The End

In my personal devotions, I am currently approaching the end of the Book of the Revelation (of Jesus the Christ.). However, that book is, by no means, the only Biblical book that refers to the end of all that we know and experience in this life. Peter, for example, writes: “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (I Peter 4:17).

As Peter wrote his first epistle, foremost in his mind was a desire to encourage the believers to stand firm in the face of suffering and trial. On four occasions he used the term “the end,” focusing his readers’ attention on the final resolution of all things. A study of these occurrences gives us a glimpse of the tenor of the entire book.

 

The first use followed an explanation of the nature and benefits of the various trials in a believer’s life. The result would be a pure, effective faith now, as well as “receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” (1:9; AV), the final ultimate deliverance of our whole person. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls.

 

Meanwhile, “gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:13; AV). Our minds should be completely (“to the end”) ready for action, sober and expectant, focused on the ultimate resolution of all trials.

 

This ultimate resolution could come at any time: “The end of all things is at hand” (4:7). Our responses should be to “therefore keep sane and sober for your prayers.” To be sober is to be of sound judgement, making careful decisions, not based on emotion; especially watchful as we pray, with eternity in mind.

 

The last occurrence of “the end.” in Peter's letter is the one referred to at the beginning of this post. The time of final judgment on both Christian and non-Christian looms nearer and nearer. But God’s cleansing of His people has already begun, and it at times is not pleasant, although beneficial. His judgement on those outside “the house of God” will be much more severe, with no opportunity for reconciliation. This warning should motivate who know the Lord, in our ministry to the unsaved. It should also speak to any who do not have a personal, saving relationship with Him, to carefully consider their ways. There is yet time to come to the Saviour - but that time is becoming increasingly short!

Seven Outgrowths of Faith

Writing to the Church at large, the apostle Peter states: "For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love."  (II Peter 1:5-7)

Having “escape[d] from the corruption that is in the world ” (v. 4) through our “faith” in Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we must now grow spiritually, conforming our nature and practice to His. We must put to use the divine nature we now possess, recognising that He has provided all the resources we need.

In this passage, Peter assumes we already have “faith,” thus here our spiritual lives must begin. He instructs us to “supplement” that faith with seven character traits: virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness  (perseverance), godliness, brotherly affection, and [agape] love.

 

There is, both in the text ( “supplement”), and in practice, a progression here. As new disciples of Jesus, we should strive for virtue, eliminating sinful actions and thoughts from our lives, as the Holy Spirit brings conviction. A commitment to growth in knowledge, first the basics of the faith and then deeper doctrines, enables us to exercise wisdom in life’s choices (and my own books, especially "Foundations of the Faith", may be found to be helpful in this matter!). A self-controlled, disciplined lifestyle exercises perseverance, even strength in the face of adversity, which in turn produces godliness - an attitude of reverence toward God that strives to please Him by developing His attitudes and priorities. Our relations with others will thus be marked by brotherly kindness toward believers and agape love (self-sacrificing, undeserved love) for all.

 

Such spiritual growth does not come without effort. He has provided all we need, but we must “make every effort” in the process, and not simply allow the Holy Spirit to reside in our hearts to work on our character and habits. Any lack of spiritual growth is our fault, not His. May all who read these words be found " grow[ing] up in every way into Him Who is the Head, into Christ," (Eph.4:15-16), to Hos glory.

Propitiation

When I published my first book: "Great Words of the Faith", one of the words with which I dealt was "propitiation". I also looked at the word "expiation" which has a similar, but not identical, meaning. I state: "Expiation refers to that which is judicial; propitiation refers to that which is relational.  Expiation removes a barrier; propitiation removes the barrier, and restores a relationship."

Today, Sept. 20th, is the Jewish "Yom Kippur" - "Day of Atonement". The Complete Jewish Bible translates these words from the First Letter of John as "Also, He [the Lord Jesus] is the kapparah [the atonement] for our sins — and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world." (2:2). 

