When God Became Man

The countdown to the Christmas celebrations is nearly at an end! Now, I know that the one thing that we may say with certainty is that the Lord Jesus was not born on Dec.25th (personally, I believe that He was born during the Feast of Tabernacles), but it is the time of year when we celebrate His birth.

The anonymous writer of the Letter to Hebrew (Jewish) disciples of Jesus, states: "Thou didst make Him for a little while lower than the angels, Thou hast crowned Him with glory and honour," ( 2:7).

We cannot even begin to comprehend what it meant for the infinite Creator God to become finite man, even coming “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Romans 8:3), the very flesh that He had created. Nevertheless, we can, and must, believe it, for “every spirit which does not confess Jesus is not of God. ” (I John 4:3).

 

The Scriptures have given us a glimpse of the “emptying” that His incarnation required - the setting aside of certain outward aspects of His deity. He had been “much superior to angels” (Hebrews 1:4), but He had to be “made lower than the angels, ... ... because of the suffering of death,” (Hebrews 2:9)—“put to death in the flesh” (1 Peter 3:18).

 

The eternal Word “was God” (John 1:1), but it was necessary that “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14). “The world was made through Him” (John 1:10), but “the rulers of this age . . . crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Corinthians 2:8).

 

He, “though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,” (Philippians 2:6). That is, He was not fearful of losing His deity and, therefore, did not have to cling to His divine nature and attributes as He became man. Thus, He “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” (Philippians 2:7).

 

Yet that was only the beginning. “For our sake He [God the Father] made Him [God the Son] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (II Corinthians 5:21; emphasis added). Note those emphasised words! For your sake, and for mine, the sinless One not only “bore our sins in His body on the tree” (I Peter 2:24). He actually became the very epitome of sin - sin in all of its blackness, and vileness, and degradation, and evil, etc., etc. Indeed, I firmly believe that it was at that moment in created time, that the Lord Jesus, hanging on the cross, uttered what has become known as 'the cry of dereliction' - “Eli, Eli, la′ma sabach-tha′ni?” that is, “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Matt.27:46).  The Holy One, Who cannot even look upon sin, turned His face from the Son - and the Son experienced, for that moment of time, separation from the Father. He suffered hell for us, that we might enjoy heaven with Him.

 

Because He was willing to be so humiliated He will, one day - and it may be much sooner than many may think! - be crowned with glory and honour. “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9 -11).

Are you ready for that day? In all of the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, let us not forget that it is only the first part of the story that leads to crucifixion, resurrection, and the glorious return of the Saviour.

Always accepted.

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

Change!

After five months of silence, here I am with a new blog post for a new year.

It was while I was back in Scotland, at the end of November - collecting my dear wife! - that we visited the Riverside Museum in Glasgow. This is what used to be named the Transport Museum, but in a new venue! What an amazing experience! Things that we both remembered from even before our marriage were there in front of us, testifying to the changes that have been made in even that (mere!) half-century (+).

Before that, we had visited the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, at the University of Glasgow. I was speaking with one of the staff about the changes that had been made on campus, and of the many changes that have been made to the city of Glasgow itself, since my own days as a student at the University (before the member of staff with whom I was speaking had been born!).

Everywhere I go, I seem to discover changes, whether physical with regard to road layouts and buildings, etc.; or to social attitudes; or to fashion (seeing two young ladies who had just graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University and who, along with many others, were parading through the bus terminal in academic gowns and hoods - and tattooed legs! - was quite a shock to my conservative system); or to any of the other issues that seem to come under the general heading of "woke". You may wish to add your own "change" subjects/topics to my short list. However, change there is, and change there will undoubtedly be!

However, there is one important exception. In the letter written to Hebrew disciples of Jesus by an unnamed human author, is this amazing statement: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever." (Heb.13:8). Now, if someone is the same at all times, then there can be no change in, or by, that individual! By the way, this is also a reminder that Jesus is Almighty God. Speaking through the prophet Malachi, YHWH states: "...  I YHWH do not change;" (Mal.3:6). One hymnwriter wrote: "Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me".

But what is the practical outworking of this fact? Well, I would suggest that it is simply that we may depend on God. I am a lover of Gilbert & Sullivan light opera. In one of their productions, "The Mikado", (who, in the show, is the ruler of Japan) one of the characters who is in danger of being put to death, makes this statement to the Mikado: "When your Majesty says, ‘Let a thing be done,’ it’s as good as done – practically, it is done – because your Majesty’s will is law." In other words, the Mikado's will could be depended upon - and he is just a fictional character!

