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."

A work in progress!

Best-selling novelist, the Anglo-Canadian author Arthur Hailey (1920-2004), is recorded as having said of his fictional characters: "I don't think I really invented anybody. I have drawn on real life." When readers open a book by this author, they encounter ordinary people who have been placed, by the author, in extraordinary situations.

Do you realise that Father God often does the same thing?! In Dr Luke's second volume - known to us as the Book of the Acts of the Apostles (although, more accurately, the Acts of God the Holy Spirit, through apostolic men!) - and in chapter 4, we find two ordinary people, the fishermen Peter and John, having been placed in an unexpected situation, being witnesses to the reality of the risen Lord Jesus. These men who, with the rest of the band of disciples had fled when their Master was arrested, were now boldly facing threats and punishment, for nothing other than telling people about Him.

The context is that, on the previous day, they "... were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at that gate of the temple which is called Beautiful to ask alms of those who entered the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, with John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention upon them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him." (Acts 3:1-10)

The two responded to this amazement by proclaiming the Gospel message - 3: 12-26 - and, we read in Acts 4, that "... the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead." (4:1-2). The Sadducees, of course, did not believe that there was any such thing as a resurrection (that is why they were "sad, you see"! Theological humour!).

Having been kept in custody overnight, Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin - the supreme Jewish Council - who wanted to know how they had performed the miracle on the lame man. This gave Peter another opportunity to preach the Gospel! (vs.8-12). His preaching was so powerful that even these authorities, who opposed the followers of "the Way", were astonished as "... they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men,". But "... they recognized that they had been with Jesus."! (v.13).

Most, if not all, of us are ordinary people in a real life of work, relationships, and everyday circumstances. But Father God is looking for ordinary people to do extraordinary work for Him! Our opportunities to demonstrate the reality of the Lord Jesus may sometimes come disguised as difficulties - as they did for Peter and John, and other disciples as recorded by Dr Luke.

However, if you read Peter's response to the Sanhedrin, you will have noticed the secret in v.8 - "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said ...". Even as ordinary people, we can have an extraordinary impact for the Saviour if we will trust the Author of our circumstances, and rely on the indwelling power of God the Holy Spirit. We are, as a friend from many years ago often pointed out "works in progress"! However, if it is true that we are "with Jesus" then that work will continue under His masterful guidance. Paul, writing to the believers in Philippi, assured them that "...  I am sure that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (1:6). They, too, were "works in progress", but that work would be completed. 

May that be the ongoing experience of all who read this post, as we see all around us, indications that the final prophecies are being fulfilled, and the Rapture of the saints of God is rapidly approaching!

"Earth's only hope", by Joynell Schultz

It was the title of the book, referred to in the heading, that really caught my eye! (As a fan of Hogan's Heroes, I was also drawn by the surname of the author!). Of course, it is a book from the "science fiction" genre. The accompanying note read: "To escape a failing Earth, Skylar leaves on a spacecraft captained by a mysterious alien she has met before in dreams. But when the aliens onboard start dying, can she save him before it's too late?"

Perhaps I should have purchased it, as I enjoy some science fiction books. This story might have turned out to be one of those "can't put it down" volumes! However, I was so caught up with the title. 

It raises a couple of questions. To start with, I asked, "Is Earth in need of 'hope'?" That didn't require too much thought! Even without the ongoing Covid-19 situation, there are so many who appear to have no hope. I'm thinking of the homeless; the terminally ill; the addicted; the friendless; the persecuted; etc. Yes, I would strongly suggest that there is a great, and deep, need of 'hope'.

The second question must surely be: "Will leaving on a spacecraft, crewed by aliens, be the hope that Earth needs?" My first response is: "How will leaving the planet bring it hope of any kind?" Surely, hope must be here, on planet Earth! If, in the story, Skylar leaves, what hope is that for those who remain?

Thankfully, there is indeed hope for the people of planet Earth. Not by anyone leaving, but through One Who came, and Who dealt with the basic problem that affects humanity - the problem of sin. What is sin? Well, I've shared that information many times on this blog. I always like the definition provided by the Westminster Shorter Catechism: "Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God." What does that mean? Simply that if I fail to match up to the requirements of Almighty God, or if I break His laws, then I have sinned - I am a sinner. Earlier this evening, I was listening to Ray Comfort witnessing to a young Muslim. Ray's method is basically the same for everyone with whom he speaks. He shows them how they have broken just four of the Ten Words (Commandments), and points out that even that is sufficient to ensure that we stand guilty before God. Of course, the young man came back with all of the good things that he does - as Islam teaches that God keeps a "score-card" (two angels on the shoulders - one recording 'good' deeds, and the other 'bad' deeds) and, if I have done more good than bad, then I may be accepted into paradise.

