The Christian's Prosperity

One of the phenomena of the 20th century church, that continues today, is what is referred to as "the prosperity gospel". The basic premise is that if we give more to God (through the particular "ministry"!), then He will "reward" us abundantly. Of course, that is not an offering from a grateful heart, but an investment! Father God is not in that business!

However, the disciple of Jesus does know prosperity, even if not always of a financial nature! Paul writes to the Ephesian believers: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places," (1:3; emphasis added).

Yes, our blessings are spiritual rather than material - and spiritual blessings last! Of course, given our high position in the Christ, it follows that the Father would provide whatever is necessary to accomplish His purposes in and for us.  

The "Beatitudes" of Matthew 5:3-12 (please read!) provide a good illustration. Each "blessing" is designed to meet a need or fulfil a desire of God's "chosen" (Eph.1:4). The poor, meek, and persecuted are given ownership in the kingdom. The mournful are given God's special comfort. Those who hunger for righteousness are filled. The merciful will obtain mercy, the pure in heart will see God, and the peacemakers are identified as God's children. The longings of our souls and characters are all met by God.

 

The practical needs of "knowledge and discretion." are met, too (Eph.1:8). Wisdom is knowledge focused toward useful application, and prudence is the ability to develop successful activities based on wisdom. The Word of God is the source of wisdom (Deut.4:1-6; Prov.1:1-6) and is inspired of God to be "... profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (II Tim.3:16-17).

 

Furthermore, "He has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of His will," (Eph.1:9). "kept secret" in the days of the Old Testament prophets (see Rom.16:25-26), it is now made clear to us so that "through the church, the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. " (Eph.3:10). These spiritual resources are available for every believer "for the common good." (I Cor.12:7). Let us pray that we do not waste these resources like the "wicked and slothful" servant in the parables of the talents and the pounds (Matt.25:26; Luke 19:22).

Learning to love the Word.

It was a few days ago that I reached that part of Psalm 119 in which each line begins with the Hebrew letter "mem" - marked in my Bible as vs.97-104. The whole psalm, as previously mentioned, has to do with the Word of God - which, for the psalmist was, of course, predominantly the Torah as recorded by Moses: the first five books of our 'Old' Testament.

In the margin of the copy of the Bible that I use for my personal devotions, I have noted four particular steps that the psalmist followed, and that we would do well to follow today.

The first step is to love the Word. The psalmist writes: "Oh, how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day." (v.97). What a wonderful attitude to God's Word. To be able to say that we actually love it! Not just read it because we feel that it is expected of us. Not just to read it because it is a 'good habit'. Not just to read it so that we may boast about how clever we are. But to read it because we love it! And to have it at the forefront of my mind throughout the day! I think of other things, and people, that are the objects of my love - and then I  have to ask where God's Word fits into my life? Last month, my wife was back in Scotland for two weeks. I was still here in SW France. Because I love my wife, I missed her, and thought of her constantly - but would I have missed my Bible as much if it had been taken away from me for even just those two weeks; do I think of God's Word all day? These are questions that only I can answer for me - and that you may wish to answer for yourself, in your own situation.

Of course, if we love the Word, then we will wish to learn from it. That's what the psalmist did. "Thy commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers; for Thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged,for I keep Thy precepts" (vs.98-100). At first sight, this might appear to be a boast by the psalmist - but that is not the case. He is merely saying, in a different way, what the writer of Psalm 111 (possibly David) wrote: "The fear of YHWH is the beginning of wisdom;"(v.10). There is a great difference between knowledge and wisdom! I read an amusing explanation recently - "Knowledge is being aware that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not serving it with custard"! The psalmist may not have held as much knowledge as his elders and teachers, or even his enemies - but his love for the Word ensured that he had reverence for its Author, and that gave him true wisdom.

Loving the Word, and learning from it, leads to obedience. "I hold back my feet from every evil way,

in order to keep Thy word. I do not turn aside from Thine ordinances, for Thou hast taught me." (vs. 101-102). James reminds us that "... if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who observes his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing." (1:23-25). How easy it is to rush through our 'set passage' for the day - and then go off and forget what we had read! That, by the way, is why this psalmist refers to meditation! That simply means giving some meaningful thought to what we have read; seeking to discover what the Lord is saying to us, personally!

