After sending the boys off to school, I walked past the kitchen to head to my office area. When I walked by the empty kitchen sink, I celebrated a brief moment of happiness. I made waffles for the family this morning and washed the dishes right away. Seeing the sink empty of dirty dishes made me feel I had accomplished something worthwhile, something I ought to savour for a moment. The clean dishes and empty sink was a victory worth celebrating.
Washing the dishes may seem a very insignificant thing. It does not compare with landing a rocket on the moon, climbing a mountain peak, or surviving a fiercely fought gunfight as a soldier. Clean dishes seem even less important because dishes become dirty again. Since the next meal will generate more dishes, it can be one of those thankless jobs that never seem to be done. Consider this: how would your life be different if you saw the little household victories like mopped floors, clean windows, and washed dishes as great victories? How thankful to God we would be! Our appreciation of the strength and wisdom He provides would grow exponentially. What if we saw small sacrifices for God's glory and the good of others as massive victories only accomplished by God's grace? When we recognise we cannot do anything without God's help, no victory would seem small. Indeed, even the smallest completed task is a miraculous victory to be celebrated if we maintain this biblical perspective.
Cleaning the kitchen cannot hardly be compared to warfare, but it is an accomplishment we ought not take lightly. For some folks, simply getting out of bed when the alarm goes off at dark-thirty is a massive win! Should we take this victory over the soft fetters of drowsiness lightly? No! Turning down that dessert, saying no to the second soda is a victory to be celebrated. Our celebration should not be to boost our pride or build confidence in self, but in recognition and praise of God's grace toward us. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says: "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." In seeking an arbitrary "victory" to celebrate (let's say losing 10 kilos), we neglect to celebrate when we only lost one! In fact, the one kilo lost over two weeks feels more like a failure because we have forgotten that in everything we are to give thanks and rejoice before our Saviour.
If your sink is clear of dirty dishes, thank God and celebrate Him. If your sink is full of dirty dishes, thank God you have dishes to clean! In everything rejoice, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
04 March 2014
02 March 2014
Grace to You and Peace
At Calvary Chapel Sydney yesterday, we began the study of Philippians. Paul began by introducing himself and Timothy as bondservants of Christ and continued in verse 2: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." The order of grace and peace is significant, for true peace is a product of God's grace. There is no peace apart from the grace of God. "Shalom" is the Hebrew word translated peace in the Old Testament and conveys peace, prosperity, and well-being. Because the New Testament is translated from Greek, the transliteration is "eirene" which means "to join, by implication prosperity, to set at one again." A man alone without God cannot be at peace, because he has been cut off from God because of his sin. By the grace of God we can experience union with God through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
On the heels of the sermon, I happened to read the back of a "Tea Tonic" chamomile packet. It vividly described the effect of drinking the tea: "A charming simplicity created from delicate flowers, that helps calm, soothe, and gives inner peace." All I can say is, the "inner peace" chamomile tea potentially brings is far from what is available to all in Christ. The union of tea with my stomach does not provide any lasting peace. There is no shortage of activities or things the world claims is a substitute for peace from God, but every single one of them is a sham. The world is big on promoting feelings gained from various activities, but nothing the world gives lasts. Not one thing originating in this fallen world can bring peace to the soul of a human being. The very things we can be duped into thinking bring peace do the opposite! More money in the bank cannot give this peace. No job, amount of fame, sex, or recognition provides peace. Everything we see will someday pass away and be remembered no more.
But God, who is rich and mercy, has provided peace that passes understanding and is available to all who will receive Him. Paul reminded the church in Ephesus to hearken back to their life prior to believing the Gospel in Ephesians 2:12-19 and to consider their changed circumstances after being born again by faith in Christ: "...that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God..."