How, then, may I depend on God? His written Word, the Bible, is actually full of promises that He has made to His people. However, having spent almost five months with very limited physical human contact, the one that means most to me is the promise made by the Lord Jesus, to His disciples: "I am with you always, to the close of the age." (Matt. 28:20). Another hymnwriter penned these words: "No, never alone, No, never alone; He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone:" I actually prefer the French translation of that chorus which, in a reverse translation, (!) reads; "No, never completely alone; no, never completely alone. Jesus, my Saviour guards me, never leaves me alone. No, never completely alone; no, never completely alone. Jesus, my Saviour guards me, I am never completely alone."

As we move into this new year, that is a promise that I shall continue to hold - even with my dear wife back with me! It's a promise that you, too, may claim. However, you need to be in that saving relationship with Him that is made possible by His atoning* death on the cross at Calvary. That, in turn is, at its very simplest, accepting that none of us can ever, by our good deeds, achieve, or deserve, or purchase, eternal life in the presence of the Lord. We may only come to Him, in repentance* and faith*, and accept what He has already done for us. It is then that we become truly His, and begin to know eternal life, even now. But we must be walking with Him now! As someone has said: "If we do not have Him with us in this life, He will not have us with Him in the next."!

I wish each and all who read these words, a good new year, and pray that it will be in His presence.

* These words are explained in my book: Great Words of the Faith: - link at the top of the page. Remember that I receive no financial benefit - ALL royalties are sent, directly, to the bank account of Release International in support of the persecuted church.

Do you have time - for God?!

Clearing out my Inbox, I came across this from many years ago (yes, I'm a hoarder - ask my wife!). Rather than send it as an e-mail, I thought that I would edit it, and post it on the blog. I hope that you will read to the end!

When faced with the subject of "God", many of us think: I don't have time for this. This is especially true if the topic arises when we are at work! It's really inappropriate. However, could it possibly be that this kind of thinking is exactly what has caused a lot of the problems in our world today?

We try to keep God in church on Sunday morning,
maybe, Sunday evening,
and at a midweek service (unlikely 'though that is today!).

We do like to have Him around during sickness
and, of course, at funerals.
However, we don't have time, or room, for Him during work or play,
because that's the part of our lives we think we can, and should, handle on our own.
May God forgive me for ever thinking
that there is a time or place where..
HE is not to be First in my life.
We should always have time to remember all that HE has done for us.

Jesus said, "If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my Father."
Not ashamed?

Yes, I do love God.
HE is my source of existence and Saviour.
He keeps me functioning each and every day. Without Him, I would be nothing but, with Christ, I am constantly strengthened. (Phil 4:13)

Easy vs. Hard

Why is it so hard to tell the truth, and yet so easy to tell a lie?
Why are we so sleepy in church but right when the sermon is over we suddenly wake up?
Why is it so easy to delete a Godly e-mail, yet forward nasty ones?
Of all the free gifts we may receive, Prayer is the very best.   
There are no costs, but wonderful rewards. GOD BLESS!

Some additional thoughts: 

Isn't it strange how simple it is for people to trash God, and then wonder why the world's going to hell in a handcart?  

Isn't it strange how someone can say "I believe in God", but still follow the satan! (who, by the way, also "believes" in God)?
  
Isn't it strange how you can send a thousand jokes through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing? 

Isn't it strange how I can be more worried about what other people think of me than what God thinks of me.

I'm not the person I was!

As we continue to live through a time when large meetings are, legally, unavailable, I am reminded of a woman who, some years ago, was contacting her Secondary School classmates about a reunion to mark 35 years since they had left their school. Many were excited about renewing old friendships. One man apparently wrote back to her: "I have the 5 Bs - baldness; bifocals; bridgework; bulges; and bunions." Being, as he must have been, still in his early 50s, I dread to think of the lifestyle he had been leading! A woman quipped: "I wasn't half the woman then, that I am today." - apparently referring to her physical size and weight!

However, another woman wrote: "I can't wait to see everyone. I've changed completely.  At school, I was the class 'tramp'. I had no standards, and everyone knew it. But just a few years after I finished school, I received the Lord Jesus as my Saviour. My life was transformed! Because of Him, I'm not the person I was, and I want my classmates to know it."

