The truth of the scripture has always been unpopular. One of the results of this is the temptation for Christians to turn to or rely on secular reasoning to promote scriptural principles in the public arena. While on the surface this may seem wise, it is folly. Those who trust God and the scriptures know faith in God's Word is most reasonable, but to substitute human reason for the words of life is most unreasonable. People believe what they want. It is not difficult in our subjective age to find plenty of support for doubt and unbelief. Minds blinded by the god of this world are unable to see the truth, no matter how logical and persuasive our best arguments can be. Withholding the scriptures means we are not sowing seed, and therefore there can be no spiritual fruitfulness in such wranglings.
God is able to redeem even secular arguments for His purposes, but only God is able to change hearts or the way people think. Jesus appealed to reason when He spoke, but He did not withhold the divine truths only received by faith. He spoke with authority of Adam, the first man created by God from the dust of the ground. He spoke of heaven and hell, conscious there were many who did not and would not agree with Him. He spoke with objective certainty of right and wrong in a world where every man naturally does what is right in His own eyes. Jesus did not address men's heads only, but He went straight to the heart. God's Word has the power to accomplish what secular arguments cannot: exposing sinful motives, affections, and poverty of the human soul apart from God (Hebrews 4:12).
Jesus did not debate or squabble with unbelievers, but rather He engaged the world with divine spiritual truth. He did not merely hold forth principles derived from the Word, but in the face of temptation and attack said again and again: "It is written..." Even when beliefs of people have strayed from scripture, why not use the scripture rightly divided as the basis of your belief? Appeals to human reason muzzle the true Word of God to breathe clarity through the subjective fog of current social issues. Just because issues have been hijacked as "political" or "scientific" or "ethical" should not be justification to see the biblical view as irrelevant. Are you more interested in having people believe or agree with you, or is your primary desire to turn people from darkness to God's marvelous light? Should we cite statistics to prop up our arguments when God's Word is a sure foundation? What does it profit a man to engage the world with reason and purposely avoid the means to provide salvation for souls?
Examine your motives in choosing to primarily hold forth secular arguments to challenge minds of others. Be purposeful in hearing God's Word and obeying it first yourself, and without shame or embarrassment hold fast to the everlasting Word God has placed above His own name (Ps. 138:2). If we desire to see spiritual fruit from our efforts, do not neglect sowing the seed of God's Word. It is the scripture applied lovingly through the Holy Spirit - not our emotional appeals or rational arguments - which leads people to everlasting life. A transformed nature through trust in Christ will change hearts, and this produces a new mind receptive to the things of God. Should we lay down the sword in the midst of the battle in exchange for the feather duster of secular arguments? If we choose to parry or defend ourselves from attack with the Word of God, who cares if the enemy shouts, "That's not fair?" Let scoffers scoff, mockers mock, and unbelievers cling to deceit. Tighten your grip on your sword, child of God! To lay down the sword is to admit defeat, even if you manage to sway a few minds for a season.
09 June 2015
06 June 2015
Spiritual Aikido
Satan is a created being by God who continually seeks to mimic his Creator, masquerading as an angel of light. Jesus Christ is the Way, but the devil tries to thwart the advance of His kingdom by many counterfeit "ways." Jesus is the Truth, and much of the world is deceived to believe truth is subjective and bows to the judgment of each individual. Jesus is the Life, and no one goes the the Father or heaven except through Him (John 14:6).
One of the ways the world has substituted for a life of repentance and faith in Christ through the Gospel is attempted self-improvement. One such "way" is through martial arts. From the moment I was exposed to Aikido in particular, I have always had an appreciation and interest in the skills of the practitioners. The irony of this martial art is the non-violent philosophy which governs it. That is why Aikido does not have competitions, but demonstrations. Whilst some believe martial arts and techniques can be practiced apart from the spiritual aspects connected to the development of them, the two in Aikido in the purest form are inseparable. The philosophy and purpose behind Aikido offers a substitute for what can only be obtained through faith in Jesus Christ.
