What is a Christian? - Introduction

On the cruise which my wife and I enjoyed as a celebration of our Ruby Wedding anniversary (now more than eleven years in the past!), I had the opportunity to minister at two of the interdenominational worship services that were held on board the ship. On the first occasion, knowing that there were folk there with different church backgrounds and experience, I started by sharing about – my school blazer!

You see, there were two particularly important 'items' attached to that school blazer. There was, first of all, a label. Now that label was very important. It held a lot of useful information - the size of the garment; the material with which the garment had been made; the instructions for cleaning it; probably even the name of the manufacturer. That label, however, in spite of carrying all of that important information, was attached either inside the inside pocket, or to the collar - inside the garment. In other words, it was kept out of sight!

The badge, however, was different. It held only one piece of information - the name of my school. There was, of course, the school crest - but, to the vast majority of folk, it would have been totally meaningless without the name of the establishment! It was proudly displayed on the front, breast-pocket, of the blazer, where it could be seen by all.

So, what has all of that got to do with anything? Simply this. In this new, short series of posts, I will be considering a badge, not a label! A label, I would suggest, refers to the particular denomination to which I belong. It holds some important information - what I believe about water, and Spirit, baptism; where I stand in reference to church government; my views on the primacy of the Word of God; etc., etc. But, as a growing schoolboy, I sometimes had to have my blazer replaced - and the label wasn't always the same! However, regardless of how often I changed my blazer, the badge was always the same. And my "badge" in this context is "Christian" or, as I prefer to say (because the word "Christian" has, in my opinion, become so devalued), "disciple of Jesus".

Some time later, in the fellowship to which I then belonged, we went through a series on the general topic “What is a Christian?” We looked at some of the Biblical pictures of a Christian – lover; witness; child of God; disciple; saint; living stone; worker; traveller; etc. But those were, indeed, just pictures. So what is a Christian, a disciple of Jesus, in essence? 

Some of you, in the UK, may have heard of a young man named Garry Brotherston who, during a street brawl in 1994, while still in his teens, killed another man who was 40 years old. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, but released after 11 years. In prison, he had a life-changing experience of the Lord Jesus Christ, became a well-known as a singer and song-writer who shares a powerful testimony to what God can do in the life of an individual, and is now minister of Bishopbriggs Free Church of Scotland, in Glasgow.

It is not my intention to discuss the rights and wrongs of his early release, or any other aspect of the case. However, I was interested in a reported comment by the mother of the murdered man. “There is nothing he (Garry B) can say that will convince me he’s a Christian. Billy (the murdered man) was a Christian. He went to Sunday School. I kept all the drawings he did at Sunday School and I placed them in his coffin.”

“Billy was a Christian. He went to Sunday School” Is that all that is required to be a committed follower, and disciple, of Jesus? Or is there more to it than that? Non-Christians seem to have a lot of strange ideas as to what a Christian is. A church-goer; a nice person; a kind person. All very laudable – but I know people who are very nice; very kind; who even attend church services regularly – but who, in Biblical terms, are not Christians! Maybe you know folk like that! Maybe you are one of them!!

So, “What is a Christian?” Paul describes the Christian in a number of his letters. One example is found in his letter to the believers in Philippi: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (4:4-7)

That’s a sort of general description against which we may measure ourselves! But note that it is “measure ourselves”! I am not here to measure you, nor you me. That’s the responsibility of Almighty God. “Let a man examine himself” is what Paul exhorted the Corinthian disciples (I Cor. 11:28), and those words must apply to each one of us!

Over the next few posts, DV, I plan to tease out more of what being a genuine, Biblical, disciple of Jesus is. I hope that you will join with me!

The New Birth.

Many of my former pupils expect it; other friends like it; some don't really understand it; only one has ever criticised it (to me!)! It's my normal greeting when one celebrates the number of years that they have been on planet Earth! For those who, to the best of my knowledge, are not disciples of Jesus, the greeting is simple: "Congratulations on reaching another anniversary of the day of your birth."  For those whom I believe to be disciples of Jesus, there is a slight change: "Congratulations on reaching another anniversary of the day of your physical birth."

Why should this be so? Well, it's really quite simple! My biological mother gave physical birth to me on a specific date, at a specific time. That day was my 'birth day'. Every year since, on that same date, I have celebrated my birth day. What I have not done is climb back into my mother's womb, to be re-birthed! When I was one year old, I (or at least, my parents!) celebrated not my "1st birth day" - that had already taken place a year earlier - but the first anniversary of my birth day. When I reached 21 years of age, I wasn't physically birthed for the 21st time! To give an analogy, I was also married on a specific day, at a specific time. One year later, my wife and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary. We did not celebrate our first wedding! That, too, had taken place a year earlier. On the following year, we celebrated our second wedding anniversary - not our second wedding! If we are both spared until September of this current year, we will not be celebrating our fiftieth wedding - that would make the average bigamist seem like an amateur by comparison - but the fiftieth anniversary of the day on which we were married to one another!

So, I celebrate, annually, both the anniversary of my wedding day, and the anniversary of my birth day!

However, I do happen to have a "second birth day"! Just a few days before I reached 15 years of age, I committed my young life to the Lord Jesus, the Christ. I recognised that I was a sinner in the sight of Almighty God; that nothing I could ever do could deal with my sins, or wipe away my sinful nature. However, I also recognised that, in the life, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, God the Son, my sin had already been dealt with! John, the "beloved disciple" writes that "... if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." (I John 1:7; emphasis added). What wonder; what relief. What I could never do, He has already done! 

It has been beautifully put like this: "He paid a debt He did not owe; because I owed a debt I could not pay."!

