A living Word!

Many will have heard the Bible described as "the living Word of God". Perhaps the prime reason for that adjective "living" is the description found in Heb. 4:12 - "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." However, it is also true to say that, regardless of how often one has read the Bible, or any part thereof, one may always see something that one has never noticed before!

That was my experience this afternoon when, during the worship service in Lamonzie, the guest preacher directed us to Acts 18:9-11 - "And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, «Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man shall attack you to harm you; for I have many people in this city.» And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them."

It was just a couple of weeks ago that, as I was preaching, I was describing Corinth - the 'city' referred to here - as a "centre of immorality and iniquity", as any historian of the period would agree!  Indeed, Corinth was so notorious for its debauchery that contemporary Greeks used the description "to play the Corinthian" as a means of referring to the lowest of loose living! That is why those words: "... I have many people in this city." hit me like a cold wave at the seaside. Almighty God, the omniscient (all-knowing) One, is able to say, even about a city like Corinth,  "... I have many people in this city." 

How had I missed those words before? I have read the whole Bible a number of occasions; the New Testament even more often; and some books and passages more often than I could ever begin to count! Yet I had never really taken account of those words until today (and I was reading them in French! Perhaps that helped!).

So what are these words actually saying? It is certain that there had been no previous preaching of the Gospel message there. If there had been, Paul would not have been constrained to visit Corinth - not the Paul whose ambition was "... to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on another man's foundation," (Rom. 15:20). I would suggest that what the Lord was saying to His faithful servant was that there would be fruit - even in Corinth! These were words of great encouragement, that impinge on the difficult doctrine of election/predestination*. Paul was being told to preach the Gospel in the assurance that the Lord already knew, and had known for all of time, those in Corinth who would respond positively. Of course, he almost immediately found a couple of newcomers, Aquila and Priscilla (v.2), Jews who had come from Rome when the emperor had banished all Jews from the city. It may have been that this couple were "Messianic Jews", converted in Rome under the ministry of Peter - but we cannot be certain of that. What we do know is that, like Paul, they were tentmakers, and that he stayed with them. Imagine - having Paul as one's houseguest for some eighteen months! Wow! However, even if Aquila and Priscilla were, indeed "Messianic Jews", there is no way by which two people could be considered to be "many"!

The (true) Church of Jesus, the Christ, consists of those of whom Paul could write: "... He [God the Father] chose us in Him [the Lord Jesus] before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. He destined us in love to be His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved." (Eph. 1:4-6; emphasis added). So, because Paul had been assured that the Father had people, already set apart for salvation, he spent that time in Corinth and preached the Gospel in faith, and with courage. It wasn't "an easy patch". The Corinthian correspondence that is available to us, makes clear that the young church there had many difficulties. Yet those very difficulties may give hope to someone reading this post!

In what we know as Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, he has this to say: "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor sexual perverts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God." (I Cor 6:9-11; emphasis added). This is, surely, a reminder that your past of much less importance than your future - if you are "... in Christ ..." (see, e.g., Rom. 8:1).

How do you know that you are one of the elect? Well, this is the real paradox.  Because the only way in which I can be sure that I am one of the elect is by accepting, in repentance and faith, the Lord Jesus, the Christ, as my personal Saviour and Lord.  In other words, I am assured that I am one of the elect – by becoming one!

This is, indeed, a great mystery.  Suffice it to say that God the Holy Spirit only works in the elect; and that if He is prompting you right now, then it is in order that you might claim your inheritance.  And if He is speaking to your heart, don’t try to chase Him away!  Yield your all, and be filled with that wonderful assurance that "You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you." (John 15:16).

It will be to your eternal good, and to His eternal glory.

*The subject of predestination/election is dealt with, in greater depth, in ch.15 of my book "Great Words of the Faith", available from Amazon in both paperback, and Kindle formats. Links are at the top of the blog. Please permit me to emphasise that I do not receive a single penny from sales. ALL royalties are sent, by Amazon, directly to the Bank Account of Release International, in support of the persecuted church.

A new year.