Quoting from an Australian Aikido website, "Aikido is a modern, non-violent Japanese martial art that was developed early in the 20th century by the late master Professor Morihei Ueshiba, commonly called O Sensei...Aikido is effective as a martial art but its essence goes beyond the resolution of physical conflict. Based on a background of rigorous training in traditional Japanese jujitsu, Professor Ueshiba spent the latter half of his life developing the art as a means of refining and uplifting human spirit. He succeeded in creating what he then named 'Aikido', 'the Way of Harmony with the Forces and Principles of Nature'. Aikido is a true 'budo', path in which the keen edge of martial training is utilised as a 'Way' to spiritual growth." As a spiritual exercise Aikido is a "way," but Jesus is the "Way." Only the righteous God who created man is able to lift up fallen men, and make a way through spiritual regeneration for eternal life.
One aspect of Aikido which interests me is how force applied by an attacker is turned against him. The harder a person tries to punch or kick an Aikido master, the more their exerted power is redirected in disarming or throwing himself to the ground. This mimics the way God causes the evil of the wicked to return upon their own heads. As it is written in Proverbs 26:27, "Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him." In the matter of judging others, this is also true: with the judgment we judge we will be judged, according to the measure we use it will be measured to us (Matthew 7:1-2). What we sow, we will also reap just like God designed from the beginning. I was reminded of this when reading Jeremiah 14:15: "Therefore thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who prophesy in My name, whom I did not send, and who say, 'Sword and famine shall not be in this land'--'By sword and famine those prophets shall be consumed!" False prophets in Jeremiah's day claimed sword or famine would not be in the land, and God ensured they fell by their own deceptions. The things they claimed safety from would be the very thing which consumed them. People who are enemies of God stir up God as an enemy against themselves.
When men fall prey to the lie they can spiritually improve themselves through self-discipline or worldly means, they labour for their own destruction. Seeking enlightenment in any but the Light of the World Jesus ultimately ends in darkness. Matthew 16:24-26 reads, "Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" The man who tries to better himself will only grow worse, and all who try to save their lives themselves will only succeed in losing them. Praise God He has given us the true Way!
One of the ways the world has substituted for a life of repentance and faith in Christ through the Gospel is attempted self-improvement. One such "way" is through martial arts. From the moment I was exposed to Aikido in particular, I have always had an appreciation and interest in the skills of the practitioners. The irony of this martial art is the non-violent philosophy which governs it. That is why Aikido does not have competitions, but demonstrations. Whilst some believe martial arts and techniques can be practiced apart from the spiritual aspects connected to the development of them, the two in Aikido in the purest form are inseparable. The philosophy and purpose behind Aikido offers a substitute for what can only be obtained through faith in Jesus Christ.
Quoting from an Australian Aikido website, "Aikido is a modern, non-violent Japanese martial art that was developed early in the 20th century by the late master Professor Morihei Ueshiba, commonly called O Sensei...Aikido is effective as a martial art but its essence goes beyond the resolution of physical conflict. Based on a background of rigorous training in traditional Japanese jujitsu, Professor Ueshiba spent the latter half of his life developing the art as a means of refining and uplifting human spirit. He succeeded in creating what he then named 'Aikido', 'the Way of Harmony with the Forces and Principles of Nature'. Aikido is a true 'budo', path in which the keen edge of martial training is utilised as a 'Way' to spiritual growth." As a spiritual exercise Aikido is a "way," but Jesus is the "Way." Only the righteous God who created man is able to lift up fallen men, and make a way through spiritual regeneration for eternal life.