That is referred to as "salvation* by works" - and is doomed for all of us. It is why Paul, inspired by God the Holy Spirit, could write to the early disciples of Jesus in Rome: "... since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, Whom God put forward as an expiation by His blood, to be received by faith." (Rom 3:23-25). Did you read those words carefully? Yes, all of us have sinned, and continue to sin. But because the Lord Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin, we may receive the forgiveness of the Father. So Paul could also write that: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Rom 8:1; emphasis added).

Earth's only hope - and the only hope for you and for me - is found, not in flight to another part of the universe, but in the One Who loved, and loves, us so much that, in the Persona** of the Son, He came into our world; shared our life; was "... in every respect ... ... tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Heb. 4:15); and "... set His face to go to Jerusalem." (Luke 9:51), knowing that He faced mockeries of trials, scourging, mockery, and one of the most cruel forms of executing the death sentence, contrived by man. But He rose from the dead, and is, even now, seated at the right hand of the Father. And He is coming back - sooner than many appreciate! - to take His own to Himself, to be with Him throughout the timelessness of eternity*.

Will you be among those who are awaiting that return with great anticipation? You may be! Just come to Him, in repentance* and faith*, and receive the new life that He has gained for you.

*All of these words, and many others, are explained in my book "Great Words of the Faith" - see the links at the top of the blog. And remember that I do not receive any financial benefit from sales as all royalties are sent, directly, to Release International, in support of the persecuted church.

** This word is explained in the chapter on the Trinity, in "Great Words".

What is the "rust" in your life?

The apostle, Paul, emphasises that the whole man must be kept clean - not only from the sins that defile the physical body, but also from those that involve the inner attitudes and dispositions of the human spirit. Writing to the early disciples of Jesus in Corinth - infamous, in its time, as a hotbed of immorality and licentiousness - he states: "... let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, ..." (II Cor 7:1). Those who disregard these guidelines of grace, hinder the power and plan of Father God for their lives.

John Speed-Andrews was an English evangelist in the second half of the 19th century. Once, when he was touring a large manufacturing plant, he noticed a man using a high-intensity torch to work on huge slabs of steel. Using a pantograph he traced the pattern on a blueprint, that was attached to a table, and this enlarged the design as it was burned into the metal. There were times, however, when the flame made no impression. When this happened, the operator would apply a chemical substance to the resisting patch and, immediately, the cutting was able to be resumed.

The worker explained to the visitor that, although the torch was capable of cutting through clean steel, up to a thickness of eight inches (20 cms), if it encountered even the slightest film of rust on the surface, the flame would not penetrate. The chemical cleaned the patch of the rust, so that the cutting could continue.

Mr Speed-Andrews wrote: "It struck me, forcefully, that this is a picture of the Christian. The Holy Spirit is seeking to produce in us, God's perfect design. If the life is unblemished, He is able to continue His efforts but, if we are carnal or backslidden, His work of shaping us is hindered until the area in question has been thoroughly cleansed."

If we want the joy, and the victory, that comes from having our lives cut to God's pattern, then we need to avoid the hindering "rust" that accompanies "... every defilement of body and spirit, ..." Each of us knows what that area is in our individual life. We need to bring that area (those areas?!) under the cleansing blood of the Lamb - even God the Son: the Lord Jesus Whose entry into this world we will shortly be celebrating (even if His birth did not take place on Dec.25th!). May we do so - for our own good, and that Glory might be given to Him.

Amazing Grace

In about 1736, a young boy named John Newton went to sea with his father, on a Merchant ship. A few years later, his father retired and, some time after that John was "press-ganged" into the British Royal Navy. Facing intolerable conditions, he tried to desert, but failed. He was punished, severely, in front of the full ship's complement. Eventually, he was able to transfer to a ship that was going to Africa to collect slaves who would be taken to the British colonies in North America. 

Newton hardened himself to the trafficking of human beings and, eventually, became captain of his own slave ship. He denied God and goodness in every way. Even after he was enslaved himself and escaped, he lacked empathy and went back to being a slaver. However, on May 10th, 1748, his life was changed forever. Off the north-west coast of Ireland, his ship encountered a terrifying, violent storm. As it appeared that the vessel would sink, Newton cried out, "Lord, have mercy upon us!" The storm began to die down, and the ship limped into Lough Swilly. 

Newton recognised, and began to reflect upon, God's mercy. It was the beginning of a spiritual journey that led him to faith in the Lord Jesus, the Christ, and His atoning sacrifice for the sins of mankind, at Calvary. He experienced the amazing grace of the amazing God. In time, he left the slave trade, and entered Christian ministry in the Church of England. Although he became a well-known preacher of the Gospel he is, of course, best known for his much-loved poem (later set to music): "Amazing Grace; how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me" - an amazing testimony of his own experience. 

Not all of us go through physical storms at sea. However, each of us does go through the storms of life, when we feel totally overwhelmed by various experiences. Like John Newton, we may cry out to Almighty God, seeking His mercy. 