In the New Testament, and in the Gospel according to Luke, we read of a man named Zacchaeus.  He was a chief tax-collector at a time when tax-collectors were really hated. The ordinary tax-collector demanded more than he was entitled to do, and pocketed the difference. Of course, he would have been accompanied by a couple of Roman soldiers when he came to your door - and it would not have been either wise, or healthy, to try to get away with paying what you believed to be a just amount! However, a chief tax-collector like Zacchaeus made even more money. He was cold-hearted, and money-loving. He demanded a greater sum than was due, from each of the tax-collectors below him. Even worse, was the fact that he was a Jew, working for the Roman Occupying Power. 

Many will be familiar with the story - indeed, some will still be able to sing the song about him being a "very little man". He was so short in physical stature that, when he decided that he wanted to catch a glimpse of the travelling preacher, Jesus of Nazareth, Who was making such an impact on the population of Judaea and Samaria, and other areas, that he climbed a sycamore tree by the side of the roadway, in order to do so. 

However, Jesus did not simply pass by - He stopped, looked up, and uttered the well-known words: "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." (Luke 19:5).  Zacchaeus didn't think twice!  "... he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully." (Luke 19:6). The Saviour followed Zacchaeus home and, the next thing that is recorded are his amazing words: "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold." (Luke 19:8).

What a transformation! When we come to the Lord Jesus, in repentance, and faith, we commence a brand-new life. That is why it is referred to as being "born again"! Then, as we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, sinful attitudes are replaced with godly traits. Selfishness gives way to caring; greed gives way to generosity; lust gives way to purity. It's a work that is referred to as "sanctification" - basically, making us more like Jesus, day by day. (By the way, there is a chapter in "Great Words of the Faith", on Sanctification, if you would like to learn more! You will also, by your purchase, be helping those in the persecuted church. See the link above).

Has the Christ transformed your life? Can you truly say: "I'm not the same person I once was."? Someone has written: "God formed us; sin deformed us; Jesus can transform us." Will you permit Him to do so, for you? Will you?!

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.

Great is the Lord - it's His people who are the problem!

It was not my intention to publish a post this evening but, having read two items, I have decided to do so.

The first of those items is from a daily e-mail that I receive from The Institute for Christian Research. It points me to I Chronicles 16:25-26 (AV) - “For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: He also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.” 

The following text reads: "This testimony is in the heart of a great hymn of thanksgiving (1 Chronicles 16:7-36) composed by David when the Ark of the Lord was brought back to Jerusalem. It is a testimony of the unique greatness of the God of Israel, with recurring expressions of gratitude for His deliverances and blessings.

This God of Israel was no mere tribal-god or nature-god, such as Dagon, the fish-god of the Philistines from whose hands the Ark had been delivered. All such “gods” of the peoples of the earth—whether wooden images in a shrine, astrological emblems in the heavens, or mental constructs of evolutionary humanistic philosophers—are nothing but idols (that is, literally, “good for nothing,” “vanities”).

It is Jehovah God who is not only in the heavens but who made the heavens! It is their Creator who one day will “let the sea roar” and “the fields rejoice,” when “the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth” (vv. 32-33).

As Creator and Saviour, all His people are exhorted also to “shew forth from day to day his salvation. Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations” (vv. 23-24). Because of His power, the world itself “shall be stable [that is, ‘permanently established’], that it be not moved” (v. 30). This “God of our salvation” (v. 35), and the wonderful heavens and earth He created, will be forever. The psalm ends with the exhortation: “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. . . . Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever” (vv. 34-36).

Now, if Israel needed such an exhortation, our modern science-worshiping world needs it still more urgently."

Just before I read those words, I read some words of Rev. Dr. Clifford Hill, of Prophecy Today (https://www.prophecytoday.uk/), a former clergyman in the Church of England. He is referring to the state of the British Parliament that was prorogued last night - but wrote these words on Sept.6th. In a longer article (recommended - "A Rebellious Generation"), he writes: "For 50 years this nation has been steadily eroding its biblical foundation that made it a great nation and what we now see in our dysfunctional, rebellious Parliament is the result. Both the Leader of the Opposition and our Prime Minister have been notorious rebels throughout their political careers. They now shout at each other across the despatch box, the world looking on with amazement to see the famous ‘Mother of Parliaments’ torn asunder by 650 rebels in utter disarray.

