Is The Rapture happening in September?

It is a long time since I have posted anything other than my weekly devotions. However, having watched this video, and the information included, I want to share it with others. I hope that you will watch to the end - and that you will be "Rapture ready"! 

Grace, Faith, and Works.

 "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God - not because of works, lest any man should boast." (Eph.2:8-9).

This is, quite possibly, one of the most frequently quoted statements in the New Testament, after John 3:16. It deals with three essential aspects of the Christian Faith - grace; faith; and works. That faith (or belief, it's the same Greek word) in the substitutionary work of Jesus, the Christ, on the cross, is essential to salvation (see John 3:15-18, etc.). But faith does not stop there; it grows as a disciple of Jesus matures. Let us look at some of the characteristics of a growing faith in God.

One who has accepted God's gracious offer of forgiveness and salvation, one who, by faith, has found God trustworthy, comes to trust Him and His promises in other areas as well. Paul, who had been sorely persecuted for his faith, claimed, "I am not ashamed, for I know Whom I have believed, and I am sure that He is able to guard until that Day what I have entrusted to Him." (II Timothy 1:12). God will faithfully fulfill His promises, and we can have faith that He will.

The great heroes of faith, some of whom are listed in Hebrews 11, all had one thing in common. They dared to trust God for great things, even impossible things, and moved out on that basis. Consider Joshua: "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days." (Heb.11:30). Joshua was confronted with an impossible problem, but dared to trust God for a solution.

Then there is the mature faith which can "rest in YHWH, and wait patiently for Him" (Psalm 37:7) in the face of hardship and opposition. "For the wicked shall be cut off; but those who wait for YHWH shall possess the land." (v. 9).

But, as James reminds us: "What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead." (2:14-17). Some try to suggest that James and Paul were "at odds" with one another. Nothing could be further from the truth! Read on from those words at the head of this post! "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Eph.2:10). 

So, we are saved, by grace, through faith, for good works.

At every stage of our lives as disciples of Jesus, Father God allows us opportunities to exercise and expand our faith. Remember, "without faith it is impossible to please Him." (Hebrews 11:6). 

The will of the Lord.

It was a couple of months ago that I shared with a Thursday morning group, in my former congregation of Bellshill - St Andrew's (now U.F.) Church. I had been informed that I could share some personal testimony, and that was what I had decided to do. My topic was "God's Guidance", and I shared some of the situations in which that guidance had been very clear - and others in which it was only with hindsight that I had realised that I had been guided!

Closely connected to the guidance of God is, of course, His will, as it is in His will that He guides us. And knowing that will is of the greatest importance. Paul advises the Ephesian believers: "Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.." (5:17).

Indeed, there is no more exalted theme in the world than the will of God, nor is there a more important practical question than how to know the will of God. Of greatest significance is the recognition that it is His will - not man's will - which is important.

 

God desires for us to know His will - both His will in general, as revealed in Scripture, and His specific will in each particular decision. The latter must in every instance, of course, be fully compatible with the former, as the Holy Spirit, Who leads us, will never contradict the Scriptures which He inspired. Thus, an indispensable prerequisite to finding the personal will of God is knowing His general will.

 

The general will of God is expressed, first of all, in the fact of special creation: "Worthy art Thou, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for Thou didst create all things, and by Thy will they existed and were created." (Rev. 4:11). Of course, the first eleven chapters of the Book of Genesis (Beginnings) is the foundational section of the whole of the written Word of God! 

Then the Christ became man in order to accomplish God's will: "Then I said, ‘Lo, I have come to do thy will, O God,’" (Heb. 10:7) as our sin-bearing substitute; "And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus, the Christ once for all." (Hebrews 10:10). It is His will that this should provide salvation to all who believe. "For this is the will of My Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:40). This in turn entails the individual regeneration of all who receive Him, "who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:13).