All of this has an inevitable conclusion: "How sweet are Thy words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way." (vs. 103-104).  The word that I have written in the margin of my Bible here is "Enjoyment". It is when we love the Word; learn from the Word; and obey the Word; that we will enjoy the Word. The prophet Ezekiel had a similar experience. In his prophetic book he records that YHWH spoke to him and said "... eat what is offered to you; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel." So I opened my mouth, and He gave me the scroll to eat. And He said to me, "Son of man, eat this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it." Then I ate it; and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey." (3:1-3).  Honey, of course, is not just something that is beautifully sweet. It is the "instant energy" food. And our reading, and loving, and learning from, and obeying, the Word of God will not only be sweetness in our lives, but will also provide us with spiritual energy in our constant battle against the enemy. 

May all who read this post, be also found reading His Word - for your good, and for His glory.

The philoso­phers' stone.

The philoso­phers' stone - sometimes referred to as the stone of wisdom - was the name that me­dieval al­chemists gave to a sub­stance, believed to be a stone, that has the abil­i­ty to trans­form base met­als into the no­blest of met­als – gold. However, the concept of a stone was gradually replaced by an elixir and, for cen­turies, sci­en­tists were pos­sessed by the idea of cre­at­ing this di­vine elixir, which could also heal peo­ple from dis­ease and grant them im­mor­tal­i­ty. However, they were actually looking for a mystical oasis that did not, and does not, exist!

Yet the answer was staring them in the face! In John 4, the apostle records the encounter between the Lord Jesus and a Samaritan woman, at the well outside the Samarian city of Sychar - a well that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. In that record we are introduced to the true Fountain of Life that never runs dry, and that always imparts eternal vitality to all who, by faith, partake of its sin-cleansing properties. (see vs.13-14).

When we are redeemed (bought back) through the sacrificial, and atoning, death of the Lord Jesus, He so fills us with "living water" that, if we are living what Watchman Nee called "The Normal Christian Life" (sadly, not very 'normal' in the 'western' church!), we spill over in a witness that produces results for Father God. It is sad that so many believers - including yours truly! - have so many of the valves of our spiritual hearts obstructed by "the things of this world" that the precious flow is restricted, and only an occasional drop is dispensed to unsaved family members, colleagues, and friends.

In our front garden we have our own well. It requires "servicing" before we could properly use it, but one thing that I have noticed is that the water level never drops! It is continually replenished through the local water table. So the Lord Jesus, the Fountain of salvation, not only quenches our spiritual thirst, but gives us such an abundance of Holy Spirit that we, in turn, should be able to dispense the water of life to thirsty sinners!

If you are a believer, are you such a clear channel that the grace you have received overflows freely to others? Am I? Or are sin, and self, clogging our testimony? 

... and a thought: "Instead of being rivers that flow continually, some Christians are like taps that drip occasionally".

A clear conscience.

An Indian was asked by a Bible translating missionary to define the word "conscience". After having thought for a minute, the man pointed a finger at his breast and said: "It is a little three-cornered thing in here. When I do evil, it turns around and hurts very much. However, if I keep on doing wrong, its sharp edges wear off, until it doesn't bother me any more." 

There was a lot of wisdom in those words, and his definition was amazingly accurate! If I disregard the warnings of my conscience, and continue in sinful practices, then that conscience can be impaired. If I abuse my conscience, it becomes "seared" and useless. So Paul writes to Timothy: "The Spirit says clearly that in later times some believers will desert the Christian faith. They will follow spirits that deceive, and they will believe the teachings of demons. These people will speak lies disguised as truth. Their consciences have been scarred as if branded by a red-hot iron." (I Tim.4:1-2). This is why we must never callously allow ourselves to mute the pleadings of our own consciences!

However, valuable as this "internal monitor" may be, we must admit that it has become dulled by mankind's fall into sin. No longer can it be an infallible guide to right conduct. It needs to be enlightened, and sensitised, by our being born anew of God the Holy Spirit, through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, the Son, by the grace and love of the Father. We then need to keep it in good condition by our daily reading, and studying, of the written Word of God, and by daily communion with Almighty God in prayer. Only then can we follow the leading of our consciences with safety!

When a disciple of Jesus does find this inner voice accusing him/her of wrong deeds, or words, or thoughts - or, indeed, of the failure to do, and speak, and think as we ought! - then we must come before the throne of grace and, confessing our sins - of omission as much as commission - before our heavenly Father; receive the forgiveness that was gained for us at Calvary; and seek the ongoing sanctification that is available to us by the work of God ther Holy Spirit in our lives. I have a little home-made, laminated, plaque on my study wall - just above the desk at which I sit for my devotions. It is a play on words in the English langiage, and reads: "In this life I shall never be sinless; but, by the grace of God, I may sin less!" (emphasis not in the original!).

