Pressure!

This morning, at the worship service with Wishaw Baptist Church, the young people of the Bible Class presented us with a News Bulletin!  It was, basically, sharing some of what they have been up to in recent times.  However, the script was excellent (better than much of what is delivered as "entertainment" on most TV and Radio broadcasts!), and the gathered congregation was, at times, "in stitches"!

The main part of the presentation concerned the strength of the humble egg.  The pastor was invited to attempt to crush one between his hands.  He could not do so.  We watched a video of the Bible Class themselves attempting to do the same thing.  They could not do so, either.  We saw some of them literally walking on eggs - and not one egg even cracked.  We even saw eggs bear the weight of two crushed cars, without them breaking!

The lesson from all of this fun was, and is, very serious.  It was, surely, no accident that the pastor's message was on the suffering church - and, No, there had not been any previous collusion!  Because of its unique, double-curved, shape an egg is extraordinarily strong.  Yet, it is, simultaneously, extremely fragile!  Disciples of Jesus are like that.  As we put our faith/trust in the Lord Jesus, we have a strength that the world cannot really understand.  How does one explain, in merely human terminology, how 21 young men could kneel on a Libyan beach and, knowing the fate that was about to befall them, die with the Name of Jesus on their lips?  One cannot!  It is not 'natural'!  It was, however, a wonderful testimony to the grace of God at such a time.    Tremendous strength.

However, most of us, including disciples of Jesus, are not immune from the lesser suffering that is common to mankind.  We live in a world that has been tainted, and corrupted, by sin.  We experience illness and disease; financial, and relational, problems; unemployment, and bereavement.  We are fragile beings, with bodies that are subject to decay as we grow older.  Each of us will, until the Rapture, experience physical, mortal, death.  The wonder is that, in Jesus, His strength can overcome our difficulties - not remove them, but see us through them.

One further point was made, this morning.  It was that, in the 'experiments', all of the eggs were facing the same way. There is great strength in unity.  That may be why the anonymous writer of the Letter to Hebrew believers wrote: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,  not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."  (Heb.10:23-25; emphasis added).

That "Day" refers to the glorious coming again of the Lord Jesus, the Christ - not as a helpless Babe in a Bethlehem manger, but as King of kings, and Lord of lords.  Are you ready for that Day?  Will you be among those who will have loved His appearing (see II Tim.4:8)?  I trust that you will and, if I may be of any assistance at a personal level, please feel free to use the e-mail address at the top of the page, to contact me.

The failure of 'multiculturalism'.

Having commenced the mini-series on the Ten Commandments, I had hoped to not have more than one post in between any two of the series.  However, the ongoing situation in France has persuaded me to abandon that idea.

In just two days, about seventeen people have been murdered in Paris, in just three separate, but apparently related, incidents.  These murders, of both civilians and police officers, have all been carried out by Muslims.  The media, of course, insist that these are "extremists", and that real Muslims do not condone such actions. Most of our political leadership in the UK has been quick to criticise the point of view given by Nigel Farage during a brief interview, by confirmed 'leftie', Jon Snow (not 'leftie' enough, of course, to have passed up the chance to get his son into lucrative TV work!) on the Channel 4 News programme, on the evening of the Charlie Hebdo terrorist murders.  However, Mr Farage was only, as he appears frequently to do, telling is "as it is".   So-called 'multiculturalism' has failed.  With Islam, it is almost bound to fail.  Muslims are much less likely to integrate than are other ethnic minorities.   For example:

"It is he (Allah) who has sent his Messenger (Muhammad) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islam), in order for it to be dominant over ALL other religions, even though the Mushrikoon (disbelievers) hate it."  (Qur'an, chap.61, surah 1).  Not much encouragement to integration there!

Or, again, "So if you (mushrikoon) repent it is better for you, but if you turn away, then know that you can not escape Allah. And give tidings of a painful torment for those who disbelieve." (chap.9, surah 3).  Not much that is 'peaceful' there!

If people do not embrace Islam and implement the Shari’a (Islamic law) on their own accord, it becomes an obligation upon the Muslims to fight and implement Islam. In countries such as Britain and the USoA, their people have clearly rejected to embrace Islam and will never choose to live by the Shari’a. Therefore, the only two ways in which these countries can become under the domain of Islam is by a group of Muslims rising and overthrowing the government, or an 'Islamic state' (sound familiar?) being established elsewhere and coming to conquer these nations.  

