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"

Fifth Sunday

For a considerable time, I have used these "Fifth Sundays" to merely promote one of my own books. However, in my first post of last month, I wanted to build on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, by referring to some of the millions who die, each year, in situations that most of us are incapable of even imagining.

So, since all royalties on the sale of my books are sent directly to Release International, in support of the persecuted church, I have now decided to use these fifth Sundays to share some information about the persecuted church - but to also mention one of my books! Each time, I shall endeavour to share some of the contemporary situations in which disciples of Jesus are targeted for persecution.

More than 300 schoolgirls and 12 teachers have been taken from a school in north west Nigeria, in one of the largest ever mass abductions in the country. 

The incident happened in the early hours of Friday (21 November) at St Mary’s, a school in the Papiri community in Agwara Local Government Area (LGA). The number taken includes 88 students who were captured as they tried to escape. However, 50 of those taken have since managed to escape over the weekend. It’s believed that 253 students and teachers remain held. St Mary’s is a Romanist school, though it is not yet known what percentage of those taken are Christians. 

In response to this latest kidnapping, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has ordered the hiring of 30,000 more police officers, as well as the removal of all officers from VIP protection services to focus on core duties, especially in remote areas prone to attacks. The government has instructed the closure of nearly 50 federal colleges, and public schools in some states have been shut.  

Whilst kidnappings for ransom have commonly been used to terrorise and impoverish communities, former Minister of Information, Jerry  Gana, believes that the sudden escalation in abductions could be because armed groups want to use children as ‘human shields’ following the recent increase in global attention paid to violence against Christians in Nigeria. 

The apparent failure of the government to protect civilians has widespread effects, with more than 10,000 schools closed in northern Nigeria due to the current insecurity, exposing millions of children to illiteracy, early marriage and poverty. This vulnerability makes it easier for Islamist militant groups to recruit them, worsening the spiral of violence and oppression. 

“We are deeply saddened by these latest kidnappings in northern Nigeria,” says Jo Newhouse*, Open Doors (another organisation that my wife and I support, and that works as does RI) spokesperson for the work in sub-Saharan Africa. “We are immediately taken back to the Chibok girls kidnapping in 2014, of which many girls – now women – are still in captivity. We urge the Nigerian government to do everything in its power to safely return these student and teachers to their families, and ensure that schools are protected from such attacks. Closing schools are a short-term solution and all children should be free and safe to attend school and receive an education.” 

This book, available in both paperback and e-book (Kindle) forms, uses the wording of "The Apostles' Creed" to explain, in everyday terms, the basics of the Christian Faith. There are links at the top of the blog, and you may read the beginning, free of charge! 

Eternal Life

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

Foundations

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

                                              

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

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

One of those who endorsed the book, writes: 

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

Very Rev. Dr. James A. Simpson

Former minister of Dornoch Cathedral

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

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

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

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

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

The Trinity in Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Defending the Faith

 

This is the third volume in "The Faith" series.

It is based on, primarily, the 1st letter of the apostle John to the church at large. One of those who has endorsed it writes:

“This is a very readable book, and I would happily have it available to hand out to encourage people to understand, more deeply, their need to speak out their faith to those amongst whom they live. Brian takes his readers on a believable, and encouraging, journey through Christian fellowship, care, and growth, and encourages us to live the Christian life by sharing the Gospel with those who do not yet believe, because we seek to love them as God loves them. He brings John’s letters from the page, and helps us to live as true disciples of Jesus.”

Rev. Dominic Stockford
Minister, Christ Church, Teddington
Chairman, The Protestant Truth Society

Please remember that I do not promote my books for my own financial benefit. I receive absolutely nothing from purchases. All royalties are sent,directly,to the bank account of Release International, in support of the persecuted church. All three volumes are available in both paperback and Kindle e-book formats. Links to each of them may be found at the top of the page. 

Volume 4, "Living the Faith", based on the Letter from James, is in preparation and, it is hoped, will be available early in the new year. A fifth - and, probably, final - volume is planned. It was suggested by a dear friend, and brother in the Lord, and the "working title" is "Sharing the Faith".

If you find any of my books to be helpful, please leave a positive review. 😇

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

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

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

Fifth Sunday: "Great Words of the Faith"

 Another month with five Sundays, so another book promotion!

