22 February 2015

Humble Yourselves

Have you ever listened to your own prayers to God?  It is important our prayers reflect faith in God's revealed truth in His Word.  Sometimes our prayers do not demonstrate we trust the Bible.  We can beg God to "be with us" when He has promised never to leave or forsake us!  We can also pray for God to do things we are primarily responsible to do.  Through God's Spirit we are enabled respond supernaturally to God's grace and love as His adopted children, even as a flower turns toward the sun.

I was singing along with a familiar worship song which went, "Oh Spirit come make us humble."  It occurred to me it is true that only God can truly humble a man.  This is demonstrated in the scriptures when God humbled His people (Deut. 8:3; 16).  As I sang the words in church, it dawned on me this request for humbling by the Spirit is not a term of phrase found in scripture.  There are many times, however, where men are told to humble themselves.  Man has a responsibility to cooperate with God, to willingly humble himself before God who has freed us from pride and bondage to sin.  The biblical evidence overwhelmingly emphasises the need for man to humble himself before God.  Jesus said in Matthew 23:12, "And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."  James 4:10 states, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."  1 Peter 5:6-7 reads, "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

We are called to humble ourselves, knowing it is God who enables us to do so by His grace.  If we do not humble ourselves, it is not because God lacks power or ability:  it is that we have refused to submit ourselves to Him in obedience and lowliness of mind.  We begin to walk in humility when we recognise God is awesome, and we are unworthy of God's goodness, love, forgiveness, and grace.  It is not attained through self-loathing or preoccupation with self at all, but a heart set on lifting up the glorious name of God in praise, worship, and obedience.  The LORD said through the prophet in Isaiah 57:15:  "For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."  When we humble ourselves before God, He will revive us, draw us to Himself, and lift us up.  Praise the LORD it is He who enables us to do this!

21 February 2015

Is Justice Fair?

One of the recurring themes throughout the book of Judges and has been observed among people in the world ever since is, "every man did what was right in his own eyes."  The Proverbs say most men will proclaim their own goodness, but there is not a good man among them (Prov. 20:6).  The way of a man seems right to him, but the inevitable end is death (Prov. 14:12).  Only God is good, and His righteous standard proclaimed in scripture is absolute.

A reality of this corrupted world is all things degrade.  Our bodies break down, grow old and decay.  Biblical morality, principles once firmly established in the fabric of society, over time are easily cast aside.  As generations overtake generations, even the meaning of words can be dumbed-down into sloppy generalisations.  Take justice, for instance.  The 1828 Webster's Dictionary defines justice like this:  "1) the virtue which consists in giving to everyone what is his due; practical conformity to the laws and to principles of rectitude in the dealings of men with each other, honesty, integrity; 2) impartiality, equal distribution of right in expressing opinions, fair representation of facts respecting merit or demerit, it is a duty to do justice to every man, whether friend or foe; 3) equity, agreeableness to right; 4) vindictive retribution, merited punishment; 5) right, application of equity.”  Compare this definition with the first like of the American Heritage Dictionary:  "the quality of being just; fairness."  In the very first line, the modern dictionary uses a word not found in the definition over a hundred and eighty or so years ago:  "fairness."  It may seem trite, but it represents a significant shift in the way many view justice today.

When the word "fair" is used today, it means something which is pleasant or appealing to our eyes.  It can be commonly used as a synonym for justice.  But justice has nothing to do with being fair.  Justice is righteousness.  Justice is an absolute standard established by God's righteousness, for only God is Just.  To say God is "fair" is an adulteration of the language, for God never claims to be fair:  He does not always do what is pleasing to man's eyes.  Justice is the upholding of God's righteousness.  Fairness is largely subjective, based upon what way seems right in the eyes of man.  I am not suggesting that fairness and justice cannot intersect.  What I am saying is because of the modern meaning of the word "justice," we apply that subjective standard to God and feel at liberty to stand in judgment of His ways.  This brings us back to how important the scripture is to shape our understanding of what true justice is in Proverbs 16:25:  "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."  Our idea of fair is not always righteous.  Unlike the words we commonly use, God is perfect and does not change!  Turn to the Word of God, and it will be a lamp unto your feet and a light to your path.  It will never lead you wrong!