There are, of course, 'moderate' Muslims.  However, as the video clip below demonstrates, they might as well not be there!  The ultimate aim of Islam is the world-wide Caliphate (where Islam dominates all), and there are those who will do whatever it takes to achieve that end.  Thankfully, there will only ever be one world-wide rule - that of the King of kings, and Lord of lords; the Son of God Who loved us, and gave Himself for us. (see Gal.2:20, etc).  Of His Kingdom and rule there will be no end.  Let those of us who look forward, with great anticipation, to that day pray for Muslims - even the most misguided - that their eyes,and hearts, may be open to Him.

Resurrection Day.

Well, after a lot of travelling; a lot of difficulties; but, of course, the loving hospitality of two dear families, we finally arrived at the static caravan in the Gironde, at 2230 yesterday.  This morning, we woke to the thought that today is Easter Day or, as some prefer to name it, Resurrection Day.

We are delighted that, with the erection of a new Reception at our end of the site, we are now able to access the internet from the warmth and comfort of the 'van.  Of course that will make it all the more difficult to give it up, when we move to a permanent house, in due course!  However, we were able to join with the congregation of Dalziel-St.Andrew's, in Motherwell, for their morning worship service - which is streamed on a weekly basis (http://www.dalzielstandrews.org.uk/watch-live/), and is also available on YouTube - link on the page already given), where the minister is a personal friend of many years, and where our younger daughter is involved in various areas of service.

It was an eggciting service, presented with eggsuberance by an eggspert at the task, who eggsplained all that he was doing, to the children who were present.  (Watch the service in order to understand why I have inserted such an eggsasperating set of eggxamples of 'eggie' comments.  If you don't, then the yolk's on you!).

So what is Easter?  Why give it an alternative title of Resurrection Day?  Well, simply because, just as Christmas is not predominantly top do with the fictional 'Father Christmas' (in spite of the reality of Saint Nicklaus), or the overindulgence in food that occurs - at least in those parts of the world in which such indulgence can be afforded; so Easter is not about chocolate eggs (although the egg is a symbol of new life), or the Easter bunny (there may be a 'creative' link there!).  Both, in fact, have to do with the One Who is truly central at each of those festival times - the Lord Jesus Christ.

At Christmas, we remember His incarnation - Almighty God, the Creator and Sustainer of all that is, taking upon Himself, in the Persona of the Son, human flesh, and living a life like ours, except without sin (see Heb.4:15).  At Easter, we remember that the reason for His coming was that He might "... save His people from their sin". (Matt.1:21).   He did this by paying the penalty that we deserve to pay.  On that first Good Friday, He hung on a wooden cross - not only bearing the sins of mankind upon His shoulders, but actually becoming sin, in all of its foulness, and filth, and revulsion, and detestation (II Cor.5:13).  What an amazing sacrifice - God the Son becoming so disgusting that God the Father, still dwelling in the sinlessness of eternity, could not even bear to look upon the Son, the Beloved.  "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matt.27:46).

The enemy, the satan, the devil, together with all of his infernal minions, rejoiced. What he didn't know about was what C.S.Lewis, in the Narnia Chronicles, refers to as "deep magic".  So, having rested from His labours, the Son broke through the physical death that He had truly experienced, in resurrection power. Hallelujah!  As we were reminded this morning, the tomb was empty!

Of course, if we ignore, or reject, all of what Jesus has done, in time; then we have no claim on Him, in eternity.  Let Christian songwriter, Graham Kendrick, bring this longish post to an end.

"The price is paid; Come, let us enter in to all that Jesus died to make our own.
For every sin, more than enough He gave, and bought our freedom from each guilt and stain.

            The price is paid, Alleluia!; amazing grace so strong and sure!
            And so, with all my heart; my life in every part; 
            I live to thank You for the price You paid.

The price is paid - see satan flee away; for Jesus, crucified, destroys his power.
No more to pay; let accusation cease; in Christ there is no condemnation, now!

The price is paid and, by that scourging cruel, He took our sicknesses as if His own.
And, by His wounds - His broken body there - His healing touch may now, by faith, be known.

The price is paid; 'Worthy the Lamb' we cry.  Eternity shall never cease His praise.
The church of Christ shall rule upon the earth; in Jesus' Name we have authority."

Have you submitted to the Lordship of the King of kings?  If not, then be assured that there is no better time to do so than now!  Your full salvation is part of that eternal 'package'.  Remember, the price is paid!

Happy New Year

I imagine that the words that head this post have been uttered millions of times, in various languages, over the past twenty-four hours.  It's a traditional greeting at this time of year - and not all that is traditional deserves to be discarded.

