The Bible starts with the sentence, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." As amazing as that is, I am still amazed that three pages later sin entered into the world through Adam's rebellion, and death through sin. One only needs to turn to page 6 in my Bible before we read this horrible indictment against man: Genesis 6:5, 11-12 reads, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually...11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth." The corruption of mankind through sin is a self-imposed tragedy.
More than anything, man desires to be in control. He naturally clutches for power, authority, money, privilege, and seniority. Right from the start, Eve was tempted to be like God by eating the fruit God deemed forbidden. Even before her fall, Satan was lifted up with pride saying, "I will be like the Most High" (Is. 14:14). There is one True God and all others are nothing. Only God is truly in control. Give a man authority over a nation, but he remains without power to make the sun shine or rain fall. Even if he could control aspects of weather, he cannot prevent death from seizing him like any other man. All the propaganda, statues, songs, and slogans will not make people trust him. When we look around the world today, we see men out of control. Who is in control? The book of Job chapters 38-40 should make the answer abundantly clear: God!
Man wants to say he is in control. Years ago I had a friend who admitted he was casually using street drugs. "But I'm not hooked," he told me. "I can stop any time I want to." Apparently he didn't want to stop for many years, lost everything, and even spent time in jail. I'm sure that was all part of the plan, right? Wink, wink. He bought into the lying illusion that he was in control when actually the drugs were calling the shots. But drugs are just a symptom of the problem. Countless memorial services have played the Frank Sinatra song, "I Did it My Way." If we could interview each one, their story might mirror the story Jesus told of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man lived for himself and ended up in torment. Proverbs 16:25 reveals the truth from God's perspective: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Why do people die? Because sin entered the world and death came through sin.
For years people have made a living from performing with exotic, powerful animals like elephants, tigers, lions, and bears. But even after a relationship has been formed with an animal, disaster can strike when an animal lashes out. The performer who at one time seemed in control suddenly is revealed as vulnerable when the teeth sink in. Some people have trained powerful animals for years without severe or moderate injury. But this cannot be said concerning sin. Sin is a beast which destroys the bodies and souls of all who toy with it. God graciously has given us the Law so we might discern sin from God's righteous standard. God's Law is like a schoolmaster who leads us by the hand to the truth of the Gospel. Ezekiel 18:4 reads, "Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine; the soul who sins shall die." God reveals something that mere science cannot. Man is a living soul housed in a body of flesh. Jesus says in Mark 8:36, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" Because the souls of men are eternal, the value of the body is peanuts in comparison.
I am a sinner. I have sinned against God in ignorance, against my conscience, even maliciously; I have committed both sins of commission and omission. But praise be to God that He has provided a Saviour in Jesus Christ! God loves people and desires that none should perish but that all would repent and trust in Him. Jesus speaks of Himself in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." We have assurance of forgiveness if we will repent and trust in Christ, seeking salvation through Him alone. 1 John 1:9 affirms, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." As a sinner, I deserve death. Yet God has offered to all people eternal life through Jesus.
Maybe you recognize the sin which easily besets you, or perhaps you disagree with the premise that even sin exists! It is appointed for all men to die because of their sin, and then be judged before God by His righteous standard. This is a daunting and terrifying scenario. I am thankful that God is in control, and that is no illusion! One of my favorite descriptions of Jesus Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, is found in Revelation 1:12-18: "Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death."
Every man has a choice to either believe that he or God is ultimately in control. O foolish man who cannot even keep himself alive, can you ascend to heaven through your own strength? Rise from the dead and live again, if you are able! Are you capable of breaking the teeth of Satan who is as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour? Can you by your strength cast aside the bonds of depression, despair, fear, and confusion which weigh down your soul? Your manifestos and worldly philosophies will perish with you. How long will you hope for annihilation, reincarnation, or desire to simply cease to exist because your sin gnaws as a parasite upon your soul? Trust in Jesus Christ while you still can. Not one who comes to Him will He cast out. He is the only One who provides the solution for your sin!
07 November 2011
04 November 2011
Why Go to Church?
Last night our family enjoyed the special treat of eating out at a local restaurant. Our server was polite and had an American accent, always a good conversation starter! It turns out he came over from the United States to go to Bible college at a local church. In the midst of the discussion he said something I found interesting. He invited us to visit his church and said, "Sunday nights are some of the best services. It is always very creative - if anything creative is going to happen, that's the service for it."