Perverse attitudes, and evil practices, cloud the spirit when we resist the "soft whisper" that warns. It is only as we ask the Lord to cleanse us anew, and allow His Word to direct us , that we may say, with Paul as he made his defence before the Roman governor Felix: "... I do my best always to have a clear conscience toward God and all people." (Acts 24:16). As someone has said: "Conscience can only be our compass if the Word of God is its chart."

You're never too old!

As we travelled south, this afternoon, my wife's 'phone rang. It was a friend, passing on some exciting news. Another friend - of even longer standing - had proposed to her; she had accepted; and they are now formally engaged to be married. We were both so excited for them, and were delighted to send our congratulations.

So what was unusual about this situation? Simply that each of them is soon, D.V., to be 84 years of age! Each of them is widowed, but they knew one another many decades ago, met again, and have been constant companions for some time now. We are now looking forward to the wedding - which we suspect will be sooner rather than later. We certainly trust that they will be spared to one another for many years. However, their story proves that it is never too late to fall in love - or to be married!

As we continued our journey, I found myself thinking of another relationship for which we are never too old - a vital relationship with our Creator, through the sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus, on the cross. It's a relationship that is sometimes analogised (is that a new word that I have coined?!) by marriage - but it is far, far better. And you are never too old! A thief on a cross discovered this, almost 2,000 years ago. We don't know his exact age - but we do know that he knew that he had only hours to live. Yet the Lord Jesus was able to assure him that he would be in paradise with the Saviour. (Luke 23:43).

First of all, it is better because it is a relationship with Almighty God - the sinless and holy One Who inhabits eternity; Who is omnipotent (all-powerful), and omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipresent (present everywhere, simultaneously). He is infinite love, goodness, justice, wisdom, creative power, inexhaustible riches of excellence; unity, self existence, grace, and providence. His ways are above and beyond our ways, and His thoughts are above and beyond our thoughts. He is, indeed, beyond our human comprehension. However, He has graciously revealed Himself to us in the Persona (not a typo - see my book "Great Words ...", and the chapter on the Trinity. Details above) of the Son, even Jesus, the Christ. What a relationship it is. How amazing that He would even consider entering into it with sinful, mortal humans such as you and me!

Secondly, it is eternal. Our friends may have a number of years of happiness together. However, eventually, if the rapture of the saints of God is delayed, each of them will die and, like their former spouses, be buried. The relationship between the Triune God and those who are adopted into His family, never ends. They spend eternity in His glorious presence, in a sinless existence that our mortal minds are incapable of comprehending.

It is always a joy when a couple, whatever their ages, enter into a relationship such as that of our two (not-so-)young friends. However, it is an even greater joy when someone enters into a genuine relationship with Father God; through the Jesus the Son; empowered by God the Holy Spirit. Indeed, the very angels in heaven rejoice (see Luke 15:10). Have you yet entered into that relationship? It is a sad fact of life that human relationships change, and even disintegrate. A genuine relationship with Jesus never does - He has promised, and He always keeps His promises!

The way of the cross.

While speaking with a friend, earlier this week, he made the point that too many in the church today don't preach the Gospel of salvation.  "All that I hear", he stated, "is that we should 'love one another' and be nice, kind, people.  That," he said,"is not the Gospel."!

He certainly had a point!  We may learn a number of things about the Gospel of salvation by observing the actions of the two who were crucified with Jesus.   For example, it is possible to want salvation, and yet not experience it.  Luke provides the record: "One of the criminals who were hanged railed at Him, saying, 'Are you not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!'" (Luke 23:39).  

Paul assures us, in his letter to the infant church in Rome, that "every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved." (Rom 10:13). Why, then, was this particular man lost?  We may see three reasons:

1. he was thinking only about physical deliverance;

2. his plea was not genuine.  Luke informs us that he "railed" at the Lord Jesus. That's a word that may be defined as "reviled or scolded in harsh, insolent, or abusive language."  Some other translations use terms such as "scoffed" (NLT); "hurled insults" (NIV); "spoke insultingly" (Darby).

3. he didn't want salvation by the way of the cross.  He cried out: "Save Yourself and us!'".  What he didn't realise was that if the Lord Jesus had come down from the cross, He could not have rescued others!  

Again, writing to the Roman believers, Paul assures them that "... God shows His love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us." (Rom 5:8; emphasis added).  The anonymous writer of the Letter to Hebrew disciples of Jesus tells us that "... without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." (Heb 9:22; emphasis added).