Here is a (confessedly, long!) quotation from my first book: "Great Words of the Faith" -

"... the life of the disciple of Jesus is exciting and exhilarating.  It’s not some boring routine of church attendance, prayer, and Bible reading – although many could do with a lot more of all of those!  But there’s a new dynamic; a new power; in life.  There is the

“... fruit of the Spirit – love: joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Gal.5:22-23),

the means by which life may be enjoyed!  True disciples of Jesus are joyful people; and anyone who calls him/herself a Christian and doesn’t have this deep, unquenchable, joy – regardless of situation or circumstances – is only a caricature of the real thing.  The true believer is irrepressibly happy, because his joy isn’t dependent on external conditions, but is the result of a cataclysmic change within.

Have you been converted?  Are you changed?  Have you turned from self to the Saviour?  You may not be able to put a date on when it happened; on when you received new life in Christ; but that doesn’t matter.  The important thing is that you have it.

If I stand at the edge of the deep end of my local swimming pool and dive, or jump, in then the precise moment at which I enter the water may be easily determined.  If I go to the seaside and walk bare-footed along the beach, perhaps in conversation with a companion, I may suddenly become aware that the water is lapping around my ankles – but I will have no idea of the precise moment at which I entered it!  However, what is important is that I be found in the water – however I may have arrived at that state.  It’s the same with conversion.  Some are able to pinpoint the precise moment and place; others are unable to do that, but are no less certain of their standing before God.   They have “entered the water”.  And if you have – you’ll know!  Emotion does sometimes have a part to play – but it’s not essential.  All you have to do is to ask Him to take over, and start living your life for Him.  It’s the greatest, the only worthwhile, way to live.  And conversion, according to Jesus, is an absolute necessity. 

“Except ye be converted … ye shall not enter.” (Matt.18:3).

Those aren’t my words – they’re His!

The experience may differ; but the essence is always divine; and the effect? – dynamite!" (pps 30-31).

I hope that that brief (in terms of the book!) extract may encourage someone to take that step, and yield themselves to Almighty God, in the Lord Jesus, and have God the Holy Spirit take up residence within them. Those who do are "born again" (Jn.3:3) - and do, genuinely, have two birth days!

It would also be my hope that some may be encouraged to purchase the book (and its companions!). Links are at the top of the blog and remember, I receive not one penny on sales. ALL royalties are sent directly, from Amazon, to the bank account of Release International, in support of the persecuted church. The e-book costs less than a fish supper - and may do you more good!!

With God's help - you can!

It is probably safe to say that few will have heard of Eric Weisz! Born in Budapest to a Jewish Rabbi and his second wife, he was one of a family of seven (including a half-brother, the son of his father's first wife). The family emigrated to the USA in 1878, and his father served as the Rabbi of the Zion Reform Jewish Congregation, in Appleton, Wisconsin. The family name was changed to the German spelling of Weiss, and Eric became Ehrich. 

However, he is much better known as "The Great Houdini" - escapist par excellence! One of his claims was that he could be locked in any jail cell in the country, and set himself free within minutes! This claim he made good in every city he visited - except one! That day, something went wrong. He entered the cell in his street clothes and, as soon as the heavy, solid-metal, door clanged shut behind him, he removed from his belt a concealed piece of strong, but flexible, metal, and went to work on the lock. Soon, however, he realised that he wasn't getting anywhere. For thirty minutes he worked, without success. Then an hour passed. This was much longer than he usually took, and he began to stress out - but he still was unable to pick that lock!

Finally, after labouring for two hours, and feeling a total failure, he leaned against the door and, to his utter amazement, it swung open. It had never been locked in the first place!

How many times does something look impossible simply because we think that it is? However, many have discovered that, when they have focused their faith on the situation; removed the word "can't" from their vocabulary; and sought the help of Father God; the impossible becomes "do-able"!

When God called Gideon to deliver His people from the Midianites, he replied: "I don't have the right connections." (Judges 6:15). When He called Moses, he replied: "I'm not a gifted speaker." (Ex.4:10). When He called Jeremiah, he replied: "I'm too young." (Jer.1:6). To each one God said: "… fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." (Is.41:10).

Of course, if we are to hear these words for ourselves, we must be certain that we are walking in His way, seeking to do His will, and open to His commands. When Paul assured his believing friends in Philippi: "I can do all things in Him Who strengthens me." (4:13), he was not suggesting that he could hold his breath for twenty minutes; run a mile in two minutes; or lift a ten-ton weight with just one hand! He was making the point that anything God told him to do could be done in the strength of the Lord.

So what is God saying to you, today? Perhaps it is simply the call that every disciple hears: "Follow Me"! If you do, you will not be called upon to do so in your own strength. He will be with you, to guide, and encourage, and uphold. You may take Him at His word! Will you do so?!

Conversion.

The English-language word "conversion" is reasonably common in everyday conversation. We use it to refer to a positive change in many areas of life - from making a living-space out of a loft, to achieving more power from a vehicle engine.

However, for the disciple of Jesus, it is the way in which we refer to the change in our lives that comes from a personal encounter with Him, and entering into a living relationship with Him. It may be sudden, or gradual. I have often illustrated that by comparing someone jumping into the sea from the end of a pier with someone walking along the beach and discovering that the water is lapping around their ankles. Both are in the water - but while one may pinpoint the precise moment that they entered it, the other is unable to do so.

However, is it possible that a spiritual; conversion may be both sudden and gradual?! Whether, or not, we can specify the precise moment as, for example, could the apostle Paul (see Acts 26:13), in God's eyes, there is a particular moment of transition. Even Paul's dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus was the culmination of what we may refer to as God's "softening-up" process. It is clear that all of his experiences with these "Followers of the Way" (i.e. of the One Who said: "I am the Way, and the Truth , and the Life; no-one comes to the Father, but by Me." [Jn.14:6]), and especially with Stephen, the first Christian martyr, had roused his conscience - even although he appears to have endeavoured to stifle it (see Acts 26:14). Indeed, his increasing fury and activity against them may well have been an unconscious effort to still that accusing voice within!