I realize I have led a sheltered life in many respects, having worshiped the LORD for a majority of my life at one Bible-teaching church. Never, in all that time, have I heard "creativity" as a draw card for someone to attend. There is nothing wrong with creativity. But I can't say that I would prefer one service over another because one seemed more "creative." It left me with the question which all Christians must answer: what is the primary reason that I attend a particular church over another? What reason would I give to a seeker to come to my church? Is it the creativity? The incredible music? The Bible teaching? The love of the people who attend the fellowship? Free doughnuts and air conditioning? I actually heard that one before. Years ago I had a conversation with a lady who said she comes to church because her house is so hot and the church has air conditioning. Shouldn't the worship of God be the reason?
Perhaps I'm crazy, but it's clear that people come to church for all sorts of reasons. Maybe they come to church to keep up the appearance of piety - though they would lose face to say so. Some come for the social aspects, and others religiously attend because they believe it is a good influence on their kids. But what reason does the Bible give for going to church to worship God corporately through church fellowship? Hebrews 10:23-25 reads, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." As long as Jesus Christ tarries before His certain return, we are exhorted not to forsake our assembling together. And what should our fellowship with one another entail? We should hold each other to Christ's standard of righteousness. We must submit to and consider one another above ourselves for the purpose of stirring up love and good works. Previous verses say that we should draw near to God with hearts full of assurance of faith in Him.
God has given every Christian spiritual gifts to edify the Body of Christ, lead non-believers to salvation through faith in Jesus, and the glory of God. Regular church fellowship - drawing near to Jesus through faith and to each other as members of His Body - fosters unity, support, and growth. If you attend a church because of what you hope to receive, there is a better and higher way modeled by Jesus: He came as the servant of all. There is no one more creative than God, for He is the Creator of all things. But creativity in itself is not a viable substitute for the presence of God and Spirit-led preaching from God's Word.
There's no shortage of churches in the world but there is only one universal Body of Christ. Make sure that where you attend Jesus Christ is being glorified and the Word of God is being taught faithfully. But let me say this: if you do not see the true purpose for gathering at your fellowship being lived out, it doesn't necessarily mean you should leave! By the grace of God, you should seek to meet that lack. You be the encourager. You be the servant. Allow Jesus Christ to live His life through you as you look for His return and be about your Heavenly Father's business. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can the work of the ministry be done. As the words of King David the psalmist say in Psalm 133:1: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!" When it is Christ who unites us, none can separate us!
I realize I have led a sheltered life in many respects, having worshiped the LORD for a majority of my life at one Bible-teaching church. Never, in all that time, have I heard "creativity" as a draw card for someone to attend. There is nothing wrong with creativity. But I can't say that I would prefer one service over another because one seemed more "creative." It left me with the question which all Christians must answer: what is the primary reason that I attend a particular church over another? What reason would I give to a seeker to come to my church? Is it the creativity? The incredible music? The Bible teaching? The love of the people who attend the fellowship? Free doughnuts and air conditioning? I actually heard that one before. Years ago I had a conversation with a lady who said she comes to church because her house is so hot and the church has air conditioning. Shouldn't the worship of God be the reason?
Perhaps I'm crazy, but it's clear that people come to church for all sorts of reasons. Maybe they come to church to keep up the appearance of piety - though they would lose face to say so. Some come for the social aspects, and others religiously attend because they believe it is a good influence on their kids. But what reason does the Bible give for going to church to worship God corporately through church fellowship? Hebrews 10:23-25 reads, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." As long as Jesus Christ tarries before His certain return, we are exhorted not to forsake our assembling together. And what should our fellowship with one another entail? We should hold each other to Christ's standard of righteousness. We must submit to and consider one another above ourselves for the purpose of stirring up love and good works. Previous verses say that we should draw near to God with hearts full of assurance of faith in Him.
God has given every Christian spiritual gifts to edify the Body of Christ, lead non-believers to salvation through faith in Jesus, and the glory of God. Regular church fellowship - drawing near to Jesus through faith and to each other as members of His Body - fosters unity, support, and growth. If you attend a church because of what you hope to receive, there is a better and higher way modeled by Jesus: He came as the servant of all. There is no one more creative than God, for He is the Creator of all things. But creativity in itself is not a viable substitute for the presence of God and Spirit-led preaching from God's Word.