Yet, in spite of these clear instructions in the written Word of God, many appear not to want anything to do with the message of the needed sacrificial work of the Christ. They call it a "bloody" Gospel - and it is!  They would rather talk about Jesus' life, teachings, and example.  Now, it is true that the Saviour's life is important; His teachings are an absolute storehouse of wisdom and truth; His example is worthy of being followed by all.  However, it is not only through His life, but also His death and resurrection, that salvation and forgiveness can be offered to a guilty world.

The other malefactor came as we all must come - in humility and faith.  Luke continues the record: "But the other rebuked him, saying, 'Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.'  And he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.'" (Luke 23:40-42).  What a difference in attitude!  And he received a response from the Saviour: "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." (Luke 23:42).

If you wish to reach heaven, you cannot avoid the way of the cross.  It's the place where, as Graham Kendrick reminds us in one of his songs, "wrath and mercy meet" - where the sins of the world, and the love of Almighty God, met in the redemptive encounter.  It is only "... the blood of Jesus, His Son ...", John reminds us, that "... cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7).

Have you been "washed in the blood of the Lamb?"  Have you come by the way of the cross?!

The Ten Words (3)

The third commandment is simple and straightforward: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain." (Ex 20:7).

The most obvious - and, sadly, frequent - way in which this commandment is broken by so many is in the use of the title 'God' as an expletive, or swear-word.  Of course, there is a tendency at the present time, to think that one is getting around that by using initials.  So I notice, on many social media pages the letters "OMG".  Indeed, I recently noticed those same letters as part of the name of a shop!  I doubt that any reader of this post needs me to 'translate'.

A more recent translation renders this commandment as: “You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not acquit anyone who misuses His name.” (NRSV).  Such a translation emphasises that such thoughtless use of 'God' is unacceptable.  Of course, for the disciple of Jesus, who believes that He is God the Son, it is just as unacceptable to use His name or, indeed, His title (the Christ) in an irreverent manner.

It's all to do with respect!  One modern commentator on these words writes: "If God is the greatest Being in the universe, then His name is the greatest name, and must be honoured (respected)." (Warren Wiersbe).  Respect is the cornerstone of good relationships. The quality of our relationship with God depends on both the love and regard we have for Him; and on the way we express respect for Him in the presence of others. We are expected always to honour Who and What He is. Conversely, the use of God's name in a flippant, degrading or in any way disrespectful manner expresses an attitude of disdaining the relationship we are supposed to have with Him.

Then again, one's name is not only that which is written on one's birth certificate.  We also use the expression to refer to a person's character.  Thus, it may be said of a particular man that "He's got a bad name".  This is not suggesting that John, or Harry, or Timothy, or whatever, is somehow inherently bad.  It is stating that the person in question has a bad reputation.  It is a warning that the person is one who is not to be trusted.  When we use the name of any of the Personae in the Godhead, in an unworthy manner we are, in effect, impugning His character - making Him out to be less than He is!

In the end, it is not enough just to avoid misusing God's name. He wants us to love and respect Him in every way.  Such honouring of Him begins in our thoughts. We must know Who and What He is. We must know what He requires of us and why. We should admire His attributes - His wisdom, love, fairness, and justice. We need to stand in awe of His power and recognise that our very existence depends on His goodness. We should talk with Him in prayer every day, giving Him thanks and praise; openly expressing our appreciation for all that He gives us. We should read His word as a means of getting to know Him better.  We should acknowledge His greatness. We should ask Him to create in us His way of thinking and character. We should request the power of His Spirit to enable us to obey and serve Him "with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." (Matt 22:37)

We honour God most of all by loving Him so much that we desire above all things to be like Him and to accurately represent Him to everyone who sees or knows us. If we have that mind in us, then even the thought of ever misrepresenting or disgracing His name will be repulsive to us. It will then be our strongest resolve to never, but never, take His name in vain!

I don't believe it!

Apologies to TV character, Victor Meldrew, for the heading!  However, I have just received a comment on a friend's Facebook page, that was directed at me, and which I can't recall having had said to me ever before.  It was just two words long: "Damn you!"

Now, if I have your attention, I must add that it was not said in any nasty way.  The reason behind it was that our mutual friend had put up one of these "Check your IQ" posts and I had come up with a nice 132 (placing me, I was assured, in the top 2% of the population.  And many of you think that I am just a pretty face!).  The other person had only managed 118.  My friend, by the way, managed 122, but these 'tests' are not always 100% accurate themselves, and even IQ isn't all that it is sometimes cracked up to be!

Of course, the Bible has a particular slant on knowledge.  In the ancient book of Proverbs, we read that: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;" (Prov 1:7).  It must be noted that the Hebrew word translated 'fear', has nothing to do with being afraid, but refers to having a healthy reverence for Almighty God.  So, true knowledge, according to the written Word of God, begins with our relationship with Him!  That relationship can only be based on our relationship with the Lord Jesus, the Christ, God the Son [for an explanation of the Trinity, see my book: details at the top of the page!].