It's been an unusually busy couple of weeks! I was aware that this blog was being neglected but - it's all a matter of priorities! Anyway, part of the busyness (that included a trip back to Scotland in order to spend Christmas Day with our family; and leaving early on Boxing Day!) was that I was preaching in one of the French-speaking fellowships with which we are involved, yesterday! Being the final Sunday of the year, I wanted to encourage the people and used the situation of the Children of Israel as, under the leadership of Joshua, they prepared to enter Canaan - the land of the promise of Almighty God. The Israelites had been wandering for forty years - the result of their listening to ten weak spies who were overwhelmed by the difficulties they perceived, rather than the two men (Joshua and Caleb) who had true faith in YHWH, the God of the covenant. The land across the River Jordan was as unknown to them as is the year 2020 to us. So how did they face their unknown, and what lessons can we draw from their experience?

The first thing we see is that the Children of Israel went forward with courage in the Lord. You may read the story in Joshua 2. Perhaps remembering that situation forty years earlier, Joshua sent just two men to spy out the land again. Their report was very encouraging! They assured Joshua that "Truly YHWH has given all the land into our hands;" Take a minute or two to compare that report with the one given by the ten fearful spies as you'll find it in Numbers 13. It's the difference between unbelief, and faith!

Unbelief says “Let’s go back to where it’s safe.”; but faith says “Let’s go forward to where God is working.” In his first letter, the apostle John writes: “… this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith.” (5:4).

May I share a very important piece of information? Almighty God has not changed! He tells us so, Himself! “I the Lord do not change;” (Mal.3:6). 

These men of faith were willing to receive this great assurance; to take God at His word. Are you and I willing to do the same as we move forward into a new year? The assurance they were ready to receive, and the assessment they were able to make.  “moreover, all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of us.” was their report. This was a most encouraging report. Not only the inhabitants of Jericho, but of all of the land of Canaan, were afraid of the Children of Israel! The only possible reason for this is that the reputation of the Children of Israel and, of greater importance, of YHWH, their God, had lasted throughout a full generation - that forty years during which they had wandered in the wilderness! The Canaanites took it for granted that nothing could stand before the Children of Israel – and this information was necessary to Joshua to guide him in forming the plan of his campaign.

As we look forward to a new year, let us also recall what the Lord has already done for us – and let us then go into this year, confident that He is still with us, and has a plan for us. It's a plan, of course, that requires us to be led froward by the Lord. For the Children of Israel, that meant being led by priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant - where YHWH had met with Moses. The Ark was symbolic of the presence of YHWH among His chosen people. It was "God with them - Emmanuel"!

Most of us will have heard words like those over recent days. It is the Lord Jesus, Himself, Who is our Emmanuel. It is He Who has promised, “I will never fail you nor forsake you.” (Heb.13:5). It is He Who has said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by Me.” (Jn.14:6). It is He Who will lead us into a new year – if we will but follow! That involves action on our part! You see, Father God does not force us to do anything. He could do – but He chooses not to. That means that I have a responsibility to co-operate with God the Holy Spirit in the work of my sanctification. Writing, this time, to the brothers and sisters in Philippi, Paul encourages them: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Phil 2:12-13). The Christian life is not one of sitting back and leaving everything to the Lord! It is service; it is warfare; it is walking. But we do not travel the road alone – “for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

However, action is not enough. We need also to display a proper attitude. Concerning the Ark, Joshua commanded: “there shall be a space between you and it, a distance of about two thousand cubits; do not come near it.” (v.4^(b)). Why was this? It was a mark of reverence. It was an acknowledgment that no-one may come even close to Almighty God in their own right. It was a recognition that the Creator is different from His creation.

It always concerns me when I hear some, who claim to be disciples of Jesus, saved by His precious blood, treating Him, the Father, the Holy Spirit, as if they are here just for their benefit. I cringe when I hear people refer to the Creator of all that exists in an overly-familiar manner. Of course, He is my heavenly Father; of course, He is my Friend; but He is also God, and I must display my reverence for Him at all times! “Fear (reverence) God, and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.” counsels the writer of Ecclesiastes (12:13); while Mary, the mother of the Lord Jesus, in what we know as the Magnificat, says: “He Who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.” (Lk.1:49-50).

The Children of Israel as they stood on the threshold of Canaan, faced the unknown with courage in the Lord. They were led forward by the Lord. The result was that they saw the power of the Lord, immediately, in the miraculous crossing of the river Jordan. For many, even although they had been but children at the time, this would have been a reminder of the past when, with their parents, perhaps even their grandparents, their siblings, and their friends, they had crossed the Reed Sea – and seen the mighty Egyptian army perish. You see, even the mistakes of the past may provide good lessons for achievements in the future! Writing about these matters, Paul told the Corinthian church that “…  these things happened to them as a warning, but they were written down for our instruction, upon whom the end of the ages has come.” (I Cor 10:11).