One aspect of Aikido which interests me is how force applied by an attacker is turned against him. The harder a person tries to punch or kick an Aikido master, the more their exerted power is redirected in disarming or throwing himself to the ground. This mimics the way God causes the evil of the wicked to return upon their own heads. As it is written in Proverbs 26:27, "Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him." In the matter of judging others, this is also true: with the judgment we judge we will be judged, according to the measure we use it will be measured to us (Matthew 7:1-2). What we sow, we will also reap just like God designed from the beginning. I was reminded of this when reading Jeremiah 14:15: "Therefore thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who prophesy in My name, whom I did not send, and who say, 'Sword and famine shall not be in this land'--'By sword and famine those prophets shall be consumed!" False prophets in Jeremiah's day claimed sword or famine would not be in the land, and God ensured they fell by their own deceptions. The things they claimed safety from would be the very thing which consumed them. People who are enemies of God stir up God as an enemy against themselves.
When men fall prey to the lie they can spiritually improve themselves through self-discipline or worldly means, they labour for their own destruction. Seeking enlightenment in any but the Light of the World Jesus ultimately ends in darkness. Matthew 16:24-26 reads, "Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" The man who tries to better himself will only grow worse, and all who try to save their lives themselves will only succeed in losing them. Praise God He has given us the true Way!
04 June 2015
Fitness for Service
I remember days when I could eat whatever and as much as I wanted without a clear negative correlation to my physical health. When I was about twenty a friend a bit older than me warned as age increases the metabolism can slow down. "You'll notice a change around thirty," he predicted. "At least, that's when my metabolism started slowing down. I had to make adjustments to my eating habits or I would really pack on the pounds!" Yeah right, I thought to myself. But to be honest, he wasn't too far off. I have found it is important for me to eat less and exercise more to maintain my current body weight.
This year I will be celebrating my fortieth birthday, and needless to say a lot has changed since I was twenty. The thing I find most challenging is the necessity to be constantly vigilant concerning my fitness. The nature of my job is sedentary, and it is rarely convenient to make time to exercise. I look at myself in the mirror and it seems no matter how much I reduce my intake of foods or sugary drinks, those stubborn pounds just hang around. I have finally come to accept this simple fact: the battle for staying fit is "on," and as long as I live in this failing body it will continue without intermission. The only way the battle will be over is if I passively surrender to the advance of age and become careless towards my health. If I want fitness I've never had at my age, I must be willing to sacrifice more and work harder than I ever have before.
The same is true concerning the spiritual health of a Christian. Because we have been given the victory over sin by grace through faith, we might think we can be passive and still win the battle for our mind and affections. Not so! Jesus has defeated sin, Satan, and death, but I am often my own worst enemy. I would like to think that sinful habits once overcome will remain perpetually beaten and powerless. But you know what? Enemies have a way of secretly growing stronger, launching secret attacks, and waiting for complacency to provide easy opportunity to regain control. Enemies adapt and adopt new strategies to succeed where prior efforts failed. Exterminators do not only spray their poisons one time and assume a pest infestation is handled. They spray again and again, open and inspect dark places, and scour for any evidence of any remaining pests. Even when the bugs are gone they will continue to spray, because if left unchecked the filthy freeloaders will be back.
Let's not be smug and think there are no negative correlations between sin and bondage, that being spiritually sedentary will not make us listless, dull, and easy prey for the enemy of our souls. Instead of looking into the mirror to gauge your progress, look to Jesus in the clarity of His Word. God created you to be a person through whom His glory shines in the world in holiness, purity, and power. We ought to take seriously this responsibility and privilege, and be willing to sacrifice more and labour harder than ever to improve our fitness for service. Are you willing?
This year I will be celebrating my fortieth birthday, and needless to say a lot has changed since I was twenty. The thing I find most challenging is the necessity to be constantly vigilant concerning my fitness. The nature of my job is sedentary, and it is rarely convenient to make time to exercise. I look at myself in the mirror and it seems no matter how much I reduce my intake of foods or sugary drinks, those stubborn pounds just hang around. I have finally come to accept this simple fact: the battle for staying fit is "on," and as long as I live in this failing body it will continue without intermission. The only way the battle will be over is if I passively surrender to the advance of age and become careless towards my health. If I want fitness I've never had at my age, I must be willing to sacrifice more and work harder than I ever have before.