Paradoxically, it is just when men's opposition to the Gospel message is multiplying - as it is at this present time - that we may take heart that God the Holy Spirit is at work. Paul's efforts to make disciples blaspheme the Lord Jesus (Acts 26:11) was the same policy described some fifty years later by Pliny, the Roman governor of Bithynia, in a letter to the emperor Trajan, as something which "... people who are really Christians cannot possibly be made to do." (see I Cor.12:3). This, by the way, is still the case to day - in spite of the attempts of evil men to make them do so. Check out this link:

http://madworldnews.com/muslims-behead-christian-word/

I am unable to totally verify that report - but nor do I have any grounds for doubting its veracity!

The people referred to in the report were seeking to serve others - and that is what any converted man, woman, or young person will seek to do. The old, now clichéd, phrase was: "Saved to Serve". Recognising the change that has taken place in him/herself, the new disciple of Jesus will wish to help others - particularly to have their own personal encounter with the risen Lord.

The activity of the devil must not be taken lightly. He is always blinding people, and enslaving them. (see I.Cor 26:18; cf II Cor.4:4, II Tim.2:26). This is why so many neither realise their dire situation, nor appreciate their need to repent, that they may know the full forgiveness of Father God, and the sanctifying work of God the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Conversion. It's a great word. It's an even greater experience!

It's February 13th!

Today has been a special day for me. It's that one that comes around, with unfailing regularity, every year on this date! Yes, today I have been celebrating my birthday. I have been blessed by good wishes from the UK (mostly Scotland!); from France; from Germany; from Canada; from New Zealand; and even from the United Arab Emirates.  Many of the greetings have been from former pupils at Lesmahagow High School - and many of them remembered that this is not my "birthday", but the anniversary thereof! It's always good to know that they remember something of what I taught them - even if it doesn't have anything, directly, to do with the regular lessons!

However, this is the second birthday anniversary that I have celebrated this year - the first one being just a few days ago. Today, I celebrate the anniversary of my physical birth; on February 9th, I celebrated the anniversary of my spiritual birth, when I was "born again" in the terms of the words of the Lord Jesus to a man named Nicodemus, as recorded in the New Testament Scriptures: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." (Jn.3:3).

My physical birth set me off on this journey that we call 'life'. It's a journey - as my former pupils may recall - that has lasted twenty-seven years ... ... ... and a few months (okay, it is now quite a few months!). It's been a varied life in which I have been wonderfully blessed in so many different ways. I was born to parents who loved me, cared for me, and often sacrificed their own comfort for mine. I received an excellent education so that I could read, write, count and, perhaps most importantly, think for myself! I was raised in a God-fearing environment; I was encouraged in all that I tried to do.

Then, I eventually "flew the nest" - but I saw a great deal of the world during my time in the British Merchant Navy. I moved on to tertiary education. I found the most wonderful girl in the world, and she agreed to become my wife. She gave me two beautiful daughters. She has been my faithful companion and friend for decades - encouraging me, caring for me, loving me; and she is still the most important human being in my life.

I have had three full-time careers - and dabbled in so much else from radio broadcasting to legal representation (and I never lost a case!!!).  Yes, my physical life has been varied, interesting, exciting - and has had its mixture of joy and sadness.

So what about my spiritual birth? Well, when I accepted that I am a sinner and unable, in my own strength, to do anything about it; when I accepted that the sacrificial death of Jesus, the Christ, cancelled all of my sin; when I came to Him, in repentance and faith; I became an adopted child of the Creator and Sustainer of all that is. I received that forgiveness that so many seek.

As an adopted child of the living God, I also have eternal life - that is, His own life in me, here and now! I have had a great life as a disciple of Jesus. Oh, I have often let Him down - but He has never let me down! However, the best is yet to come. When I "shuffle off this mortal coil" - either by my physical death, or by my being "... caught up in the clouds ... ... to meet the Lord in the air; ..." (I Thessalonians 4:17), I shall then spend eternity - which is not "endless time", but "timelessness" - in the presence of Almighty God, praising and glorifying "... the Lamb Who was slain from the foundation of the world." (Rev.13:8). And there shall be no "... mourning, nor crying, nor pain ..." (Rev.21:4).

I wonder how many birthday celebrations you have, each year? Each of us has one - but it's the second one that decides our eternal destiny. May you come to Him, "... the author and finisher 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.12:2).

Genuine - or imitation?!

Today, along with my wife and a number of other people, I attended a seminar on the Persecuted Church, organised by L'Église Évangélique Libre de Bergerac with the organisation Portes Ouvertes (the French 'branch' of Open Doors - founded by Brother Andrew).  It was a very interesting, if sometimes harrowing, time as we heard, by video, from some of those who have suffered greatly for the sake of the Lord Jesus.

In our new home in Gardonne, awaiting a place to be hung, is a painting by the great French artist, Monet.  Well, it would be very nice if it was a genuine Monet.  Such paintings sell at auction for millions of pounds sterling.  Ours is actually just a print - and worth less than the frame that contains it!  The genuine article is seen, by those who can afford the vast sums involved, as an investment.  Our print, being just a copy, is certainly not investment material!

There is, I would suggest, a parallel in the spiritual realm.  The world is filled with 'religion', and Christianity is, numerically, the numerically largest such group.  Many people talk about Jesus (to one another!); insist on 'clean living'; carry a Bible; and attend worship services in a local church building.  But, like our Monet, they are not the real thing.  They are only pretenders.

The beloved disciple, John, in his first pastoral letter, gives three marks of a true disciple of Jesus.  The first of these is obedience: "And by this we may be sure that we know Him, if we keep His commandments." (2:3).   Secondly, a true disciple will display genuine love for fellow-believers: "He who loves his brother abides in the light, ..." (2:10).  The third mark given by the apostle is love for God, and not for the world: "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world.  And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides for ever." (2:15-17).  If such qualities are not seen, consistently, in our lives, then we may need to examine our faith to check that it is genuine!