In the book of the prophet Isaiah, we read these words: "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or His ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you so that He does not hear." (Isa 59:1-2). 

At Calvary, the Lord Jesus bridged that gap of separation by His sinless sacrifice. As God the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin we respond to that love, and are born again. God the Holy Spirit now dwells within us, and gives us the power to forsake our sin - doing for us what we are incapable of doing for ourselves. That is, truly, amazing grace. May it be your experience, today!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/6OZMThBZz2w

Addiction!

It may surprise some, but I do read books other than the Bible. I even read books that are not specifically Christian! I enjoy a good crime novel, and have read many good stories in that genre. 

However, it is interesting to read stories that,although fictional, have a distinctively Christian flavour. One such is my current "extra-curricular" reading material. It is named "And He healed them all", by Jeffrey McClain Jones, sub-titled "A day in the life of Jesus of Nazareth".

The basic story-line is that James Wolfer goes to visit his old friend Walter Schrader in a nursing home, expecting to find his former professor as depressed as the last time he visited. However, instead of a dour Walter, mourning the disabilities left him by a recent stroke, James finds his friend excited to tell him about a compelling dream he had the previous night. In that dream, and many dreams that follow, Walter believes he is seeing a day in the life of Jesus. And it was a day in which a great multitude came to him, with a whole range of physical and spiritual ailments, and he healed them all. One of the passages (that I have highlighted, in full) concerns two girls who have been involved in 'paranormal activities', and who have been brought to the Lord Jesus for healing. Part of the story reads as follows:

"The Teacher addressed  them. 'Do you want to be free of these spirits? Do you choose to let go of this power?'

They checked with each other. ''Yes', they said, simultaneously.

The Teacher nodded. But when He reached for their hands, both girls stepped back.

Their mother grabbed their arms. 'You have to let Him do what you're asking Him to do. Do you want to be free, or not?'  ... ... ... ... ... 

"Each girl let Him take a hand. I had the impression that they had just attached themselves to a power source that was not entirely pleasant to touch. ... ... ... ... ... ... 

"The Teacher almost bellowed. 'Do you want to be free of these spirits? Do you choose to let go of this power?' It seemed that neither girl could speak, but they both managed to nod their heads, haltingly, against the force that radiated from the Teacher." (emphases added). Although this particular incident is the product of a man's imagination, it does bear some similarity to the incident involving the apostle, Paul, and recorded for us by Dr Luke, in Acts 16:16ff (q.v.).

In his account of the Gospel record, John relates an incident that took place in Jerusalem: "Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Beth-za'tha, which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, He said to him, 'Do you want to be healed?'" (John 5:2-6; emphasis added). I used to think that that was a rather pointless question. After all, the man would not have been there if he had not wished to be healed - would he?!

Addiction may be defined as "a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). The word is most commonly associated with alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs (most of which are, in a majority of countries, illegal) but may,of course,apply to anything that has, effectively, taken over our lives. I may be addicted to chocolate (a very common addiction!); or to sport; or to work (yes - even to work!); or to gambling; or to watching TV Game Shows; etc., etc.

It is said that the first step in overcoming any addiction is the acceptance that one is, in fact, addicted! However, I would suggest that there is a required "second step" - and that is that one wishes for the addiction to be broken. I recall, just a year or so ago, asking a young friend who is addicted to nicotine if she honestly wanted to stop smoking cigarettes. To her credit, she was honest! She said, "No." I knew then, that although I had been praying for her deliverance for a long time (and continue to do so), she was not going to overcome her addiction - because she didn't want to do so!

The problem, I suspect, is one of the dependency that an addiction creates; and the 'comfort zone' that it provides! Sadly, there is also a vicious circle that can, like a whirlpool, suck a person down to the very depths of despair. I yield to the temptation to have just one drink; just one cigarette; just one pill; - and then feel so disappointed with myself, and my failure, that I take another! And so it goes on.

During my lifetime I have dealt with a number of addicts, addicted to various substances that are harmful to the human body. I have discovered something that is of extreme importance - that while organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Gamblers Anonymous, may help (and, for many people they do!), only Almighty God can heal (and He does!)!

The answer to these addictions, and every other one, is not to be found in a bottle, or a packet of cigarettes, or an online casino, but by yielding oneself to the indwelling power of God the Holy Spirit allows Him to have His way - and that is always for our good!

Do you truly want to be freed from your addiction? Then ask the Teacher for His help. He never turns anyone away!

God's blank cheque

John Wilbur Chapman is not a name known to many, today. He was a Christian pastor, and evangelist in the late 19th century, and commenced his evangelistic ministry alongside the better-know D.L. Moody. From 1907, Chapman's partner in the Gospel was the well-known singer, Charles Alexander. However, he also spent the his first twenty years of specific Christian service, in pastoral ministry.

