
Jesus told a parable about servants who were given a portion of money by their master before he left on a journey. They were entrusted to invest and use what their master entrusted to them wisely. Luke 19:15-17 reads, "And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
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Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.
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And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities." Jesus is coming quickly, and His reward is with Him to give to every servant according to their work (Rev. 22:12). It is God's good pleasure to give us the kingdom, and He graciously has rewards reserved for us. Should we show ourselves faithful in this life on earth, God has eternal rewards He will delight to bestow.
The thought occurred to me: if it is God's will to graciously give us rewards according to our works, it would be sinful not to earnestly desire and labour for them. We pray, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." It is God's will to give, and our negligence could deny Him this glory. God is a generous, gracious Giver. Should we be slack and slothful concerning His business, we will miss out on eternal reward God would have joyfully given. Our obedience, sacrifices, and labours of love for Christ and the Gospel will never be forgotten by God, even if ignored or despised by men. Hebrews 6:10-12 tells us, "For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."
Warren Wiersbe said that heaven is not only a destination, but a motivation. Christians are beyond blessed to receive the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Yet there is also promised eternal rewards for every believer who runs the race set before them with faithful tenacity as led by the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:24, "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it." We should not care for a participation award, but run to win the reward. It is good to start the race, but let's finish well! For most of us the finish line is closer than we think!
The thought occurred to me: if it is God's will to graciously give us rewards according to our works, it would be sinful not to earnestly desire and labour for them. We pray, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." It is God's will to give, and our negligence could deny Him this glory. God is a generous, gracious Giver. Should we be slack and slothful concerning His business, we will miss out on eternal reward God would have joyfully given. Our obedience, sacrifices, and labours of love for Christ and the Gospel will never be forgotten by God, even if ignored or despised by men. Hebrews 6:10-12 tells us, "For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."
Warren Wiersbe said that heaven is not only a destination, but a motivation. Christians are beyond blessed to receive the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Yet there is also promised eternal rewards for every believer who runs the race set before them with faithful tenacity as led by the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:24, "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it." We should not care for a participation award, but run to win the reward. It is good to start the race, but let's finish well! For most of us the finish line is closer than we think!
08 October 2014
Sin's Horrors and Christ's Hope
During camp last week, I was asked many times about what the Bible says about hell. There were questions like, "If God is so powerful, why doesn't He destroy hell?" Well, the Bible says someday He will (Rev. 20:14). Another question was, "If God loves people so much, why did He create hell?" The Bible reveals that hell was originally created for the devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41). When man chooses to be a devil and rebel against God, he chooses his own destruction. God has demonstrated His love for man by sending Jesus Christ to atone for the sins of all who repent and trust in Him in the world. God has made a way of escape available to all. It is folly to blame God for allowing eternal destruction when He has not only warned all, but given us the means to be saved through faith.
Hell is a real place of eternal torment, even as heaven is a place where Jesus shall wipe every tear from our eyes. Hell is described as a place of outer darkness where people are bound, weeping in anguish (Matt. 25:30). Jesus again and again and again spoke of how those in torment will have worms feeding on them that die not and their fire is not quenched (Mark 9:44, 46, 48). It is a place of eternal suffering, pain, regret, and sorrow. All of us have had a share of physical and emotional pain and suffering in this life, but those who die in sin will have it multiplied beyond imagination - and forever.
The knowledge of the terrors of hell ought to have a singular effect on us who still walk this planet: it provides insight of how detestable, destructive, and evil sin truly is. An eternity in the fires of hell is the only just punishment for a single lie. Think about it! We might lie and think nothing of it, just like a habitual shoplifter with sticky fingers. When the thief is caught he must return the item, pay a fine, and perhaps spend time in jail. Many legal systems declare this a just punishment for the crime. Hell is a just penalty for a single sin: that's how awful sin is! The trouble is, we often don't see the punishment of hell as fit for the crime. People complain God is too severe. That is because we do not recognise the horror of sin. Looking at the description of hell given us by Jesus shows us with crystal clarity how bad sin is. A good judge ensures justice is satisfied, and God is righteous and good to judge the wicked. Man's pathetic excuses to justify his sin before God will not stand, for the Law shuts the mouth of the most self-righteous and reveals our guilt (Rom. 3:19).
The Bible gives man the true facts concerning the nature of suffering, pain, sickness, and death in this world: they are all results of sin entering the world. These are merely symptoms of sin's infection. The pain and suffering in this world is a direct result of man's rebellion from God and passed down every generation until now. There was no death in this world until sin entered in (Romans 5:12). This world has been forever polluted by sin and will someday be dissolved (2 Peter 3:10). God will make a new heaven and new earth founded upon His righteousness where no sin can enter. Praise God He has made a way of salvation for all who repent and trust in Him! God demonstrated His love for us that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). The existence of hell is not evidence of God's wickedness or weakness, but His justice. The fact Christians will be brought faultless before the Father with joy reveals His love, grace, and mercy. God is compassionate and patient, not willing that any should perish but all should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9).
It is reasonable all men deserve hell for their sins, and impossible that a sinner should be ushered into heaven's glory. Yet what is impossible with men is possible with God. Man through sin brought suffering into the the world, but through Christ's death this can be reversed. Someday we will put off these bodies of flesh and be raised incorruptible with Christ forever. Revelation 21:3-8 says, "And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." 6 And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."