For the older generation who were brought up with biblical values of gentleness, respect and unselfishness – (God first, others second, self last) – it is simply excruciating to watch this generation of overgrown, unruly infants tearing the nation apart with their mindless behaviour. I can echo the words of the Prophet Ezekiel: “Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people” (Ezek 12:2).

When everything goes wrong in the nation, the biblical principle is not to blame the politicians but to blame the religious leaders. Listen to this, also from Ezekiel: “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves” (Ezek 34:10).

And from Jeremiah: “Among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen something horrible: they commit adultery and live a lie. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns from his wickedness” (Jer 23:14).

As a senior churchman who has worked alongside the last four archbishops of Canterbury (Donald Coggan, Robert Runcie, George Carey and Rowan Williams), I have been a close observer of church leadership in the nation since the mid-1970s.

I saw at first-hand what a group of unbelieving bishops did when Donald Coggan made an impassioned ‘call to the nation’ to return to biblical values in 1975. They hounded him out of office, vowing that they would oppose any other Bible-believing evangelical getting into Lambeth Palace – hence the appointment of Robert Runcie, the most liberal Archbishop we have ever had, at a time of radical social change when the prophetic voice of the Church was desperately needed."

He continues: "Today we have a group of 25 Church of England bishops publishing a statement about Brexit that is full of political correctness but has no Gospel in it. It has no prophetic call to the nation to turn to God. In fact, there is no mention of God!!! No call to prayer, no call to ‘repentance’, no recognition of our departure from the word of the Lord which is why the nation is in such trouble!

The bishops reflect the same secular humanist, globalist spirit as the rest of the establishment who are defying the referendum and trying to keep Britain locked into the European Union.

If church leaders would only bother to read the Bible – the whole Bible, not just little bits of the New Testament – they would understand the nature of the spiritual battle that is raging across Britain and much of Europe today." (emphases in the original).

There is much more, but that may be sufficient. Last night's scenes in the House of Commons were surely, to any right-minded person, a total disgrace, and an affront to democracy. For a long time, I have been praying for our nation, and in my praying, asking that the Lord would raise up men and women of faith and integrity to replace, in every area of the secular realm, those in positions of power ,and authority, and influence - who are opposed to His will, and His Word. I pray, on a daily basis, for the government, that the Lord would use it to bring about His perfect will - yes, even for our relationship with the EU! However, I also pray that he would forgive the church - not any single denomination - for having failed, for so long, to be the prophetic voice to the nation that we are called to be.

I believe that what we are witnessing are clear signs that we are living in the "end-times". May those of us who claim to be disciples of the Lord Jesus, be faithful in our prayerful support of those in government. May we take every opportunity to "speak a word for Jesus" to a faithless, yet needy, population. May we be found "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb 12:2).

Freedom!

This video last for about six minutes - but be patient: it's worth the wait!

Okay - what did you just watch? Did you see nothing but a bird thinking about flying; eventually setting off; and then landing again? If that is the case, then you missed so much!

You see, the experience of that Great Condor is a picture of human beings. I believe that the bird was born in captivity; reached maturity in captivity; and was in bondage until someone set it free. However, it didn't immediately fully appreciate its freedom. It stepped around; it spread its wings; it seemed to think about launching forth - but then decided against it. However, it did, eventually, take off - and discovered that it was born to be free! It then soared up into the sky until it decided to land away from the humans who were capturing its every move on cameras.

You and I are born in the captivity of sin. The psalmist-king, David, may not have gained a medical degree from some prestigious university, but he knew that "... in sin did my mother conceive me." (Ps. 51:5). In other words, he knew that, from the moment of conception, every human being is a sinner. 

Worse than that - just like the bird, there is nothing that we, ourselves, can do about our sorry situation. My sin creates a great gulf between me and Father God - and I can never bridge that gap. Praise God, then, that He has already done for each one of us, what we could not do for ourselves - He has paid the penalty for your sin and mine when, in the Persona (not a typo - see the chapter on 'The Trinity' in my book Great Words of the Faith) of the Son, He hung on a cross and actually became sin (see II Cor.5:21) for us! Sin, in all of its blackness, and foulness, and vileness. 

When I accept that I am a sinner, and can do nothing in my own strength about my sin; and when I accept that Jesus has done all for me; then I may respond, through faith, to that truly amazing grace. I am released from the bondage of sin; I am no longer in captivity. However, it does take time for me to even begin to fully realise the freedom that is now mine. I step around; I tentatively spread my spiritual wings; and then - I experience the real joy of knowing that I am no longer under condemnation, because I am "in Christ" (Rom.8:1) and, even greater wonder, I have the Saviour in me (Col.1:27)!