But there is also wisdom - and the two words are not synonymous!  The same book of Proverbs has much to say about wisdom, also: "Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding, for the gain from it is better than gain from silver and its profit better than gold." (Prov 3:13-14).

I have known many who have a great deal of knowledge; I have known fewer who have real understanding; I know only a few who have wisdom.  It is something that comes, usually, with age and experience.  That is perhaps one reason why the agèd apostle, Paul, writing to his son in the faith, Timothy, and advising him with regard to the running of a fellowship of disciples of Jesus, told him: "Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, ..." (I Tim 5:22).  In other words, he was not to 'promote' those who had only recently become followers of Jesus to positions of responsibility within the Church - an injunction, I would add, that ought to be taken to heart in our contemporary society!

So, I have (allegedly) an IQ of 132.  Very nice.  But do I have Godly wisdom?  That is of much greater importance.  And what about you?!

It should, perhaps, be noted that the book of Proverbs (and, indeed, the whole of the Bible) has many more references to both 'knowledge' and 'wisdom'.  It would be a worthwhile study to look at all of them - over a period of time.  Doing so might even help to make one wise!

New Year Resolutions

With only a couple of days left before the end of this year, I wonder how many have been thinking about their New Year Resolutions?  It's an old tradition - the practice of making New Year’s resolutions goes back over 3,000 years to the ancient Babylonians. There is just something about the start of a new year that gives us the feeling of a fresh start and a new beginning, an opportunity to make a determined effort to be a 'better' person.  In reality, there is no difference between December 31st and January 1st. Nothing mystical occurs at midnight on December 31st.

The Bible speaks neither for nor against the concept of New Year’s resolutions. Personally, I have only made one that I have managed to keep for more than a few months.  That was when I resolved never to make any more!  However, if a disciple of Jesus does determine to make a New Year’s resolution, what kind of resolution should he or she make? 

Many Christians make New Year’s resolutions to pray more; to read the Bible every day; and to attend worship services more regularly. No-one could deny that these are fantastic goals. However, these New Year’s resolutions fail just as often as the non-spiritual resolutions, because there is no power in a New Year’s resolution. Resolving to start or stop doing a certain activity has no value unless you have the proper motivation for stopping or starting that activity. For example, why do you want to read the Bible every day? Is it to honour God and grow spiritually, or is it just because you have heard that it is a good thing to do? Even in a more physical situation, why do you want, for example, to lose weight? Is it to honour God with your body, or is it for vanity, to honour yourself?

So, what sort of New Year’s resolution should a Christian make? Here are some suggestions:

(1) pray to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) in regards to what resolutions, if any, He would have you make;
(2) pray for wisdom as to how to fulfil the goals God gives you;
(3) rely on God’s strength to help you;
(4) find an 'accountability partner' who will help you and encourage you;
(5) don’t become discouraged with occasional failures; instead, allow them to motivate you further; (6) don’t become proud or vain, but give God the glory.

Psalm 37:5-6 says, “Commit your way to YHWH; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”

Now that's a good resolution to make - at any time of the year!

Of cars!

On our way back from neighbouring Wishaw, late this afternoon, my wife had to visit a couple of shops.  My presence not being required, I sat outside, in the car, and listened to some good music emanating from the ICE equipment (how many understand the acronym?).

After the first stop, as I indicated that I was pulling out on to the main road, I realised that the power-steering was not operating, and that the battery icon was showing on the dashboard display.  I drove round a corner for my wife's next stop, and had a look at the battery connections.  All appeared to be well.  I nursed the car back home as, one by one, additional icons lit up, and various functions ceased to operate!   Having 'home-start' cover on my breakdown plan, I then 'phoned for assistance.  When the young gentleman arrived, he quickly informed me that the alternator had packed in!

The annoying thing about that news is the fact that it was replaced, in France, in July - at what was, to me (and my local mechanic) an exorbitant cost.  The car is only five years old, with a mere 51,000 miles on the clock, so I am more than a little peeved.  The alternator will have to be replaced - I need the car - but the question then is: do I keep paying out from a limited cash supply, or do I replace?  I try to be a good steward of my finances, and would want to make a wise decision, and one that would be honouring to God.

