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!).

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.

Now that I am a man!

I have just been working on some minor revisions to my second book: "Foundations of the Faith" - an introduction to some basic Christian beliefs, based on the words of The Apostles' Creed.  That Creed (or 'Statement of Belief '), begins with the words "I believe in God ..." That, for many in our post-Christian, humanistic, materialistic, society is the problem! They don't! They accept the notion that everything has come from nothing - and claim that science supports their totally unscientific position!

I recall, during my teaching years, that it was a question often posed by pupils – usually those about 14/15 years old.  That is the group which, in my personal experience, have reached that wonderful stage at which they do know everything about everything, and who have also come to the conclusion that the mere adult at the front of the classroom knows nothing about anything!  Not, of course, that I am tarring all young people in that age group with the same brush! 

Anyway, when the question was posed, I answered as follows:  

Pupil: “Sir, if God made everything, who made God?!” Me: “That’s obvious.  It was a man in a yellow submarine!” (Giving away something of my age to those who remember the song!).  The blank stare was the sign for me to continue.  “So, I suppose you want to know who created the man in the yellow submarine!”   “Who?” the pupil invariably asked.  I answered, in another age-giver-away, “A pink purple-people eater!”  Another issue had obviously been raised.  “Who made the pink purple-people eater?”   This time we moved to the inanimate world – which, by the way, is where the evolutionist must start.  “A giant cricket bat.”, I would answer.  By this time, it was usually the case that the pupil had caught on and responded with another question.  “Who made the giant cricket bat?”  “God!” I would reply.  “Now, how did this conversation start?”

Of course, this is not what is taught by most school text-books! Rather, these suggest that primitive matter evolved (from nothing!), through billions of years, into living creatures that eventually inhabited the jungles (that had "just happened"!).  From these, in turn - after many more billions of years - came modern mankind. There will usually be a series of pictures supposedly accounting for, for example, the bone structure of the human head. They might begin with the shark (with no reasonable explanation of how the shape of the shark's head came about); advancing to the lizard; 'evolving' into a monkey, followed by an ape and, finally you and me! This pseudo-scientific presentation leaves me with the conclusion that my existence is the result of nothing more than a series of chemical accidents (chemicals which, by the way, also "just happened"!), and that my life has no real purpose.

What a contrast to what I was reading this morning, in  the book of Ezra the scribe! Reading through the list of names in what we know as chapter 8 - an exercise that, on the surface, may seem to be tedious and unnecessary! - one is almost forced to conclude that behind every movement, and every action, of this remnant that had remained in Babylon when the first group had returned to Jerusalem when Cyrus was king of Persia (modern Iran!), lies the supervising ministry of God the Holy Spirit (HaRuach Kadosh), bringing about the divine purposes of the Father.

The Bible makes it perfectly clear that we are created, "... in the image of God ..." (Gen.1:27), that we might live for Him, and bring glory to His Name.Your life, and mine, have significance! We are accountable to Almighty God to manifest in thought, word, and deed, His eternal glory and purpose. 

Recognising that you are a man - or a woman! - and not just another animal, should affect how you live today, and every day! Will it?!

It's Sunday - Friday is over!

Apologies to Tony Campolo who, as far as I am aware, coined the phrase "It's Friday, but Sunday's coming."  He was referring, of course to the fact that what we have named "Good Friday" was not the end of a story.  Sunday; the day after the Jewish Shabbat; the first day of the week; the day on which the Creator said "Let there be light"; the day that millions are celebrating; the day when the tomb in which the body of the crucified Jesus of Nazareth had been laid; brought the amazing news - that the tomb was empty!

The traditional greeting used by disciples of Jesus - and still used, albeit to a lesser extent, today - was "The Lord is risen!", with the response "He is risen indeed!".  What an amazing message!  What an amazing truth!  Some have tried to deny it - but that is only to be expected.  However, any honest, unbiased, investigation of the available evidence will surely lead to the conviction that it is true.  None of the proposed 'explanations' stand up to any scrutiny at all.  I deal with the topic, more fully, in my second book in the "Getting to know you ..." series - The Apostles' Creed - which is due to be published shortly! (watch this blog for further news!).

But why is the resurrection of Jesus of such apparently great importance?  Paul tells us in I Cor 15:17-19 that: "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all men most to be pitied."   Basically, the resurrection of Jesus is the claim on which the whole Gospel message stands, or falls.  It was the resurrection that marked Jesus out as the true Messiah - the Anointed One of God.  Oh, others had been restored from death - not only by Jesus Himself, but also by Elijah; Elisha; Peter; and Paul.  However, each of these had eventually died again.  Only Jesus "... is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." (Heb 7:25; emphasis added).  It is His glorious resurrection that assure me that, at the Last Day I also shall receive a new resurrection body as He "... will change [my] lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power which enables Him even to subject all things to Himself." (Phil 3:21).