No one can be truly be at peace alone, for how can we be joined to ourselves? Our sin has separated us from God, and Christ through the Gospel is the one who makes us a new creation: He "sets at one again." It is foolish to imagine we can be at peace in this life surrounded by troubled people and circumstances all around us by any external means. The only way to divine peace is through Jesus Christ and union with Him through faith. God has given us grace, and peace is provided for all who abide in Christ. No matter the trials and challenges God allows us to face in the future, the peace God gives is a reality we experience as we look to Him. It is by God's grace Paul can write the exhortation found in Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
On the heels of the sermon, I happened to read the back of a "Tea Tonic" chamomile packet. It vividly described the effect of drinking the tea: "A charming simplicity created from delicate flowers, that helps calm, soothe, and gives inner peace." All I can say is, the "inner peace" chamomile tea potentially brings is far from what is available to all in Christ. The union of tea with my stomach does not provide any lasting peace. There is no shortage of activities or things the world claims is a substitute for peace from God, but every single one of them is a sham. The world is big on promoting feelings gained from various activities, but nothing the world gives lasts. Not one thing originating in this fallen world can bring peace to the soul of a human being. The very things we can be duped into thinking bring peace do the opposite! More money in the bank cannot give this peace. No job, amount of fame, sex, or recognition provides peace. Everything we see will someday pass away and be remembered no more.
But God, who is rich and mercy, has provided peace that passes understanding and is available to all who will receive Him. Paul reminded the church in Ephesus to hearken back to their life prior to believing the Gospel in Ephesians 2:12-19 and to consider their changed circumstances after being born again by faith in Christ: "...that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God..."
No one can be truly be at peace alone, for how can we be joined to ourselves? Our sin has separated us from God, and Christ through the Gospel is the one who makes us a new creation: He "sets at one again." It is foolish to imagine we can be at peace in this life surrounded by troubled people and circumstances all around us by any external means. The only way to divine peace is through Jesus Christ and union with Him through faith. God has given us grace, and peace is provided for all who abide in Christ. No matter the trials and challenges God allows us to face in the future, the peace God gives is a reality we experience as we look to Him. It is by God's grace Paul can write the exhortation found in Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
26 February 2014
Look to Christ!
Mr. Kennedy was my History teacher at Emerald Junior High in 1993. He was a man in control, a seasoned veteran of the classroom. He was one of those older men who had a gruff persona, but also had that twinkle in his eye. I liked him from the first day. My appreciation of his experience, knowledge, and teaching methods only grew as the year progressed. When graduation from year 8 finally came, I mustered up the courage to ask him to sign my yearbook. He obliged. After writing a quick note, he said with a straight face, "I usually don't write half that much." I received his statement as a compliment, and after reading his message knew it was.
Out of all the messages written in my yearbook by friends and teachers, his meant the most to me. It still means a lot to me now. Mr. Kennedy was a man who only knew me as a student in his class for a short time, yet there was a man who believed in me. Outside of my parents and family relations, I don't know of any others who expressed what he did in a couple of sentences. He concluded with a sentence at the time I hoped would prove prophetic: "You will do well in anything you try." It was an important encouragement at an awkward time in my life. I had entered into public school after being home schooled for 3 years, and was preparing to transition into high school. I thank God for Mr. Kennedy and the encouragement he provided. Twenty-one years have passed, and my appreciation for his care burns undimmed.
Back in those days I could never have imagined where the LORD would lead me. I had aspirations of being a forensic pathologist or a coroner. Perhaps a baseball career or my budding golf interest would pay future dividends. God opened a door after two years of university to go into a construction trade, mechanical insulation. And after a decade God did the absolute unthinkable: called me into pastoral ministry. Then God even went further to lead me to settle in Australia and pastor a church! When I consider how God has directed my life, it blows me away. I am most thankful and appreciative of all He has done.
I had a strange series of thoughts the other day, and in retrospect I do not know they were mine. There were suggestions, statements rooted in doubt that did not spring from a perspective of faith. The devil can be most subtle. "Look at all your High School friends," the thoughts began. "Some are doctors, lawyers, professors, business owners, corporate executives, a commercial pilot, a professional baseball player, well-known people of wealth and distinction. And what have you done? You are virtually unknown. Think what could have been should you have chosen a different path. You could have done this, done that, been somebody." I didn't think long before I realised the futility of it. There was an undertone of discontent, envy, and greed that reeked of sulfur in those thoughts. I confessed my sin as I prayed: "Please forgive me LORD for even giving place to those thoughts for a second. Your way is the right way. I'm happy right where I am, and my satisfaction is in you."