At a time of great personal sorrow, Dr Chapman was preparing to go on a trip to the far West of the United States of America. One of his elders, who was a banker, came to speak with him. As he was leaving, he slipped a piece of paper into the minister's hand. When Dr Chapman looked at it, he saw a cheque, made out to him, and signed by the banker. However, there was no sum of money mentioned! The minister looked at his elder. "Are you giving me a signed blank cheque, to be filled in as I please?", he asked. "Yes!", replied the banker. "I don't know how much you might need, and I want you to draw any amount that will meet those needs."

As events transpired, Dr Chapman did not need to cash that cheque for any amount - but he confessed that it gave him a comfortable feeling to know that he had, quite literally, millions of dollars at his disposal.

As he ended his letter to the early disciples of Jesus, in the Roman colonial city of Philippi, the apostle Paul wrote these words: "And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory, in Christ (Messiah) Jesus." (4:19). That is a promise that goes beyond even millions of USA dollars! This is the God Who is described, in a pastoral society and culture, as owning "the cattle on a thousand hills"(Ps.50:10). 

But, of course, not all needs are material, and able to be met with sufficient financial resources. How may one buy true love? How much does it cost in financial terms? What is the price of a genuine friendship? Where may I purchase real peace? What will I have to pay for a big load of happiness? Does a billionaire have any stronger a claim on life than a pauper? 

That is why, as this Covid-19 pandemic - however it was caused, and for whatever (possibly nefarious!) purpose - continues to affect so many of us, we need resources that have no relationship to the size of our bank balance. Such resources are found only in the Living God, the Creator of all that exists, the Father of the Lord Jesus, the Christ, through the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit.

He, and He alone, is our Certainty in uncertain times.

The living Word

In Hebrews 4:12, the anonymous writer describes the Word of God as "... living and active, ..." Those few words are, themselves, the theme for a 30-minute sermon, but one aspect of their truth is the simple fact that one may read the same passage 100 times and then, on the 101st reading, see something new - or, better, have something new revealed!

In my personal devotions, I am currently reading through the Book of Proverbs. A few days ago, I read these words in 25:28 - "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls." Although I had read those words many times before, they spoke to me in a new way as I considered the restrictions that we have endured over the past weeks, and that are due to be only partially lifted in a few days' time. 

What Solomon is saying here is that, like city walls self-control may limit what we are free to do; but it also provides protection. Being confined to our homes has certainly been restrictive to most of us - a quick visit to Leclerc being a brief, but welcome, diversion. But it has also protected us from the potentially fatal effects of Covid-19! Self-control, likewise, restricts us in what we do; where we go; what we watch; what we listen to. However, the lack of self-control leaves us like a city with broken walls which the enemy - for you and me, the satan himself - may more easily enter and conquer.

Of course, we are not left to deal with this in our own strength. If we are truly disciples of the Lord Jesus - born again; washed in the blood of the Lamb - then we have the power of God the Holy Spirit available to us. When temptation raises its head, look to Him; seek His strength; obey His prompting. It will be for your good, and will bring glory to the Saviour's Name.

He is our Certainty in uncertain times.

"When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey." 

The Romans' Road, Part 2

In yesterday's post, I introduced the Romans' Road - a 'map' that uses Paul's great Letter to the early disciples of Jesus, in the city of Rome, to set out a path, or road, to full salvation.

In that post, we had looked at the need to believe that Almighty God exists; the need to realise that you and I are sinners who need forgiveness; and the need to accept that Father God, out of His great love for us, has demonstrated that love by providing the potential for a new life, in Him, through the sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus, the Christ - Almighty God in the very human flesh that He had created.

However, as we move on to step 4, we need to realise that knowledge without action is of no use at all! If we remain sinners, we will die both physically (as is the lot of everyone until the rapture of the saints) and spiritually. However, if we repent of our sins, and accept the Lord Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, we shall have, here and now, eternal life - that is, the very life of Almighty God in us! 

So Paul writes: "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom 6:23). Centuries before, the Jewish prophet Isaiah had written these inspired words: "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or His ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you so that He does not hear." (Isa 59:1-2). This is an Old Testament call to repentance! 

Perhaps the best-know words from the New Testament - John 3:16 - go further than those specific words: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the Name of the only Son of God." (John 3:16-18). Please note the high-lighted words. That word "have" is in the present tense. That means, as I have indicated above, that the new life in Jesus is not just something for after our physical death. It's something that we experience, and enjoy, here and now! And notice the phrase that is highlighted. Again, the tense is the present. When I believe (and the Greek word could be translated "have faith in" or "put my trust in") the Lord Jesus, I am no longer under Gods' condemnation! What an offer! And it is free to all who come to Jesus, in simple faith; confessing, and repenting of, their sin; and asking for His salvation!  