Our days spent on this earth in a sense is a little slice of both hell and heaven. For Christians it is the closest we will ever be to hell, and for unbelievers it is the closest they will ever be to heaven. Which side of that line are you on? Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:36 says, "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
Hell is a real place of eternal torment, even as heaven is a place where Jesus shall wipe every tear from our eyes. Hell is described as a place of outer darkness where people are bound, weeping in anguish (Matt. 25:30). Jesus again and again and again spoke of how those in torment will have worms feeding on them that die not and their fire is not quenched (Mark 9:44, 46, 48). It is a place of eternal suffering, pain, regret, and sorrow. All of us have had a share of physical and emotional pain and suffering in this life, but those who die in sin will have it multiplied beyond imagination - and forever.
The knowledge of the terrors of hell ought to have a singular effect on us who still walk this planet: it provides insight of how detestable, destructive, and evil sin truly is. An eternity in the fires of hell is the only just punishment for a single lie. Think about it! We might lie and think nothing of it, just like a habitual shoplifter with sticky fingers. When the thief is caught he must return the item, pay a fine, and perhaps spend time in jail. Many legal systems declare this a just punishment for the crime. Hell is a just penalty for a single sin: that's how awful sin is! The trouble is, we often don't see the punishment of hell as fit for the crime. People complain God is too severe. That is because we do not recognise the horror of sin. Looking at the description of hell given us by Jesus shows us with crystal clarity how bad sin is. A good judge ensures justice is satisfied, and God is righteous and good to judge the wicked. Man's pathetic excuses to justify his sin before God will not stand, for the Law shuts the mouth of the most self-righteous and reveals our guilt (Rom. 3:19).
The Bible gives man the true facts concerning the nature of suffering, pain, sickness, and death in this world: they are all results of sin entering the world. These are merely symptoms of sin's infection. The pain and suffering in this world is a direct result of man's rebellion from God and passed down every generation until now. There was no death in this world until sin entered in (Romans 5:12). This world has been forever polluted by sin and will someday be dissolved (2 Peter 3:10). God will make a new heaven and new earth founded upon His righteousness where no sin can enter. Praise God He has made a way of salvation for all who repent and trust in Him! God demonstrated His love for us that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). The existence of hell is not evidence of God's wickedness or weakness, but His justice. The fact Christians will be brought faultless before the Father with joy reveals His love, grace, and mercy. God is compassionate and patient, not willing that any should perish but all should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9).
It is reasonable all men deserve hell for their sins, and impossible that a sinner should be ushered into heaven's glory. Yet what is impossible with men is possible with God. Man through sin brought suffering into the the world, but through Christ's death this can be reversed. Someday we will put off these bodies of flesh and be raised incorruptible with Christ forever. Revelation 21:3-8 says, "And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." 6 And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."
Our days spent on this earth in a sense is a little slice of both hell and heaven. For Christians it is the closest we will ever be to hell, and for unbelievers it is the closest they will ever be to heaven. Which side of that line are you on? Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:36 says, "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
07 October 2014
Be Still and Know God
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
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The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah"
Psalm 46:10-11
The world is moving at a frenetic pace. The advance of technology and transport has changed the way we live, work, and play. Leisurely trips which at one time took weeks now are finished in hours. It used to be people could go on a holiday and take a break from the intrusions of the office, but now mobile devices and internet connections carry the office with them. It profits us nothing to lament the days gone by, wishing we had lived in a simpler, less technologically-savvy day. What does profit us, however, is to consider the simple command of God today: "Be still, and know that I am God."
We spend a lot of time pursuing our interests. For instance, at the moment I am trying to resolve an issue with a local company. In good faith I paid for a product which was supposed to be shipped to my address. Weeks have passed and still no delivery. I have called, emailed, and called again - without response. I found the issue was not only taking up my time but occupying my mind. God's Word this morning spoke to my heart wonderfully. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah." As I was scrambling around trying to control my unfortunate situation, God remained in complete control. Using the world's way of dealing with problems is our natural tendency. We can look to our legal rights to give us a sense of security. We can assure ourselves that we have a right to take the fight to the next level without trusting God at all.
As long as I seek to press my interests, I will never know God's peace, power, and deliverance as I should. Is God's arm shortened that He cannot save? Is He ignorant of injustice? Is He powerless to act righteously in trials we face? Our part in coordination with God is to be still. Allow Him to speak. Grant Him through your stillness the permission to perform miraculously. Realise the rest we have in Jesus Christ. Jesus was unjustly crucified and felt intense pain, yet He opened not His mouth to threaten those who did so. He spoke forth forgiveness. The refuge offered by the world is temporary and ultimately useless, for this world and the memory of it are passing away. When you are treated unfairly, how do you respond? Who is your refuge?
Be still, and know that God is God. This is not an excuse for apathy or complacency. Rather than promoting, defending, or seeking our own interests we are to purposefully seek and find rest in God. The LORD is with us, and He is our refuge. Instead of seeking to exalt ourselves, may we live to exalt Him according to His will. He will do it! May we learn to ever be casting our cares upon the LORD, for He cares for us.
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