What is a Christian - Pt. 2

In the first post in this mini-series, I sought to give a general introduction to the question "What is a Christian?" (or, as I prefer to ask "What is a disciple of Jesus?"). In this (postponed!) post, I want to suggest that a true disciple of Jesus, a Biblical Christian (is there really any other kind?!) is someone who enjoys a Presence, and that that Presence is the Presence of Jesus Himself.  He is, says Paul “at hand” or “very near”. (Phil.4:5).  Now it may well be that the apostle is referring to the coming Rapture – that cataclysmic event that will precede the seven years of tribulation that will, themselves, herald the return of the Lord Jesus, in glory and power.  But also reminds us of very nearness of Lord which every true believer experiences.  One modern translation puts it nicely “the Lord is at your elbow.”

It makes such a difference who we have around.  During my teaching career, I used to see it in school with depressing regularity.  A child would arrive at the beginning of S1 (1st year of Secondary education in Scotland - aged 11 - 12 years), well-mannered; conscientious; enthusiastic about learning.  However, by S3, just two years later, (s)he was a different child altogether.  What was the underlying cause for this difference? It was, quite simply, the company they had started to keep.  My paternal grandmother was a woman of very little formal education, but cart-loads of homespun philosophy, and good old common-sense. One of her many favourite sayings, that I heard multiple times, was “Show me your company, and I’ll tell you your character”. How true! 

We hear a lot, today, about 'environment' - usually referring to the country, district, buildings, etc., in which people grow, and how these can affect a life for either better or worse.  There is, of course, some validity in the claims made. Yet I would suggest that the environment of people is even more important. Many years ago, I was introduced to a lady named May Nicholson. May was reared in Ferguslie Park, Paisley. Her own testimony made quite clear the sort of environment there was in that part of the town in those days! All that I will state here is that it was not the most promising of backgrounds in which a person could be raised - unless Jesus steps in! In May's case, He did, and she became the Founder of the Preshal (the Scots Gaelic word that translates as "Precious") Trust, which helps those who came from difficult situations, and who suffered from social exclusion in the Linthouse area of the city of Glasgow. This problem is manifested in poverty, alcohol and other substance abuse, low literacy and numeracy levels, depression, and low self-esteem.

The Trust, working with other agencies, provides a wide range of social, recreational and educational activities which enable these issues to be dealt with effectively, adopting an holistic approach whereby they seek to cater for the whole person, including meeting individual physical, mental and - as a Christian-rooted organisation - spiritual needs. Before moving to France, I often had the privilege of ministering at the Sunday evening Preshal Fellowship, and met many lovely people - who were now enjoying the Presence of the Lord Jesus. May Nicolson died in September, 2019, but the work continues, and she will not be forgotten by many who came to enjoy the Presence of the Lord Jesus through her.

This is why the disciple of Jesus is so blessed.  Because such a one enjoys this Friendship; this Presence; that is completely different – the Presence of Jesus.  But it is not only a Presence that is different, it is also a Presence that is constant! 

How often have you thought “I only wish that so-an-so were here”?  You find yourself in a situation in which you are out of your depth – but you know that this particular friend or relative would know exactly what to do.  This, of course, is the problem with human beings.  No matter how fine our family, friends, and colleagues are, they can’t always be with us.  There are times when we lose their company, and their influence.  Maybe that’s been your situation.  “If so-and-so had been there, I would never have done that, or said that.”   

And then along comes Jesus. And He makes this amazing, this wonderful, this mind-blowing promise: “I am with you – always!” (Matt. 28:20; emphasis added). Not just some of the time; not even most of the time; but all of the time!  And not just at a worship service, or a Bible study, but everywhere!  That’s one good reason why the true follower of Jesus is careful where he/she goes – the places we frequent.  My late mother chided me once when, as a student at the BTI in Glasgow, I went to – the cinema!  “If the Lord returned and you were sitting in a picture-house”, she asked, “How would you feel?”  To be honest, I wouldn’t have felt too bad at all – I was only watching The Sound of Music!  But, of course, I want Jesus to be comfortable to be with me wherever I am!  I want Him to enjoy my presence, even as I enjoy His.