Of course, any financial decision can be tough.  Billy Graham is recorded as having said "If a person gets his/her attitude toward money straight, it will help to straighten out almost every other area in life."!  In doing some clearing out, this evening, I came across some ideas worth considering when faced with decisions regarding money:

Check to ensure that you are following God's priorities.  Are you giving to Him, and to others? (I Cor.16:2).  Are you taking care of family needs? (I Tim.5:8).  Are you taking care that money doesn't control your life? (Lk,16:13).

Research the situation. Consider all of the options, and the pros and cons of each one.

Ask God for wisdom.  Pray, pray, and then pray some more.  He will direct you as you submit to His will in your life. (Prov.2:6).

Trust God, and make the decision.  I recall,many years ago, a friend who had not long been converted speaking with me.  In the conversation regarding a potential initiative by the fellowship with which he had become involved, he informed me that the Lord had spoken to him.  "He told me," he went on," that it was time to stop praying, and start obeying."!  Often, we must use the wisdom and knowledge that we have gained - and commit our decision to Him.

Whether, or not, the decision is a financial one, obedience to God nurtures a growing 'love-and-trust' relationship with Him.  Each decision may be seen as an opportunity to draw closer to Him.

Got a decision to make?  Don't forget to allow the Lord to be a major part of your decision-making process!

Wisdom, or knowledge?

In one track by my favourite Gaither Vocal Band (that's the one with David Phelps, Guy Penrod, and Mark Lowry!) Mark Lowry sings the words: "Deep inside me, there's a yearning for true wisdom, not just learning."  Those words came to mind, on Monday, when I read the report about Prof Stephen Hawking's opinion of heaven (and, one may presume, hell!)

According to The Telegraph newspaper, the "... eminent Cambridge scientist and cosmologist has dismissed heaven as a 'fairy story for people afraid of the dark'"  He also "... rejected the idea of life beyond death and emphasised what he described as the need to fulfil our potential on Earth by making good use of our lives."

The article continues to inform us that Prof Hawking regards "... the brain as a computer which will stop working when its components fail." and that "... tiny 'quantum fluctuations' in the very early universe became the seeds from which galaxies, stars and, ultimately, human life began."  However, in common with all of the humanistic atheists who have become so prominent in our contemporary 'western' culture, the professor fails to go back to the "First Cause".  Something, or Someone, designed the very quantum mechanics to which Prof Hawking appeals.  The bottom line, I would suggest, is that there is either an eternal, uncreated, piece of matter from which all that is has evolved; or an eternal, uncreated, Being - to Whom, in the English language, we give the nomenclature 'God' - Who created all that is by His own power.  I know which of those two possibilities I find more reasonable, and reassuring!

There is, of course, the story that is based on the well-known "Pascal's Wager".  A certain Atheist lecturer was travelling around ridiculing those who were foolish enough to believe in the existence of a supernatural Being, and in the Bible as the Word of God.  On one occasion, as he addressed a group, he hurled a challenge at God.  "If You exist, then strike me dead!"  As he stood there, very much alive, he turned to his audience and exclaimed: "See, there is no God."

A woman rose to her feet, and spoke to the lecturer.  "Sir," she said, "I cannot answer your arguments; your learning is beyond me.  You are an educated man while I am merely a working woman.  With your superior knowledge, will you please answer me one question?"  On receiving the lecturer's assent, she continued, "I have been a believer in Christ for many years.  I have rejoiced in the salvation He has provided for me, and I have enjoyed my Bible.  His presence has been a tremendous joy.  If when I die, there is nothing - no Father God, no Lord Jesus, no salvation, the Bible just a collection of old legends - tell me, sir, what have I lost by believing in Christ during this life?"

The room was very quiet; the audience quickly grasping the logic of the woman's question.  The lecturer answered, in quiet tones: "Madam, you won't stand to lose a thing."  "You have been very kind, and have answered my question." responded the woman.  "Permit me to ask you one more.  If, when the time comes for you to die, you discover that the Bible is true; that there is a God, and that Jesus is the Son; that there is a heaven and a hell - tell me, sir, what have you to lose?"

The Atheist was silent.  He had no answer.

Prof Hawking may have a tremendous IQ; he is certainly a lot more clever, and a lot more knowledgeable than I.  However, I do question his wisdom - or lack thereof.  Pascal's Wager is not an evangelistic tool - but it does spell out the consequences of the basic choice that each of us makes, whether deliberately, or by default.  I trust that you will make the right choice, and discover the joy of eternal life, here and now.  You don't have to be clever to be wise!

A "secular" Bible!

There I was, casually listening to the closing minutes of this morning's "Today" programme on BBC Radio 4.  Suddenly, my ears pricked up as John Humphrys, the presenter, announced that the well-known atheist, and humanist philosopher, A.C.Grayling had just had published a "secular Bible".  That sounded like an oxymoron, and my attention was guaranteed.