There's no shortage of churches in the world but there is only one universal Body of Christ. Make sure that where you attend Jesus Christ is being glorified and the Word of God is being taught faithfully. But let me say this: if you do not see the true purpose for gathering at your fellowship being lived out, it doesn't necessarily mean you should leave! By the grace of God, you should seek to meet that lack. You be the encourager. You be the servant. Allow Jesus Christ to live His life through you as you look for His return and be about your Heavenly Father's business. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can the work of the ministry be done. As the words of King David the psalmist say in Psalm 133:1: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!" When it is Christ who unites us, none can separate us!
03 November 2011
A Shameless Addict
Most mornings after breakfast our family reads "Keys for Kids," a daily devotional by CBH Ministries. Today's story was about a girl who was tasked with a class project studying addictions. She discovered that not only there are addictions which enslave and destroy, but also wholesome and beneficial addictions. The dad in the story suggested a verse which I have always found thought provoking. The KJV of 1 Corinthians 16:15-16 reads, "I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) 16 that ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth." In the NKJV, instead of "addicted" the word "devoted" is used to translate from the original Greek.
In modern culture, the term "addiction" often has a negative connotation. Addiction carries with it an aspect of compulsion and lack of control. Many people refuse to admit their addictions because in doing so they confess that their life is ruled by an outside activity or thing - perhaps admitting weakness. From a biblical perspective, the only good addictions are those which bring honour and glory to God. It would be a very good thing to be addicted to prayer, Bible study, evangelism, giving, and helping others - as long as necessary responsibilities are not made to suffer. It would be a poor excuse for a man to quit work and cease to provide for his family because he wants to pray more. 1 Timothy 5:8 teaches us, "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
A wonderful aspect of ministry unto the LORD is it does not require the abandonment of all earthy duties and responsibilities. When we are addicted to honouring God, we will in fact become more skilled in all areas of our lives because our attitudes and perspective changes for the better. For instance, we are commanded to "in everything give thanks." It is not necessary for me to enter into seclusion or quit my job to do this. I can continually seek to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving in all circumstances. The Bible also commands us to "pray without ceasing." When I rise in the morning as I prepare for work, I can pray. While I am driving to a jobsite, I can pray. Throughout the day, continually I can devote myself to prayer. How good it would be to become addicted to the obedience and glory of God!
Stephanas and his household are a good example of people who were consecrated for the service of God continually. They were addicted to ministering unto God and serving one another in love. It is possible that we could be deceived to think we are serving God when we are actually serving our own interests. But this could not be said of Stephanas. He was numbered among those who ministered to the saints, who helped and laboured alongside the apostle Paul. It is a high honour to serve the LORD. How much more honourable it is to be addicted to glorifying God! Instead of being second nature, I desire that the honour of God would be instinctual, my initial and sole response to all life throws at me. May I be weak to resist such an addiction that God might reveal Himself in strength through me.
Are you addicted? It's what you are addicted to that matters!
In modern culture, the term "addiction" often has a negative connotation. Addiction carries with it an aspect of compulsion and lack of control. Many people refuse to admit their addictions because in doing so they confess that their life is ruled by an outside activity or thing - perhaps admitting weakness. From a biblical perspective, the only good addictions are those which bring honour and glory to God. It would be a very good thing to be addicted to prayer, Bible study, evangelism, giving, and helping others - as long as necessary responsibilities are not made to suffer. It would be a poor excuse for a man to quit work and cease to provide for his family because he wants to pray more. 1 Timothy 5:8 teaches us, "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
A wonderful aspect of ministry unto the LORD is it does not require the abandonment of all earthy duties and responsibilities. When we are addicted to honouring God, we will in fact become more skilled in all areas of our lives because our attitudes and perspective changes for the better. For instance, we are commanded to "in everything give thanks." It is not necessary for me to enter into seclusion or quit my job to do this. I can continually seek to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving in all circumstances. The Bible also commands us to "pray without ceasing." When I rise in the morning as I prepare for work, I can pray. While I am driving to a jobsite, I can pray. Throughout the day, continually I can devote myself to prayer. How good it would be to become addicted to the obedience and glory of God!
Stephanas and his household are a good example of people who were consecrated for the service of God continually. They were addicted to ministering unto God and serving one another in love. It is possible that we could be deceived to think we are serving God when we are actually serving our own interests. But this could not be said of Stephanas. He was numbered among those who ministered to the saints, who helped and laboured alongside the apostle Paul. It is a high honour to serve the LORD. How much more honourable it is to be addicted to glorifying God! Instead of being second nature, I desire that the honour of God would be instinctual, my initial and sole response to all life throws at me. May I be weak to resist such an addiction that God might reveal Himself in strength through me.