Because of the pagan association of the word "Easter", many (including me) now refer to this day as "Resurrection Day".  However, there is a very real sense that every day is Resurrection Day.  This is because we may celebrate the resurrection of Jesus at any time, and in any place.  Today is a day of great hope - and, in Jesus, every day can be a day of great hope. 

Is your hope in Him?  It's that same hope that enabled 21 young Egyptian believers to die on a Libyan beach, at the hands of evil men, with the very Name of Jesus on their lips.  When students at the Garissa university in Kenya were being murdered, some are reported as having cried out "Lord Jesus, help me."  The scoffers - including their murderers - have asked "Where was He?"  I will tell them - He was there with them.  He was administering martyr's grace, for a martyr's death.  He was reassuring them that this mortal life is not everything and, if they were true disciples, they are now with Him in a way that they could never have been while in their mortal, decaying, bodies.

It's Sunday - Friday has gone.  The Lord is risen; He is risen indeed!  Hallelujah!

The Ten Words (1)

My latest book (currently at the proof-reading stage) has the title "Foundations of the Faith".  It is based on what is known as The Apostles' Creed but, when I started writing it, I planned to add two other sections to it.  One of these was to be on The Beatitudes, and the other on what are usually referred to as The Ten Commandments.  Regretfully, my self-imposed limit of 50,000 words was reached with the Creed, and a couple of appendices!  I may, at some future date, produce a volume on those two important parts of the written Word of God but, for now, they have been placed on the 'back burner' - where a good chef will place something that needs to simmer gently while other culinary preparations are made.

However, at the beginning of a new year, I thought that it might be helpful to look, albeit briefly, at The Ten Commandments or, as they are known in Hebrew, The Ten Words (also known as The Decalogue).  These, as many will be aware, are recorded in the Old Testament book of Exodus, in the 20th chapter.   This chapter begins:

"And God spoke all these words, saying,  'I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me'."   

"You shall have no other gods before Me."  I wonder how you understand those words?!   Basically, they are a command to recognise the one true God, and they are a reminder to the Children of Israel of the authority behind these words.  Moses isn't reporting some celestial suggestions, or providing some alternative opinions.  He is is stating ten commands being given - initially to the Children of Israel but, by extension, to all of mankind - by the very Creator and Sustainer of all that is.

This first command has to do with our relationship with Almighty God.  Jesus gave us the same commandment, in slightly different words, when He was asked: "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" (Matt 22:36).  He replied: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment." (Matt 22:37-38).  In other words, Jesus - Himself, God - is confirming that this command is that nothing, and no-one, else should receive the honour that belongs to God alone.

Some, of course, will claim that they do not believe in the existence of any 'god'.   However, I would contend that all of us have at least one object of our worship.  It may be nature itself; it may be a prized possession; it may even be 'self!   You see, whether we like to admit it, or not, we are 'hard-wired' to be worshipping creatures.  It is, in modern parlance, "in our DNA"!   Romans 1:18ff may have been written almost 2,000 years ago - but it is as up-to-date as tomorrow's newspapers!  A key statement is that people "... exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, Who is blessed for ever!" (Rom 1:25).   That is, quite simply, breaking that first commandment.

So, who or what are you putting before God?  It's not a rhetorical question!  It's a question that each of us must answer - if not now, then later!  If we are breaking that commandment; if we are placing anyone, or anything, before Him in our lives, then we are already guilty in His sight.  James writes: "For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it." (James 2:10).

It's a sobering thought!  

The next post will look at the second commandment.

I'm an author!!!

Today, I finally managed to publish my first Kindle book!  It's named "Great Words of the Christian Faith", and is intended to enable those who have not had the benefit of a formal theological education to understand, a little better, such words as "predestination", "propitiation", and "sanctification".  There are 24 words in all, with "Love" the word that is central to the Christian Faith, being given two chapters.

The plan, and hope, is that it will be the first in a series of books, under the general title of "Getting to know you".  I have already commenced the second volume that will, DV deal with "Foundations of the faith".  This, I hope, will cover The Apostles' Creed; The (erroneously-named!) Lord's Prayer; and, possibly, the Ten Commandments and/or The Sermon on the Mount.  I shall wait to see how much I write on the first two sections before deciding on the rest!

I have two websites from which the book may be purchased, and downloaded.  For those in the UK it is:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009EG6TJW

For the USofA, it is:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009EG6TJW

As I discover the URLs for other countries, I will make them known!

Because of my personal interest in the persecuted church, 30% of the Royalties will be going to Release International and Open Doors - two of the organisations that support brothers and sisters in Christ in those countries in which being one of His disciples is to invite discrimination, harrassment, persecution, imprisonment, and even death.

I trust that many will find the book to be both interesting and helpful; will purchase it; and will recommend it to others!