 

Furthermore, His will includes absolute security in Him: "and this is the will of Him Who sent Me, that I should lose nothing of all that He has given Me, but raise [them] up at the last day" (John 6:39); our sanctification: "For this is the will of God, your sanctification:" (1 Thessalonians 4:3); and ultimate glorification: "Father, I desire that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, may be with Me where I am, to behold My glory which Thou hast given Me in Thy love for Me before the foundation of the world." (John 17:24). Thankfulness in all things: "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."(1 Thess. 5:18), and a virtuous life, are also God's will: "For it is God’s will that by doing right you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men." (1 Peter 2:15).

A believer who understands, believes, and obeys God's general will is then prepared to know and follow His specific will. 

Eternal Life

The first letter from the apostle, John, has only five chapters (although, of course, John didn't write it in chapters and verses, any more than you or I would do so when writing a letter! These divisions were a much later addition provided to make it easier for us to look up a particular verse, or passage.). However, it is a powerful letter, full of vital insights into the Christian life, it is written to, among others, "little children" (1 John 5:21) - those who are young in the faith - so that they might "know" the majesty and wonder of eternal life - which is not the same thing as "everlasting life"!

He writes to: ". . . you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life." (1 John 5:13) 

John begins his letter with a reminder of his close relationship with Jesus from whom the promise of eternal life came. "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life — the life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us —  that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.  (1 John 1:1-3; emphasis added). 

John, "the beloved disciple" was an eyewitness to Christ's resurrection: "Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;"  (John 20: 1-8), which is the most powerful proof of the claims and promises of the Lord: "... He (the Father) has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man (the Lord Jesus) Whom He has appointed, and of this He has given assurance to all men by raising Him from the dead."  (Acts 17:31).

 

Much of that which is applied in John's letter is based on the precise teachings of the Lord Jesus Himself, heard by John and recorded in his account of the Gospel, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit: "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." (John 20:31).

 

Those who believe will "not perish" (John 3:15-16).
The "water" of Christ springs up to "eternal life" (John 4:14).
Whoever has eternal life "has passed" from death to life (John 5:24).
Those who come to Christ will "shall not hunger" (John 6:35).
No one is able to "snatch" the believer out of the Father's hand (John 10:28-30).
"whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." (John 11:26).

 

Based on the Word of God, John gives us, in his first letter, several experiential tests by which we can know that we "live":

 

We love and keep His commandments (I John 2:3).
We know and love the truth (I John 2:20).
We love the brethren (I John 3:14).
We have God's Holy Spirit (I John 4:13). 

If this has, in any way, whet your appetite for this letter, and the other two brief notes that John wrote, then I recommend my third book in the "Faith" series - "Defending the Faith" - a link to which is at the head of the blog. Remember that all royalties are sent, directly, to Release International to support those who are the persecuted Church. I receive no material benefit.

Prayer, and Meditation.

Some weeks ago, in my French language blog, I published a post entitled "Pray without ceasing" (in French, of course!). In it, I mentioned that one of my own problems with an extended period of prayer is that my mind tends to wander! A new friend, who receives that post link, contacted me and wrote (also in French!): "My mind also wanders when I try to meditate, apparently very normal." I did point out to my friend that, in fact, "prayer" and "meditation" are not synonymous words!

I had already prepared the post for this week but, yesterday, I received a regular e-mail that deals with the very topic of meditation. It is so good, that I am copying it, completely - with only a few changes: mostly the Scripture quotations that I am providing in the RSV translation (my personal favourite since away back in my Bible College days!), instead of the AV that the author (HMM) uses.

« “Make me understand the way of Thy precepts,and I will meditate on Thy wondrous works.” (Psalm 119:27)

The remarkable 119th Psalm, with its 22 eight-verse stanzas, is the unique “song of the word,” containing 176 testimonies or prayers concerning God’s Word—one for each verse. Eight times the word “meditate” or “meditation” is used, indicating the importance of this practice in relation to the Scriptures. In our text, its basic thrust is to exhort us to meditate on the wonderful works of God once we understand the way of His precepts.