Are you addicted? It's what you are addicted to that matters!
02 November 2011
Wisdom From Above
This morning I read Job 28 and was greatly blessed by the practical insight. Job describes how veins of gold, silver, iron, and precious stones are found through mining. Then he makes a spiritual contrast in Job 28:12-15: "But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? 13 Man does not know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. 14 The deep says, ' It is not in me'; and the sea says, 'It is not with me.' 15 It cannot be purchased for gold, nor can silver be weighed for its price." True wisdom is not found by digging in the ground, space exploration, deep-sea diving, nor is it for sale. The wisdom of God is not obtained through any effort of man, but by the grace of God.
Some believe that wisdom is obtained through life experience or by acquiring degrees as prestigious universities. There is a kind of wisdom that is found on earth, but it is a false substitute for what God calls wisdom. James 3:15 describes the wisdom of the world in simple, straightforward terms: "This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic." No doubt this sounds unreasonably harsh to those who define wisdom from a worldly perspective. Yet see how God's wisdom is described in James 3:17: "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." We see this description personified in God Himself. He demonstrates all these qualities in His love, mercy, and grace towards men.
Consider the catch-phrases of modern philosophy and worldly wisdom: "Might makes right," "Survival of the fittest," "Look out for number one," "If it feels good do it," "God is dead," and much more. Dig as deep you can for wisdom in tradition, religion, technology, scientific advancement, and philosophies composed by men and you will come up empty. Drown yourself in music, art, sex, parties, alcohol, drugs, and your search for wisdom will be fruitless. Visit trance mediums, chant, meditate, and religiously follow your horoscope - yet instead of wisdom you will find fear, bondage, and confusion. Fill your library with all the self-help books written and you will still lack. Live to be 120 years old without faith in God and true wisdom will still prove elusive. The wisdom of God will never be within you unless you are first within Him. Concerning wisdom and God Job 28:27-28 states: "Then He saw wisdom and declared it; He prepared it, indeed, He searched it out. 28 And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding." This kind of wisdom is not simply a means to aid survival, but the path to life eternal.
Still not convinced? My words cannot convince any who refuse to consider without prejudice that God does exist, and the Bible is His word written so man might know Him. In fact, it is only the power of the Holy Spirit who can reveal this truth to you. Jesus Christ is the personification of wisdom and more still as it is written in 1 Corinthians 1:30-31: "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-- 31 that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD." Broad is the path which leads to destruction, and narrow is the path which leads to eternal life. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can be truly wise or obtain eternal life except through Him.
Some believe that wisdom is obtained through life experience or by acquiring degrees as prestigious universities. There is a kind of wisdom that is found on earth, but it is a false substitute for what God calls wisdom. James 3:15 describes the wisdom of the world in simple, straightforward terms: "This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic." No doubt this sounds unreasonably harsh to those who define wisdom from a worldly perspective. Yet see how God's wisdom is described in James 3:17: "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." We see this description personified in God Himself. He demonstrates all these qualities in His love, mercy, and grace towards men.
Consider the catch-phrases of modern philosophy and worldly wisdom: "Might makes right," "Survival of the fittest," "Look out for number one," "If it feels good do it," "God is dead," and much more. Dig as deep you can for wisdom in tradition, religion, technology, scientific advancement, and philosophies composed by men and you will come up empty. Drown yourself in music, art, sex, parties, alcohol, drugs, and your search for wisdom will be fruitless. Visit trance mediums, chant, meditate, and religiously follow your horoscope - yet instead of wisdom you will find fear, bondage, and confusion. Fill your library with all the self-help books written and you will still lack. Live to be 120 years old without faith in God and true wisdom will still prove elusive. The wisdom of God will never be within you unless you are first within Him. Concerning wisdom and God Job 28:27-28 states: "Then He saw wisdom and declared it; He prepared it, indeed, He searched it out. 28 And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding." This kind of wisdom is not simply a means to aid survival, but the path to life eternal.
Still not convinced? My words cannot convince any who refuse to consider without prejudice that God does exist, and the Bible is His word written so man might know Him. In fact, it is only the power of the Holy Spirit who can reveal this truth to you. Jesus Christ is the personification of wisdom and more still as it is written in 1 Corinthians 1:30-31: "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-- 31 that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD." Broad is the path which leads to destruction, and narrow is the path which leads to eternal life. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can be truly wise or obtain eternal life except through Him.
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