Two certainties.

In  “The Cobbler of Preston” (Christopher Bullock; 1716) appears the line, “Tis impossible to be sure of any thing but Death and Taxes.”, and the sentiment has been echoed on a number of occasions, by a number of well-known people.

However, I would suggest that there are two other certainties, referred to by the prophet Hosea, in the book that bears his name. He writes, concerning YHWH "... He has torn, that He may heal us; He has stricken, and He will bind us up." (Hos 6:1).

I know that Almighty God punishes those who deliberately break His laws - those who are sinners in His sight. And that, as I stated on Wednesday, included my friend; it includes me; and it includes every person who has ever lived - with the solitary exception of the Lord Jesus. "... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ..." (Rom 3:23) writes Paul - and that "all" includes you and me.

However, I also know that Almighty God forgives those who repent, and turn to Him, through the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus at Calvary. These are two certainties that I have sought to preach, clearly and distinctly, throughout my pastoral ministry.

On Wednesday of the past week, I conducted the funeral service for an English friend who, with his wife, had been living in France for some seven years. A brother in the Lord; John had been suffering from cancer for many months but, on the previous Thursday, his mortal body had succumbed. His widow asked that I would conduct the service because, to use her own words: "We sing from the same hymn-sheet"! She knew that I would bring the Gospel message into whatever I said at the funeral. And I did!

I commenced the message by possibly shocking some of those present with the announcement that John was not dead! What was in that coffin was the mortal body that he had been given and that he used for almost 80 years. The man that we knew – some of us better, and for longer, than others – was not there.  He was, and is, with Jesus! How could I be certain? Simply because at 45 years of age, John recognised that he was a sinner! That's the first certainty.

John had a 'church background'; He believed in the existence of God. He knew about Jesus. But, as he shared when he gave his own testimony, he didn’t have a personal relationship with the Saviour. However, in middle age, he discovered that the very God against Whom he sinned, loved him so much that He had already done something about the situation! In the Persona of the Son, Almighty God took upon Himself human flesh – that very flesh that He had created – and came to live among mankind. He lived a quiet, unassuming, hard-working, life for about 30 years but then became a wandering Teacher and, eventually, as we shall shortly be recalling at Pâques (Resurrection Day), was crucified, and buried in a borrowed tomb.

John confessed his sins, and his sinfulness; he acknowledged that he could never do anything about them; he accepted that, at Calvary, the Son paid the penalty that he deserved to pay; he was born anew of God the Holy Spirit; he became a true son of Almighty God – joint-heir with the Lord Jesus, the Christ; he moved from death to life – a life that continues even although his mortal body has reached the end.

One of John's favourite Bible verses is found in John’s account of the Gospel, in 14:6. It reads « Jesus said …, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.” » There is only one way – and that is through the Lord Jesus. Anything else is counterfeit. I cannot earn my salvation; I cannot buy my salvation; I do not deserve my salvation. It is, as Paul wrote to the Ephesian believers “… the gift of God …” (2:8).

Two certainties: As surely as the sun rises in the morning, the judgement of Almighty God will come. But His mercy is just as certain for those who turn from their sin, to the new life in the Lord Jesus.

May all who read this post find that new life for themselves.

What is a "Christian"?

To be honest, I tend to use the description "Christian" as seldom as possible! The reason is that I find that the word has been so totally devalued! You may have experienced this for yourself! "Mrs McTavish, across the street - what a wonderful woman! She would give you the coat off her back; she would give you her last slice of bread; she would walk twenty miles to help you; she's a good Christian"! Now, if I knew this mythical Mrs McTavish, I have no doubt that I would consider her to be a very nice person; the "salt of the earth"; someone who would be good to have as a next-door-neighbour. Sadly, however, that does not make her a Christian! A Christian should be like that - and much, much, more - but that is another story! 

The fact remains that many people think that they are "Christian" because, they would claim, they are not 'pagan' and, of course they were 'born in a Christian country'! Their names may even be on the membership list of a Christian fellowship which they attend occasionally, and to which they sometimes provide financial support (even if somewhat meagre!). However, it takes more than that for a sinner to become a child of the living God. It takes repentance from sin, and faith in the Lord Jesus, the Christ, Who gave Himself as an atoning* sacrifice on the cross at Calvary, and Who rose again that we may have eternal life - a life that has much more to do with quality than longevity!

So, back to the title question - what is a Christian? The word was first used by the people of Antioch, and was really a term of derision! These were "Christ-followers" and, as such, were deemed to be somewhat crazy! But certain things may be said about them that we may use to see if we measure up to what it required.