The path of faith in Christ is the only one worth traveling. If there is anything I desire to do well, it is to follow Jesus faithfully all my days. I am not rich in worldly goods, but I have all I need. I am not well known in this world, but I am known by God as His dear child. And I am not alone! Last night I read with great delight a passage of a man who has gone before me. Moses was a man who was raised as a prince, trained by the very best, and at 40 years old had a bright future. He had wealth, intelligence, fame, and security. Yet Moses chose to forfeit it all to serve God, believing only God could supply true wealth. Hebrews 11:24-26: "By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward." There it is! Moses esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. I too have come to the conclusion that the reproach of Christ is greater than all this world could ever offer. My convictions and beliefs have cost me superficial friendships, but the gain I have through friendship with God and fellowship in the church is of far greater and eternal value.
When you are tempted to look back on what could have been, instead look to the God who was, is, and is to come. Regret promotes decay and death, whereas faith and hope in God bring light and life. God is the one who does all things well, and He does not even need to try. It is a beautiful day when our identity is found in Christ alone: in the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering. God is a Redeemer who provides joy unspeakable and peace that passes understanding for eternity. Jesus is the One who makes all things new!
Out of all the messages written in my yearbook by friends and teachers, his meant the most to me. It still means a lot to me now. Mr. Kennedy was a man who only knew me as a student in his class for a short time, yet there was a man who believed in me. Outside of my parents and family relations, I don't know of any others who expressed what he did in a couple of sentences. He concluded with a sentence at the time I hoped would prove prophetic: "You will do well in anything you try." It was an important encouragement at an awkward time in my life. I had entered into public school after being home schooled for 3 years, and was preparing to transition into high school. I thank God for Mr. Kennedy and the encouragement he provided. Twenty-one years have passed, and my appreciation for his care burns undimmed.
Back in those days I could never have imagined where the LORD would lead me. I had aspirations of being a forensic pathologist or a coroner. Perhaps a baseball career or my budding golf interest would pay future dividends. God opened a door after two years of university to go into a construction trade, mechanical insulation. And after a decade God did the absolute unthinkable: called me into pastoral ministry. Then God even went further to lead me to settle in Australia and pastor a church! When I consider how God has directed my life, it blows me away. I am most thankful and appreciative of all He has done.
I had a strange series of thoughts the other day, and in retrospect I do not know they were mine. There were suggestions, statements rooted in doubt that did not spring from a perspective of faith. The devil can be most subtle. "Look at all your High School friends," the thoughts began. "Some are doctors, lawyers, professors, business owners, corporate executives, a commercial pilot, a professional baseball player, well-known people of wealth and distinction. And what have you done? You are virtually unknown. Think what could have been should you have chosen a different path. You could have done this, done that, been somebody." I didn't think long before I realised the futility of it. There was an undertone of discontent, envy, and greed that reeked of sulfur in those thoughts. I confessed my sin as I prayed: "Please forgive me LORD for even giving place to those thoughts for a second. Your way is the right way. I'm happy right where I am, and my satisfaction is in you."
The path of faith in Christ is the only one worth traveling. If there is anything I desire to do well, it is to follow Jesus faithfully all my days. I am not rich in worldly goods, but I have all I need. I am not well known in this world, but I am known by God as His dear child. And I am not alone! Last night I read with great delight a passage of a man who has gone before me. Moses was a man who was raised as a prince, trained by the very best, and at 40 years old had a bright future. He had wealth, intelligence, fame, and security. Yet Moses chose to forfeit it all to serve God, believing only God could supply true wealth. Hebrews 11:24-26: "By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward." There it is! Moses esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. I too have come to the conclusion that the reproach of Christ is greater than all this world could ever offer. My convictions and beliefs have cost me superficial friendships, but the gain I have through friendship with God and fellowship in the church is of far greater and eternal value.
When you are tempted to look back on what could have been, instead look to the God who was, is, and is to come. Regret promotes decay and death, whereas faith and hope in God bring light and life. God is the one who does all things well, and He does not even need to try. It is a beautiful day when our identity is found in Christ alone: in the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering. God is a Redeemer who provides joy unspeakable and peace that passes understanding for eternity. Jesus is the One who makes all things new!