And you?! 

Why "go to church"?

My current daily readings are in Paul's letters to the believers in Thessalonica. These letters are perhaps most used when one is considering the Rapture, and/or the Second Advent (they are not the same thing! See my book "Great Words of the Faith" - details above. ALL royalties go directly to Release International in support of the persecuted church.). It is true that the main reason for this correspondence is the problems that were being encountered by the Thessalonians due to some unhelpful teaching on these matters. However, as I reached the end of the first of these letters, I realised how much Paul had to say about another matter that is dear to my heart.

As he draws this letter to a close, the apostle deals with the local church. He writes: "... we beseech you, brethren, to respect those who labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,  and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophesying, but test everything; hold fast what is good, abstain from every form of evil." (I Thess 5:12-22).

There is sufficient material in that section for a short series of sermons! However, permit me to simply throw out a few "blessèd thoughts"! The first of these is that it is really tragic when believers neglect, or ignore, the local church. The New Testament knows nothing of the "solitary believer" (except where fellowship is physically impossible, as for many in the persecuted church, today). The church is meant to be a family - and a family requires a number of people. The church is a building - but one cannot build much with just one, or two, bricks. The church is a group of fellow-workers - not a "congregation of two"! (see I Cor.3:9).

Now, of course, no family of which I have ever had any knowledge - including my own - is perfect! However, without a family to protect and nurture, a child would suffer and die! It is also the case that no Christian Fellowship is perfect. However, there is the well-known saying: "If you ever find the perfect church, don't join it. You'll only spoil it!" You see, the church - any fellowship, congregation, or ministry, is composed of imperfect people! However, the true child of God needs a church family in order to grow, and thrive, and develop the gifts that God the Holy Spirit gives to him, or her. It is in, and through the local church that we may best serve God, and receive spiritual support in our serving.

Now I know that, in this modern world, I can go to YouTube and find many fine messages, and good teaching, from sound and experienced brothers who are true ministers of the Word. But where is the fellowship? Where is the relationship? To whom may I go when I have a difficulty? Is singing a chorus/hymn/song by myself a genuine experience of worship? It may be - on occasion! However, there is something that blesses me when I ma worshipping in concert with others of like mind.

When I was a young man, in the British Merchant Navy, I was also a very young, immature, and inexperienced, disciple of Jesus. Each Sunday, when my ship was at sea, there was what was referred to as "Divine Service"- held in the First Class ballroom (I sailed in a large passenger liner!). This consisted of the Captain reading through the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, and then the congregation - mostly passengers, but with a few crew members - singing the "sailor's hymn": "Eternal father, strong to save". It was, on my part, an attempt to witness to my faith - but spiritually uplifting it was not!

How happy I was when we were in port on a Sunday! I checked the local churches and, if possible, found one of my own denomination. If that was not possible, then I went to a congregation close to the docks. I worshipped with Presbyterians; Free Presbyterians; Baptists; Anglicans; and Independents. I made friendships that lasted for many years - and am still in contact with the then Assistant Minister of the Scots Church in Margaret Street, Sydney, Australia. I learned lessons that I would never have learned as a "solitary Christian". I discovered that, if I was with other true believers, then whether I was in Southampton, or Kowloon; in Sydney or San Francisco; in Vancouver or Melbourne; in Honolulu, or wherever; I was "family". These were my brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus, and we were "... all one ..." (Gal.3:28) in Him.

I know those, today, who appear to believe that they can survive without the family. I would lovingly suggest that, at best, they can "exist". But one is more vulnerable to the attacks of the evil one if one is not in a family. When a lion is tracking a herd of antelope, it looks for the one that is separated from the herd. That is the vulnerable one - and is more easily taken down. It doesn't have the strength of the family to protect it.