The other seven references to meditation in this psalm are as follows: “I will meditate on Thy precepts,and fix my eyes on Thy ways.” (v. 15); “Even though princes sit plotting against me, Thy servant will meditate on Thy statutes.” (v. 23); “I revere Thy commandments, which I love,and I will meditate on Thy statutes.” (v. 48); “Let the godless be put to shame, because they have subverted me with guile; as for me, I will meditate on Thy precepts.” (v. 78); “O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” (v. 97); “Oh, how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day.” (v. 99); “My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate upon Thy promise.” (v. 148).

There is, of course, a counterfeit form of meditation (e.g., so-called transcendental meditation and other forms of mysticism), not to mention useless daydreaming. These forms of meditation involve clearing one’s mind of all subjects and allowing the mind to wander. In contrast, true, Biblical meditation involves pondering with awe and thankfulness God’s wonderful Word, His ways, and His works in connection with prayer and the study of the Holy Scriptures. As an exercise of the mind as well as of the spirit, it is a great blessing and most pleasing to God." »

In other words, what is often meant by "meditation" is emptying one's mind, or is maybe what I recall being introduced to almost 60 years ago - "guided thinking" (or something like that!). But "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of YHWH, and on His law he meditates day and night." (Ps.1:1-2).

Biblical meditation is actively focusing one's mind on Almighty God. There really is a big difference! It's also how we pray!

Foundations

As this is the fifth Sunday in the month, I wish to share with you about one of my own books. This time, I want to tell you a little about "Foundations of the Faith" - the second volume in the "Faith" series.

                                              

It is a simple fact of life that foundations are of prime importance. Whatever we seek to build, if the foundation is of inferior quality, then what is built upon it will not be strong and sturdy. The Lord Jesus, Himself, made this point in the parable of the two builders (Matthew 7: 24-27).

Having emphasised the importance of doctrine, the book takes the reader through the Apostles' Creed, and does so in language that does not require a prior advanced degree in Theology to be understood! 

One of those who endorsed the book, writes: 

"On reading this book I knew I was in the company of a gifted fellow-pilgrim seeking a deeper understanding of the Apostles’ Creed.  My mind was well-fed by this significant study, and by such thought-provoking sentences as “It requires a great deal of faith to be an atheistic evolutionist.” Brian articulates what he believes with freshness and clarity. It is clear that for him as for Berdyaev, the distinguished Russian thinker, Jesus is the starting point for learning Who God is, who we are, and what life is all about."

Very Rev. Dr. James A. Simpson

Former minister of Dornoch Cathedral

  Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland: 1994-5  

As with all of my books and, indeed, both of my blogs, I receive no financial benefit from sales (or 'clicks'). Indeed, I don't even see the royalties from book sales, as they are sent, directly, to Release International, in support of the persecuted church. So, purchasing one, or more, of my books is not only helpful to your understanding of the Christian Faith, but it is helping those who suffer - many in ways that are beyond the comprehension of those of us who live in the still relative safety of "the west" - for that same faith.

Please also remember that in March, 2023, I was interviewed for an online summit on the topic of “Death”.  I was able to provide a Christian perspective, and the interview may be watched here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPEfzYiPfcI&t=1s

It would be most helpful if you would watch, and leave a "Like"! As others point out, it costs nothing, but the algorithm places the clip at a "higher" level (or something like that! I am no computer expert!).

The Necessary Light.

Do you, like me, enjoy the lighter evenings? As I type it is almost 2200 hours, yet it is still not dark outside! Indeed, if I didn't have so much to do inside, I could still be working outside! 

All human experience understands the relationship between darkness and light. Speaking to the Pharisee, Nicodemus, the Lord Jesus said: "... this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." (John 3:19).  Those who love wickedness crave the darkness to hide their deeds.

That same Jesus insisted that He is "the Light of the world" (John 8:12). Writing to the young Timothy. Paul describes Almighty God as the One   "... Who alone has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, Whom no man has ever seen or can see. " (I Timothy 6:16). This is not a mere metaphor. John, also, reminds us that "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all." (I John 1:5).