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

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

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

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

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

Why not start the new year with some wholesome, helpful, reading! You know it makes sense!

A good new year to one and all.

Fifth Sunday - "Foundations of the Faith"

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

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

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

One of those who endorsed the book writes:

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

Dr. Ken Cunningham, CBE, FRSA 

General Secretary, School Leaders, Scotland 

Former Principal, and Head Teacher, Hillhead Learning Community

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

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

Defending the Faith

In line with the recently announced 'policy', this being the fifth Sunday of the month, I have not prepared a devotion for either of the blogs - in  English or French. Instead, I wish to share a little about the third of my books in the brief series on getting to know "the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 1:3). This third book is named "Defending the Faith", and is based on the First Letter of John (there are appendices on the other two letters from the apostle).

One of those who endorsed the book wrote:

"In "Defending the Faith", Brian Ross takes us through the three letters in the New Testament, penned by the ‘beloved disciple’, the elderly apostle John. He deals, in I John with, among other things, the need for disciples of Jesus to be aware of false teaching – specifically the Gnostic heresy; the importance of fellowship; and the need to grow in the faith. In II John, he draws out the apostle’s warning against false, itinerant, teachers while, in the third of the letters, he shows that John commends hospitality, and condemns a spirit of control in the church. Brian writes, as does John, from a pastor’s heart."

The Venerable Dr Paul Vrolijk
Senior Chaplain and Canon Chancellor
Archdeacon of North West Europe.

As with the other two books in the series - and the one that is currently 'a work in progress' - I have sought to steer clear of language that requires a Doctorate in Theology to be understood. Rather, having sat under the tutelage of Prof. William Barclay, and the ministry of Rev. George B Duncan - in my opinion two of the finest communicators of Biblical truth of the last century - I have sought to do what they did, and use language that may be understood by the majority of people.

Also as with the other books, ALL royalties from sales go directly to Release International, in support of the persecuted church. I do not even know how many books have been purchased, whether in paperback, or Kindle e-book, formats. Of course, that may be a good thing, if no-one is buying!!

Links to all three books are available at the top of the blog. The paperback retails at £8.99, and the Kindle version at £3.99, so they are also affordable. If you use the relevant link at the top of the blog, you will be able to read, free of charge (!) a percentage of the book that will, hopefully, give you more of the flavour thereof.

If you do purchase, please leave a review. This helps other folk to decide whether (or not!) they also wish to buy.

Thank you.                                                                                

God's Grace

If I had just £1 for every time I have spoken a benediction, I would have quite a tidy sum in the bank! The precise wording does, of course, vary but the form that I use most regularly is found in Paul's second letter to the believers in Corinth: 

 « The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. »  (II Cor.13:14). To be honest, I usually use the somewhat extended form that I learned from Rev George B. Duncan: « The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, which is all-sufficient; the love of God the Father, that never fails; and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit Who never forsakes, be with you all. » There is almost a wee sermon in that benediction!

However, the words « The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ » appear no less than thirteen times in the pages of the New Testament. I would contend that, in the Scriptures, such repetition is not because of a lack of something to say, but because God the Holy Spirit wishes to specifically emphasise something! Could it be that, in this instance, He is wishing to place an emphasis on the grace of God?

Many will be familiar with the acrostic that makes up the word "grace" in the English language - God's Riches At Christ's Expense. By the way, it is also one of the words at which I look more fully in my first book - Great Words of the Faith - a link to which may be found at the top of the page. Please forgive me for emphasising that ALL royalties go directly to Release International, in support of the persecuted church in more than 50 countries worldwide. I do not receive a single penny! Grace has also been defined as receiving from Father God that which we do not deserve (Mercy, on the other hand, is not receiving from the Father what we do deserve!).

God extends His grace to the very creation itself, simply by keeping the universe together! Peter writes: « … by the word of God heavens existed long ago, and an earth formed out of water and by means of water, through which the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist have been stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. » (II Peter 3:5-7). If I were God, I would have wrapped up this world a long time ago - but I do not exercise His grace!

Sadly, there are those who abuse the very grace of God. Jude, in his brief letter, refers to them as « ... ungodly persons who pervert the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.» (Jude 4). They deny the very One Who has paid the penalty for all of the sin of which they are guilty; the One Who, for their (and our!) sake was « ... made ... to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.» (II Cor 5:21). It is little wonder that Paul refers to such people as «... detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good deed.» (Titus 1:16).

