While driving last night I had a fun and enlightening conversation with God. In a relationship with God we have the freedom to have some very unorthodox thoughts. My thoughts were something like this: "God, if you were confined within time and I was the only person in the entire world, would you be bored? Would you go for hours without hearing from me? Would your life consist of a fair amount of thumb twiddling because I was off doing my own thing?"
Thought immediately flooded into my mind that went something like this. "You have it all wrong. Even if you were the only person in the world, my thoughts would be continuously focused on you even if you didn't regard me at all." Then a scripture came to mind. The truth of Psalm 139:17-18 hit home: "How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
18
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You." God's loving thoughts toward me do not depend on me at all. He is not waiting around for me to involve Him with my life because He is proactive in exhibiting genuine love for me. God is God, and therefore He is able to be personally involved with everyone on the planet simultaneously. We all have all His attention at all times, and this my friends should be a great source of awe and overwhelming joy.
God delights in people, and has a special place for those who trust and include Him as a response to His love. We are limited by time and our attention span is finite. Some of us struggle to do two things at once! But God does not "multitask" like people do. His thoughts are good toward us, even when we wander, forget about Him, or even rebel. We see this illustrated with the children of Israel, His chosen people. Jeremiah 29:10-14 says, "For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place.
11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
12
Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
13
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
14
I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive." When God says "I will," we can know for certain He will.
God loves me and you. His thoughts of us are more than the grains of sand in all the seas on this planet. If only we realised how precious we are in God's sight! Praise Him for His goodness and love He lavishes freely on us!
23 February 2015
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!
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!
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)