Two other places where the word is found are: Romans 3:25 - “Whom [Jesus] God displayed publicly [before the eyes of the world] as a [life-giving] sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation (propitiation) by His blood [to be received] through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness [which demands punishment for sin], because in His forbearance [His deliberate restraint] He passed over the sins previously committed [before Jesus’ crucifixion].” (Amp), and I John 4:10 - "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation [that is, the atoning sacrifice, and the satisfying offering] for our sins [fulfilling God’s requirement for justice against sin and placating His wrath]." (Amp).

In any case, the action of the Lord Jesus in submitting His body to be a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sins and to endure God’s wrath against all the sins of the world, thereby enabling Him to be reconciled to us - to be made "at one" with Him, with Christ’s perfect righteousness credited to our account, is seen in these three verses to be a basic theme of this great truth of Christ’s propitiatory work on the cross. And surely, as John says: “In this is love,” that God would so love us that He would offer up His Son, and the Christ would so love us that He would die for us. Surely, this is love! 

The Gift of Labour.

In the Biblical book of Genesis is a verse that is often overlooked. It reads: "Yahweh Elohim took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it."(2:15).

When God first created man, He gave him work to do. Although “Yahweh Elohim planted a garden” for man (Genesis 2:8), it was up to man to take care of it if he would continue to eat its fruits. Thus means that having to labour for one’s living is not some kind of divine punishment for man’s sin, as some people would interpret it, but rather a divine benefit for man’s good.

As mentioned previously (Aug. 16th), I am currently going through the Book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus, the Christ, in my personal devotions. The book speaks of the new earth, when sin and suffering will be gone forever, and shows that there will be work to do: “No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in the city, and His servants shall serve Him.” (Revelation 22:3; TLB; emphasis added).faithfulness

 

We don’t know yet what our assignments will be on that new earth, but they may somehow be commensurate with our  in serving the Lord here. “... behold, I come shortly. And My reward is with Me:” says the Lord Jesus, “to give to every man according as his work shall be.” (Revelation 22:12; RGT).

 

It is, therefore, a God-given privilege to be able to do useful work, whether that work consists of preaching God’s Word or improving God’s world. “Whatever your hand finds to do, ” [whether being paid for it or not], “do it with your might; for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). As Jesus said, “night comes, when no one can work.” (John 9:4).

 

No matter what the job that has been provided for us to do may be, it is important to remember and obey the admonition: “Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24) and “that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (I Corinthians 15:58). 

Fifth Sunday

Another Fifth Sunday, and a reminder of those who are persecuted, in some 50 countries around the world, simply because they are disciples of Jesus, the Christ.

Imagine being arrested, thrown into prison, and facing legal charges simply for holding a Christian meeting in your home!

That’s what happened to Pastor Mohan*, in India’s northern Uttar Pradesh state.

Around 50 Christians were at his village home, with a walled garden compound, when Hindu extremist groups prompted local police to come and arrest him.

A crowd surrounded the group of believers, threatening and provoking them. Mohan admitted he was afraid. The local media also turned up, in what appeared a coordinated move to intimidate and instil fear into the Christian community.

Although initially released from police custody, Mohan was later accused of forcing, threatening and luring people into his church, in breach of Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion laws.

Mohan was remanded in custody for a month — but said it felt much longer as other criminals in the prison bullied him and forced him to do all the menial chores, such as mopping the floors and cleaning out the drains.

He felt completely alone and in despair, until someone brought him a New Testament. He was led to read the story of Paul and Silas in prison and realised the challenges that God’s gospel servants will sometimes face.

Release International partners have been supporting Mohan and providing him with on-going legal aid during this traumatic time.

After a month in prison, Mohan was released and was told by police he should not return to his home area. However, he is seeking to continue his ministry there, although now local Christians in his village are meeting in much smaller groups.

Meanwhile, Mohan’s court case is dragging on. He is regularly summonsed to court, and each time there are more court fees to be paid. ‘We are under a lot of pressure,’ he said. ‘We are very stressed.’

India’s constitution grants freedom of religion. But so-called anti-conversion laws such as those in Mohan’s home state of Uttar Pradesh are increasingly being used by Hindu groups to intimidate Christians and to stifle gospel ministry.

