Fifth Sunday - "Foundations of the Faith"

Yes, it's another "five Sunday month" and so, as previously intimated, I am not publishing a post in either English or French, but promoting one of my books - in this case "Foundations of the Faith".

This is the second of my series on "... the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 1:3). The book is written, as are the others in the series, in language that doesn't require a degree in theology to understand. I was privileged, as a much younger man, to sit under the ministry of the Rev George B. Duncan, and the teaching of Rev Prof William Barclay - in my opinion, two of the best communicators of the last century. Whether in my preaching, or in my writing, I have sought to emulate these two men, so that "ordinary" people can understand what I am sharing. I know that I have books on my own bookshelves that I dare not read without my dictionary sitting beside me! That should not be necessary when you read this book (or any of the others!).

The book is based on what is referred to as "The Apostles' Creed". This is not claiming that it was the apostles who produced the creed, but simply that it reflects what they taught.

One of those who endorsed the book writes:

"Following up his “Great Words of the Faith”, this is a timely piece of very accessible writing from a respected and experienced writer, teacher and preacher. In an age when it would seem that the Christian message has lost its focus, with the various contrary ‘noises’ around us, Brian has taken us right back to the basics through a detailed analysis of the Apostles’ Creed. After an explanation of the importance of a clear understanding of the gospel message, the reason for our faith, he takes us through the detail of the Apostles’ Creed. It is a ready reckoner of the great truths of the Christian gospel that have stood the test of time. It is accessible, scholarly, personal and full of scripture reference. The difficult issues are not skirted but the fundamental truth of the Godhead is allowed to shine through. With the apostle, we should be able to say, “I know Whom I have believed”. This book will undoubtedly help in assuring that assertion of faith. I heartily recommend it to you." 

Dr. Ken Cunningham, CBE, FRSA 

General Secretary, School Leaders, Scotland 

Former Principal, and Head Teacher, Hillhead Learning Community

I would encourage you to purchase the book - in either paperback, or Kindle e-book, format. If you do, please leave an online review. For self-publishing authors like me, these are invaluable. You might also, if you believe that it would help others in their understanding of the Christian Faith, tell them about it, or have your review published in your church magazine (if such exists!). 

Permit me, too, to emphasise that, as with my blogs, I receive no financial, or other, benefit from purchases of my books. All royalties are sent, by Amazon, directly to the Bank Account of Release International, in support of the Persecuted Church.

His ways; our ways!

Sometimes, I have these posts prepared a week, or more, in advance. However, this is one of those occasions when my own mind has been reeling with the reports, and pictures, from the land of Israel, during the callous, and indiscriminate, killing and kidnapping spree, on Saturday 7th, by the terrorist organisation Hamas - whose leader, by the way, is reportedly safely in Qatar, while his daughter is receiving treatment in an Israeli hospital -!!! Did someone say "Cowardice, and hypocrisy"?

I have a dear Jewish friend, a retired General Practitioner, who spends approximately half of the year in his home in Glasgow, and the other half in an apartment in Netanya just about 30 km. (less than 20 miles) away from Tel Aviv I am never sure where he is at any particular time, but have e-mailed him expressing my hope that he is safe and well. These events that take place a long way from home, are always made more stark when one has a personal connection with someone who may be involved. Along with most of those who were of an age of discernment at the time, I recall "9/11". However, shocked as I was, the reality didn't come home to me until I discovered that a friend died in one of the Twin Towers! The situation, and the satanic actions, in Israel on "7/10" are real to me because a friend may have been affected [thankfully, he has responded, and is well).

So what can one say about that dreadful, bloodthirsty, and evil attack? There are certainly questions that may be asked. The Children of Israel are, according to the written Word of God, the Chosen people of YHWH. Why did He not intervene in this atrocity? Why did He not stop those demonic terrorists in their bloodlust? Why were small children beheaded and burned alive?

My former minister, spiritual mentor, and personal friend, the late Rev. George B. Duncan, was sometimes heard to say: "If I knew everything about God, I would be God!" That is true. The prophet, Isaiah utters these words of YHWH: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says YHWH. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." (55:8-9). While Paul writes to the early disciples of Yeshua, in Rome, in similar vein: "O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways! “For who has known the mind of YHWH, or who has been His counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to Him that He might be repaid?”" (11:33-35).

The book of Job, in the First Testament, is an interesting book that provides some insight to the undoubted problem of suffering. Job is described as a man who "... was blameless and upright, one who feared God, and turned away from evil." (1:1). Now there's a man who, surely, deserved the total protection of YHWH! Yet, as we read on, we discover that he becomes a man who suffers greatly - and YHWH permits it!