Those who suffer, as so many do, for the sake of the Lord Jesus are the real thing.  One would have to be, in order to remain constant and true.  Let those of us who live in the still relatively-safe 'western world' ensure that we, too, are true followers of Jesus - and not just imitations!

Witnesses.

It's been a busy few days - attending a Fellowship Group, an all-day Seminar, and Café Church fellowship Lunch and monthly gathering - interspersed with some house viewings - all in Bergerac and its environs.  Our sincere thanks to the Coles for providing the hospitality that saved us countless 104-mile round trips from the static!

The one thing that stands out from all of that is, in fact, something of which we were reminded at the Seminar.  Apparently, only about 4% of disciples of Jesus are called and equipped to be evangelists.  However, when it comes to being a witness, the number rises - to 100%!

So what is a witness?  In legal terms, a witness is someone who tells what they know.  What they think, or what they have heard someone else tell, is irrelevant, and any jury would be instructed to disregard such "second-hand" testimony.  They are not allowed to share an opinion (unless called as an "expert witness" for that very purpose).  A witness is someone who "tells it as it is".

Sometimes, in a Christian context, that 'telling' will be vocal.  Someone will ask a particular type of question (perhaps to do with morals) and, in my response, I will be 'witnessing' to the Gospel truth.  More often, however, we are witnesses by the manner in which we live our lives.  Annie Flint (1862-1932) knew that, and was inspired to write a poem:

Christ has no hands but our hands, to do His work today,
He has no feet but our feet to lead men in His way.
He has no tongue but  our tongue to tell men how He died,
He has no help but our help to bring them to His side.

We are the only Bible, the careless world will read,
We are  the sinners' gospel, we are the scoffers' creed.
We are the Lord's last message, given in deed and word,
What if the type is crooked, what if the print is blurred?

What if our hands are busy, with other work than  His,
What if our feet are walking, where sin's allurement is?
What if our tongues are speaking, of things His lips would  spurn,
How can we hope to help Him, and hasten His return?

I wonder if you find those words as challenging as I do?  When we live, and behave, just as our unsaved friends do, we are doing them no favours.  When we criticise, and complain, we are being no different than the unsaved.  When we spend more time on worldly pleasures than we do in His service, and in seeking to know Him better, then we are allowing ourselves to drift away from Him - and the one who delights in that is the enemy, the satan!

Any barrister will tell you that there are good witnesses, and there are bad witnesses.  The same is true for the confessed disciple of Jesus.  I am either a good witness - in which case the praise and glory go to Him; or I am a bad witness - in which case the fault is entirely mine.   Only one thing is certain - I am a witness.

If you claim to be a disciple of Jesus, then you are also a witness.  Are you a good one - or a bad one? 

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.

Following Jesus.

As those who know me well are aware, I believe that the term 'Christian' has been so badly devalued - at least in the 'developed' west - that it has become close to meaningless.  Nowadays, I usually refer to 'disciples of Jesus' instead.

However, in the earliest days of the church, those people were often known simply as 'followers of the Way'.  In the Greek language of the New Testament, there are a number of words for 'following' each of which has a slightly different meaning from the rest.  Three of them are: 'akoloutheo', 'epakoloutheo', and 'parakoloutheo' (you can see the common root!).  So what are the differences?

'akoloutheo' suggests following - but at a distance.  This, sadly, is the way in which many, today, follow Jesus.  They are not very close to Him; indeed, they may be a long way off.  Have you ever watched a film in which the police are 'tailing' the car of a suspect?  The first thing they must be certain of is that the suspect doesn't become suspicious.  However, equally important is that they don't allow themselves to get too far behind, as then they may lose sight of their target!  If we follow Jesus at too great a distance, we run the danger of doing the same thing - of losing sight of Him!  It is possible for so many things to come between Him and us.  We may be taken up by so many things that are not bad in themselves, but that gradually destroy the passion of our first love for the Lord.  His Lordship in our lives becomes secondary.   He is a distant figure Whom we are following, but with Whom we have lost any real relationship.

The second word, 'epakoloutheo', is more intimate.  It means 'to follow close to a person'.  It has the idea of being so close as to be walking in the person's footsteps.   I know that we are officially into spring-time (at least in the northern hemisphere!), but I find myself thinking of the Christmas song, 'Good King Wenceslas'.  Remember that verse that tells us that the king encouraged his servant to walk in his footsteps so that he would not be as cold?  That's the sort of picture that 'epakoloutheo' paints for us.

Then there is 'parakoloutheo'.  This is the most intimate word of all.  It means to be following someone so closely that one is walking alongside the other person.  It suggests companionship, rather than servanthood.  In John 15:15, we read these recorded words of the Lord Jesus to His closest disciples: "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends , for all that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you."

I wonder, is this what the Lord is saying to many of us today?  "Don't walk at a distance; don't even walk closely behind me; walk beside me. Be My companion on the way; share the road with Me; allow Me to share more and more of Myself with you!"  I love the Old Testament saint, Enoch, of whom it is recorded: "Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him." (Gen 5:24).  Enoch walked so closely with the Lord that, when his time on earth was over, he just walked through the veil into eternity. (see my book, Great Words of the Faith).

Where are you walking, today, in relation to Jesus?   Are you merely following Him at a distance, sometimes losing sight of Him completely?  Or perhaps you are walking just a little behind Him, but still missing some of what He would say to you!   Why don't you come alongside Him, and enjoy His presence day by day?  It will be for your own good, and will bring glory to His Name.

The Pleasure Book.

Recently, the oldest woman in Sctland (or, perhaps that was the UK!) was interviewed by a television reporter. At 108 years of age, she is a sprightly character, who is probably great fun to be with!  As is almost obligatory in such situations, she was asked for the secret of her long life.  Her answer was that she loves porridge, and has done all of her life.  As a fellow porridge-lover, I took great encouragement from that, especially as, if the Lord permits, I am happy to live to be 120!  Well, as I often say, it was good enough for Moses, so it would be good enough for me!