A final thought. At least three times we read that the Lord focuses His grace on us as individuals, an indication of His concern for us at a personal level, as well as of His intimate knowledge of our innermost thoughts! Writing to his 'son in the faith', Timothy, Paul noted that «... the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.» (I Tim 1:14; emphasis added)and, writing to his brothers and sisters in Jesus, who lived in Thessalonica, he prayed that «... the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.» (II Thess. 1:12; emphasis added). And, of course, we are assured that it is «... by grace you [singular] have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God » (Eph. 2:8; emphasis added). How grateful we ought to be for that grace of God that dies what we could never do!

Are you aware of the grace of God operating in your own life? Do you give thanks for that grace? May we constantly do so - giving Him the glory, and being reminded that all is of Him.

*** STOP PRESS! *** For those who live in or close to, Lanarkshire, Scotland, all three of my books are now available, in paperback format, in the GLO Bookshop in Motherwell. Pay them a visit; purchase one (or more!) of my books; and browse some of the other items on offer. Remember that all of the royalties from my own books go directly to Release International in support of the persecuted church.

Promoted to Glory.

At the end of last week, my wife and I received the news of the death, in Scotland, of a very dear friend of more than 30 years. Sadly, we were unable to travel back to attend the funeral service. We are so glad that we were able to attend the wedding of our friend Peter, to his second wife, Kate - both of them having been widowed, but having known one another before either of them were first married!

Although current restrictions meant that, in order to broadcast the service, it had to take place in the Chapel of Rest, in the Border town of Dumfries, Peter and Kate worshipped with the Salvation Army. I love the way in which the Salvation Army refers to the death of a disciple of Jesus. The person has not "passed away", or "been lost", or started "kicking up the daisies", or any other euphemism! No! When a disciple of Jesus in the Salvation Army dies, that person is "Promoted to Glory"!

Promotion, in any area of life, is seen as a very good thing. Many spend their lives seeking it - in work, in organisations, in many other fields of existence. However, I have not a shadow of doubt that the greatest promotion that anyone can experience is to be "Promoted to Glory". So what does the expression mean?

Well, "glory" refers to heaven - the "dwelling-place" of Almighty God. The eternal spirit of the  disciple of Jesus, at the moment of physical death, leaves the mortal body that had been its dwelling-place for the earthly life of the individual, and goes directly to be "with the Lord". Paul writes: "So we are always of good courage; we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. We are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord." (II Cor 5:6-8; emphasis added). The Lord Jesus, Himself, assured one of those who was being crucified alongside Him, but who had recognised that this Man was no common criminal, that "Truly, ..., today you will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43; emphasis added).

Now that, of course, is not the full story! Thinking along such lines was the problem for the early believers in Thessalonica, that led Paul to provide this assurance: "But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord." (I Thess 4:13-17; emphasis added).

What Paul is emphasising is that, until the Rapture*, it is the spirit of the disciple of Jesus whose earthly sojourn has come to an end, that goes to be "in Paradise" - the mortal remains are dealt with in an appropriate manner. Then, at the Rapture, those 'dead' bodies will be resurrected and instantly changed into 'resurrection' bodies (see I Cor.15:52), that shall never decay and, as they rise to meet the Lord Jesus "in the air", those disciples of Jesus who are alive at that moment, will be caught up with them, and all of His people will be with Him throughout eternity*.

Of course, as my repeated reference to "disciples of Jesus", and equivalent terms, will have emphasised, the written Word of God, the Bible, makes clear that all of this is only true for those who are "in Christ" and who have the Christ "in them". If you are not in that position, or if you have some doubts, then I would encourage you to read the previous four posts. I do not believe that it is 'coincidence' that I am composing this post immediately after them!

As always, if I may be of further assistance, at a more personal level, please feel free to contact me at the e-mail address above.

*These words are dealt with, more fully, in my first book - Great Words of the Faith. Please remember that I urge folk to purchase any of my books, not for personal gain, as ALL royalties are sent, directly, to Release International, in support of the persecuted church, but because I believe that they will be found to be helpful to those who are seeking, and also to those who have found!