That is the key word - "permits"! Theologians speak of the two wills of Almighty God - His Sovereign will and His Permissive will. Without going into too much detail, His Sovereign will refers to all that He has ordained; all over which He fully exerts control, including, of course, all things that were, are, and will be. He does all He pleases all the time. English pastor, theologian, and author, Arthur Pink (1886-1952) appropriately says:

“Subject to none, influenced by none, absolutely independent: God does as He pleases, only as He pleases, always as He pleases. None can thwart Him, none can hinder Him. So His own Word expressly declares: “My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure” (Isa. 46;10).” (The Attributes of God by Arthur Pink, p. 3).

The Permissive will of God may be seen in the experience of Job. This good man suffered, not for any wrongdoing in himself - although, like each one of us, he was a sinner - but because Father God was showing the satan (the adversary, the root of all evil) that Job's faith was solid and real.

Another useful passage to read is Psalm 3, composed by King David when he fled from his own son, Absalom. In that situation, he faced a kind of betrayal that cuts deeper than any other - the betrayal of a family member. This post is already long enough, but permit me to make just a brief comment on David's words - and encourage you to read Ps.3 for yourself.

The opening verses capture a feeling of despair and desolation. David acknowledges the multitudes that stand against him, who doubt his deliverance through God. Last Saturday’s brutal onslaught was a betrayal of the fundamental principles of humanity. As the demonic terrorists ruthlessly took innocent lives, the nation, much like David, felt overwhelmed, surrounded on all sides by hatred and violence. Just as David’s adversaries doubted his deliverance through God, Israel's enemies question and test the survival and resilience of the Israeli people.

However, the psalm does not remain in this space of despair. It moves from lamentation to a profound expression of faith. David speaks of God as a protective shield. “I lie down and sleep and wake again, for YHWH sustains me.” (v.5). These words not only reflect David’s trust in God amidst his personal crisis but also encapsulate the Israeli spirit. Despite the terror, life goes on. People still sleep, wake, and continue with their daily tasks, relying on the sustenance and protection of HaShem, their protective shield.

In these trying times, Psalm 3 reminds us of the indomitable spirit of the Israeli people and their unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Just as David emerged from his trials with renewed faith and strength, Israel, too, will emerge from this crisis stronger, united, and with an even deeper connection to their people, their faith, and their God.

May those of us who love Israel, and her people, be faithful in upholding them in prayer, and supporting them in whatever way we can.

m

Am Yisrael chai.

A changed life - if only!

It was a number of years ago, and my wife and I were spending our summer holiday touring France with our caravan. One of the strange things about France is that it is, officially, a totally secular nation, yet every day has its "saint" (many of the names of whom, I have never heard!), and it has more religious holidays than most countries - certainly than the UK.

It also has some of the most beautiful church buildings I have ever seen. On one occasion - I don't recall the details - we were visiting one of those buildings. As we moved quietly around, my wife whispered to me: "Everyone is so quiet in here!" She was perfectly correct. It was, I believe, because there was something about the building that touched people who were not in the least "religious" - that something that, I was taught, is referred to as the "numinous". That simply means a sense of awe, of mysticism, of sublimity, of transcendence. In short, there is a sense of the presence of Almighty God in such a building.

That occasion was brought to mind by my reading about a similar situation experienced by Lord Kenneth Clark, possibly best-known for his television series, "Civilisation - a personal view", broadcast in 1969; and as having been Chancellor of the Exchequer in the mid-seventies. In his autobiography, he makes clear that he is a liberal, secular humanist. However, as the TV series shows, he was not indifferent to the role of religion, and specifically Christianity, in the history of western Europe. 

Indeed, he writes of a "religious experience" that "... took place in the church of San Lorenzo, but did not seem to be connected with the harmonious beauty of the architecture. I can only say that for a few minutes, my whole being was radiated by a kind of heavenly joy, far more intense than anything I had ever experienced before." Sadly, the "flood of grace", as he went on to describe it, created a problem for him. "My life was far from blameless. I would have to reform. My family would think I was going mad, and perhaps after all, it was a delusion, for I was in every way unworthy of such a flood of grace. Gradually the effect wore off and I made no effort to retain it. I think I was right. I was too deeply embedded in the world to change course." (emphasis added).

How tragic! If only he had responded, positively, to that grace-granted glimpse of that which is beyond this material world. If only he had allowed it to turn his attention away from this world, and towards the Lord Jesus! He would have experienced a changed life - if only! He would have become a part of that glorious, invisible, world that is not an illusion, but the ultimate reality. If only!

Father God can enable any of us to change, no matter how embedded in the world we may be. The miracle of the new birth (see John 3:5-7) will take place when we say "Yes" to the stirring of God's grace in our hearts. Don't put it off! Paul says: "Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (II Cor.6:2; emphases added).

Kenneth Clark died in May 1983. As far as I know, he died as he had lived - without faith in the Lord Jesus, the Christ. If only!