You want to be "church"? Then be part of a family of believers - and may you know the blessing of the Father as you find your own place of service in that family (because the true church of the Lord Jesus, the Christ, is not a spectator sport!).

Time to be totally reactive?

As we travelled north, on Saturday, my wife and I listened to the Radio 4 programme Any Questions.  There were a number of topics covered, but one that particularly caught my attention had to do with the new rules that are being introduced to the child-minding sector regarding the number of children an individual minder may look after.  If my memory serves me well, this was a maximum of two up to one year of age, with the number increasing as the age group was raised.  The main concern seemed to be that, rather than such a move making nursery care less expensive, it would only serve to increase profits.

The panellists all had there opinions (or party dogmas), but no-one seemed to consider the obvious!  Why not close all nursery establishments, and allow mothers to do the natural thing and look after their own children, in their own homes, kept by a working husband and father?!  It certainly worked with  my own parents and their six surviving children - and my dad was not in a highly-paid job.  I would also claim that my own childhood was much happier than that of many children today - who do not have both of their biological parents at home, and who often appear to have no restrictions placed upon them, and no sense of personal responsibility instilled into them.

Of course, I already know the objections.  People, today, cannot get by on just one income.  Yes they can, if they adopt the old-fashioned virtue of living within one's means - of not having to have the latest wide-screen TV; the latest iPhone; a new car every three years; a couple of holidays every year; expensive carry-out meals; etc.   Perhaps it would be claimed that many do not even have one income.  Could it not be that, if mothers were at home, then there would be more jobs available for men?  What about equality?  Well that, it seems to me, is the root of the problem.  It was so-called 'equality', quickly combined with consumerism, that took mum out of the house and gave us the first generation of what were called "latch-key kids".

The problem with 'equality' is that it is a pipe-dream!  It has also come to mean 'equivalence'.  They are not the same!  My wife and I are equal as human beings.  I am not a more important person than she; and she is not a more important person than I.  However, we have different functions; abilities; talents; and so on.  When, as a young married couple, we decided that it was time to start a family, we didn't debate as to who would bear our children!  In spite of films like "Junior", the male of the human species is incapable of conceiving and bearing a child.  My wife and I are most certainly not 'equivalent'!

Another popular film was entitled "Back to the future".  Could it be that to have a future, we need to go back?  Back to the family unit as designed by a loving heavenly Father.  Back to the provider-father, and the carer-mother.  I am convinced that, if some political party were to "take the bull by the horns" and adopt policies that would lead to a return to what used to be called "old-fashioned values", we would actually see a positive difference in the society, and culture, in which we live.

The mayonnaise jar and two cups of coffee

This a story that I have heard a few times before.  However, like all of the best stories, it is always worth repeating.  After all, there may be someone reading this blog who hasn't heard it before!

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day is not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and two cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.

When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and fills it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “YES”.

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things – God, family,children, health, friends, and favourite passions. Things, that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else — the small stuff.” he said.

“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “There is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you", he told them.

“So pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Worship with your family. Play with your children. Take your partner out to dinner. Spend time with good friends. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap. Take care of the golf balls first — the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled and said, “I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.” 

Make the Devil Take His Bags

It's turned out to be a particularly busy week.  From speaking/preaching maybe a couple of times a month (three in a 'busy' month!), I have ended up with no less than seven speaking engagements in one week - with all of the associated preparation!  No time for any more blog-post preparation.

I was grateful, therefore, to receive the following in one of my regular e-mails.  It speaks to me; I suspect that it will speak to many! 