Of course, there is much more to life than simple longevity!  The quality of one's life is also important.  I read, recently, of an elderly lady who, in spite of having experienced (and continuing to experience) many troubles, was always cheerful and serene.  She, too, was asked about her secret.  Her answer had nothing to do with her regular diet.  Instead, she informed her questioner that, for many years, she had kept what she called a "Pleasure Book".  Every evening, she wrote in it something pleasant that had happened to her that day!  Sometimes, she had an enjoyable walk; perhaps someone has come to visit her; new flowers might have opened up in her little garden; or it may simply have been the fresh smell of the earth that comes after a shower of rain.  Every day, there had been some new happiness to record.

Many of us could do with following that particular lady's example.  If we actually look for something to cheer us, and make us glad, we never have to search for long, or travel far.  If we were to keep a "Pleasure Book", its pages would, undoubtedly, quickly be filled with a record of many delightful, and satisfying, experiences - whatever our situation, and circumstances.  How much better, too, to review good and positive things, than to dwell on that which only discourages, and depresses, us!

Of course, for the disciple of Jesus, who knows "... that in everything God works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." (Rom. 8:28), even the difficulties may be counted as blessings, as "... we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,  and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us." (Rom. 5:3-5).

The hymnwriter gave us those words, familiar to many:

"Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done."  ( John­son Oat­man, Jr.)

Look at the brighter side of life.  Keep a "Pleasure Book".  I suspect that you will soon agree that there is always something for which to be thankful - and you may even thank "... the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." (II Cor. 1:3-4).

The Family Likeness.

It is more than six years ago that my elder daughter informed my wife and me that she was pregnant!  We were, of course, delighted with the news and wished her and our son-in-law well.  I also assured her that I would be praying for her and her unborn child, on a daily basis, throughout her pregnancy.

A few weeks later, a friend informed us that she, too, was pregnant.  I told her that I was already praying for my daughter, and that I would pray for her and her baby as well - on the same daily basis, right through her pregnancy.

That was the start of what became my "ministry to pregnant women", and I have long since lost count of the number of pregnancies that I have "prayed through".  Regretfully, there have been one or two miscarriages, a still-birth, and an infant death.  However, the vast majority have ended up with a sound and healthy child for which to give thanks.

Almost from the moment a child is born, they are welcomed with words such as "Oh, (s)he is so like his (her) dad/mum/uncle John/auntie Mary/etc., etc.  Sometimes such family likenesses - in both physical looks and mannerisms - are immediately obvious.  In other instances it may be years before a child is seen to look, or behave, like any of his/her relatives.  Occasionally, it may even be that no family characteristic becomes apparent.

The moment a person becomes a disciple of Jesus, having acknowledged their sinfulness, and accepted the salvation that He offers, they are said to have been "... born again ..." (John 3:3).  In some cases, the evidence for that new birth is instantly obvious; in others, it takes time before something of "the beauty of Jesus" is seen in the believer.  However, each one of us should be constantly striving, with His help, to become more like Him.  As children of God, and joint-heirs with our Lord Jesus, the Christ, we are to bear His image.  Our conduct, and Christian character, are features that should distinguish us as children of the King, and ensure that the world sees something of the family likeness in us.

We will not reflect His image perfectly in this life but, as we walk in "... the fear of the Lord" (Ps.43:11), we have the assurance "... that when He appears we shall be [fully] like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." (I John 3:2).

Ongoing work!

The ferry has just left Dover but, with the wonders of modern technology, a wi-fi connection is available!  We spent last night with our good friends Ruth and Harry.  It was good to catch up with their news.  Then as we sat in the lane at the Dover Ferry Terminal, my wife noticed that the vehicle in front, in the adjacent lane, had a "fish and cross" symbol on the back.  Well, those who know me will not be surprised to learn that I got out, went over and, when the occupants returned, introduced myself.  They are a delightful family, en route to Hungary (the wife hails from that part of the world), to visit grandparents - and show off the latest addition to the family!  Their little boy, Daniel, has the most beautiful smile one could ever hope to see.

Shortly, it was time to board.  We were directed to the appropriate spot,and made our way up to the passenger decks.  That was when I realised that the ferry was (is!) crawling with workmen!  However, these workmen are not on holiday.  They are repairing/refurbishing/upgrading the ferry - and doing so even as we sail across the English Channel!  It's a work in progress!

I'm thinking of a friend of some years back.  That was one of her favourite sayings.  When she spoke about her Christian life, she would always make the point that: "I'm a work in progress".

Of course, it's true for every disciple of Jesus.  Each one of us is a "work in progress".  Sanctification - the ongoing process of becoming like Jesus - is not completed until we leave our mortal bodies and slip "through the veil" into His nearer Presence.   Oh, as I mentioned some posts back, I am seen, from an eternal perspective, as if I am already fully sanctified.  But that is because I am justified - treated, not as one who is sinless, but just as if I'd never sinned.  Father God looks on me - and on you, if you are truly "in Christ" - not as I am, but as He is making me to be.  I'm an ongoing work for the Kingdom!

I trust that the workmen on board the ferry will be doing an excellent job.  I know that, in spite of the poor material with which He has to work, God the Holy Spirit is doing an excellent job on me, so that He may "... present [me] without blemish before the presence of his glory with rejoicing," (Jude 24).  Hallelujah!

Being a witness.

I see so many, in these days, who claim to be disciples of Jesus; who are actively involved in the life of their local Christian fellowship/congregation; and who appear to be seeking to serve the Lord Jesus according to the gifts and abilities with which they have been endowed.

However, it appears to me that, when they are with their non-Christian friends, they are virtually indistinguishable from them!  Now, it's good that they have friends who are not disciples of Jesus - this is how the Gospel message is shared.  Unfortunately, if they are no different from their friends; if something of the beauty of Jesus is not seen in their lives, and words, and actions; if they are "just the same" as everyone else; then there is no example to follow!