Sin - 3

The reality of sin - it is, to use modern terminology, in your DNA and in mine. It is something of which, deep down, each of us is aware. The results of sin - it creates a great gulf between us and our Creator God; a gulf that none of our good works, resolutions, turning over a new leaf, giving to charitable causes, attending worship services, or anything else you care to name, can bridge that gulf. 

However, as I stated at the end of the previous post, this does not mean that we are without hope.  That is because there is, indeed, a remedy for sin - but not one that we are capable of providing by ourselves! Paul writes to his brothers and sisters in Rome that "... the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom 6:23). Notice, if you will, that wages are deserved! If I have worked for my employer, and completed the tasks that have been assigned to me, in the time allotted, then I fully deserve the wages that I am paid. However, a gift is something that I don't deserve, but simply accept - with gratitude! So, my spiritual death is the fully deserved wages of a life lived in sin, and rejecting my Creator. On the other hand, I may receive, here and now, eternal life - the very life of Almighty God in me, now, and throughout eternity.* 

                                                                                                               

In what is almost certainly the best-known verse in the New Testament part of the Bible, the apostle John tells us that "... God so loved the world that He [the Father] gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him [the Son] should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16). The Lord Jesus, Himself, claimed that: "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but by Me." (John 14:6; emphasis added). In those two verses we see both the inclusiveness, and the exclusiveness, of the Christian Gospel. It is inclusive in that it is available to all; it is exclusive in that it is available only to those who come to the Father through the Lord Jesus. Now there are some who will immediately ask about "predestination". That is too big a subject to deal with in a post - but I do deal with it in my first book, "Great Words of the Faith". The Kindle version costs less than a couple of cups of coffee in an average coffee-shop, and the royalties go directly, and entirely, to Release International in support of those who suffer in the persecuted church.

The God-provided remedy for your sin, and for mine, is the Lord Jesus Who, at Calvary, as the perfect spotless Lamb of God, paid the penalty for our sin, and opened the way into the Father's presence - without the need of an intermediary, whether physically alive, or already departed this earthly life. 

There are three things that we must do.

1. We must believe that He was, and is, God the Son - the second Persona (not a typo - see the chapter on 'The Trinity' in "Great Words") of the eternal Godhead. John tells us that he wrote his account of the Gospel "... that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ [the Messiah], the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." (John 20:31).

2. We must repent. Repentance is more than being sorry for our sins. After all, if I rob a bank and am then caught, I will be sorry - but not necessarily for my crime, but for now having to pay the price of that crime. Hell will be full of people who are sorry for their sinful lives - but too late! Repentance is seeing my sin as God sees it. The prophet Isaiah describes it, very graphically, when he writes: "We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment." (Isa 64:6). It was a Messianic Jew (i.e. someone born a Jew but who accepts Yeshua [Jesus] as HaMashi'ach [the Messiah]) who explained to me, many years ago, that the Hebrew expression used by the prophet referred to the rag used, at that time, by a menstruating female during her time of menstruation. Not a pleasant 'word-picture'!

3. We must confess. That is to say, we have to share our new life, and our new-found faith, with others! Paul, again in his great letter to the early believers, 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 10:9-10). 

All three steps are necessary. My current car is almost too clever for my liking! To start the engine, it is not sufficient that I turn the ignition key. Oh no! I must insert the "key" (that isn't even a 'key' as in my previous cars); I must press down, hard, on the clutch; and I must push the "starter button". No one of those actions, or even any two, will start the engine. All three are required! Would I expect my eternal salvation to be any different?!

However, when I follow the requirements, and the car engine starts, I may go on my journey - should it just be to Pineuilh, to the shops, or much further afield on holiday. So with the Christian life - life "in Christ Jesus". Our recognition of our sinfulness - its reality; our understanding of what it does - its results; if it leads us to the One Who is, Himself, the remedy; provides us with a new birth, that starts a new life, that will not always be easy, but will always be rewarding. 

And there is more! Just this morning, in Lamonzie-St.Martin, we were reminded of Paul's words in Rom.3: 23-24: "... 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, " Now there are some things that don't translate well, and one such is the easy way by which to understand the word "justified"* In the English language, and probably no other, it is that when I am "justified", it means that Father God treats me "just as if I'd" never sinned at all! Do you realise the magnitude of that statement? I am a sinner; I sin on a daily basis; yet because "...  the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." (I John 1:7), Almighty God no longer sees my sin, and treats me as if I am sinless! Wow!