Release International’s partner in India is providing legal assistance to frontline church leaders all over the country, advising them, and encouraging them. Pastors like Mohan want to serve Christ and the gospel — even in the face of those who try to stop them doing so.

Mohan said, ‘The [Hindu] fanatics have an eye on us always. But the more we are persecuted, the more we grow. We dedicate ourselves to serving God boldly, but we do feel unsafe — so please pray for our protection.’

* Name changed to protect the brother involved.

How much do you really understand about the foundational teaching of the Church of the Lord Jesus, the Christ? In this book, I go through the text of "The Apostle's Creed", and share in everyday language, the basic teachings that it covers. There is also an Appendix on God the Holy Spirit.

Remember that all royalties are sent, directly, to "Voice of persecuted Christians" (formerly Release International) in support of persecuted disciples of Jesus in many different countries.

The Living Word

Last week, in my personal devotions, I completed going through the First (Old) Testament book of Daniel - not for the first time. I have now started on the Second (New) Testament book of the Revelation - again, not for the first time! That choice was made because of the links between the two books. Of course, reading God's Word is of great importance to anyone who claims to be a disciple of Jesus. Part of the reason for this is the simple fact that Jesus, Himself, is often referred to as "the Word". For example, in the book of the Revelation, we read: "And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God." (Revelation 19:13). 

This uniquely expressive name assigned to the Christ, as He returns to Earth in glory, is used also by John in his gospel (John 1:1, 14) and in his epistle (1 John 1:1), referring both to the Lord's primeval work of creation and also to His human incarnation. It is well known that "Word" here is the Greek logos. Six times it is applied by John as a name or title of the Son of God (three times in John 1:1), the second person of the Trinity. Actually, John used it seven times, assuming that the disputed verse, 1 John 5:7 ("the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost"), is really a part of the inspired text.

 

The Greek word logos is a remarkable word, adaptable to many meanings. It is translated in English language versions of the Second (New) Testament by a number of other words, where a more precise definition is felt to be appropriate. For example, Paul, writing to the Thessalonian disciples of Jesus, reminds them: "So each of us shall give account of himself to God." (14:12, RSV) and uses "logos" for "account". The lexicons add still other meanings, and some of the Greek philosophers used it to describe the intelligence behind the universe.

 

As used by John, however, it becomes much more specific: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). The New World translation of Jehovah's Witnesses, rejecting the deity of Christ, like to translate this as "the Word was a god," but all knowledgeable Greek scholars agree that the rendering of other versions is correct. Then, says John, "... the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father." (John 1:14). Even although "No one has ever seen God; " (John 1:18), He has become knowable through His Son Who "has made Him known." It was Philip who asked the Lord: "Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied." (John 14:8). The Saviour replied: "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?" (John 14:9).

Consequently, John can also declare Him to others. "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 . . . 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, the Christ." (1 John 1:1, 3).

The written Word is alive. "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword , piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Heb.4:12). Those of us who read that Word with any regularity are all too aware of having read a soecific passage many times before but, on a particular occasion, having seen something that we had never before noticed!

And He, the Lord Jesus, is the Living Word. The only question is this - "Is He living in you?"

Waiting, and watching.

In Dr Luke's account of the Gospel, he records these words of the Lord Jesus: "Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them." (Lk.12:37, NKJV). The Greek word "grēgoreuō" (gray-gor-you-o), translated here as "watching", may also be translated as "alert", or "awake". However, The Lord Jesus, in those words already quoted, gives a special commendation to those who not only wait for His return, but also earnestly watch for Him.

Dr Donald Barnhouse, an American Presbyterian minister in the early years of the last century, illustrated the difference between these terms with a story of a Scottish fishing boat that was returning home after many days at sea. As the vessel neared the shore, the crew gazed eagerly towards the dock, where a group of their loved ones had gathered. The skipper looked through his binoculars, and identified some of them. "I see Bill's Mary; and there is Tom's Margaret; and David's Anne." One man became concerned because his wife was not there!. When the catch had been unloaded, and the necessary work on the boat had been completed, he left it with a heavy heart and hurried up the hill to the cottage where he lived. As he opened the door, his wife ran to meet him. "I've been waiting for you!", she said. His soft reply held a gentle rebuke - "Yes, but the other men's wives were watching for them!" 