However, I wonder how many would react if they were to be wished "A Blessèd New Year"!?  Yet the word 'blessèd' simply means 'happy'.  In what has become known as The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1ff), the Lord Jesus uses that word 'blessèd' to introduce what are, on the surface, some strange ideas - especially when we replace it, as some modern translations do, with the word 'happy'.  

"Happy the kind; the clean in heart; the peacemakers" we may understand; but "Happy the mourning; the meek; those persecuted for righteousness' sake" (Young's Literal Translation) - well that's a different matter altogether!

The secret is that there is a much deeper meaning to this word than just the pleasant and favourable feeling that the majority seek. The word actually conveys the idea of fulfilment, and complete satisfaction.  In former times, the island of Cyprus was known as Ho Makarios - "the Blessèd” Isle - because it was believed to contain, within its bounds, everything necessary for life. It was self-contained and filled. This is the real meaning of blessedness, or happiness. This blessedness speaks of the actual realisation of a true satisfaction and fulfilled joy.   It is not something superficial, but something deep, and meaningful.

Such happiness, I would contend, is found only in a personal relationship with that same Jesus.  It's the happiness that comes from knowing that my sins have been forgiven; that I am accepted by Almighty God as I come to Him in the Name of Jesus; that when this mortal life ends, I have eternity to worship Him, and praise Him, at a level that is not possible while I inhabit this mortal body.

I enjoy classical music - especially from the Baroque era.  Sometimes, as I listen to a particularly majestic piece, I am transported in my mind to what can only be described as a state of ecstasy.  Yet nothing that I experience, in this life, can even begin to compare with that which I shall experience in the life to come.

A happy, blessèd new year is one thing; a blessèd eternity, in the nearer presence of the King of kings, is something completely different - and unimaginably more wonderful!  It's available to you - but only if you come to Him, "the Initiator and Perfecter of our faith" (see Heb.12:2), submitting to His Lordship in your life.  Then you will truly have A Happy New Year - this year, and every year, for as long as you live on this earth; and  a happiness beyond measure, throughout eternity.

Nelson Mandela

The major news item, all day today, has been the death of Nelson Mandela.  Mr Mandela has been a very significant figure on the world stage since his release from prison in 1990.  He was instrumental in bringing apartheid to an end, and was the first indigenous President of South Africa.

Tributes have been flowing in from all over the world, as well as from within South Africa, and one would not deny that many of them are well-deserved.  However ... ... ...!!

As news of Mr Mandela's death broke, hundreds of South Africans filled the streets around his home in the upmarket Johannesburg suburb of Houghton, many singing songs of tribute, and dancing.  One, reportedly, carried a sign saying: "He will rule the universe with God." .    Others have spoken of him as having been "the saviour of South Africa", and many have commented on his capacity to forgive.

In just a couple of weeks' time, much of the world will celebrate Christmas.  For many, that celebration will be more of a 'winterfest' than anything else.  However, there will be those who will remember that, over 2,000 years ago, Almighty God, the Creator and Sustainer of all that exists, entered our time-space continuum as a human child, in an obscure little country on the edge of the Roman empire.  "Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail! the incarnate Deity."   And that was not the end of the story.  Because that Child grew to manhood and, after a public ministry of about three years, was crucified by the Roman authorities, at the instigation of the Jewish hierarchy.

This was, of course, the Man known as Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, the Messiah.  It is He, and He alone, Who will rule the universe with the Father (see Rev.5:13, inter al); He, and He alone, is the Saviour of South Africa - and of the whole world (John 3:16-17); He was able to say - as He hung on that cross, aware that He had only to say the word, and the Father would send more than twelve legions of angels to rescue Him (Matt.26:53) - "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34).

Some, who have not been caught up in the adulation of the late Mr Mandela, have pointed out that he had been a terrorist (remembering that one man's terrorist is another man's 'freedom fighter'!), and that we should be remembering those for whose deaths he was, directly or indirectly, responsible.  However, when it comes to Jesus, He alone was able to ask even His enemies: "Which of you convicts me of sin?" (John 8:46).  Even one of those crucified alongside Him recognised this: "One of the criminals who were hanged railed at Him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!"  But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?  And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong."  And he said, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom."  And He said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." (Luke 23:39-43; emphasis added).

Two other things need to be emphasised.  The first is that death could not hold Jesus.  He rose from the dead, victorious over it, and hell, and the grave.  The second is that He is coming again.  There will be a second advent - perhaps much sooner than many expect - when He will come, not as a human infant, but as King of kings, and Lord of lords.