 

It is certainly clear in God's written Word, that those who have not yet been twice born must come "to the light" before they can ever receive the gift of eternal light (John 3:21). Indeed, the very process of "coming" is empowered by the drawing power of the Father Himself. Jesus said that: "No one can come to Me unless the Father Who sent Me draws him;"  (John 6:44). No one who is "dead through the trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1) is able to come out of darkness on their own into the light, without the supernatural power of the "Light" Himself.

 

Once we are rescued from the darkness by the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus and "birthed" from above by the power demonstrated in the resurrection of our Lord, we who are so redeemed become "sons of light and sons of the day;" (I Thessalonians 5:5). Thus empowered, we are to "walk in the light" (1 John 1:7) and have no "fellowship . . . with darkness" (II Corinthians 6:14). With the "armour of light" complete (Romans 13:12), we can openly let our "light so shine" that we become a "light of the world" (Matthew 5:16, 14). 

It was Paul's testimony that he had been sent, by Father God, to the Gentiles: "to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’" (Acts 26:18). May we be found doing likewise!

Spirit, Soul, Body

In the previous post, we looked, briefly, at the Holy Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - one God. In this post, I want to point out the trinitarian nature of humanity. 

This threefold nature of mankind reflects, to a degree, the triune nature of the Godhead. Just as each member of the triune God is complete and wholly God, yet distinct, so each aspect of mankind is also the whole, yet distinct. The body of man comprises the entire man, yet he also possesses certain soulish emotions, desires, and propensities; and finally, the total man is endowed with a spiritual, eternal nature, somehow reflecting the image of God.

 

These three reflect the three great creative acts of God during creation week, identified by the three usages of the Hebrew word bara, or create. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Genesis 1:1); i.e., physical material. Later, certain of this physical material was granted consciousness (1:21), which man shares with animals. On the sixth day, man was created as a spiritual being "in the image of God" (1:27), setting him qualitatively distinct from the animals, though he shares body and consciousness with the animals.

 

Writing his first letter to the believers in Thessalonica, Paul expresses this wish: "May the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Thess.5:23), when the "God of peace" sets about the task of sanctifying representatives of sinful, fallen mankind, restoring such ones to a measure of Christ-likeness, He does so in the order mentioned, beginning with a spiritual awakening. Then, through the transformed spirit, the soul is reached, and finally the body, with its appetites and lusts.

 

The wisdom of man says just the opposite, claiming the inner man can be improved by changing outside influences, a mentality all too often reflected even in evangelistic efforts. God's way is to start with the inner man - the root of the problem - and then affect the outer man. 

The Trinity in Salvation

In my first book, "Great Words of the Faith", and in the chapter on "The Trinity", I quote from Augustine, the 4^th century theologian: "If you deny the Trinity, you lose your soul; if you try to explain the Trinity, you shall lose your mind." 

If you have difficulties with this fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith, you may find that chapter to be useful, and even enlightening. Remember that all royalties from all of my books are sent directly to Release International, in support of the persecuted church.

However, although that chapter is quite comprehensive, it is not definitive. So, here is some more on the Trinity!

The anonymous writer (my personal opinion is that it was Barnabas!) of the great Letter to Hebrew disciples of Jesus, having written of the animal sacrifices of Judaism, continues: "... how much more shall the blood of Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God."(9:14).

Note the implicit reference to the Trinity in those words: "The blood of Christ . . . through the eternal Spirit offered . . . to God." There is also a beautiful Trinitarian implication in Ephesians 2: 17-18: "And He [the Lord Jesus] came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father."

The promise of Christ to send the Holy Spirit is a high point of the Gospel of John. "... I will pray the Father," said the Lord Jesus, "and He will give you another Counselor," (Greek parakletos, meaning "one called alongside"), "to be with you for ever," (John 14:16). "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:26). "But when the Counselor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, Who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness to Me;" (John 15:26).