Step 5 is simple to understand - but not always easy to do! Paul writes: "... if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved." (Rom 10:9-11). Oh, and ladies - "man" is used here generically, so you are fully included! Paul further writes, to the disciples of Jesus in Ephesus: "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 a reminder that we bring nothing to our salvation - except the sin, and sinfulness, from which we need to be saved. All is of Him - His love; His grace.

That leads us on to Step 6. There are no special rituals; there is no "magic formula"; "... there is no distinction ...; the same Lord is Lord of all and bestows His riches upon all who call upon Him. For, 'every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved'." (Rom 10:12-13). 

The final step encourages you to determine, in your own heart, to make Jesus, the Christ, Lord of your life - today! "I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Rom 12:1-2).

The "Romans' Road" shows you the pathway. Are you ready to set out on that path? If you have decided to receive Jesus as your personal Saviour, and Lord, then may I welcome you to the biggest, and most wonderful, family in the world?! May I also encourage you to follow up on your commitment, and grow closer to Him by:

• telling someone else about your new faith, and life, in Jesus;
• being baptised, on your own confession of faith, as commanded in the Scriptures;
• spending time with God, each day, by reading His Word, and praying to Him. This doesn't need to be a long time, at the beginning, although as you are drawn ever closer to Him, you will discover that you want to spend more time in His presence!;
• seeking fellowship with other genuine disciples of Jesus. This is often done, most easily by
• finding a local group of believers, who accept the Bible as God's Word, and who seek to live by its teaching, in the power of God the Holy Spirit. I would be happy to help you find such a group in your area. Sadly, just as not every person who claims to be a "Christian" is a genuine disciple of Jesus, so not every group that refers to itself as "church" is Christ-, and Bible-centred!

It's a wonderful life, That I have been travelling for, now, more than sixty years. I have not been Jesus' best disciple - but that's why I am so glad that my salvation depends, not on anything that I may have achieved, but solely, and completely, on His finished work on the cross of Calvary. 

Hallelujah! Thank You, Jesus.

Genesis - Part 2

As a student of history, I am all too aware that nations and empires rise - and fall! Where are the ancient nations of Philistines and Persians, to name but two? Many will not have read, but most will be aware of, Edward Gibbon's monumental work: "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire." However, there is one very real exception; one nation that, in spite of many attempts to destroy it, has survived for millennia. That nation is the Jewish Nation - the Children of Israel; the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The second part of the book of Genesis deals with the call of Abraham,and the events that followed. Here is the next video that gives a brief overview of all of that.

Now that you have seen the overview, may I encourage you to fill in much more of the detail by actually reading the book?! I would recommend a modern translation so that you are neither confused, nor 'put off'', by the somewhat archaic language of the Authorised (or King James) Version! My personal 'favourite' is still the RSV (Revised Standard Version), but the NRSV (New RSV) is also a good translation. Some will prefer the NIV (New International Version), but unless you already have a copy, I am informed that the 2011 publication is best!

Whichever version/translation you use, do read - and before doing so, take a minute to ask for the help of God the Holy Spirit, that you may understand what He is saying, specifically, to you.

Contrôle Technique

For those who do not understand the heading, it is the French equivalent of the UK Ministry of Transport test (MOT) and, I am delighted to report that, when I submitted our car, last week, it passed! Part of the reason for that was my having just replaced all four tyres - two because they had reached the limit of the legal tread depth; and two because, although they had plenty of tread depth, they were not the same brand of tyre on a single axle - a French requirement that is not a UK one!

Of course, while I was aware of the tyre situation, there were many other issues on which the car could have been failed - issues of which I would have been totally unaware! I am thinking, for example, of the exhaust emissions. I had no idea as to whether, or not, they would be within the acceptable range!

It occurred to me, afterwards, that this is a bit like sin in my life! There are some sins of which, like my unsatisfactory tyres, I am all too well aware. These are the sins to which. I believe, the anonymous writer of the Letter to Hebrew disciples of Jesus was referring when he wrote: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, ..." (12:1; emphasis added). There are areas in my life in which the enemy knows that I am most vulnerable - and he takes every opportunity to attack me there! Left to my own devices, I would always fail and, sadly, I often do. However, that quotation for Hebrews continues: "... looking to Jesus the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith Who, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood." (vs. 2-4; emphasis added). That's the answer - "... looking to Jesus ..."!

The important thing is to deal with these sins, as I dealt with my tyres - and to do so in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and with the assistance of God the Holy Spirit.

Of course, there may be other sins of which I have not yet become fully aware, or which I simply don't recognise as 'sin'! These are the equivalent of the exhaust emissions, or of a crack in a spring, in my car. This is where I have to ask for discernment, that I may recognise those "unconscious" sins for what they are. It may even be that I have to ask someone else - someone whom I trust! - to point them out to me, just as the Contrôle Technique examiner (or the MOT test examiner) would point out the problem with emissions, springs, brake discs, etc. Of course, when they have been identified, those sins, too, need to be dealt with!