It's true! The official title of the volume is "The Good Book: A Secular Bible".  Mr Humprys (himself, at best, an agnostic) read a few verses from the King James (Authorised) Version of the real Bible, and Mr Grayling then read the "equivalent" passage from his own book.  Both of them had the good grace to agree that the language of the KJV was much more majestic.

However, it's not the language of any particular version of the Bible that is important - it's the message; and it never changes.  Dr Giles Fraser, a regular contributor to the daily "Thought for the Day", and Canon Chancellor of St Paul's Cathedral was at hand to debate with Mr Grayling.  However, I was rather disappointed as he seemed to think that humour was the best defence of the written Word of God!

Mr Grayling's book, according to Bloomsbury, the publishers, draws "... on the wisdom of 2,500 years of contemplative non-religious writing on all that it means to be human – from the origins of the universe to small matters of courtesy and kindness in everyday life – A. C. Grayling, Britain’s most popular and widely read philosopher, has created a secular bible.  Designed to be read as narrative and also to be dipped into for inspiration, encouragement and consolation, The Good Book offers a thoughtful, non-religious alternative to the many people who do not follow one of the world’s great religions. Instead, going back to traditions older than Christianity, and far richer and more various, including the non-theistic philosophical and literary schools of the great civilisations of both West and East, from the Greek philosophy of classical antiquity and its contemporaneous Confucian, Mencian and Mohist schools in China, down through classical Rome, the flourishing of Indian and Arab worlds, the European Renaissance and Enlightenment, the worldwide scientific discoveries of the 19th and 20th centuries to the present, Grayling collects, edits, rearranges and organises the collective secular wisdom of the world in one highly readable volume.
Contents: Genesis; Proverbs; Histories; Songs; Wisdom; Acts; The Lawgiver; Lamentations; Concord; Consolations; Sages; The Good; Parables." 

However, what Mr Grayling apparently fails utterly to do is to deal with the condition of mankind.  I was so disappointed that Dr Fraser failed to make any mention of the root problem of mankind - that which we call sin!  Sin, according to my memory of the Shorter Catechism, "... is any transgression of, or want of conformity to, the Law of God."  That covers both sins of commission, and of omission.  Of course we may learn from the great philosophers of the past.  One of Mr Grayling's favourites would appear to be the Greek, Seneca - a contemporary of the apostle Paul.  I recall, as an undergraduate, doing some essay work on Seneca  - and discovering that his thinking was so close to that of the New Testament, that I wondered if he had, in fact, like Paul, become a follower of the Way (Who is Jesus)!  Perhaps Mr Grayling should do some deeper research into Seneca's writings!

This newly-published volume may have been named "the Good Book" - but it will not explain the sinfulness of mankind; it will not point me to the only sufficient remedy for sin; it will not show me a God Who loves me so much that, in the Persona of the Son, He was willing to suffer death for me. 

I don't believe that it was mere coincidence that, when I went up to my study for my time of private devotions, the little book that I am currently using had, for today "The Wisdom in God's Word"!  Here is the opening paragraph: "We treasure Scripture.  It's God's inspired Word, and it teaches us the way to true life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.  Indeed, it is the source of a wisdom that goes beyond that of the wisest philosophers (I Corinthians 1:20).  Bu this fact is rarely acknowledged in pour culture." 

"... a wisdom that goes beyond that of the wisest philosophers."  And that even includes A.C.Grayling.  I think that I'll stick with the original Bible - not just the "Good Book", but the "Best"!

Pascal's Wager!

Well, I had to quickly think of a suitable heading!! I had intended posting on a different topic, but having earlier got involved in a "Facebook Forum" on the page of a former pupil, and personal friend, I've decided to use some of the material published there - mostly from my own contributions!

My young friend (no names will be used!) had, somewhat vociferously, complained that she had not been successful in a particular job application because, although her qualifications and experience were acceptable, the fact that she is not (and, to give her credit, makes no pretense to be) a Christian! Well, that really started something!