 

It seems very clear from such Scriptures as these, that each of the three - Father, Son, Holy Spirit - is a distinct Persona. Yet that the three together are one God is also clear from the fact that they are identified, by Name, as One. Converts are to be baptised "... in the Name (note the singular: 'onoma' - one Name) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19). Note also the benediction formula. "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (which is all-sufficient), and the love of God (that never fails), and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (Who never forsakes), be with you all. Amen" (2 Corinthians 13:14). What we cannot fully understand in our minds of this wonderful triune Godhead, we can understand and believe with our hearts.

Born to Die

At the end of March, I attended a Celebration of the life of a brother in the Lord whose spirit is now with his Saviour. Such events are happening with increasing regularity as I draw, day by day, more closely to my own departure from this mortal life. Of course, there are many of us who, as we look around us and see more and more Biblical prophecies being fulfilled, are convinced that the Rapture* of the saints of God - i.e. all of those who are truly disciples of Jesus - could occur within the lifetime of even people of my advanced age!

Mind you, there is a sense in which the first thing that we do when we are born is to start to die! That is the destiny of each and all, until the Rapture. What is important is what we do with the life we are given. The testimonies to the life of my friend were positive and encouraging. I pray that even some of what was said about him may be able to be said about me when my time comes!

However, there is one death that was the most important in the history of humankind. Many of us remember it daily, but especially did we do so last month. It was the death of Jesus, the Christ, on a cross at Calvary. He, more than any of us, was born to die. 

He, Himself, identified many reasons why He had been born. Consider the following sampling of verses and references. First and foremost, the Christ came to redeem those who would believe: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16). But under that umbrella of redemption come many other aspects.

 Jesus said, "My food is to do the will of Him Who sent Me, and to accomplish His work." (John 4:34). God's will was paramount even in judgment (John 5:30) as well as resurrection. "For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:40). It also governed His teaching (7:16-17). In everything, Christ sought to bring glory to His Father (7:18).

 

Many aspects of Christ's work are to be realized in this life, for He said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). His desire in it all was that we might have an eternal relationship with God. "That they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent" (John 17:3).

 

But the primary goal was to bring to climax His redemptive strategy. He knew that none of the other aspects of His work had any effect without atonement for sin, which was only possible if a blood sacrifice was made for that sin. "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13). "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep" (John 10:11). This was the reason He came to earth - to pay the penalty for your sin and for mine. And only through Him are we able to come to the Father, receive His forgiveness, and be assured of eternity in His glorious presence. 

*This is one of the "Great Words of the Faith" that is dealt with in my book of the same name - as promoted at the end of March. Please remember that I receive no financial, or other material, benefit from the sale of my books, as all royalties are sent, directly, to Release International, in support of the persecuted Church.

The Resurrection, and the Believer.

For a very long time - indeed, many centuries! - the traditional greeting by disciples of Jesus on this Resurrection Sunday has been: "The Lord is risen"; with the response: "He is risen indeed". This is, of course, the very core of the Christian faith. Paul, wrote to the Corinthian believers about the resurrection of the dead. They appear to have held the Greek idea of the immortality of the soul, but that found it difficult to accept that the body would rise again. So the apostle states that: "... if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?  But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain." (I Cor.15:12-14).

The resurrection of the Christ is no less crucial to the Gospel than the death of the Christ. Indeed, if He did not rise from the dead, then those who believe in Him "... are of all men most to be pitied." (I Cor.15:19).

 

The bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus assures us, first of all, of our justification. Speaking of Abraham's faith and the imputation of God's righteousness to him, Paul writes, "That is why his faith was “reckoned to him as righteousness” (Gal.3:6). But the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his [Abraham's] sake alone, but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in Him that raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, Who was put to death for our trespasses and raised for our justification." (Romans 4:22-25).