As the Gaither Vocal Band (the best-ever line-up!) sing - the iron bars and chains of the enemy, the devil, that hold us down are broken, and we are free, free indeed.

If anything above has touched your own heart,and you wish to receive further help, please do not hesitate to contact me. I shall endeavour to put you in touch with someone who lives in your own area, and who will be able to provide that help. Otherwise, I shall try to help you, myself, from a distance!

"There's a way back to God from the dark paths of sin; there's a door that is open, and you may go in: at Calvary's cross is where you begin, when you come, as a sinner, to Jesus."(E.H.Swinstead).

* This concept is also dealt with in "Great Words"!

Some things never change!

Last week I celebrated yet another anniversary of the day of my physical birth (my spiritual rebirth was some 15 years later!). This week, my wife celebrates another anniversary of her physical birth. Tempus fugit (Time flies, for those who missed out on a Classical education!!). 

Last year, we celebrated our Golden Wedding Anniversary and, in our annual newsletter, I posted two photographs - one taken on Sept. 4th, 1970 (our wedding day!), and the other taken on Sept. 4th, 2020. I have to confess that each of has changed, quite considerably, during the intervening period! Every year; every month; every day; reminds us of the passing of time, and the changes it brings, be they major, or minor. We are changing; the world is changing (and, for many of us, the past ten months, or so, have seen some of the biggest changes that we have ever known); experiences are changing; our lifestyles are changing; the future is unknown! 

I can only speak for myself, but I can hardly believe that we are already more than half-way through the second month of 2021! Of course, like the New Year itself, it is only a mark in time; in the continuous journey of planet Earth around the Sun. Yet time is important to us. 

However, some things never change! Speaking through His prophet, Malachi, and using His Covenant Name, the Almighty Creator of all that is states: "... I, YHWH do not change;" ( 3:6). Writing to the early Jewish disciples of Jesus - Who, of course, is the incarnation of the Father - the anonymous author of the Letter to the Hebrews makes this astounding claim: "Jesus, the Christ - the same yesterday, today, and for ever." (13:8). Those words point us to:

The Unchanging Christ. What He was 2,000 years ago, when He walked this earth, He is today in the timelessness of Glory, and He will be throughout eternity. His atoning sacrifice remains effective for all who come to Him in repentance and faith. He opened the way into the presence of the Father, that even a sinner such as I may enter, and be received by Him - not because of anything that I might seek to claim, but purely because of His love, and grace, and mercy. I am forgiven as much as any of those who are "justified by faith" - in other words, because I have responded, positively, to the offer of salvation that was made at Calvary, the Father treats me "just as if I'd" never sinned at all. My sin is not only forgiven, but also forgotten! Hallelujah! Glory to God!

The Gospel message is the same. His covenant love never changes. His grace remains all-sufficient. His promises continue to be true. He is faithful in times of sorrow and distress, as well as in times of joy and laughter. His Word is the same. His presence, through the third Persona (not a typo! See the chapter on "The Trinity" in my first book - details above!) of the Trinity, God the Holy Spirit, is the same.

But there is also: 

An unchanging commitment. For the disciple of Jesus, that commitment is to worship God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is to proclaim the Gospel - the Good News that I have described, briefly above. It is a commitment to serve Him as He commands. It is a commitment to live my life in such a way that I am a good witness for Him. In His final words to His disciples, before He ascended to the Father, the Lord Jesus said: "... you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8). Please note, that this is not a call to every disciple to be an evangelist; but a command to every disciple to be a witness. There is a big difference but, if you are a disciple of Jesus, then you are (as I am!) a witness. The only question is "Am I a good witness, or a bad witness?" If, like me, you must confess to not being the best you might be, then you may turn to God the Holy Spirit, and seek His sanctifying work in your life.

Then, of course, there is:

An unchanging commission. That commission is recorded for us by Matthew, in his account of the Gospel record. "And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." (Matt 28:18-20).

Now, "... all the world ..." does not exclude your own family; your next-door-neighbour; your friends; your work colleagues; etc. This Great Commission ties in with the commitment to be His witnesses - everywhere, and anywhere.