Amost exactly five years ago, I published a post on "A spiritual MOT test!" You may be able to use the link to read the whole post, but let me repost a check-list (not my original!) that I shared then:

• am I clean in word, thought, and deed?
• is Christ, as far as I can make Him, the Head of my home?
• do they know that I am a disciple of Jesus where I work?
• are other people likely to be drawn to better things for knowing me?
• do I guard time, each day, for reading my Bible, and for prayer?
• do I regularly attend worship services, and attend at the Lord's Table?
• do other people find it easy to work with me in Christian service?
• am I generous, as far as I am honestly able, to Christian work?
• am I growing in Christ?

That list stands. It is a useful set of checks for self-examination. However, I think that I would wish to add to it! For example:

• what are the web-sites that I have marked as 'Favourites'? Are there any that would cause me embarrasment if my pastor were to see them? I recall some years ago, on a visit, asking my host if I might have access to the internet to check some e-mails. The access was readily given and, as I logged on, the 'Favourites' list was displayed. I noticed one site that I thought was that of a newspaper, but with a typing error in the name. I clicked on the link - and discovered, to my shock, that there was no typing error, as I was taken to a site that was obviously intended for those with an interest in homosexuality! To say that I was shocked would be something of an understatement!
• am I in control of my temper? Or is it that, even in print, I constantly resort to the use of upper-case letters - the literary equivalent, I am told, of angry verbal shouting?
• how am I treating those most close to me? I recall my own minister, spiritual mentor, and personal friend, the late Rev. George B Duncan, often commenting that if we really wanted to know what sort of person he was, we should ask his wife! We only saw him as "the minister"; she lived with him! We saw him at his best; she saw him at his worst! What would my own wife have to say about me?!! Perhaps I should ask her before anyone else does!

You see, all of the above applies as much to me as it does to anyone who might read this post - and maybe more than it does to some! The life of a disciple of Jesus is not a life of sinless perfection, but of sanctification as, through the indwelling of Holy Spirit, Father God makes me more like Jesus. A little home-made plaque on my study wall has these words: "In this life I shall never be sinless but, by God's grace, I may sin less!" (emphasis added). I think that the words are original! They are certainly true! 

My car is now, officially, considered to be roadworthy for another two years. But what about me? Am I still worthy to be a disciple of Jesus? If I am, and I trust that I am, it is all due to His grace, and mercy, and love. All of that is available to you, too.  Have you availed yourself of it? If not, why not? 

Power.

It's a stormy end to the year in the East Neuk of Fife, where my wife and I are spending a couple of days with dear friends. Indeed, during a song at the worship service, this morning, all of the lights were suddenly extinguished; the projector cut out; the sound system died; and there was no accompaniment from the keyboard! Yes, the whole village had suffered a power-cut. Even when we returned to our friends' home, there was no electricity - we were glad that they have a wood-burning stove, and a gas cooker!

Power! when it comes to the electrical form thereof we are, it must be admitted, pretty well lost without it. I couldn't have even published this post as, while the battery would have provided adequate power for me to type it up, there was no internet access to enabe me to do anything else.

The written Word of God has a lot to say about power - although not the kind provided by electricity. In a conversation, just a couple of days ago, I was informed that we are all God's children. I had to point out that that is not what the Bible says! In words that were being read in many gatherings of disciples of Jesus just a week ago: "... to all who received Him [Jesus], who believed in His Name, He gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13; emphasis added). In other words, I am not a child of God by nature, but need to experience His power in my life in order that I may be adopted into His family!

In one of the recorded prayers of the Old Testament prophet, Jeremiah, he utters these words: "Ah Lord God! It is Thou Who hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by Thy outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for Thee, ... " (Jer 32:17; emphasis added). The God of the Bible is the Creator of all that exists. He is the omnipotent One Who can do anything! (Well, as I pointed out in a post on Feb.3rd, 2008, there are some things that even Almighty God is unable to do! It might be worth your while, as we reach the end of another year, to check out what I posted then!).

Just one more reference. Writing to his son in the faith, the young pastor Timothy, the agèd apostle, Paul, gave these words of advice: "... understand this, that in the last days there will come times of stress. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, fierce, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding the form of religion but denying the power of it. Avoid such people." (II Tim.3-1-5; emphasis added). Such words are but one of many indications that we are currently living in the end-times. As I look about me I see so much that masquerades as Christianity - but that is totally lacking in any evidence that it is operating in the power of God the Holy Spirit, and bringing glory to the Son.

Power! how important it is. If you want a good Word Study, you could do a lot worse than check out many more of the references to it in God's Word. However, the BIG question is: "Do I know that power of God in my own life?" 

We got by this morning - even if we had to revert to the "low-tech" of hymn books for the final song! I can only speak for myself, but I would not wish to enter 2018 without experiencing something of His power in my life. I trust that all who read this post will be able to say, with Paul, "... I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, ..." (Phil.3:8-10; emphasis added).