It is possible to wait for the Lord without exhibiting much watchfulness. Our minds may have many verses from the written Word of God, the Bible, all neatly arranged, that tell of His return. We may even be able to quote them quite glibly. But what a difference it makes when our hearts are eagerly looking for His imminent return - which is much closer now than when Dr Barnhouse told his little story!

We "...must understand this, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own passions and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things have continued as they were from the beginning of creation.” (II Peter 3:3-4).

The hours may seem to pass slowly but, when viewed from the perspective of eternity, which is not "endless time", but "timelessness", but where, in terms of earthly time, "... one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (II Peter 3:8), the Lord's promise: "Surely I am coming soon." (Rev.22:20), becomes clear! Given this proper understanding of His apparent delay - although there are many signs that His taking up of His faithful people to meet Him "in the air" (I Thess. 4:17) .very close! - His words of cheer should keep us on our spiritual tiptoes.

Does the hope of His soon return cause you to wait patiently and watch expectantly - and listen for "...the archangel’s call, and ... the sound of the shofar of God." (I Thess. 4:16)?

Those who wait for the Lord

I am one of those people who likes to use the lapel of my jacket to display a badge! Sometimes someone will actually ask me what a particular badge signifies, and I am happy to explain. One of my badges is an eagle. Now the truth is that it was an award, many years ago, given by an organisation of which I was a part. However, I always refer to some words from the book of the prophet Isaiah: "...those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31).

This is one of the best-loved promises of the Bible, for it is easy to grow weary and faint in our mortal bodies, even when doing the work of the Lord. The answer, we are told, is to "wait upon the Lord."

 

But what does this mean? The Hebrew word (qavah) does not mean "serve," but rather to "wait for" or "look for." It is translated "waited for" the second time it is used in the Bible, when the dying patriarch Jacob cried out: "I wait for Thy salvation, O Lord." (Genesis 49:18).

 

The first time it is used, surprisingly, is in connection with the third day of creation, when God said: "Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place" (Genesis 1:9). That is, the all-pervasive waters of the original creation, divided on the second day of creation, now are told to wait patiently, as it were, while God formed the geosphere, the biosphere, and the astrosphere, before dealing again with the waters.

 

Perhaps the clearest insight into its meaning is its use in the picture of the Christ foreshadowed in the 40th Psalm. "I waited patiently for the Lord; He inclined unto me, and heard my cry" (Psalm 40:1).

 

"The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary," (Isaiah 40:28), and His gracious promise, in v.31, is that we can "renew [our] strength" (literally, "exchange our strength," our weakness for His strength!) by "waiting upon [Him]." (v.31). We wait patiently for Him, we gather together unto Him, we look for Him, we cry unto Him, we trust Him, and He renews our strength! 

What a blessing it is to be able to wait upon the Lord!

Things of the World

The apostle John, in his first letter to the early Christian Church at large is, as my own third volume in the "Faith" series (originally the "Getting to know you" series) seeks to show, defending "... the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 1:3). However, he also exhorts his readers, and one of those exhortations reads: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world." (I John 2:15).

We must be wary of the world's "things," because although we are "in the world," we are not "of the world" (John 17:11, 14). The command is that we are not to love the world or its things, not that we should remain blissfully ignorant of them. We are to be "wise as serpents, and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16).

 

There are big things of the world like "kingdoms" and "nations" (Matthew 4:8; Luke 12:30), as well as cares and riches (Mark 4:19), that can sap our focus and drain our loyalties. And there are "elemental spirits" and "regulations," (Galatians 4:3; Colossians 2:20) that can twist our thinking and "make a prey" of us (Colossians 2:8).

 

We are warned that friendship with the worldly lifestyle and that which espouses the "things" of the world leads us to "enmity with God" (James 4:4). That is because such people embrace the "spirit of the world" and not "the spirit which is from God" (1 Corinthians 2:12). Those people speak about the things of the world, and the world listens to them (1 John 4:5).