You got out of a bad relationship because it was bad, but you are still resentful, and angry.
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You got out of financial debt, but you still can't control the desire to spend on frivolous things.
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You got out of a bad habit or addiction, but you still long to try it just one more time.
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You said, I forgive you, but you can't seem to let it go and have peace with that person.
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You got out of that horribly oppressive job, but you're still trying to sabotage the company after you've left.
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You cut off the affair with that married man/woman, but you still lust after him/her.
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You broke off your relationship with that hurtful, abusive person, but you are suspicious and distrusting of every new person you meet.
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You decided to let go of the past hurts from growing up in an unstable family environment, yet you believe you are unworthy of love from others and you refuse to get attached to anyone.
(you let the devil leave his bags)

When you put the devil out, make sure he takes his bags, too!

Small nation: BIG difference!

Further to the previous post, is this video on Israel.  I'm unsure as to how long the embed code will operate, so do take the time to watch it, now!

Who's watching the children?

Although it would appear that they have not broken any of the relevant regulations, Labour's dynamic duo (no, not the Milliband boys!) of Ed Balls and his wife, Yvette Cooper, have been named by a Conservative M.P. who has asked the Standards' Commissioner to investigate claims on their expenses for almost 400 journeys - by their three children!  The accusation is that Mr and Mrs Balls have had their family's travel subsidised more than other "Honourable Members" have had for their families!

Of course, the Party machine has quickly moved into operation, and the shadow Children's minister has pointed out that the couple have to be in Parliament, and in their constituencies, each week; and asks who is supposed to look after the children if they have to leave them behind in London, or in Yorkshire?

May I be so bold as to suggest that, with two ministerial salaries in the last government, and two shadow ministerial salaries in the current parliament, together with all of the expenses that members are still able to claim, they could at least afford to employ a nanny?!  Better, if Mrs Balls feels the need to be employed, let her take up a job that would allow her to be at home with her children at least as much as the average working mother!  Best of all, she could be radically reactionist, and stay at home to look after her children by herself!

Of course, there will be those who will defend this woman's right to take on whatever job she pleases.  However, I would wish to defend the right of her children to be surrounded by a mother's love!
 
The Biblical model of the family - with the husband being the provider, and the wife being the carer - may be out of fashion in our modern secular society.  But it's still the healthiest, and the best!

Forty years on!

Me, my 'new' wife, and Mr Duncan

Today is a day of somewhat mixed emotions!  It was on Sept 4th, 1970, that I stood in front of the Rev. George B. Duncan, in St.George's-Tron Parish Church in the heart of Glasgow, as a vision in white walked steadily towards me, on her father's arm.  Within a very short time, that beautiful young girl had become my wife, and she has stood by me, faithfully, for these forty years - supporting me, encouraging me, loving me more than I have ever deserved.  She has given me two wonderful daughters, who have been a constant source of joy to us both.  I constantly thank God for bringing, and keeping, us together.

All of that is not to say that there have never been any difficult times in the past forty years.  Since we are, each of us, fallen human creatures, that would be a ridiculous claim to make.  However, I am able to say, with total confidence, that the good has far outweighed the not-so-good (and there hasn't been anything that I could describe as 'bad').

The happy couple.

Sadly, it is also the first of our wedding anniversaries on which I have not been able to take my wee wife in my arms to tell her that I love her. :-(   I continue to wait for the return of my car, in order that I might tow the caravan home.  Unfortunately, I was informed, yesterday, that the work hasn't even been started!  To say that my wife, and family, and I were (are!) unhappy would probably be one of the understatements of the decade (remembering that, as a 'purist', I don't count the first decade of the 21st century as ending until Dec 31st 2010!).  It will now be Monday before I will be able to find out anything more!  At least my command of the French language is improving!  Je suis trés irrité.  La situation est ridicul!

Writing to the disciples of Jesus in first-century Colossae, Paul prayed "... that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father." (Col 1:11-12; NLT).  Perhaps even more pertinently, for me (!), he wrote to Titus: "Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience." (Titus 2:2; NLT).