The same is true concerning the spiritual health of a Christian. Because we have been given the victory over sin by grace through faith, we might think we can be passive and still win the battle for our mind and affections. Not so! Jesus has defeated sin, Satan, and death, but I am often my own worst enemy. I would like to think that sinful habits once overcome will remain perpetually beaten and powerless. But you know what? Enemies have a way of secretly growing stronger, launching secret attacks, and waiting for complacency to provide easy opportunity to regain control. Enemies adapt and adopt new strategies to succeed where prior efforts failed. Exterminators do not only spray their poisons one time and assume a pest infestation is handled. They spray again and again, open and inspect dark places, and scour for any evidence of any remaining pests. Even when the bugs are gone they will continue to spray, because if left unchecked the filthy freeloaders will be back.
Let's not be smug and think there are no negative correlations between sin and bondage, that being spiritually sedentary will not make us listless, dull, and easy prey for the enemy of our souls. Instead of looking into the mirror to gauge your progress, look to Jesus in the clarity of His Word. God created you to be a person through whom His glory shines in the world in holiness, purity, and power. We ought to take seriously this responsibility and privilege, and be willing to sacrifice more and labour harder than ever to improve our fitness for service. Are you willing?
A Tract Concerning Sin's Folly
For a long time I have kept my eyes open for volumes of The Sword and the Trowel, a compilation of articles and tracts from C.H. Spurgeon. I am happy to say I discovered a couple of clean used copies (Volumes 1 & 2) from a bookseller (Christian Books Australia) and have been enjoying them as expected. As I read a tract published over a hundred and fifty years ago, I was amazed at how little has changed concerning the human heart and Satan's tactics. Here is the tract, as originally published by Passmore & Alabaster:
Rowland Hill illustrated the folly of sinners by the story of a butcher who was followed by the swine right into the slaughterhouse. As pigs are not usually in the mind to go where they are wanted, it seemed a mystery how these animals were so eager to follow their executioner; but when it was seen that he wisely carried a bag of pease and beans with which he enticed the creatures onward, the riddle was solved at once. Unsuspicious of impending death the hogs cared only for the passing gratification of their appetites, and hastened to the slaughter - and in the same manner ungodly men follow the great enemy of souls down through the jaws of hell, merely because their depraved passions are pleased with the lusts of the flesh and the pleasures of sin which the devil gives them by handfuls on the road. Alas, that there should be such likeness between men and swine!
The joys of sin are so short and so unsatisfactory, that they can never be thought of for a moment as a fitting inducement for a rational being to lose his immortal soul. Will a few hours' foolery, gambling, drinking, or wantoning, compensate for eternal fire? Is the momentary indulgence of a base passion worth this endurance of flames which never can be quenched? To moan in vain for a drop of water! To be tormented by the never dying worm! To be shut out from hope for ever! To be eternally cursed of God! Is any sin worth all this? Can any gain make up for this? O ye who delight in the poisonous sweets of sin, remember that though pleasant in the mouth for the moment, sin will be as wormwood and gall in your bowels for ever. Why will ye swallow the bait when you know that the hook is there? Why will ye belured by the Satanic fowler? Surely in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird; but you are more foolish than the birds and fly into the snare when you know it to be there. O that ye were wise, and would consider your latter end. Let that one word Eternity ring in your ears and drive out the giddy laughter of worldings who prefer the present joys of sense. "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life by Jesus Christ." Jesus receiveth sinners. Go to him and he will no wise cast you out. (Spurgeon, C. H. C.H. Spurgeon's Works as Published in His Monthly Magazine The Sword and the Trowel. Vol. 1. Pasadena, Tex.: Pilgrim Publications, 1975. 35. Print.)
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