25 February 2014
Forget Formulas
As Christians, we must take care not to make formulas out of facts. Scripture is packed with important facts relevant for personal and broad applications. There is a tendency in people - compared by God as sheep in many instances - for us to walk in the footsteps of whomever we follow. When we see a result we appreciate, we seek to follow the same steps so we might too have a particular experience or outcome for ourselves. "How did you make the cake so moist?" "What product did you use to have such healthy looking hair?" "Who details your car? I never seem to get that deep shine." "How do you stay so positive after all that has happened to you?" So we follow a recipe, buy product and follow the instructions carefully, call the mobile detailer, or do our best to follow advice. Sheep tend towards imitation, not innovation.
There are many who claim to have the answers we are all looking for. There are hucksters who sell their wares at the fair, offer free seminars with a "free" gift promised to the first 50 who call, and plenty of folks willing to sell you information to increase your net worth. The same can be true concerning spiritual matters. Some have developed plans to increase church size, books have been written outlining how to pray and prepare studies, and some hold seminars on how to pursue religious experiences. Formulaic approaches may be more entrenched in your life than you might think. We couple biblical facts with our experiences and figure if someone desires an experience, they can do what we have done. But the fact remains: there are no formulas when it comes to knowing God and experiencing all He has for us. There are plenty of facts and things in common between people who have known God, but God Himself is the only true common denominator.
Man likes to be in control. He enjoys sitting down at a particular hour, pushing a button on the remote, having the television turn on, and watching the program he expected to be on air. This is all very predictable, entertaining, and comfortable. The modern television watcher even has more control than he used to, for he can record, pause, and rewind television with a button. He can stand up and make himself a proper coffee and not miss a second. It is in this culture of convenience and ease where God stands in stark contrast. There is no formula to know God or steps we take in a particular order to have fellowship with Him. This is no button to push, no convenient time frame provided, no pause button. There are facts in scripture that teach us of God, His righteous character, reasonable requirements, and our fitting response. There is no prayer that saves a man from hell. There is no series of actions we can take in our flesh to accomplish what God does only through the Holy Spirit. God is consistent in is holiness and righteousness, but the means and methods He uses are widely varied as our experiences and feelings.
We do a great disservice to God when the way of salvation is reduced to a formula, a "repeat after me" statement devised either for convenient use in groups or to quantify results. "If you just prayed that prayer," I have heard someone say, "you are now a child of God." That is presumptuous at best, abominable falsehood at worst. Please don't misunderstand: it very well may be at that very moment people were justified through faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour. Perhaps you look back to a time when after uttering a prayer you were convinced of your justification by faith. But it was not the prayer, hand-raising, or coming forward that accomplished the divine regeneration: it is the power of God that makes a person born again by the Holy Spirit. Sadly, it is at that moment when some seekers stop seeking. They have found all they wanted - assurance of salvation - even if from a mere man. This assurance may be granted after a genuine conversion, but it might be an illusion. God does not look to see if we have ticked external boxes, but looks upon the heart.
It is the scriptures that teach us the way of salvation and provide ample assurance. I believe everyone must wrestle individually with God, even as Jacob did. Whether it is salvation or baptism with the Holy Spirit, it is for each and every one of us to seek God humble, fervently, presenting ourselves as surrendered servants to His will. We are not alone in our search. God has given us the Holy Scriptures and other believers to join us along the road in our pursuit of Christ. God has seen fit to establish the church of which Christ is Head, scattered throughout the earth. He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill and come upon us in power. We must be careful not to adopt the means of Simon, a man spoken of in Acts 8:18-19: "And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, "Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit." Instead of seeking God, Simon sought the help of man. He offered corruptible money to obtain power only given by God as He sees fit according to His purposes. Simon saw what he believed to be a formula for people to receive the Holy Spirit, yet this was no formula! Sometimes the Holy Spirit was given to people without the laying on of hands (Acts 10:44).
The point? Formulas are no substitute to knowing God in personal relationship. As they mislead, formulas also disillusion. "I have prayed that prayer and nothing happened." "I prayed for healing like a book said and my aunt still passed away." "I have sought spiritual gifts but I guess those things aren't for me." What hardness, pain, doubt, and disunity can result! When our experiences trump God's Word in our minds, we build on a foundation of sand. Let us renew our desire to seek God with all our hearts according to His Word. May our desire for closeness and intimacy increase as we grow in grace and knowledge of who God is and all He has done. When we fall into the trap of formula instead of friendship with God we miss the point: we miss knowing the One who has revealed Himself. We should not approach God for experiences, though we will have them. We should not seek God for power, though He empowers all Christians to perform His will. God will never be a means to our end. When God is our end, the best will never end.