 

God's people may be "low and despised" and "weak" — even "foolish" in the eyes of the world (I Corinthians 1:27-28). Of course, since the great Creator God has chosen us out of the world (John 15:19), it should not surprise us that the world "has hated", and continues to hate, those who belong to the Lord Jesus (John 17:14). Hence, the ungodly passions that drive the ungodly behavior of the world, "the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world". (I John 2:16).

 

Those passions and the people who embrace them will "pass away." But "he who does the will of God abides for ever." (I John 2:17).

The spiritual man

It has been claimed by some that, at least in "the west", we are living in the most "spiritual" age in the history of mankind. That may well be so - but "spiritual", I would suggest, can be a very vague word! For example, the Cambridge Dictionary defines it as: "relating to deep feelings and beliefs, especially (not solely!) to religious beliefs."

In the Second (New) Testament, the word rendered "spiritual" is the Greek word pneumatikos, from which theologians have coined the term "pneumatology," the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Thus, from a Biblical perspective, a "spiritual" person is one who is not only born again spiritually through faith in Christ and the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, but also tries diligently to follow the leading of the indwelling Spirit and to understand and obey the precepts of the Bible inspired by Him.

A spiritual person will have "the mind of Christ" (I Corinthians 2:16), able to judge all things by spiritual standards and Biblical revelation. He or she will "walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." knowing that "to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." (Romans 8:4, 6). As such, spiritual believers prayerfully make decisions seeking God's will, they are "led by the Spirit of God" (Romans 8:14). And since they "walk by the Spirit," they "do not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16).

 

They will often and repeatedly be "filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18) for Christian service. Furthermore, they will manifest "the fruit of the Spirit" in their lives and personalities — that is, "love,[expressed in] joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;" (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

Yet while "The spiritual man" is thereby able to discern and evaluate all things by such divine standards, he will find himself often misunderstood by unsaved relatives and acquaintances, for " The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God, ...... because they are spiritually discerned." (I Corinthians 2:14).

 

However, "he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." (Galatians 6:8). 

The "Light" Equation

Leading a Bible Study, this week, in the congregation where I was minister more than 50 years ago, and using an illustration from my teaching career that involved a reference to quantum physics (!), has possibly influenced the topic for this week's blog post!

Light, which can be in either wave, or particle, form is the most constant, clearly observable, and all-pervasive material experience in our universe. It also appears regularly, in the Biblical text, which is rich with metaphors and similes! 

In John's first letter, he makes the simple, but profound, statement that "God is light" (1:5). In his account of the Gospel record, John also makes a number pof references to light. God's life is the light of men (John 1:4).

God's light is not conquered by darkness (John 1:5).

God's light attracts men who love truth (John 3:21).

Jesus is the "light of the world" (John 8:12).

 

John's emphasis in his epistle is focused on the application of the "light" in our lives. Since God is light (see also I Timothy 6:16), we can never be a participant in the life of God apart from the light of God (I John 1:6). If we claim fellowship with God, we must "walk in the light, as He is in the light" (I John 1:7). Since God is the "true light" (I John 2:8), we are not part of His family if we despise those He loves (I John 2:9).

 

It is equally obvious that since Almighty God is "holy" (Psalm 99:9) and "righteous" (Daniel 9:14), the light that we are to "shine" (Matthew 5:16) must be a "like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day". (Proverbs 4:18).

 

Our breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14) should blind the ungodly with the brilliance of our lifestyle of holiness — so much so that even if we are spoken against by those who hate God, they will be forced to glorify God because of our good works (I Peter 2:12).

 

Because the God of our salvation is "the light of the world" (John 9:5) and we have been made "the children of light" (Ephesians 5:8), that we "may declare the wonderful deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (I Peter 2:9).

Fifth Sunday

My apology. This should, of course, have been posted last Sunday and, indeed, the link was was sent out to those on the mailing list at that time. No idea why I failed to publish it at that time. However, "better late than never" - although, as my SS teacher, some 70 years ago, would point out: "Better never late"!