I am reminded of the old poem:

Christ has no hands but our hands to do His work today;
He has no feet but our feet to lead men in His way;
He has no tongues but our tongues to tell men how He died;

He has no help but our help to bring them to His side.

We are the only Bible the careless world will read;

We are the sinner’s gospel; we are the scoffer’s creed;

We are the Lord’s last message, given in word and deed;

What if the type is crooked? What if the print is blurred?

What if our hands are busy with other work than His?

What if our feet are walking where sin’s allurement is?

What if our tongue is speaking of things His lips would spurn?

How can we hope to help Him, or welcome His return?

It took me many years to realise that, while there are only certain individuals who are gifted to be evangelists, every person who has accepted the salvation of God, through faith in the Lord Jesus, and who has submitted to His Lordship, is a witness.  The only question is: "Am I a good witness; or a bad one?"

Perhaps the reason why our non-Christian friends fail to be impressed by our Christian profession is that we only profess when we are with our Christian friends!  Perhaps we need to lose the fear of losing our popularity; the fear of being obviously different.  

When Peter and John stood before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish leadership), they were so different that it was recognised "... that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13).  May those whom we meet, and with whom we enjoy friendship, recognise that we, too, have been with Him.  May they recognise that we are, indeed, different.  May they see so much of Jesus shining from our lives, that they are attracted to Him themselves.  May we have the joy of pointing many of our friends, neighbours, relatives, workmates, and anyone else whom we meet, to the One Who is the Saviour of the world.

May the Bible they read, in us, be accurate and true.

For the want of a nail ...!

There's an old proverb-rhyme that goes like this:

For want of a nail the shoe was lost.For want of a shoe the horse was lost.For want of a horse the rider was lost.For want of a rider the message was lost.For want of a message the battle was lost.For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

It came to mind more than a week ago when I discovered that the lights on a trailer that I was towing weren't operating - and then that the fault was in my own car!  Being in the Gironde area of France, and having a caravan to tow back to magnificent Motherwell, this was a problem.  The trailer was small enough for the car lights to be seen by the driver behind - with the caravan in tow, the car disappears for the following driver!  To travel without proper lights is totally illegal in both France and the UK (and probably in just about every other country, as well), so the problem had to be resolved.

Thankfully, a friend of the site owner was spending a few days in a static - and he just happened to be an auto-electrician by profession!  He eventually tracked the problem down to a relay that passes the current from the car's electrical system to that of the caraven.  Just a little box about 2½" long, but I was stuck without it!  "For the want of a nail ...!!

This morning, the replacement eventually arrived from the UK - 2-3 days later than expected (therein lies a different story!).  I set myself to what was a simple and straightforward task of transferring each connection from the old box to the new.  I then connected the caravan electrics to the car - and nothing was working!  

Waiting for the replacement part to arrive had already resulted in a delayed departure; the cancellation of bookings in the UK; and the cancellation of a get-together with friends of very long standing.  I knew that if I didn't manage to get the lights working, I wouldn't even be able to get to a garage until Monday - and had no guarantee that my car would be attended to before the end of next week!  Well, I don't carry the fullest of toolboxes with me when I'm away on holiday - but I always have my most important tool with me: I can pray!  And pray I did - while still trying various connection combinations.  Then, I had an inspired thought.  I checked the 12v power to the component.  Nothing.  I attached it to an alternative 12v supply.  Suddenly, I was in business.  The problem with the relay was that it wasn't receiving the power.

As regular readers are aware, I always look for spiritual lessons in these situations.  I think that there are two, related, ones here.  First of all, it doesn't take much to stop our light shining for Jesus.  I just need to commit a "small" sin in order to break the connection that I have with my Saviour.  That's why I have to come to Him, on a daily basis, to seek afresh His forgiveness - claiming His blood and righteousness for myself.   The second is simply that, if there is no power in my life, then I am going nowhere.  All of the other connections may be fine - attendance at worship services; daily Bible reading; tithing; praying; witnessing - but if the power of God the Holy Spirit isn't flowing through me, nothing happens.  Jesus said: "... you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8).  Some of us think that, in our Christian lives, we can power on when something inside needs fixing – there is a problem, something is broken. Sooner or later we will come to a halt, powerless.

If you claim to be a disciple of Jesus, be sure to keep the power connected and flowing, by allowing God the Holy Spirit to flow through you.  You will then find that He also deals with those things that get in the way of a full relationship with the Son - and you light will shine again, brighter than ever before!

Death - there's no getting away from it!

This evening, we experienced our first heavy rain since our arrival in France. It more than made up for the dry, and even sunny, days. Yesterday, we were swimming in the lake at Le Chene du Lac; today we only managed to take a drive to Libourne, and have a walk around that particular town. From what we saw, it will be worth a return visit.

On our way back to the 'van, we passed a particular cemetery There was a very ornate, stone-gated, entrance. It had just one word engraved at the top - "TOUS"! For anyone who doesn't understand the French, that word simply means "ALL". It was, I suppose, a reminder to the folk of yesteryear, who lived in that village, that each and every one of them would, sooner or later, pass through that gateway. As someone once said, there are only two certainties in life - taxes, and death.

In spite of the claim made at the beginning of the StarTrek series (well, the early ones - I haven't watched the 'newer' episodes) space is not man's final frontier. Death is. And, as that cemetery gate reminds us, it is something from which there is no escape - at least until the Rapture of the saints of God. Yet it is the taboo subject of our contemporary culture. We hesitate to use the word. People don't die - they "pass away"; they are "lost"; they may even "kick the bucket". But to say that they have died sounds too final. We are a culture in denial!