Birthday Anniversary Quiz!

Former pupils who happen to check out this blog will appreciate the title. I always pointed out that, physically, we have only one birthday - the day of our physical birth. After that, we celebrate the anniversary of that day, usually on an annual basis (although one does eventually reach a stage at which the numbers don't really matter, and the day is little different from any other!).

Tomorrow is the celebration of the Jewish festival of the Day of Pentecost (Shavuot), the first if which in the Christian era is generally considered to be the day on which the Christian Church was born. It was as Peter preached his Biblical message on that day that 3,000 were saved.

So, here is a wee quiz to check what you know about the first disciples of Jesus!

1. The disciples of Jesus started preaching about Him
       (a) the day after He died;
       (b) shortly after His death;
       (c) years later.
2.  Their first message was that
       (a) Jesus had been wrongly convicted;
       (b) Father God had raised Jesus as Lord and King;
       (c) people should love one another.
3.  They started to preach after
       (a) God the Holy Spirit came upon them;
       (b) a democratic vote;
       (c) their leaders had decided that the time was right.
4.  They asked their hearers to
       (a) accept that they were right;
       (b) be more religious;
       (c) allow Jesus to change their lives.
5.  When the authorities told them to stop, they
       (a) did what they were told;
       (b) organised a mass resistance movement;
       (c) prayed, and then continued to preach.
6.  Their message was based on
       (a) inner experience;
       (b) facts about Jesus;
       (c) philosophical ideas.
7.  Their preaching was accompanied by
       (a) miracles;
       (b) impressive arguments;
       (c) mob hysteria.
8.  The disciples were noted for
       (a) their love for one another;
       (b) their exclusivity;
       (c) their financial acumen.
9.  Their enemies accused them of
       (a) being old-fashioned;
       (b) being narrow-minded;
       (c) turning the world "upside-down".
10. There members were from
       (a) every social class;
       (b) the ruling classes;
       (c) the well-educated people.

Okay, see how you get on. I shall endeavour to publish the correct answers within the next few days!

Foundations - and other thoughts!

This morning was spent on three jobs in the house and in the garden.  The first of these was the fitting of two new lamps in a bathroom fixture.  It was to be a straightforward process - until I realised that the lamps that were being replaced operated on 12volts, while the replacements operated on 220 volts.  Not a problem, some electrically-qualified reader may be thinking.  However, although it was easy to remove the transformer, it was not as easy to identify the various cables - that appeared to have been used because they were what was available!  Anyway, the lamps were eventually fitted; connected; and, I am happy to report, are working.

That job was immediately followed by the 'fitting' of a temporary work-surface in the kitchen.  This involved taking 3" off the end of a large sheet of contiboard; using blocks of wood on top of two camping tables to bring the board to an appropriate height; and fixing the board to the wall.   However, that wee job was completed - relatively easily.

Task number three was in the garden, and had been started yesterday.  It involved the digging of an area of almost 11'x 6' to a depth of 6".  This was then filled with a sand/gravel mix and levelled off.  A wooden frame was constructed, and also levelled off, before more of the gravel mix was used to fill it to within 2" of the top.  That mix was levelled, and tamped down, and, next week (we are out for the next three days!) 2" of concrete will be added and allowed to 'cure' for about a week!  That will then provide a good solid base for the new, metal, garden shed that we have purchased, and that I hope to erect during the week after next - weather conditions permitting!

So, why would I want to share all of that with you?  Well, I would suggest that each task has a lesson for life!  When I was working at the lights in the bathroom, I had to keep switching the power off and on again.   That, of course, was for my own safety.  However, the simple fact is that, without power, nothing happens.  Jesus said: "... you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses ..." (Acts 1:8).   Need power in your Christian walk?  Invite God the Holy Spirit to come upon you.

What about work-top 'fitting'?  Well, I would suggest that it is a reminder that Father God is willing to use us - just as we are!   Different people have different giftings, natural talents, training, and ability.  When exercising those giftings, etc., we are comfortable.  "This is what I was made for." we might even say!  However, is it not the case that, sometimes, we have to go beyond our comfort zone, in order to achieve a specific objective?  None of the items used to build that work-top were designed to be thus used.  However, you may be assured that they are doing the job, and doing it admirably!

Which leaves the 'outside work'.  No difficulty in seeing a lesson there.  In fact, it isn't even a new lesson.  Jesus taught it some 2,000 years ago.  It's to do with foundations!  If I want my new shed to withstand any storms that come to the area (yes, even the Dordogne does get some!), then I need to spend time on the base - the foundation.  If I get that right, it is probable that my shed will stand for many years.  If I get that wrong, then my shed is likely to collapse before very long.

Jesus' lesson on foundations is found in Matt 7:24-27: "Every one then who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  And every one who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it."