My first foray was to state: "Sorry (Name), but you may be assured that an atheist organisation wouldn't employ me!! It works both ways. You have told us the kind of work involved, but still have avoided the direct question as to WHO you were applying to! I agree with (Name). Indeed, I wouldn't want to work in a place in which my personal viewpoint was diametrically opposed to the general ethos of the organisation!
You may well have been prepared to just do the job, but there are many who are concerned that some would "infiltrate" and endeavour to undermine the ethos from the inside. I would probably have said exactly the same in the same circumstances - but I hope that you don't think that I "... still live in the Middle Ages." :-)

However, it was some of the ensuing comments that really set me off in 'preaching mode'!! - as follows: "I don't think that I know you, (Name), but may I suggest that you have a look at a site such as http://www.opendoorsuk.org/ to learn something of the sort of people whom you appear to think "... ain't got the balls to believe in themselves"?! As far as your "... being better than everyone else." jibe is concerned; making such a statement merely demonstrates your personal ignorance (in the correct meaning of the word i.e. 'lack of knowledge') of true Christianity. It is my awareness of my own sinfulness, and my inability - even after the many years that I have been around - to do anything about it myself, that drives me to the One Who voluntarily gave His own life in my place. I'm not 'better than anyone else' - I'm just a sinner, saved by the overwhelming grace of God.
You may have heard of Blaise Pascal - the 17th century French mathematician, physicist, inventor, philosopher, and writer. He once posed a question that has become known as 'Pascal's wager'. It simply suggests that if someone like you (based on the evidence above!) is right and, when I die, there is nothingness, then what does it matter? I have led a contented, fulfilled and, I would claim, useful life. I would not even be aware that I had been "wrong"! However if, when you die, you discover that I - and millions like me - am right, it is too late, according to the teaching of the Bible (one of the best-attested books in the world, btw) for you to do anything about it.
I had to leave my computer rather abruptly earlier, but (Name) has already made some of the points that I was going to make.
(Name) - if I was to apply for a job with an overtly atheistic organisation, whilst revealing my personal Christian committment, you may be certain that they would find some way to ensure that I did not come in as a possible 'troublemaker'!
(Name) - please don't judge Christianity by the nominality that is so prevalent in a country like this one! Check out the site mentioned above; do a Google search on 'the persecuted church'; check on the figures for church growth in other parts of the world! The Gospel has been progressing for nigh on 2,000 years - in spite of the efforts of people like Nicolae Ceauşescu in Romania (to give just one example!).

(Name) - I wish that you had asked me to be a referee for you for that post. I might have advised you not to go aead with the application!
Apologies for my own rant (but, hey, (Name) and (Name) know that, once I start, I'm hard to stop!!)"

So why share all of this here? Simply because I believe it highlights much of the misunderstanding about the Christian faith, that is so prevalent in our 'sophisticated' western, materialistic, culture. Now, I know that some of the blame may be laid at the feet of the Emperor Constantine for making Christianity "respectable" - and thus setting in motion that nominality that has plagued the true Church (every disciple of Jesus) down through the centuries. This is one of my reasons for this blog - that I might endeavour to demonstrate that the true Christian message is relevant to even 21st-century men and women. How good a job am I doing? Well, that is for others to judge! Thankfully, I will not be judged by the Lord on my success, but on my faithfulness.

By the way, I have just rejected a comment on an earlier post - because it came from that weak, cowardly, character who signs him/herself as "Anonymous". If you haven't got the guts to use your name - or a pseudonym of which I am already aware, and that does instantly identify you to me - then don't waste your time leaving a comment. It will also be rejected!

The waiting continues!

So, Mr Brown has finally 'got the message', and has given a public assurance that he will resign as soon as a new government is formed. And there, as Shakespeare's Hamlet would say, is the rub! Because, as I type, there seems to be no sign of any firm agreement coming out of the lengthy, cross-party, discussions that are going on. Indeed, the water might be said to have been muddied by the news that, after however many hours of talking with the Conservatives, Mr Clegg's LibDems are also holding conversations with the Labour Party. There are those who are suggesting that Mr Brown's announced departure from the leadership of the Labour Party is a calculated move to enable the LibDems - whose leader was so public about not propping up Mr Brown, in government - to cosy up to the Labour Party.

It is all a bit of a mess! Yet, what can we expect from those who appear to be so determined, in spite of all of the evidence of past failures, to depend on their own perceived wisdom, and ability.

The Bible has a great deal to say about wisdom - which, by the way, is not totally synonymous with knowledge and understanding! Almost every chapter of the Old Testament book of Proverbs has a number of references to it. It is seen as something that: comes from the Lord (2:6 inter al); is of great importance (4:7); is a characteristic of those who do have understanding (10:13); and is of more value than even gold (16:16).

It is seen as just as important in the New Testament writings. It was to be one of the attributes of the earliest deacons (Acts 6:3); it is linked with 'spiritual understanding' (Col.1:9); it is differentiated from worldy 'wisdom', being "... first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." (James 3:17, NKJV).

It must surely be our prayer that those most directly involved in this ongoing situation be filled with that wisdom - the wisdom that comes from God alone.