They were, and are, those who know a Person - and that Person is the Lord Jesus, the Christ. Of course, many know about Him - but this is a personal knowledge. If I may explain it like this - I know HM the Queen, and have been, on more than one occasion, no more than eight feet away from her! I know her date of birth - both biological and official; I know her husband's name; I know her children's names - and those of her grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. I know when she became Queen; I recall her Coronation; I know her favourite animal pet; etc., etc. Anything that I don't know, but wanted to, I could easily find out online!

I also know my wife! But that 'knowledge' is totally different. It's a knowledge that has come from now more than fifty years of marriage - and a couple of years of courtship before that! It's the knowledge that comes from an intimate relationship that has deepened over the years. It's a knowledge that comes from shared experiences, and of seeking to put her first (even if I haven't always managed to do that!).

Do you see the difference. In the case of HM the Queen I know about her. When it comes to my wife - I know her! And it's that kind of knowledge of the Lord Jesus that His true disciples have.

But not only do we know His Person; we also enjoy His presence. Have you ever been involved in a "long-distance" relationship? I don't recall ever having been, in the past - but I am experiencing it at the present time. Because of the current situation regarding Covid-19, I have not seen my children for a full year! Oh, we communicate regularly, using the various forms of modern technology to which we have access. We share our experiences; at times, we rejoice with one another; on other occasions, we commiserate with one another. But it just isn't the same as being able to hold one another in a big hug!

Jesus said to His disciples: "I will never leave you, nor forsake you." (Heb.13:5). His presence, through the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit, is with His disciples always. That even includes the experience of physical death. David, the psalmist-king of Israel knew this. In what is probably his best-known psalm, he writes these words: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me;" (Ps 23:4). That is why death holds no terror for the disciple of Jesus - because his Lord is with him. On Wednesday of this week, I shall (D.V.) be conducting the funeral service for a friend of some seven years. There will be mixed emotions. On the one hand, his widow, extended family, and friends, will grieve. But - and it is a very big "But" - we shall recall the words of Paul to the Thessalonian disciples: "But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep." (I Thess. 4:13-14). A presence that not even physical death can remove.

I know His Person; I enjoy His presence; and I experience His power. The life of a true disciple of Jesus is not always easy. Most of those who read this post will not suffer to the same degree as those in what we refer to as "the persecuted church". But there may be discrimination; ostracism; loss of former friends; even rejection by family. How does one cope with such situations? Just before He ascended to the Father, the Lord Jesus spoke to His disciples and, in that brief discourse, He made this promise: "... you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;" (Acts 1:8). Power to live; power to witness; power to suffer for His name's sake. All that we need is found in Him.

That, in a nutshell, is a description of a disciple of Jesus - a true Christian. Note, of course, that I used the indefinite article! That is because there is so much more that might be said concerning the subject. However, I trust that what I have shared in this post will help some to examine themselves, to see if they are, indeed, His disciples - or merely using the name. If you should conclude the latter, then I beg you not to procrastinate*. Deal with the matter now and, if I may be of any further assistance, feel free to contact me at the e-mail address at the top of the page.

* These words are dealt with, fully, in my first book: "Great Words of the Faith". Links to it and to the other two in the series, are at the top of the page. Remember that I am happy to promote my books because ALL royalties are sent, directly, to Release International, in support of the persecuted church.

Why would anyone want to be saved?

If you and I were standing outside a burning house, with people at windows, screaming for help, that question in the title would seem to be very stupid, and insensitive. If no-one helps them, those people are going to die - and not very easily. Likewise, if we were out on the ocean, and saw a ship that was sinking, we would not ask such a crass question about those on deck shouting for help.

We understand the necessity of help when we are in physical trouble. Most people, in life-threatening situations, wish to be saved. It is natural, and normal.

Salvation may be said to be at the centre of the Christian Gospel. That word "Gospel" means "Good News" - and if one is in a potentially fatal situation, than being saved is, surely, "Good News". Yet it is often the case that the Good News of the Gospel message is portrayed as "Come to Jesus, and all will be well!" "Come to Jesus, and your life will improve dramatically!" "Come to Jesus, and send a cash sum to this particular ministry, and watch your bank balance grow!"

In other words, this "version" of the Gospel message is all about "me"; what I can get out of it; how it may benefit me, in material terms, here and now"!

But what does the Bible teach? It teaches, first of all, that you and I are sinners. Because of that, we are separated from the One Who created us. That means that we are destined for eternal death - not just the physical death that is the lot of every mortal being, but an eternal separation from Him. Did you realise that you will live for eternity*? The only question concerns where you will spend that timeless existence!