This all means that my eternal destiny is secure. Oh, I will slip, and fall; I will make mistakes; I will even be rebellious at times. Being in this mortal body means that I shall never be sinless in this life - but, by His continuing grace, I may sin less! Then, the day will come when "... 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 4:16-17).

In the 18th century, Augustus Montague Toplady wrote the well-know hymn "Rock of Ages". The last verse refers to that great event:

"While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyelids close in death,
When I soar through tracts unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee" (emphasis added)

The Gaither Vocal Band (the best-ever line-up!) also refer to that wonderful moment in the song below. May all who read this post be among to those who will, one day, "be learning to fly"!

My Advocate

After living what I felt was a "decent" life, my time on earth came to the end. The next thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what appeared to be a court house. 

The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. 

As I looked around I saw the "prosecutor." He was a villainous looking character who snarled as he stared at me. He was definitely the most evil being I had ever seen. 

I sat down and looked to my left and there sat my Advocate, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, that I felt I must know Him. 

The door flew open and the Judge appeared, in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome Presence and, as He moved across the room, I couldn't take my eyes off of Him. 

As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, "Let us begin." 

The prosecutor rose and said, 

"My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell." 

He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and times in the past when I had cheated others. He told of other horrible sins that were once in my life and, the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, not even my own Advocate, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. 

As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at my Advocate Who sat there silently, not offering any form of defense at all. I knew I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't they at least cancel part of the harm I'd done? 

Satan finished with a fury and said, "This man belongs in hell.  He is guilty of all that I have said, and there is no-one who can prove otherwise." 

When it was His turn, my Advocate first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendour and majesty. I realised why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Saviour. 

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, "Hi, Dad," and then He turned to address the court. 

"Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned. I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wages of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished." 

Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Saviour, so he is Mine." 

My Lord continued, "His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand. This man is not to be given justice, but rather grace and mercy." 

As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, "There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all." 

The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips.. 

"This man is free." The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed." 

As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give up, I will win the next one." I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?" 

Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, ....... Paid In Full."

"My little children, I am writing this to you so that you may not sin; but if any one does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; " (I John 2:1). 

It's only a story - but it does have a message. If we want Him to represent us there; we must be willing to represent Him here!   If you've never done so before, confess your sins to Him now; ask for His forgiveness; thank Him for taking your place on the cross; accept Him as Saviour and Lord.  Then live for Him - "life in all its fulness" (Jn.10:10).

The storm is past.

Although the Dordogne area in France is one of the country's most beautiful, it does have its share of inclement weather conditions - especially from December to February. This includes some fairly violent storm conditions. When we returned from the UK last month, it was to find that the TV aerial had been blown down - taking with it the capping on the chimney, to which it had been attached! Thankfully, the period of the worst storms is now over!

I was reminded of the story of a man who was standing at the rail of a small ship, far out to sea. He was filled with anxiety as he watched a mass of billowing clouds, illumined by flashes of forked lightning. As he watched, the captain happened to pass by. Noticing the troubled expression on the face of his passenger, and the black sky in the distance, he quickly offered some words of assurance. "I hope that you aren't concerned about that storm." he said. "If you are, then you can relax and forget your worries. You see, that storm is already past, and cannot do us any harm."

That may lead us to think of yet another "storm" that is past. I refer to the time when the wrath of Almighty God was poured out in all of its fury, at Calvary. What an awesome, and terrifying, sight that must have been! The Lord Jesus, although Himself perfect and sinless, assumed our guilt and shame, and bore the dreadful penalty that you and I deserved. As He hung on a wooden cross - between earth and sky - the sun was darkened, and rocks were rent asunder. The tempest of God's judgement had broken out upon the beloved Son! Even now, as the old negro spiritual reminds us, contemplation of that dreadful hour causes us to tremble. Yet, as frightening as that spectacle must have been, we may be at peace - because that "storm" is past! In fact, it has provided a way of deliverance from eternal condemnation, and damnation, for all who, in repentance and faith, receive the Son as Saviour, and Lord, and King. For all such, there is the blessing of the grace of God, shown in Jesus, the Christ. I owed a debt I could not pay; He paid a debt He did not owe. 