There are many who claim to have the answers we are all looking for. There are hucksters who sell their wares at the fair, offer free seminars with a "free" gift promised to the first 50 who call, and plenty of folks willing to sell you information to increase your net worth. The same can be true concerning spiritual matters. Some have developed plans to increase church size, books have been written outlining how to pray and prepare studies, and some hold seminars on how to pursue religious experiences. Formulaic approaches may be more entrenched in your life than you might think. We couple biblical facts with our experiences and figure if someone desires an experience, they can do what we have done. But the fact remains: there are no formulas when it comes to knowing God and experiencing all He has for us. There are plenty of facts and things in common between people who have known God, but God Himself is the only true common denominator.
Man likes to be in control. He enjoys sitting down at a particular hour, pushing a button on the remote, having the television turn on, and watching the program he expected to be on air. This is all very predictable, entertaining, and comfortable. The modern television watcher even has more control than he used to, for he can record, pause, and rewind television with a button. He can stand up and make himself a proper coffee and not miss a second. It is in this culture of convenience and ease where God stands in stark contrast. There is no formula to know God or steps we take in a particular order to have fellowship with Him. This is no button to push, no convenient time frame provided, no pause button. There are facts in scripture that teach us of God, His righteous character, reasonable requirements, and our fitting response. There is no prayer that saves a man from hell. There is no series of actions we can take in our flesh to accomplish what God does only through the Holy Spirit. God is consistent in is holiness and righteousness, but the means and methods He uses are widely varied as our experiences and feelings.
We do a great disservice to God when the way of salvation is reduced to a formula, a "repeat after me" statement devised either for convenient use in groups or to quantify results. "If you just prayed that prayer," I have heard someone say, "you are now a child of God." That is presumptuous at best, abominable falsehood at worst. Please don't misunderstand: it very well may be at that very moment people were justified through faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour. Perhaps you look back to a time when after uttering a prayer you were convinced of your justification by faith. But it was not the prayer, hand-raising, or coming forward that accomplished the divine regeneration: it is the power of God that makes a person born again by the Holy Spirit. Sadly, it is at that moment when some seekers stop seeking. They have found all they wanted - assurance of salvation - even if from a mere man. This assurance may be granted after a genuine conversion, but it might be an illusion. God does not look to see if we have ticked external boxes, but looks upon the heart.
It is the scriptures that teach us the way of salvation and provide ample assurance. I believe everyone must wrestle individually with God, even as Jacob did. Whether it is salvation or baptism with the Holy Spirit, it is for each and every one of us to seek God humble, fervently, presenting ourselves as surrendered servants to His will. We are not alone in our search. God has given us the Holy Scriptures and other believers to join us along the road in our pursuit of Christ. God has seen fit to establish the church of which Christ is Head, scattered throughout the earth. He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill and come upon us in power. We must be careful not to adopt the means of Simon, a man spoken of in Acts 8:18-19: "And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, "Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit." Instead of seeking God, Simon sought the help of man. He offered corruptible money to obtain power only given by God as He sees fit according to His purposes. Simon saw what he believed to be a formula for people to receive the Holy Spirit, yet this was no formula! Sometimes the Holy Spirit was given to people without the laying on of hands (Acts 10:44).
The point? Formulas are no substitute to knowing God in personal relationship. As they mislead, formulas also disillusion. "I have prayed that prayer and nothing happened." "I prayed for healing like a book said and my aunt still passed away." "I have sought spiritual gifts but I guess those things aren't for me." What hardness, pain, doubt, and disunity can result! When our experiences trump God's Word in our minds, we build on a foundation of sand. Let us renew our desire to seek God with all our hearts according to His Word. May our desire for closeness and intimacy increase as we grow in grace and knowledge of who God is and all He has done. When we fall into the trap of formula instead of friendship with God we miss the point: we miss knowing the One who has revealed Himself. We should not approach God for experiences, though we will have them. We should not seek God for power, though He empowers all Christians to perform His will. God will never be a means to our end. When God is our end, the best will never end.
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