The next point that must be made is that no-one is able to "earn" salvation by good works. Even if I could spend the rest of my natural life in a totally sinless condition, I could never make up for the sins that I have already committed. And even if I had only ever committed one sin (fat chance!), I still cannot make up for even that one! I am in a bad place!

However, the Good News is that Father God loves me, and you, so much that He has provided the means by which I may escape the punishment that is due to me. In the Persona* (not a typo!) of the Son, He came into this sinful world; lived a life in which He was tempted in the same ways that we are - yet without ever yielding to those temptations; grew up in a working-class family; became a peripatetic rabbi, teaching, and healing, and encouraging; was arrested by the religious leaders of His Jewish people (the ordinary folk, heard Him gladly!); underwent a number of mockeries of trials; and was crucified by the Roman authorities. He became, the perfect sacrifice for your sin and for mine. Paul writes: "For our sake He [the Father] made Him [the Son] to be sin, Who knew no sin, so that in Him [the Son] we might become the righteousness of God." (II Cor. 5:21). His sacrificial death was, and is, sufficient to deal with your sin, and with mine!

Of course, if I see a beggar sitting on the pavement, and I offer him some cash, that offer is of absolutely no use to him if he does not stretch out his own hand and take it! So the offer of salvation must be accepted if it is to become real in my life. But when I do accept it, by faith, then I am assured of my eternal salvation. There is a place in the new heaven, and the new earth - for me! Not because of anything that I have done, or can do, but all because of what He has already done.

That, I would suggest, is why anyone would wish to be saved. Because the wonder of that new, eternal, life is beyond anything that you or I can even begin to imagine! 

So the real question is not "Why would anyone want to be saved?", but "Why would anyone not want to be saved?" Father God does not force any of us into submission- He invites us to salvation. What is your response going to be? The writer of the letter to Hebrew disciples of Jesus asks the unanswerable question: "... how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?" (Heb. 2:3). There is no escape! The decision must be made - and made now!

*Each of these words is dealt with in my first book: "Great Words of the Faith". Links to it, and the other two currently available, are at the top of the page. Remember, I receive no financial benefit from sales. ALL royalties are sent directly to Release International, in support of the Persecuted Church.

Lessons from the "House of Mirrors"!

I don't honestly know if such places still exist. I certainly haven't seen one for many, many years. However, when I made a quick search for one, I did discover that they are based on "The Galerie des Glaces" (Hall of Mirrors) - perhaps the most famous room in the château of Versailles. It took the place of the rooftop terrace overlooking the gardens which formerly connected the apartments of the king and queen. The construction of the room began in 1678 and finished in 1684. The gallery is more than 70 metres (230 ft) long, and it is lined with 17 wide arcaded mirrors, designed to match and reflect the windows opposite facing the gardens. (from Wikipedia).

Of course, the Hall of Mirrors of which I am thinking is the one in which multiple mirrors combine to make a kind of maze, through which visitors must pass. The mirrors, themselves, are of different shapes, and planes, and cause one to see oneself in all kinds of shapes and sizes.

I have read of a Moorish palace with a beautiful, grotto-like, entrance which is, apparently, quite intriguing. Notices at the entrance announce the wonders and beauties that may be seen inside. However, upon entering, the visitor discovers that the interior is simply a mass of strange mirrors! Regardless of which way he turns, he sees himself from a different angle. 

Glancing ahead, the visitor appears to be tall and thin; looking to the right, he encounters a curved mirror that makes him appear to be broader than he really is. Different mirrors provide differing reflections, deceptively luring him onwards, and bringing him face-to-face with strange reflections of himself - some flattering; others much less so! 

Of course, some people seem to spend their whole lives in this way! No matter in which direction they turn, they see nothing but 'self', until sometimes the view becomes exaggerated, and completely unrealistic. A little success, and they become so gratified that, in their own twisted imaginations, they grow to huge proportions! They need to take some heed to the words of Rabbie Burns, the Scots Bard: "O wad some pow'r the giftie gie us, tae see oorsels as ithers see us"! (To a louse).

God's written Word warns us to guard against pride in self. So Paul writes to the early disciples of Jesus in Rome: "Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us." (Rom 12:3; The Living Bible)

"Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves," Don't take yourself too seriously, or nourish your ego on every compliment you receive. If you do, the distorted mirrors of pride will often make you appear taller than you really are. However, a bloated opinion of yourself is both unhealthy, and unspiritual, and may even prove to be embarrassing! Jesus said: "When you are invited by any one to a marriage feast, do not sit down in a place of honour , lest a more eminent man than you be invited by him; and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give place to this man,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, go up higher'; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:8-11).

May we tend, more, to the attitude of John the Baptiser who said, with regard to the Lord Jesus: "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30).