Well-known Christian author, Tony Campolo, writes: "... those who deny that they are anxious about death are deeply troubled by it. Subconsciously, angst eats away at our vitality and joy. ... ... Some of us put on a false bravado as we lift our lift our glasses and try boldly to declare the Epicurean dictum 'Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.' But alas, we don't. And on the morrow the emptiness of that cry gives us a more painful pause, for we are more aware than ever that we must live with death without the deliverance that death itself can bring. 'Denial," says one of my friends, is not just a river in Egypt' And all of our efforts to deny death its due are doomed to futility." (Carpe Diem; p.130).

So what is the solution? Well, for the disciple of Jesus, the solution is in the Saviour. He is the only One Who has ever experienced death - and conquered it! That's the wonder of the resurrection account. And because He lives, those who are His can assert with confidence that they also shall live. Death is NOT the end! It is but the gate through which each of us must pass - and those who have entered into a relationship with Jesus have the assurance that they pass into His nearer presence in a dimension that is totally beyond our mortal understanding.

The way in which we best deal with that which causes us pain, or despair, or confusion, is not to deny it. It is to face up to it, and seek the solution to the situation. When it comes to death, that solution is found in Jesus - and in Him alone! He is willing to receive you. Are you willing to respond to His wonderful offer of full salvation?

Christian Commitment

Many years ago, I came across a reproduction of some words that had been written by an African pastor, and fastened to the wall of his home.  Whilst attending to some clearing-up, earlier this evening, I found my (slightly amended) copy of those words.  I share them, as a challenge to myself, and to all who dare to call themselves "disciples of Jesus".

"I'm a part of the fellowship of the unashamed.  I have Holy Spirit power.  The die has been cast.  I have stepped over the line.  The decision has been made.  I'm a disciple of His!  I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.  My past is redeemed; my present makes sense; my future is secure.  I'm finishes and done with low living; sight walking; small planning; smooth knees; colourless dreams; tamed visions; mundane talking; cheap living; and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.  I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognised, praised, regarded, or rewarded.  I now live by faith; lean on His presence; walk with patience; lift in prayer; and labour by power.  I'm a disciple of Jesus!  My face is set; my gait is fast; my goal is heaven; my road is narrow; my way rough; my companions few; my Guide reliable; my mission clear. 

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed.  I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice; hesitate in the presence of the adversary; negotiate at the table of the enemy; ponder at the pool of popularity; or meander in the maze of mediocrity.  I won't give up, shut up, let up; until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, preached up, for the cause of the Christ.  I am a disciple of Jesus!  

I must go 'til He comes; give 'til I drop; preach 'til all know; and work 'til He stops me.  And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem in recognising me - my banner will be clear.  I am a disciple of JESUS!"

Would that all of us who 'talk the talk', were to 'walk the walk' in such a committed manner!  We can, by the same power, provided by the same Holy Spirit, to the glory of the same Jesus!

Lent.

Today was the first Sunday in Lent - that season in the Christian calendar that, like so much else, seems to have been hijacked by those who profess no allegiance to (or even interest in) the Christ of the cross.  It seems to be just another photo-shoot opportunity for so-called 'stars' to let us all know which particular item they are going to be "giving up for Lent"!

But what is Lent?  What is the real thinking behind it?  May I suggest that it has all to do with Jesus.  The Lenten period is a reminder, not that He "gave up chocolate" (I doubt if any would have been available in the Middle East of the time!), but that He spent forty days in the wilderness area, culminating in the attempts, by the devil, to sidetrack Him from obedience to the Father's will. (Matthew 4:1-11, et al).

Lent, if it is to be in any way meaningful, should surely be a time when we seek to concentrate our minds more on Him.  We, too, are subject to the temptations of the evil one.  Peter reminds us that he "... prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (I.Peter 5:8).   Just last night, I was watching a television programme that showed lions (actually, lionesses!) hunting.  It isn't just the speed of the great cat that is employed.  Indeed, speed is of secondary importance!  What those lionesses used was cunning strategy.  They targetted their prospective lunch, and worked, together, to bring it down.

The devil is no less cunning.  He knows me better than I know myself (although not as well as the Lord knows me).  He knows my weaknesses; my "Achilles' heels".  He also knows my strengths - few 'though they may be - and he employs all of that knowledge to attack me where he has most chance of success.

The fasting aspect of Lent, which is much more than giving up chocolate, or whatever, is an opportunity for me to use the senses that are thus sharpened in my defence.  If I give up an activity, then the time I would otherwise have used, should be used in alternative activities that will draw me closer to Him.  If I save money through this period, it should surely be given to a cause that is seeking to exalt His Name in our day.

Of course, I don't want to be "religious" about all of that.  I recall what Jesus had to say about those who act thus:  "And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men.  Truly, I say to you, they have their reward.  But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, thatyour fasting may not be seen by men but by you Father Who is in secret; and your FatherWho sees in secret will reward you." (Matt.616-18)

Lent - let it be to His glory!

Bigger than Jesus!!

Today's edition of The Sunday Herald contained an article that was as interesting in the reported comments, as it was in the event that was being reported!

The piece was headed: “New weapon in bid to beat Easterhouse gangs: the Bible” – and informed readers that “a group of evangelising Christians” is going to Easterhouse “in the hope that the Bible will persuade the enemy factions to put down their weapons and begin a more moral life.” This referreds to the invitation, by a group of local Christian fellowships, to The Scottish Bible Society’s travelling, and ‘hi-tech’, exhibition “Bibleworld”.

Comments made by spome of the 'locals' were also published, and I found these to be very interesting indeed. Mr Richard McShane, a lifelong Easterhouse resident, and community organiser, is of the opinion that, “God hasn’t been here once in the 60 years since we were built. We have suffered from deprivation, neglect, violence and lack of facilities since day one. Does Easterhouse really need God when he hasn’t ever been here?” (sic).