However, the sinner who has not yet received the Lord Jesus as his personal Saviour still has reason to fear! You see, a day is coming - and it may be sooner than many would wish to believe - when the ominous clouds of God's judgement will finally burst upon an unbelieving world. Only those who have taken refuge in Him are secure. For us, the storm is past! Hallelujah!

May all who read this post find their salvation in Him - "... the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith." (Heb.12:2).

My favourite Christmas text - part 3

In the previous two posts I have shared with you on John 3:16, we have noted:

The Fact – God loved the world so very much; and 

The Act – that He gave Himself, in the Person of the eternal Son. 

Finally, that well-known verse speaks of the Pact.

“God loved the world so very much that He gave Himself, in the Person of the eternal Son, that every individual who has placed their trust in Him for salvation shall not die, but have, here and now, God’s life within them.”

You see, God’s love; God’s gift; are not mere handouts. Free they may be – but only to those who are willing to enter into a living relationship with that same God, through the Son; only to those who have faith in Him, and place their trust in Him. And that eternal life, given to those who believe, is not merely life that never ends, but a different quality of life. It is the life of the age to come of which believers already have a foretaste as they come under the influence of God the Holy Spirit – although its full consummation and enjoyment are only in His nearer presence. But it is only for those who are truly disciples of Jesus. God’s love, and God’s Gift are offered to all. His salvation and the eternal life that comes with it, are only for those who accept the Son as Saviour and Lord of their lives, in repentance and faith, receiving the Gift with humble and thankful hearts.

I suppose that it takes a wee bit of effort to lift our eyes from the sweet, sentimental picture of the Babe in the manger, to the stark reality of the Christ on the cross. In the midst of the fun and festivities that most of us will enjoy, it isn’t easy to remember Gethsemane where the Baby, grown to manhood, sweated great drops of blood. It isn’t easy to remember how Judas betrayed Him; how Peter denied Him; how “they all forsook Him and fled.” (Mk.14:50). Do we really want to remember the scourging; the crown of thorns; how they spat upon His naked body; how they slapped Him on the head with a reed? When we sing “Child in the manger” do we spare a thought for His pierced hands and feet; His agony; His thirst; His cry of anguish and desolation: “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” (Mt.27:46).

“We may not know, we cannot tell

What pains He had to bear.

But we believe it was for us

He hung, and suffered, there.”

The Baby?! Yes. For without Bethlehem, there would have been no Calvary. And it is only as we look at both that we can even begin to see the whole picture of the saving grace of Father God – God coming, and God doing. And then we must look beyond to the empty tomb; symbol of the risen and exalted Christ - yes, and beyond even that to His Second Advent, when He returns in power and glory!

“God loved the world so very much that He gave Himself, in the Person of the eternal Son, that every individual who has placed their trust in Him for salvation shall not die, but have, here and now, God’s life within them”

Perhaps you have never thought of Jn.3:16 as a Christmas text before! But may it be that, in the midst of all of the traditional celebrations; the carol-singing; the special meals; the tinsel and the presents, we do not forget

The Fact – “God loved the world (you and me) so much

The Act – that He gave His only, unique, Son

The Pact – that everyone who believes in Him may not perish, but here and now, have eternal life.”

A very happy CHRISTmas to one and all.

A father's love.

It was a video-clip that a dear cousin posted on Facebook that reminded me of the one below.  I saw this clip many years ago.  I defy anyone, who does not have a brick in place of a heart, not to become at least a little bit emotional as you watch it. It is, of course, a genuinely true story!

So, did you manage to watch to the end with totally dry eyes?  I know that I cannot do so!  However, I see so much more in that clip.  It is, to me, a picture of, not just a father's love, but of THE Father's love.  For the true disciple of Jesus, the sequence in which Dick Hoyt carries his son, in his arms, from the ocean to the cycle, is surely a picture of our homecoming.  When I arrive in glory, I shall be all too aware that it is nothing that I have done, or ever could do, that has got me there.  It is the Lord Jesus, God the Son, Who has carried me.   I love the way in which so many are applauding.  I am reminded of those wonderful words penned by the anonymous author of the Letter to Hebrew disciples of Jesus: "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, 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." (Heb 12:1-2).  

The story of Team Hoyt is, indeed, inspirational.  Dick Hoyt should be honoured, at least by his own government.  However, the story of the salvation that is made available to each and every one of us, is even greater.  Dick Hoyt has the personal pleasure of a great achievement (although I doubt that that is what is uppermost in his mind as he faces the challenge that the IronMan entails).  When the Lord Jesus "carries me over the finishing line" it will be to His glory.