 

Secondly, Father God imparts to us the power to serve Him effectively through the resurrection, "... that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power in us who believe, according to the working of His great might which He accomplished in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and made Him sit at His right hand in the heavenly places," (Ephesians 1:18-20). As the passage continues, Paul declares that through the resurrection the Christ is now "... the head over all things to the church, which is His body ..." (vv. 22-23).

 

Then, in His resurrected and glorified state, the Lord Jesus continues His ministry to us. "Since then we have a great high priest Who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, . . . Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14, 16).

 

Finally, Christ's resurrection assures us that those who belong to Him will also, one day, be resurrected, if we should die before He returns as "... He Who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into His presence. " (II Corinthians 4:14). 

If you wish to consider some of the evidence for the bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus, you could do worse than listen to Lee Strobel (and check his own background!) at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmbiDTww0k

Follow Me.

When I was a young boy, long before modern technology with mobile phones and other such gadgets, a popular game was named "Follow the leader". One person was chosen, and the rest of the group would follow. Then, whatever the leader did, however ridiculous, the rest of the group had to do the same. Depending on who the leader was, the ensuing activity could be interesting, boring, or downright dangerous!

In the Israel of Jesus' day it was not unusual for a man with a political cause or message to develop a following. For example, we read in Acts 5:36-37 : "For before these days Theudas arose, giving himself out to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was slain and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered." It was even common for a Jew to follow a religious "master," calling him Rabbi and becoming his disciple. So it was not a unique situation when Jesus spoke to two fishermen brothers, Simon and Andrew: "And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him." (Matthew 4:19-20).

But what made the disciples leave the lives they knew and follow the Christ? Perhaps they hoped He would lead a successful rebellion against Rome, but He had done nothing to have led them to such a conclusion. Nor had He promised them a life of luxury and ease, but rather hardship and hard work in their new occupation as "fishers of men."

 

However, John the Baptist had prepared the way for the Lord. He had trained some of the men who would eventually become Jesus' disciples. "The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples; and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus." (John 1:35-37). it has even been suggested that training by John was a requirement for a potential replacement for Judas (see Acts 1:20-22).

 

Of course, even a credible witness from John was not their only reason to follow, for they had a great body of compelling evidence. For example, Luke records that, in Peter's case, the Lord Jesus had already gained local recognition. "And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report concerning Him went out through all the surrounding country. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all." (Luke 4:14-15). Jesus had been to Peter's house for dinner where his mother-in-law had been healed: "And He arose and left the synagogue, and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they besought Him for her. And He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her; and immediately she rose and served them." (Lk. 4:38-39). The Christ had used Peter's boat for teaching: "Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, He asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the people from the boat." (5:3) and had miraculously directed them to an overwhelming catch of fish: "And when He had ceased speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at Your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and ... their nets were breaking," (5:4-6). In response, Peter and his partners "... left everything and followed Him." (5:11).

 

We have a much surer testimony and much more evidence. Should we not do likewise? 

Great Words of the Faith

The fifth Sunday of the month, so another book promotion!

As some are aware, "Great Words of the Faith" was my first venture into the world of self-publishing. Like its successors, it started its life as a spoken word - in this case, as a series of about eight words, preached before the congregation of St.Andrew's Parish Church (now St.Andrew's United Free Church), in Bellshill, Lanarkshire.

Many years later, I used some of those messages as the basis for a series of broadcasts on Revival Radio, a Christian radio station that is, sadly, no longer. That was when an established author, already known to me, suggested that the series would make a good book! A few years later, I used the series, suitably upgraded, in Calderhead:Erskine Parish Church in Shotts, Lanarkshire, and its linked congregation in nearby Allanton. The young Session Clerk also suggested that the series would make a useful book.

With two people, who had no knowledge of even one another's existence, having said the same thing, I started on the manuscript - with the original eight, or so, words increased to twenty-four. The central word is "Love" and it was given two chapters, making a total of twenty-five chapters.