There are many - myself included - who believe, firmly, that we are in the very last days prior to the Rapture of the true saints of God (there is also a chapter on that subject in the book referred to above. Remember, ALL royalties are sent, directly, to Release International, in support of the persecuted church). That being the case, there should be an urgency in the church. Those who are disciples of Jesus should be earnest in prayer; eager to serve; excited in their (our!) witnessing.

I would claim that, in order to do so, we must stay close to the Saviour, that He may be close to us. Henry Francis Lyte wrote the words of one of the best-known Christian songs: "Abide with me." In the second verse are these words - 
"Change and decay in all around I see:                                                                                                        O Thou Who changest not, abide with me."

May all who read these words know His unchanging presence at all times. It will be for your good, and will bring glory and honour to His Name.

Eternal Life.

It was the headline in an advertisement on a French website: "Vivre éternellement est-il possible ?" ("Is eternal life possible?"). The advert appeared to be promoting a herbal mixture that would ensure longevity - at the right price! 

Apparently, two researchers, Sou Sato and Ichika Tanaka, conducted an in-depth investigation in search of an illustrious Chinese herbalist, Li Ching-Yuen, who lived to be 256 years old! A legend that one would have thought completely eccentric, and yet ... the researchers discovered that it was not a legend, that this herbalist really existed, that he lived very, very long and that his longevity had a secret. A secret they've updated. Who does not dream of immortality or, at least, of an almost eternal youth?

I never did manage to find out the price of this amazing product - and I don't really need to, or want to! You see, I already have eternal life. And the eternal life that I am already living is truly eternal! That is because not even my mortal death, at whatever age it occurs, will have any effect on it! 

Let's clarify one thing. "Eternal life" is not "everlasting life" - although it is 'everlasting'! However, eternity is not time. Time had a beginning, and will have an end (that is an established scientific fact!). Eternity has neither! It is not "endless time", but "timelessness". In my first book - Great Words of the Faith* - I have a chapter on the word, and concept. In it I write: "The way in which I most easily think of it is by going back in my memory (which is, of course, time-bound!) to the days when I was ‘courting’ the young girl who eventually became my wife.  As our relationship grew, and we became more serious about spending our lives with one another, we would often sit, in the evening, in the front room of her parental home, discussing our future together – where I might be called to minister (I was already at University studying for that vocation); how many children we might have; whether or not we would have a dog; and her insistence that she was not going to become this character who was “the minister’s wife”, but rather the wife of a man who happened to be a minister!  Suddenly, I would look up at the clock on the wall above the fireplace.  “Look at the time!”, I might exclaim.  “I’d better go before your dad comes in and throws me out!”  What had happened was, that for an all-too-brief interlude, time for us had effectively ceased to exist.  We had been so engrossed in ourselves, and our plans, that we had forgotten about it.  Of course, the clock on the wall had not been so distracted!  And so, when I saw the position of its hands, I was brought sharply back to the reality of my time-bound existence."

Eternal life is, to put it simply, the life of Almighty God, the only self-sufficient Eternal One. But, as God, He may give that life to whomsoever He wills. His written Word, the Bible, makes clear that He gives it to those who respond, positively, to His grace through faith in the Lord Jesus, the Christ - God the Son. It is in Him that eternal life is found. 

Earlier this evening, I was watching a YouTube video on the ancient Galilean town of Capernaum. It was in that town that some of those who had been following the Lord Jesus began to drift away. John records: "Jesus said to the twelve, 'Do you also wish to go away?' Simon Peter answered Him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that You are the Holy One of God.'" (John 6:67-69).

"You have the words of eternal life." It is found, not in any herbal mixture, but only in the Lord Jesus. John also records that: "... God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16). Note the present tense! As soon as I come to Jesus, confessing my sins, repenting of them, and accepting that His sacrificial death at Calvary is the only way by which they may be forgiven, then I receive the gift of God the Holy Spirit in my life, to guide me, and empower me - here and now!

Do you have eternal life? It's available to all who will call on His Name. If you need any personal help, please check out the "Do you need God? " website in "My favourite links" (below). Alternatively, please feel free to contact me using the e-mail address at the top of the page. I only check it a couple of times a week, but I shall get back to you as soon as I can. A third option is to speak with a disciple of Jesus whom you know. Just be sure to do something - you may not have another opportunity!

*All of my books (links above) are available as both paperback and Kindle e-books. All royalties are sent directly to Release International, in support of the persecuted church. Please purchase; leave a review; and encourage others to buy!