Are you running the race - with Him?  If not, why not?  His love for you, and for me, makes even the amazing love of Dick Hoyt pale into insignificance by comparison!  He's a wonderful Saviour.  I commend Him to you.

"My Beloved is mine, and I am His"

A recent newspaper article concerned the claim by someone, who claimed to be an "atheist" (although no such being actually exists!), that death is the end - because he had "died" on two separate occasions, and experienced "... just black emptiness. No thoughts, no consciousness, nothing." 

His first ‘death’ came as a result of a motorcycle accident where he claims to have "died" for two minutes because  “... my body shut down from the pain and physical damages on my body. No pulse, no breathing and no consciousness”.  Regarding the second occasion, he wrote: “I was in agonising pain after surgery so I received loads of pain killers. The pain, coupled with an immense amount of pain killers, caused my pulse to drop to around 10bpm and my respiratory system shut down.”

Now, apart from the obvious fact that, in neither case has he provided any evidence that he was pronounced to be clinically "dead" (and one does not need to be medically qualified to realise that even a pulse of 10bpm is evidence of life!) one would wish to comment that he may simply have "experienced" what he wanted to experience!  Mind you, he came up with the interesting comment that: "I experienced something, and that something was nothing."!!

How different the situation for the disciple of Jesus, the Christ!  Such a one may have the confidence that (s)he has already passed from death unto life!  This is not a conclusion based on introspection, or mystic feelings of supernatural elation, but on the sure and unshakable Word of God.  John records the words of the Lord Jesus: "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes [has total trust in Jesus] has eternal life." (John 6:47) - and note the present tense that I have emphasised!  This is not "pie in the sky when you die", but a new life "in all its fulness" (Jn.10:10) lived out in the here and now!

The great 19th century preacher, C.H.Spurgeon told the true story of some disciples of Jesus who had tried to teach Biblical truth to a young boy whose brain was damaged.  They worked hard, and did what they could, but it was a tiring task.  The child had little intelligence but, having spent many hours seeking to instruct him in the great doctrines (teachings) of the Christian faith, one of them asked: "John, do you have a soul?"  The response caused a twinge of disappointment - "No, I have no soul."  However, dismay was quickly turned to great joy as the lad continued: "I used to have a soul, but I lost it, and Jesus Christ found it, and I always let Him keep it.  So, it is now His, and not mine!"

That lad, in spite of the apparent handicap that he carried, had grasped a wonderful truth - one shared by Paul when he wrote "... I know Whom I have believed, and I am totally convinced that He is able to guard until that Day what I have entrusted to Him." (I Tim.1:12).

What a difference it would make for many of us if we were to stop analysing our feelings to see if we are saved and, instead, simply rest on the solid assurance of the Word of God!  That Word reveals, very clearly, that His undying love remains "sure and steadfast" (Heb.6:19) for all who come to Him, "the new and living Way" (Heb.10:20), seeking His eternal forgiveness - and knowing that, as they come in sincerity, and with repentant hearts, they will not be rejected (see John 6:37).

There is a lovely song that I used to sing, that may well have been inspired by the words of Solomon that I have used as a heading to this post (Song of Solomon 2:16):

"Loved with everlasting love,
Led by grace that love to know;
Spirit, breathing from above,
Thou hast taught me it is so.
Oh, this full and perfect peace!
Oh, this transport all divine!
In a love which cannot cease,
I am His, and He is mine.

Heaven above is softer blue,
Earth around is sweeter green;
Something lives in every hue
Christless eyes have never seen:
Birds with gladder songs o’erflow,
Flow’rs with deeper beauties shine,
Since I know, as now I know,
I am His, and He is mine.

Things that once were wild alarms
Cannot now disturb my rest;
Closed in everlasting arms,
Pillowed on the loving breast.
Oh, to lie forever here,
Doubt and care and self resign,
While He whispers in my ear,
I am His, and He is mine.

His forever, only His:
Who the Lord and me shall part?
Ah, with what a rest of bliss
Christ can fill the loving heart.
Heaven and earth may fade and flee,
Firstborn light in gloom decline;
But, while God and I shall be,
I am His, and He is mine."

"I am His, and He is mine".  Are you able to make that statement today - with real conviction?  If not, may I commend my Saviour to you?  He will do a work in your life that will never cease to surprise you - even 'though it costs!