As with all of my books and, indeed, both of my blogs, I receive no financial benefit from sales (or 'clicks'). Indeed, I don't even see the royalties from book sales, as they are sent, directly, to Release International, in support of the persecuted church. So, purchasing one, or more, of my books is not only helpful to your understanding of the Christian Faith, but it is helping those who suffer - many in ways that are beyond the comprehension of those of us who live in the still relative safety of "the west" - for that same faith.

All of my books are designed to be read without the need of a dictionary beside you, and are written in an almost conversational tone!

As with the others, this book is available both as a paperback and a Kindle e-book. Links are avalable at the top of the page. Why not purchase a Kindle version for yourself, and a paperback to give as a gift to a friend!

In the Spirit.

The recent storms that hit Scotland certainly left their mark. We had three different sections of a strong wooden fence blown down. They have been temporarily dealt with, but it may be some time before I am able to fully repair the damage.

Now why am I telling you all of that? Simply because, although I know that it was the strength and power of the wind that was responsible, I did not, and could not, actually see the wind! I could only see its effect! I was reminded of words of the Lord Jesus: "The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit." (John 3:8)

 

We cannot see or hear God the Holy Spirit, but He is very real and is, in fact, the very life of each true Christian. The Christ, in His resurrection body, is seated at the right hand of the Father in Glory, but the Holy Spirit has His temple in our very bodies.

 

From the moment we receive Jesus the Christ as Saviour and Lord, we live in the Spirit; He is always with us, to guide our steps, to bear witness with our spirits that we belong to God, to illumine our understanding, and, when needed, to convict and chasten when we get out of His will.

 

Therefore, "If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25). When we yield to some worldly temptation, it is because we have ignored this admonition: "... walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16). The very presence of the Holy Spirit assures us of our eternal salvation, so how can we ignore His holy constraints on our behavior? "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in Whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30). We speak of worshiping God in church, or home, or elsewhere, but if we really worship Him, we must "worship God in the Spirit" (Philippians 3:3), for we have access to the Father, and the Son, only through the Spirit.

 

Paul exhorts that when we pray, we must "Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication." (Ephesians 6:18). He also reminds us that: "... you are not in the flesh, you are in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Any one who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him.  . . . . For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." (Romans 8:9, 14). 

For many years, God the Holy Spirit was the "forgotten" Persona (not a typo - see the chapter on "The Trinity" in my book "Great Words of the Faith") of the Trinity. Then, with the rise in Pentecostalism and the Charismatic movement, He seemed to have become the focal point. Neither of these positions, I would contend, is Biblical. Perhaps the words of the Nicene Creed help: "We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, Who proceeds from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who has spoken through the prophets." (emphasis added).

Let us neither ignore, nor forget, God the Holy Spirit. Let us always remember that He is God, and that He is a Person - not some kind of "force" (although, like the wind, He can be very forceful!). If we are disciples of Jesus, let us be grateful for His working in our lives, making us more like the Master, day by day. 

A Time to Die

As an octogenarian, I find myself thinking more about the topic of death than I did when I was, e.g. in my twenties! The current political situation in the UK is also keeping that topic at the forefront of my thinking - with the Leadbeater Bill in Westminster, and the McArthur Bill at Holyrood, each of which is an attempt to introduce so-called assisted dying/suicide to the British population. 

I also find myself thinking of those well-known words from the book of Ecclesiastes: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;" (3:1-2).

 

In the first eight verses of Ecclesiastes 3 there is a remarkable listing of no less than 28 "times" arranged in 14 pairs of opposites. Every timed event is planned by God and has a "purpose" (v. 1), and everything is "beautiful" in God's time for it. (v. 11).

 

Although it is beyond our finite comprehension, it is still bound to be true that the infinite, omnipotent God "accomplishes all things according to the counsel of His will," (Ephesians 1:11). Even when, in our time, we may not understand how a particular event can be purposeful or beautiful, we can have faith that if it occurs in God's time for it, it is. As Paul wrote to the early church in the great metropolis of Rome: "We know that in everything God works for good with those who love Him, who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28).