19 February 2015

Righteousness and Relevance

There is a push in many churches today to be more "relevant."  In an attempt to be relevant by allowing culture to dictate belief or emphasis above the Word of God, the church becomes more irrelevant than ever.  A church is only as relevant as it is righteous.  A church pandering to humanism and traditions of men has nothing of eternal value to offer anyone.  The church does not suddenly become relevant because the pastor is a hipster, the media department produces eye-popping videos, services are well-attended, or hosts weekly outreaches in pubs along with Scotch-tasting.  The church is not relevant because of what it does, but because of what it is:  the living Body of Jesus Christ comprised of individuals united in One Spirit.

Some who profess Christ as Saviour seem concerned that if the church does not mirror the culture, it cannot effectively reach people for Christ.  Jesus went into the world, but He did not become like the world.  It is true the church was never meant for isolation, and through Christ we will overcome the world.  But we cannot overcome the world if we deny the teachings of scripture because the world does not agree - and it cannot.  An altered Gospel is stripped of all power to save.  If we lay aside the biblical truths of God's goodness, man's rebellion and sinfulness, the fact all men have sinned and rightly deserve eternal punishment in hell, the love of Jesus demonstrated on Calvary's cross, and only the blood of Jesus can cleanse a sinner by grace through faith, the church becomes a self-glorified social club controlled by the whims of hypocrites and deluded fools.  The church has never been called to acquiesce to culture, but to agree with God according to the truth revealed in the Bible.  Culture changes, but God's righteousness endures forever.  An unrighteous church is an irrelevant church.

The church will always be relevant because it is the living Body of Jesus Christ, regardless of the world's opinions.  Jesus has what the entire world needs - not cures for illnesses, money for those in poverty, support for homeless or widows, influence through politics or social reforms, or life enhancement - but the way of eternal life through His righteousness by faith.  The life and love of Jesus Christ is what should be attractive about the church.  It is a light in the darkness of this confused, divided, lost, hopeless world in which we live.  It is not about providing a healthier alternative:  the everlasting Gospel is the only way anyone can be saved.  People are dead in their sins and going to hell!  They don't need the church to change its stance on scripture to find common ground.  People need a church who will hold fast in faith and lovingly, compassionately preach the Word - without apology.  The pressures of society to conform the church as a product of the culture are seemingly stronger than ever.  But God and His Word are the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Instead of dismissing parts of the Bible we don't agree with, how much better and stronger our witness is when we hold unwaveringly to God's truth!  Our faith is one that works.  Good works for God's glory in the world ought to mark Christ's Body.  Do you believe that all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness?  God is a righteous God, and righteousness is what we need to be saved from our sins and to pass from death to life.  There is not a good or righteous person who walks on this earth today according to God's standard.  Should we reduce God's Word to our unrighteous concepts of fairness or relevance, picking and choosing what we will believe or throw out?  Then we have foolishly chosen to adopt a flawed, powerless, irrelevant belief system incapable of saving or changing people at all.  Our righteousness is not our own, but Christ's received by faith.  Should we foolishly adopt the views of this world and culture under Satan's sway to try to impact the world for God?  There is no life in this world!  Trying to be like the world to reach the world is like a surgeon cutting out the heart of one dead cadaver and placing it in another dead corpse:  activity without life, profit, or purpose.

People need righteousness.  They need forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation.  They need Jesus Christ and the power of the resurrection through the Holy Spirit within them.  There is absolutely no hope in this world apart from faith in Christ.  Jesus is always relevant, for He knows our deepest needs and is able to meet them all.  You do not need a building, programs, or ordination certificates on your wall to make an impact in this world for God.  You do not need a new sound system, a bank of TVs, or rock-concert lighting to worship God and bring glory to His name.  Take to heart this exhortation found in Titus 2:11-15:  "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. 15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you."  We live in an ungodly world which seeks to distract, distort the truth, and destroy the foundations of our faith by undermining scripture.  Refuse to fall for the lie that to be relevant the church must adopt worldly views or practices.  Christians are to be different because we have been born again by the Holy Spirit who lives in us.  Our aim must be to follow Jesus and live righteously as we abide in His light and love.  In doing so we will be relevant because we know and love the One the whole world needs:  Jesus Christ.