May all who access this blog "... abide in Him, so that when He appears we may have confidence and not shrink from Him in shame at His coming." (I John 2:28).

Take me to your leader!

Leadership is of great importance within any group, or organisation.  The question often is: "From which position does the leader lead?"!

This occurred to me, last week when, on a TV  News programme, I saw a number of young men in a swimming pool.  On the pool-side, speaking to camera, was a bearded gentleman of obviously Asian extraction (how's my political correctness, so far?!), who looked as if we was in his late forties.  According to the person who was translating, this person was informing us that these young men were having their last swim before fulfilling their destinies as 'suicide bombers'.  My first thought was: "If you, sir, are so keen that these young men detonate a vest, packed with explosive, and worn by them, why don't you show how important such an action is by leading from the front, and setting an example?  Why don't you don one of those vests, and blow up innocent bystanders - and, of course, yourself?!"

Of course, I suspect that I know the answer.  It's a bit like former British Prime Minister, Tony B Liar, sending British troops into Iraq, and Afghanistan - from the peace and comfort of Downing Street, or Chequers, and with a 24/7 protection unit provided by the Metropolitan Police!  In other words, these people - and I could name many more - are content to 'lead from behind' (and there's an oxymoronic phrase for you!).  Yesterday, as I heard the news from Pakistan, I wondered if the two 'suicide bombers', responsible for the worst ever attack on Christians, might even have been in that swimming pool!

I also thought to myself about the Lord Jesus.  Like kings and emperors of old, He leads His people from the front.  "... thanks be to God," writes Paul, "Who in Christ always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere." (II Cor.2:14).  Jesus likened Himself to a shepherd, and reminded us that a good shepherd "... calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice." (John 10:3-4).  Again, He assured His disciples that "In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also." (John 14:2-3).

In the old children's game Follow the leader, that is exactly what one did - the leader went first, and the others followed the example given.  Perhaps if more of these Islamist terrorists were to set the example, there would be fewer 'suicide bombers' causing destruction and death.  Perhaps if political leaders were still required to lead the troops into battle, as did those kings of old, there would be fewer wars - civil, or otherwise.

Take me to your leader - but assure me that he is a leader, and not a pusher!  Jesus said, and still says, "Follow Me!".  Those who do, discover that He is a Leader beyond any other leader; indeed, He is King of kings, and Lord of lords, and worthy of all that we can offer to Him.

A Royal audience.

I received a letter this morning!  It was from H.M. the Queen!  It was an invitation to a private and personal audience with the monarch!  There would be just the two of us - no foot-men; no aides; no bodyguards.  I was assured that I could raise any matter, however important or however trivial.   I was also assured that there would not be a time limit.  I could spend as long as I wished with H.M. - she would be delighted to have me with her.

Now, of course, that last paragraph is totally fictional - in case anyone hadn't worked that out!  However, if it was true ... ... ...!  I am not an ardent royalist (although I do hold H.M. in high regard), but I would be telling everyone about this amazing honour that had been bestowed upon me.

It is a fact that I am the recipient of an even greater honour and privilege.  Almighty God, the King of kings, the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, invites me to meet with Him.  Indeed, I don't really have a specific invitation!  He operates an 'open door' policy.  That means that I may come into His royal presence at any time!   I may bring every matter before Him; I may share my most personal, and intimate, thoughts; I may bring my petitions to Him, assured that He will respond.  Of course, just as would be the case with H.M., there is no guarantee that I will receive exactly what I request.  His wisdom is infinitely greater than mine (or H.M's.!).  He will not give me, or do for me, that which He knows is not for my ultimate good.

One other thought.  If I were to receive that invitation to Buckingham Palace, or Balmoral, or wherever, I would still be attending as a subject of the Queen.  I would still address my royal companion as "Your majesty".  But, when I enter the throne-room of heaven in prayer I come, not only as a sinner (which I am), but as a sinner saved by grace and, wonder of wonders, as an adopted child, able to address Almighty God as "Father" - just as H.M's. children, while still her subjects, may also address her as "Mother".

Do you have that personal relationship with the Lord?  Unlike an invitation to meet with the Queen, it's available to all who come to Him, in repentance and faith (both of those words are explained in my book - see the top of this page!), and accept His offer of salvation (also in the book), through the finished work of the Lord Jesus (Who is the subject of yet another chapter in the book).