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Yes, it's another "Fifth Sunday" - the second for this year. Two more to go! Indeed I read somewhere that every year has four such months, but the specific months vary. Perhaps some clever person can confirm/deny this claim!

As is now usual, I wish to share something about the persecuted church and, of course, promote one of my own books, remembering that all royalties from purchases are sent, directly, to Release International, in support of the persecuted church.

Many years ago, I realised that I could not meaningfully pray for all of the 50+ countries in the world where, to a greater or lesser extent, disciples of Jesus suffer persecution solely because of their faith in Him. The Lord directed me to pray for three specific countries. One of those was Pakistan, and in this post I am sharing a bulletin from Release International that arrived in my Inbox today (Friday), and that concerns that very country.

"One of Release International’s partners in Pakistan cares for, supports and disciples those who have come to faith in Christ from a Muslim background, particularly those who are isolated because of their faith.

Our partner organises gatherings where believers are able to encourage one another and build one another up in faith and community.

Pray for the head of our partner organisation, who has had surgery following a stroke earlier this year. He considers it a miracle that the surgery was able to take place. Pray for complete healing and restoration.

Pray for Christians from a Muslim background in Pakistan. Pray that they would continue to grow in their faith. In particular, pray for two brothers who were recently baptised. They had previously been tortured for professing faith in Christ.

Pray for those living in a safe house provided by our partner; for continued good and fruitful fellowship. Pray also for the provision of an additional safe house in the coming months."

If you wish to learn more about Pakistan, please follow this link:

https://releaseinternational.org/country/pakistan/?utm_source=Emails+from+Release+International&utm_campaign=9491abf2c3-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_05_28_08_22&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-9491abf2c3-381802718

"Great Words" was my first publication in a series that was to be known as "Getting to know you". However, I eventually realised that the succeeding books didn't really fit well under such a general heading, and so I changed it to the "Faith" series, as that word is the real common denominator.

The book started off, in Bellshill St. Andrew's Parish Church (now U.F.Church) as a summer sermon series of 6/7 words that I realised many in my congregation didn't fully understand. The story of how they became a book is shared in the Introduction! One of those who endorsed the book wrote: 

"Brian presents his work as the long-term fruit of preaching and broadcasting.  His aim is to give simple explanations of key Christian terms for the 'ordinary Joe' who has no formal theological training, but who would benefit from a clearer grasp of basic Christian concepts.  He maintains a preaching style throughout, and illustrates his explanations from his own rich experience and wide reading.  Throughout the work, he challenges the reader to respond to his writing.

Rev. Dr. George J. Mitchell

Former Lecturer in Old Testament Studies, the Bible Training Institute"

Leaving and Following.

In his account of the Gospel record, Dr Luke shares the incident in which the Lord Jesus, having resisted the temptations of the enemy; been rejected in Nazareth, where He had been raised; cast out a demon in Capernaum; healed the mother-in-law of Simon; and preached in the synagogue; was preaching at the shore of Lake Gennesaret. As the crowd pressed in on Him, He saw a couple of fishing boats drawn up on the beach while the fishermen were washing their nets. He got into one of them - that happened to belong to Simon - and asked him to put out a little way from the land. Then, having taught the people, He instructed Simon to "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” (Luke 5:4). Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at Your word I will let down the nets.” The catch that they now took was so great that even with the other boat helping, the boats began to sink under the weight of the fish.

Simon was completely overcome, and "fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” (v.8}. The Lord Jesus replied to Simon, and to James and John who were his partners: “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.”  And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him." (vs.10-11)

Perhaps we take too lightly the fact that the disciples "left everything and followed Him." This action involved at least two aspects, the leaving of their former life, and the realignment of their loyalty.

 

The Greek word translated as "leaving" is used in a variety of extreme situations, including the "putting away" of a spouse (I Corinthians 7:11-12; also "leave," v. 13), and even death. "And Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up (same word) His spirit." (Matthew 27:50). This leaving implies a complete severing of a situation or relationship.

 

Furthermore, they "left everything". For Peter, James, John, and Andrew, this involved leaving a prosperous business; for Matthew, a prestigious position of wealth - in other words, their careers. Certainly each left their livelihood, security, training, possessions, relationships, hopes - everything! "So therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:33).