I have to think, again, of those 33 Chilean miners, whose separation from their loved ones is going to be a lot longer than mine.  And I have to think of so many, in the persecuted church, whose loved ones are taken away - often without any warning - and incarcerated in conditions that can be described, at best, as inhumane.  I have to think of those whose suffering is for no other reason than their steadfast faith in, and allegiance to, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Some of them have waited, patiently, for years before they have been reunited.  Some have never been reunited at all!

We value the concern, and prayerful support, of a number of dear friends at this time.  Let us all remember to support, in every way possible, those whose situations make ours seem pleasant by comparison!

Seeking God?

Probably the best-known quotation from the Early Church Father, Augustine, is found in the first paragraph of the first chapter of the first book of his Confessions. It reads (in translation): "Thou hast made us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless 'til they find their rest in Thee". More recently, the French philosopher/theologian/mathematician Blaise Pascal wrote: "There is a God-shaped hole in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God the Creator." And, to bring it right up-to-date, someone put it that "There's a God-shaped blank in every heart, that only God can fill".

So, is there a restlessness - a seeking after God - deep in the human heart? If so, where does it originate? Humankind, as we know it, is referred to by anthropologists and evolutionists as Homo Sapiens - 'wise' man, or 'knowing' man. Mind you, as I look at the destruction of the planet; at the breakdown in social relationships - especially in terms of marriage and the family; at the continuing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; at the ever-growing abuse of substances that people know to be harmful, if not fatal; the increase in terrorism, and criminal activity - especially in crimes of violence; I really do wonder why we should be so named! But that's the official terminology, used in the best text-books and encyclopaediae.

Yet even the modern scene does suggest that, whether or not some would wish to admit it, we are Homo Religiosis - religious man. The prevalence of scientific humanism, and selfish materialism, that has pervaded so much of modern society - at least in the so-called 'developed west' - has not diminished a longing for God. Indeed, if anything, it has increased it. People will always end up paying a price - for some, a very heavy price - when the religious drive within them is stifled, or frustrated. And in the crazy pot-pourri of cults; New Age movements; new religions; and even the Goth sub-culture apparently still loved by many young, and not-so-young, people; we may see evidence of a hunger and thirst for God that such dear people don't even recognise.

But, whether we recognise it, or not, we human beings do have a yearning to know that which is, in fact, beyond our understanding. Religion may be defined as society's attempt to formulate its beliefs about that 'higher power', and practices for relating to that same power. This, of course, is where the disciple of Jesus refers to 'faith' rather than religion. The Christian faith speaks of a God Who is Holy (that means different from all that He has created), and Who cannot even look upon the sinfulness of the pinnacle of His creation. But it also speaks of a God Who is Love, and Who longs to see the relationship with humankind restored. In order to be true to both His love, and His holiness, He had to become one of us - in the Persona of the Son (and that isn't a typo - go to my audio blog and listen to the message on The Trinity, and all will be made clear!) - and, in love, pay the penalty that His holiness required.

Now, obviously, one cannot share the fullness of the Gospel in a couple of sentences, and what I have just written is very much simplified. But, if anyone wants to know more, then please leave a comment - which will not be published - with an e-mail address, and I will happily endeavour to answer your question(s), and provide any other help that I am able to provide. However, the bottom line is probably those words from the New Testament that have been heard by many, even if they couldn't give the reference: "God loved (and loves) the world (that includes you!) so much that, in the Persona of the Son, He entered the time-space continuum that He had created, and permitted humankind to nail His human body to a cross, and lay it in a tomb, from which He arose, victorious over sin, and death, and hell; so that anyone (that still includes you!) who confesses their sin, and accepts His offer of full and free salvation, acknowledging Him as Saviour and Lord, may have, here and now, His life within them." Okay, that's very much an expanded paraphrase of John 3:16 - but I hope that it helps to make it more clear.

Seeking God? He's already seeking you - and is always willing to meet you more than half-way! Now that has just got to be "Good News"!