I am reminded of the reply allegedly given by Anne Graham (daughter of Dr Billy Graham) when she was asked where God was in the events of 9/11. Part of it was “...for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?” Perhaps Mr McShane, and others, omitted to seek God’s help! At least he appears willing, now, to give the Lord’s servants a chance!

However, I must admit that it was the reported comments of three teenagers that created, in me, mixed feelings of amusement and sadness. Miss Cassidy – at 16 years of age, already a “painter and decorator” (not even an apprentice!) – has the split personality that allows her to be “a Catholic” but to be able to say that she doesn’t “believe in God”! Without going into the different possible meanings of that latter statement, is her comment not a wee bit like claiming to be a jockey, but never having ridden a horse?! And, for the record, believers do not claim that “God invented everything”, but that He “created” all that is. There is a big difference there!

Miss Conner – another 16-year-old – doesn’t “believe in God” but is, apparently, willing to invoke His help at two of the crucial stages in a person’s life: the beginning and the end. Is there not some sort of contradiction in that particular stance?

The older (all of 17 years of age) and, one must assume, more mature Mr Robertson seems to think that the problems of Easterhouse are “much bigger than Jesus”. He is, of course, fully entitled to his opinion – as are the two girls – but until he has checked out the change that a personal encounter with the risen Christ can make in a person’s life, he might be well advised not to go public with it!

As Anne Graham said, God will not force His way into the life of any individual. But I have yet to meet, or hear of, anyone who has entered into a genuine relationship with Him, based on repentance and faith, who has ever regretted having done so – and that includes countless numbers in some fifty countries around the world, even today, where to claim to be a disciple of Jesus is to invite persecution of an intensity that makes the gang warfare of Easterhouse look like games in the nursery school!

Why a supposedly 'quality' newspaper like The (Sunday) Herald would give such prominence to the obviously uninformed, biassed, and contradictory, opinions of three children, is beyond my own understanding. I am just grateful that none of them, as yet, is allowed to vote in political elections! However, Jesus is in the business of changing lives. May it be that He will find some hearts that are softened and ready to respond to Him in Easterhouse - even as He did when David Wilkerson first went to work among the gangs of New York in the 1950s.

Your will be done.

The story is told of a certain guide who lived in the deserts of Arabia, but who never lost his way.  He carried, with him a homing pigeon, to the leg of which he had attached a very fine, but strong, cord.  Whenever he was in doubt as to which path he should follow, he would throw the bird up into the air.  It, of course, quickly strained at the cord in order to fly in the direction of home, thus leading the guide accurately to his goal.  Because of this unique practice, the guide was known as "the dove man".

Before a man (or a woman!) is made spiritually alive, he walks "... following the course of this world ...", lured by the evil "... spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience." (Eph.2:1-2).  However, after having experienced the regenerating power of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, he is given new and holy longings and desires, and is empowered to do the things of God as he is divinely led.  God the Holy Spirit (the Third Persona of the Trinity), Who is the heavenly Dove, continually bears witness, through the written Word, regarding the path that should be pursued if he wants to reach the heights of victory and full blessing.  The real danger for the believer comes when he caters for the flesh, and stops seeking the Lord's will for his life.

All of us who claim to be disciples of Jesus ought to be 'dove men (or women)' - sensitive, and fully responsive, to our heavenly Guide, Who tugs at our hearts through both the 'strings of circumstance' and the direction of the Word.  There is a valid prayer in the words of the old hymn:

"Holy Spirit, faithful Guide;
Ever near the Christian's side.
Gently lead me by the hand;
Pilgrim in this desert land." (Marcus M.Wells;1858)

... and a thought:
Don't hinder the Spirit's leading - unsatisfied lives are caused by unsurrendered wills!

He's Coming!

It is neither my desire, nor my intention, to advertise on behalf of a well-known 'fast-food' chain! However, an advert in today's online Metro caught my eye. It is for Burger King, and the main headline reads: "HE'S COMING. 04.09.10" in very large print. At this stage, I could find no indication as to the identity of the 'HE'!

In Matthew 24, the Gospel-writer records a long discourse by the Lord Jesus, in which He speaks in private to the inner band of His disciples about His return. It's a subject for a book, not a blog-post, but just a few thoughts immediately spring to mind.

1. He's coming! The final promise in the New Testament refers to that momentous event in human history - and there are many other references throughout the foregoing pages, including Matt.24:30.

2. Burger King may be able to accurately predict when the 'He' in their advert is coming, but no-one knows when the Lord Jesus will return. "However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven, or the Son Himself. Only the Father knows." (Matt 24:36)

3. It will be sudden! "... as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so it will be on the day when the Son of Man comes." (Luke 17:24; see also Matt.24:50). I have seen many lightning storms in my lifetime - many of them quite spectacular! I've watched, in awe, as a flash streaks across the night sky, suddenly bringing light.

4. Everyone alive on the earth at that moment, will see His return. Luke records the strange saying of Jesus that "... two people will be asleep in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour together at the mill; one will be taken, the other left." (Luke 17:34-36). In other words, at a time when most people believed that the world was flat, and the sun and moon travelled around it, Jesus was indicating that, at His return, some will be asleep in their beds, while others (in a different time-zone) will be at their daily work.

5. There will be signs that the time is 'close' (I put that word in single quotation marks because God's 'close' and our 'close' are not necessarily the same! See II Peter 3:8). Matt.24:6ff indicates what some of the signs will be.

6. We must be prepared before the event - it will be too late afterwards! Jesus used the illustration of the universal flood in the days of Noah. "When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah's day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn't realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes." (Matt 24:37-39). He went on to say: "So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming." (v. 41).

I was never a member of the Scout movement (although I have held almost every available rank in the Boys' Brigade!), but I have always liked their motto: "Be prepared". It applies to each one of us with regard to the return of Jesus - not as a helpless babe, but as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Burger King is not, I would suggest, the place in which to learn about theology, or predictive prophecy! But their current advertisement is a useful reminder: He is coming - and it may be sooner than we think!