17 February 2015

Dangerous Gifts

Recently there has been a small spike in Australian news concerning former NSW premiere Barry O'Farrell.  He resigned last year when it was discovered he received a $3,000 bottle of wine and did not claim it as a gift from a donor.  A news report claims Mr. O'Farrell has denied fresh allegations he also received an expensive fountain pen whilst in office from a construction company that later won a large contract.  Whether or not Barry is innocent or guilty of wrongdoing in this case, receiving bribes or gifts is nothing new.  Those with money are drawn to people in influential government positions, knowing it doesn't take much luxury to "grease the skids" for their benefit.  A $1,000 pen is nothing compared to a 1 billion dollar contract!

Perhaps there are some people who become a public servant for the perks or retirement package, but I would suspect a vast majority of those who aspire to such a role do so to make a positive difference in government, community, and to individuals.  Maybe they have perceived injustice and want to ensure those who are poor and struggling have adequate representation in government.  They want to go to battle for the battlers, the ones doing it tough.  Their aspiration is to be a man or a woman of their community, faithfully serving their fellow citizens and residents.  In the beautiful and blessed country I now call home, there are thousands of people every day who champion the causes of immigrants, the aged, single, children in foster care, and those with failing health both in a professional and volunteer basis.  But starting well, firmly holding to ideals and principles, does not mean your grip on them tightens.  There are many people who have epitomised the term "public servant" in their role in government.  Yet history reveals many who started well as champions of the people who ended up accepting gifts, bribes, embezzling, living lavishly whilst people suffer poverty, or even becoming the totalitarian leaders of deadly regimes.  Starting well does not ensure a strong finish.

The fall of leaders through accepting gifts or succumbing to greed is not limited to government employees.  Every single person on the planet is susceptible to the lure of wealth or gifts - even in the church.  This morning I read Isaiah 1:23, a rebuke from God directed at His own people.  "Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves; everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, nor does the cause of the widow come before them."  The princes who were called to uphold justice according to God's Word had been corrupted by bribes and rewards.  There was rebellion in their hearts and they ceased defending the fatherless and shrugged off the complaints of the widows.  Their circle of "friends" increasingly detached them from functioning in their God-ordained role.  Maybe these princes were idealistic in their zeal to make a difference, only to find people presented an ever-growing litany of problems.  The role made the public servant feel entitled to a little rest, leisure, and luxury.  Flattered by associating with the wealthy and influential, the princes began to even drift from obedience to God.

I wonder:  is it possible Christians can allow spiritual gifts or calling to a role in the body of Christ to distract them from their necessity of purity, righteousness, and holiness?  No one is impervious to the snare of pride.  The life of David reveals even a great victory over a giant by faith in God does not translate into a victory over a beautiful woman.  No matter how we have been used by God, no matter how divinely gifted, the hearts of men have a way of drifting from allegiance to Christ and denying self.  It is very dangerous to think because we can operate in a spiritual gift everything is fine between us and God!  Over time we may be deceived to think our strength is our own.  It is a sobering reality that we can be called and gifted by God and cease to be absolutely loyal to Him.  Look at the kings in Judah and Israel.  Consider pastors, teachers, and servants in the church.  No one goes into ministry looking to drag God's name through the mud by embezzlement or fornication, but it happens.  When our hearts are lifted up and we place our confidence in self, a spiritual fall and great injury will be the result - unless we repent.

Let me leave you with a prophecy spoken by Oded in 2 Chronicles 15:1-7:  "Now the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded. 2 And he went out to meet Asa, and said to him: "Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. 3 For a long time Israel has been without the true God, without a teaching priest, and without law; 4 but when in their trouble they turned to the LORD God of Israel, and sought Him, He was found by them. 5 And in those times there was no peace to the one who went out, nor to the one who came in, but great turmoil was on all the inhabitants of the lands. 6 So nation was destroyed by nation, and city by city, for God troubled them with every adversity. 7 But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!"  When we trust in our own strength, we are powerless.  If God is our strength, we are fit to run with endurance the race set before us as we look to Christ alone!  If we turn to the LORD and seek Him, He will be found by us.  What a blessing and privilege, to know and speak to the LORD of all!