 

The time of our birth is, of course, not under our control, but we may actually have a part in determining the occurrence of all the other thirteen "times," even the time of death. With the exception of those still living at the time of Christ's return, each of us will eventually die. God has appointed a time for each individual, but it is wrong for any of us to shorten that time by suicide (even if "assisted", and "legal"), or careless living, which can never be part of His will for any of us.

 

We should be able to say with David: "My times are in Thy hand" (Psalm 31:15), and seek to live in ways pleasing to Him as long as He allows us to live. We should pray that, when our time is finished, He will enable us to die in a manner that will be "beautiful in its time" (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

 

Not one of us knows when that ordained "time to die" may be for us, so we must seek daily to "Conduct[ing y]ourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time." (Colossians 4:5).

During the online interview that I gave last year on "Death - a Christian perspective" (may be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPEfzYiPfcI&t=124s - please click on the "Like" icon!), I mentioned a booklet by a minister friend, long since gone to be with the Lord, entitled "Death with a steady eye". The basic premise of the booklet was that the disciple of Jesus, when faced with physical death, does not fear it. We do not necessarily embrace it, but we are ready to accept it. Why? Because we serve the One Who has defeated death and, as He was raised from the tomb, so those who have placed their trust will also rise to eternity in His gracious presence.

Paul writes: "... we speak, knowing that He Who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into His presence." (II Cor.4:13-14).

That is the great hope, and assurance, of the disciple of Jesus. Hallelujah!

Always accepted.

I have access to an online Bible programme that provides me with more than sixty English language versions/translations of the Bible! That is not counting I don't know how many versions in other languages - I am usually concerned only with the four French translations!

Normally, in this blog, I use the RSV - the version to which I was introduced when I was accepted as a student at the Bible Training Institute in Glasgow, 'way back in 1966! However, I sometimes check out a different version. In preparing this post, I wanted to look at some well-known words of the Lord Jesus - "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me; and him who comes to Me I will not cast out."  (John 6:37) However, I found the the wording used in the NCV (New Century Version, 2005) to be more relevant! In that version, the verse reads: "The Father gives Me the people who are Mine. Every one of them will come to Me, and I will always accept them."

In this verse and the verses to follow, we find the Christ using a marvellous teaching technique. Several times He makes a general, generic, statement, but He then quickly advances from the general and impersonal, to the particular and personal.

Note that at the first, Christ tells of an abstract gift to Him from the Father of an entire group, ("the people") that would come to Him for salvation. This is in itself a wonderful truth, for the Lord Jesus highly values this gift from His Father: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, Who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand." (10:28-29). The entire group "will come" to Him - those chosen "in Him before the foundation of the world," (Eph.1:4).

 

But - returning to the RSV! -  the Saviour switches in mid-sentence from general to specific: "him who comes to Me I will not cast out" a concrete statement of the effect of this work on an individual. We are part of a group, without doubt, but also each one of us, individually, is His precious child.

 

The passage continues in the same vein. "And this is the will of Him Who sent Me, that I shall lose none of all those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day." (6:39). Again, the impersonal passes into the personal, "For My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day." (v. 40).

 

From the mass of created mankind, many have come to Christ for salvation. But each one who has believed and been granted everlasting life has great individual worth in the eyes of the Savior. "The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. . . . . I am the good shepherd; I know My own and My own know Me, " (10:11, 14).

Remember then, that while God loves all of His human creatures, His love is totally focused on each individual. How can He achieve that? Because He is God! He is focused on you, and longs to have you respond to His love, with the love of your own heart. As I have shared, many times, before, that involves a recognition, and confession, of your sins (all that offends Almighty God) and your sinfulness (your propensity to sin); an acceptance that you will never be able to gain salvation by any other means; and a commitment to follow the Lord Jesus for the rest of your mortal life.

The "whosoever"/"whoever" in John 3:16 is singular - Jesus died for you!