I wonder if you have experienced the power of Almighty God in your life – individually, and as a fellowship of God’s people? There are those who condemn “experiential Christianity” and, of course, if we are seeking to build our lives as disciples of Jesus solely on spiritual experiences, then that condemnation is deserved. We need to be solidly grounded in the Word of God; we need to be obedient to the Word of God; we need to be fed by the Word of God. But often, the power of Almighty God touches us in such a way that the experience lives with us for a long time afterwards – and may even be with us for the rest of our earthly lives. The Children of Israel were provided with a reminder of the past, and with a reassurance for the present. 

Being reminded of past wonders is one thing – but we live in the present! And Father God knows! So we read: “Joshua said, “Hereby you shall know that the living God is among you," (Josh 3:10). Almighty God was still on the throne – and He still is! Do you remember those words of the Lord Jesus to His disciples as He prepared to leave them and return to the Glory that was, and is, His by right? They are recorded for us by Matthew: “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.” (28:19-20). “I am not just a figure from history,” says Jesus. “I am the living and eternal God, who never leaves, nor forsakes, my true people.”

The writer of the great letter to the Hebrew disciples of Jesus gave to them, and to us, the wonderful assurance: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.” (13:8). With such an assurance, we may step forward, bravely, and confidently, into the new year that beckons. Are you willing to go into the new year depending on His promises? Then go – and know that He goes before you; and with you; and in you. And know that He will accomplish His purposes through you, to bring glory to His most holy Name.

I wish you a truly blessèd 2020. 

A new look at the 23rd Psalm!

As we continue our prolonged move to France, there is a lot of clearing out being done (more, I must confess, by my wife than by me!).  In doing so, earlier today, I came across the following.  I have no idea from whence it came - it is just a printed sheet of A4 paper, with nothing else on it - but I reckoned that it is worth sharing.  I apologise, in advance, for any unintended breach of copyright and, if anyone does know the origin of the piece, and informs me, I will endeavour to obtain permission for publishing it here.  I should add that the original uses the AV/KJV; I am using the RSV!

The Lord is my Shepherd, - that's Relationship!
I shall not want; - that's Supply!
He makes me lie down in green pastures. - that's Rest!
He leads me beside still waters; - that's Refreshment!
He restores my soul. - that's Healing!
He leads me in paths of righteousness - that's Guidance!
for His Name's sake. - that's Purpose!
Even 'though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, - that's Testing!
I fear no evil; - that's Protection! (and Assurance! - added by me!)
for Thou art with me; - that's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. - that's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; - that's Hope!
Thou anointest my head with oil, - that's Consecration!
my cup overflows. - that's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; - that's Blessing!
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord - that's Security!
for ever. - that's Eternity!

Of course, to experience the benefits, we must know the Shepherd!  If you don't already do so, but would like to know more, there are a couple of useful links further down the page and, of course, you are welcome to contact me at author@minister.com

The best-laid schemes ...!

It was the Scottish Bard, Rabbie Burns who, in his poem  On Turning Her Up In Her Nest With The Plough (1785), penned the words: "The best-laid schemes o' mice an 'men gang aft agley".  I was reminded of those words yesterday!

The day started as expected when my wife and I took our younger daughter to hospital, for an operation.  Mind you, even that caused a change to our earlier plan.  We had expected this evening, to be stopping overnight with dear friends in Maidstone, Kent, en route to France.  The medical/surgical emergency led to that journey being postponed for a few days, as we went back this morning to collect her, and want to spend a couple of days with her before departing!   

However, it was as we returned from the hospital yesterday, that we received a 'phone-call.   Our elder daughter was heading up to the A&E Department in our local hospital with, it appeared, something stuck in her throat.   That call had hardly finished before we received yet another - this time it was our son-in-law (elder daughter's husband), informing us that the clutch in their car had given up, and that our daughter was making her way to the hospital by bus.  

We had to pass where the (now non-operating) car was, so we stopped to assist in pushing it to a place of greater safety, and less obstruction, and then went up to the hospital.  That involved a long wait - first of all until our daughter was called into the examination rooms, and then while she awaited the arrival of a doctor to provide the aforementioned examination!  By the time we took her back home, it was about 2100 hrs!