The best foundation for life is the Word of God.  Read it; study it; meditate upon it; commit it to memory.  It will be "... a lamp to [your] feet, and a light to [your] path." (Ps 119:105).

Be filled with the power of God the Holy Spirit; be willing to move out of your personal 'comfort zone' in the Lord's service; ensure that your life is built on the solid foundation of the Word of God - all of it!  Not a bad wee set of lessons from one morning's work.  May all who read, be blessed as they put those lessons into practice in their own lives.

Staying in the bubble!

No, the title to this post does not refer to the so-called "Westminster bubble" in which so many UK Members of Parliament appear to reside!  I am no naturalist, but I do know that a little creature, known as the water spider, is quite amazing.  Sometimes called "the frogman spider", it lives in rivers and streams - underneath the surface of the water!

How does this fascinating species survive in its watery environment?  Its secret is that it spins a tough, basket-like, web of silk - almost a little diving bell - and anchors it underwater to plants, or other objects.  Then it captures a surface air bubble, which it pulls down and injects into its underwater 'house'.  This combination of web building and bubble trapping allows the water spider to survive in an environment that would, normally, destroy it.

Disciples of Jesus also live in an environment that could destroy us!  The values, attitudes, practices, and priorities, of the world threaten to drown us - unless we are able to protect ourselves from them.  So how are we to survive, spiritually, in this hostile worldly environment?

May I suggest that we must build a 'bubble' of protection around ourselves by the regular reading, and study, of the written Word of God; by regular prayer; by regular fellowship with other believers; by regular communing with God the Holy Spirit; by always trusting Father God, and obeying His Word?  These activities will protect our minds, and help us to be safe and secure.  Paul writes to the early believers in the great city of Rome: "I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Rom.12:1-2; emphasis added).

As the water spider lives in the water, but is not of the water, so disciples of Jesus must live in, but not be of, the world. (see John 17:16).  Are you building a safe 'bubble'?

Grace.

As the clearing up, and clearing out, continues before we make the final move to France, I am coming upon all sorts of things that had been forgotten about.  The following is a poem that I recall starting to write while we lived in Motherwell.  It's not Poet Laureate material - but it is sincere! 

Where would I be without His grace

Who gave His life for me?

Where would I be, had He not hung

On Calvary's cruel tree?

Lost in my sin, I trod life's way;

Pleasure my only goal

But, deep in my heart, my conscience would say

'This never will make you whole'!

Still I rebelled; I put myself first;

Ignored that urgent call.

I know, now, I was of sinners the worst

E'en 'though I still tried to 'walk tall'.

But, praise to His Name, His Spirit broke through,

And opened my eyes to my need.

Now I am His, and He is mine -

His prompting I seek to heed.

He's there for you, too, whoever you are.

Respond to His love and His grace.

Then, with me, you'll stand on that wonderful Day

And gaze on His beautiful face.

That's where I'll be when the trumpet shall sound,

And the saints rise to meet, in the air,

The Saviour they've loved, and Who now bids them 'Come!'

Where will I be?  I'll be there!

Only one question - where will you be?

Only God can make a tree!

It would appear that I am going through a "secular poetry" phase as, once again, I make reference to a poem.  This time it is the poem "Trees", written by Joyce Kilmer at the beginning of the last century, but made famous when, set to music, it was sung by the famous American negro bass singer, Paul Robeson.

The words of the poem are:

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

 

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

 

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

 

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

 

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

 

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

I wonder if Joyce Kilmer knew any New Testament Greek!  If she did, then she may have been making quite a theological statement in that poem.  What I mean is that the Greek word from which we derive the English language word 'poem' is 'poiema'.  This word occurs only twice in the New Testament writings - in Romans 1:20, and in Ephesians 2:10.   

In the first of those references, we read, "Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made."  The context of these words is that if showing that no one has any excuse for not accepting the existence of Almighty God - the evidence is all around us, for those who have eyes to see.  In this verse, poiema is translated “things that have been made.”  All that we see around us - and all that is unseen - is testimony to the creativity and power of Almighty God.  The Psalmist-king of Israel knew this: "The heavens proclaim the glory of God.  The skies display His craftsmanship.  Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known.  They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world." (Ps 19:1-4; NLT).  If a poem - a mere ordering of certain words - requires a poet to create it, how much more does this amazing universe in which we live?!   And, of course, as Joyce Kilmer makes clear in her closing stanza, while mere humans are capable of penning a poem, only God can "poiema" a tree.

The second reference reads: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."  The context, here, is of salvation.  Paul reminds us that it is "... 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).  In v.10, the word poiema is translated "workmanship".  How amazing this is!  What the apostle is saying, under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit, is that those who have appropriated that wonderful grace of God, are God's 'poem'!  A life once dead in sin, now born again and walking in good works is God’s greatest poetic masterpiece of all!  Only He can "poiema" a lost soul; transforming it into one redeemed by His grace.

 

Are you one of God's poems?  Are you?!