If you don't have a relationship like that, may I urge you to deal with that situation while you may.  Please don't think that membership of a Christian fellowship, or even holding office in one, is sufficient.  It's only that personal relationship that enables us to come into His presence now, and to enjoy His presence in eternity (on which there is also a chapter in the book!).

What does Jesus mean to me?

The following is copied from the Jan-Jun 2010 issue of READY - the magazine of SASRA (the Soldiers' and Airmen's Scripture Readers Association).  It seemed an appropriate offering on this Lord's Day - especially after my most recent posts!

"What does Jesus mean to me?
Jesus?
My Jesus?
Boring?
Irrelevant?
Just another figure from history?
Or, even, an imaginary figure who has never existed?
Jesus?
Not my Jesus.

My Jesus is the reason I can no longer sing the hymn 'Amazing Grace' without tears tumbling down my cheeks.
My Jesus is the One Who, last year, carried me on His back.
When I was stretched, almost to breaking point, He held me in the palm of His hand.
Jesus?
Boring?
Irrelevant?
Not my Jesus.

My Jesus is alive today - as He was yesterday, as He will be tomorrow.
My Jesus is the central character in the greatest story ever told - and it's not finished yet!
My Jesus is all-knowing, and all-seeing.
My Jesus is perfect, yet forgiving - so forgiving that He loves 'a wretch like me'.  So forgiving.

And that's just as well, as I need an immense amount of forgiveness.
My Jesus is my 'strength and shield'.  Alone I am so weak; with Him, I am invincible.
For the victory has already been won.  My Strength; my Shield; my Saviour
From Him, there is no condemnation - not even of me!
From Him, there is only love.

My Jesus.  My Saviour.
Lord of lords, and King of kings.
Creator of the universe.
Powerful in His majesty.
Yet He wants to know - me!
How wonderful.
My Jesus."                                          (Mark Bunting; 14th June, 2009)

On this Sunday evening, may my Jesus be your Jesus too!

STOP PRESS! - Scotland win World Cup!!!!!!!

Well, who would believe it? But it's true. Of course, it isn't that World Cup (even I know that Scotland didn't even qualify!). However, it was an item on this evening's Reporting Scotland - and would anyone dare to doubt the word of Jackie Bird?!!

The World Cup that was won was, I am sorry to have to say, only the "Impersonating Elvis" one - won by a gentleman from Clackmannanshire. We didn't see his full act but, for my own money, the one who appears in the Friends series - before/after the advertising break - is actually much better!

But it did make me think. A prize for impersonating Elvis - the 'king' of pop(ular music of the time!). Paul, that prominent missionary/evangelist in the early Christian Church, mentions the idea of imitating on a number of occasions and, while the two words aren't fully synonymous, there is sufficient similarity to make a valid point.

Writing to the Corinthian believers, Paul says, "I urge you, then, be imitators of me." (I Cor.4:16). I could go for that! Being responsible for the planting of so many fellowships of believers; writing such letters as become books of the Bible - the very Word of the Living God, breathed through me; working miracles; testifying before kings and governors! Imitate Paul - that's something worth doing!

However, a little later in the same letter, he modifies this charge, and does so quite significantly! "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.(11:1). So the challenge, now, is not merely to imitate Paul who, as a mere man was, like me, still a sinner - albeit 'saved by grace'. Now the challenge is to imitate him, only insofar as he is imitating the Lord Jesus! "Who", we may well ask - as he does himself in his other preserved letter to the young Corinthian church - "is sufficient for these things?" (2:16)! To live a sinless life; to always be in the centre of the Father's will; to control the very elements; to give my life, as a willing sacrifice, for others.

Then, writing to the Ephesian church, he urges, "... be imitators of God, as beloved children." (5:1). Have you ever watched a child grow up? Adults have to be careful what they say, and do, in front of them - they are such imitators! We're seeing this, on a regular basis, with our grandson - and it's all part of the learning process! But to imitate Father God in this way! To imitate all of His perfection; to have the very mind of Jesus; to love with an everlasting love!

Paul makes other, equally challenging, references, to imitating - but that will do for now. It should be the goal of everyone who has entered into a living, and loving, and saving, relationship with God, through the Lord Jesus, to be imitators of the saving God. We may not win a 'World Cup'. But, as Paul reminded the Philippian disciples of Jesus, there is a prize! It's "... the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil.3:14). It's the prize for imitating the King of kings! And that's a prize that lasts - not just for time, but for eternity. Let's go for it!