So why do I share all of that family news?  Well, as the opening paragraph suggests, none of what has happened in the past thirty-six hours was in our original planning for the period.  However, there is something else.  Anyone who has purchased my book, Great Words of the Faith (either as a paper-back, or as a Kindle e-book), and actually read it, will be aware of the way in which I see the relationship between tome and eternity.  By the way, if you haven't purchased, and read, I would encourage you to do so.  Anyway, although we were 'caught on the hop' with these recent events, Father God wasn't!  Before any of us were even born, He not only 'knew what would, in time, happen', but also, from His eternal perspective, saw it happening!   If that blows your mind, even a little, you really do need to purchase the book!  (Details at the top of the page).

However, this is where the disciple of Jesus may have a deep assurance.   I know that nothing - absolutely nothing - happens, or can happen, without His knowledge and permission.  That's why Paul was able to write those amazing words: "We know that in everything God works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." (Rom 8:28).

I may not always understand His ways; but I may always rest in the assurance of His love, and of His sovereign power and authority.  May you who read be able to do likewise.

The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed!

I love that title to Dr Tony Campolo's message - "It's Friday; but Sunday's coming!"  It's a wonderful, yet simple, reminder that so often, when things seem dark, we may still look ahead with hope.  That first "Good Friday" must have seemed, to the followers of Jesus, to have been as dark as it was possible to be.  But Sunday was coming, and with it, the wonder, and the glory, of the Resurrection!

On Friday, I asked the question "What's so 'good' about Good Friday?"  So, what's so special about the Resurrection of that same Jesus Who hung on the cross and died for your sins and for mine?  Well, apart from the fact that a resurrection is pretty special in itself, it's the result of that resurrection that is of the utmost importance.

The question, then, is: "What is the result of the Resurrection of Jesus?"

The first, and obvious result is that death has been vanquished.  So Paul can write, quoting the prophet Isaiah, that "Death is swallowed up in victory." (I Cor 15:54).  It follows, then, that neither can death hold those who die (physically) in Him.  As some of the sports commentators might say: "That's a result"!

However, wonderful 'though that result is, it is not all.  It is also worth noting that the resurrection of Jesus proves that God's plans are always fulfilled.  So Peter, on the first Day of Pentecost of the Christian era, preaches, "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves know - this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.  But God raised Him up, having loosed the pangs of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it." (Acts 2:22-24).

The Resurrection of Jesus also eases the pain when loved ones, who are in Christ, die.  Paul, again, writing to the believers in Thessalonica, assures them "... 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." (I Thess 4:13-14).  We grieve when someone who has been loved by us dies.  But the disciple of Jesus has just moved to a better life - "promoted to Glory", as our friends in the Salvation Army would put it - meaning that our grief is tempered by our perspective on eternity.

So, on this Resurrection Day, we gladly affirm, "The Lord is risen!  He is risen indeed!  Hallelujah!"

And we rejoice!

Is a promise an assurance?

In this morning's Today programme, on BBC Radio 4, there was an interview with a journalist who had been covering the trial of Dr Conrad Murray, accused of the involuntary manslaughter of the pop star, Michael Jackson.  She was asked about the scene when the "Guilty" verdict was announced to the waiting crowds.  This lady was obviously very excited, and repeated the words "I promise you".  However, she was using those words as a means of assuring listeners that she was telling the truth!

I have always understood that a promise applied to a future event - "I promise that I will meet you at such-and-such a place"; while an assurance applied to something in the past - "I assure you that the man bit the dog!"  It is, of course (and regretfully!) a typical USA corruption of the English language, that allows the two concepts to be thus confused.

In my private devotions, this morning, I was reading in John 14. In that chapter, John records these words of the Lord Jesus: "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." (vs.2-3)

That's a wonderful promise for the disciple of Jesus!  It's something that points to the future.  However, because it is fixed in eternity - which is timeless, with neither past nor future - then it is also an assurance!  In eternity, in that dimension that we call 'heaven', the promise is already kept.  It's a mind-blowing concept, but I am totally convinced that it is gloriously true!

Of course, that promise only applies to His own - those who have placed their trust in Him, and Him alone, for their salvation.  But for them, it is not only a promise, but also a wonderful assurance.