The Romans' Road; Part 1

If you have read through the Biblical texts in the previous post (and, if you have not yet done so, I would encourage you to go there now!) you may have noticed that, out of a total of ten Biblical text, three (i.e. 30%) were from Paul's great letter to the believers in 1st century Rome.

Paul's Letter to the Roman believers is, of course, one of the greatest books in the written Word of God. My thoughts about what heaven will be like keep changing, as I get older. However, if I do have the opportunity to sit down with Paul, I shall ask him to go through Romans with me, and explain all the parts that I still have difficulty understanding to any degree of fulness!

One aspect of Romans that I do understand is what has been described as "The Romans' Road" - a well-engineered pathway to full salvation. None of the following is, therefore, original. I share it because, for many, it may be new. I share it, because there may be someone who reads this post, and who, in the providence of Almighty God, is ready to set out on that road. May it be a blessing to all who read - but especially to anyone who may find new life in the Lord Jesus, the Christ, as they travel along it.

The Romans' Road starts, appropriately, at the beginning. In what we know (although remember that none of the Bible books were written in chapters and verses!) as the first chapter of Paul's great letter, 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. So they are without excuse; for although they knew God they did not honour Him as God or give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened." (Rom 1:20-21). We know, of course, that "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Gen 1:1), but if we wish to walk this road, then we must acknowledge Almighty God as the Creator of everything, humbly accepting our own position in His created order and purposes. The writer of the Letter to Hebrew disciples of Jesus wrote: "... without faith it is impossible to please Him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him." (Heb 11:6).

Is this where you need to be - just at the beginning of the road? Do you need to accept that you are but a mortal being, whose life may be snuffed out at any moment - even by something as small as a virus, as is happening to so many at this time of the COVID-19 pandemic? If you refuse to believe that He even exists, then you are not able to take even the first step on this road! Please look at the evidence - it's all around you. 

However, if you are able to take that first step, then you may move on to the second one. And that is simply that we must realise that we are sinners, and that we need forgiveness. Many believe that they will go to heaven because they have lived a "good" life, done some charity work, been baptised as an infant, attended church 'regularly'("I never miss the Christmas Eve Service"!), or treated others fairly. However, Paul writes in Romans 3:23 that "... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,". In other words, none of us (and the word "none" is a contraction of "not one"), judged by God's standards, is worthy. Each of us is a sinner - and that is not the easiest thing to admit. It hits us where it hurts - in our pride! But it's true, and it is an essential step on this road.

Remember how that came about. Almighty God had created a perfect world, and two perfect beings - the man, Adam, and the woman, Eve. However, "... the serpent was more subtle than any other wild creature that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God say, 'You shall not eat of any tree of the garden'? And the woman said to the serpent, 'We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden; but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'' But the serpent said to the woman, 'You will not die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.' So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons. 

And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, 'Where are you?' And he said, 'I heard the sound of thee in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.' He said, 'Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?' The man said, "The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.' Then the Lord God said to the woman, 'What is this that you have done?. The woman said, 'The serpent beguiled me, and I ate.'" (Gen 3:1-13). Sin had entered the world, and we are all born in sin. You are not a sinner because you sin; you sin because you are a sinner. That is your nature, and there is nothing that you can do about it!

Just one more step in this post (we'll share the remainder in the next one!). It's not really a step that we must take, but more of a truth that we must accept - and in which we may rejoice. That truth, Paul shares in Romans 5:8 - "... God shows His love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us." You and I can do nothing about our sinful nature but, praise God, He can - and He has! He has given us the way by which our sins may be forgiven, and our sinful nature renewed. That way was to come into the realm of time, in the very human flesh that He had created, in the Persona (not a typo - see the chapter on the Trinity in my book "Great Words of the Faith"; link at the top of the page. ALL royalties sent directly to Release International in support of the persecuted church) of the Son, the Lord Jesus, the Christ.

It was on a cross, on a hill outside the ancient city of Jerusalem, that He became the One Who paid the penalty for your sins, and for mine. As someone has said, and I often quote: "He paid a debt that He did not owe, because I owed a debt that I could not pay".

Well there are still a few steps to take on this Romans' Road. But that is all for now. Be sure to check Part 2. Blessings, and shalom.