 

Next, the disciples needed to restructure their lives and loyalties to those of Christ. The word "follow" implies a unity of purpose and direction. Jesus told the rich young ruler: "You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow (same word) Me" (Mark 10:21).

 

The Lord Jesus issues the same call to discipleship to each of us. Peter asked Him the question which we frequently ask. “Lo, we have left everything and followed You. What then shall we have?” (Matthew 19:27). The Saviour answered, "every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for My Name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life." (v. 29).

How ready are you, am I, to leave everything and follow Him? That's a good question!

Exhorting one another

One of my favourite books in the Bible is the letter to the Hebrew disciples of Jesus - I suppose that, today, we would call them "Messianic Jews"! In that letter - the author of which remains anonymous (although my own thinking is that it was Barnabas!) - we read these words: "... exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.." (Hebrews 3:13).

The fascinating word rendered "exhort" (Greek para-kaleo) in that verse, elsewhere translated "comfort," "appeal," etc., literally means "call alongside."

 

For example, note II Corinthians 1:4: "[God] comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." Remember that the root of the word "comfort" is not the, "There, there. It will be better soon", of a mother to a small child, but is literally "with strength", that is "strengthen".Also look at Paul's appeal to Philemon. "I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose [spiritual] father I have become in my imprisonment." (Philemon 10). Such words as "desire," "entreat," and "pray" are also used.

 

However, the unusual importance of the word is emphasised by the fact that in its noun form (paraklétos) it is used as one of the titles of God the Holy Spirit. Jesus said: "But when the Counselor [paraklétos] 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).

 

Thus, a disciple of Jesus who is "called alongside" to comfort a sorrowing friend, to beseech a person to do right, or to exhort him to useful action all in the name of the Lord Jesus is, in effect, performing the same type of service on the human level that the Holy Spirit Himself performs on the divine level. Further, these words would inform us that this type of service - whether done in the context of exhorting, or strengthening, or pleading - is designed specifically to prevent the one to whom he is "called alongside" from being "hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." And since this is a moment-by-moment danger to the unwary, the ministry of exhortation (or strengthening or entreating, as the need may be) is one which must be performed "every day, as long as it is called “today."

We Are Being Watched

I grew up in an age of "science fiction". As a young boy, I was ready to believe that we humans, on planet Earth, were being watched by alien creatures from a far-distant planet. Thankfully, I did "grow up", and no longer accept that proposition!

However, I have come to realise that I am "being watched"! Not by extra-terrestial beings, but by people all around me! What are they looking for? I suspect that they are looking for what we used to refer to as "integrity"! It's a word I don't hear very often these days. So what is it?

Integrity is a high standard of living based on a personal code of morality that doesn't succumb to the whim of the moment or the dictates of the majority. Integrity is to personal character what health is to the body, or 20/20 vision is to the eyes. People of integrity are whole; their lives are put together. People with integrity have nothing to hide and nothing to fear. Their lives are open books. They say to a watching world, "Go ahead and look. My behavior will match my beliefs. My walk will match my talk. My character will match my confession."

Integrity is not reputation - what others think of us. It is not success - what we have accomplished. Integrity embodies the sum total of our being and our actions. It originates in who we are as believers in Jesus Christ - accepted, valued, capable, and forgiven - but it expresses itself in the way we live and behave, no matter whether we are in church on Sunday or at work on Monday or in a lonely hotel room on Tuesday or suffering in a hospital bed on Thursday.

Unfortunately, as I have suggested above, integrity is in short supply and seems to be diminishing everyday. All too frequently our integrity is discarded upon the altar of fame, or fortune, or political opportunism. Sadly, what we want to achieve is more important than what we are to be. Integrity is lost when we focus on expedience  more than excellence, on progress more than purity, on riches more than righteousness.

People are watching. They watch to see if our behaviour matches our belief, if our walk matches our talk, and if our character matches our confession. In a word, they watch to see if we have integrity.

Solomon wrote: "He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out." (Proverbs 10:9).

How secure is your walk? How secure is mine? Others are watching!