In the Beginning, Pt 2 ...!

In the previous post, we looked at the first 19 verses of the 1st chapter of the Book of Genesis (the Book of Beginnings). As we continue, let us imagine that we are an audience. We are in our seats. The Overture has finished, and the curtain has gone up to reveal the backdrop. Now, from "stage left" and "stage right"; from above, and below; the characters enter. First of all there is the crowd scene; then the heroes arrive on stage.

The Creator has made an environment that is capable of supporting life. Now, He lets loose a flurry of fin, feather, and fur  to fill it. Do notice that human beings don't get a creation day to themselves, being created on the sixth day with all of the other «beasts of the earth» (Gen.1:25) - the creatures that inhabited the land. From one perspective, we are a part pf the animal creation.

However, Almighty God planned a very special role for us in the world. «Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” ... And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.”» (vs. 26, 28). He appointed us to be His agents, or stewards, to run the planet for Him. This is the work He has designed us to do. 

But that is not all. He also desires that we reflect His own character! «Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; ... So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.» (vs.26, 27). Being like God means treating the natural world both responsibly and constructively. Notice, too, that in spite of the claims of some in our contemporary world, there were, and are, only two genders - male and female. That is the Biblical position and, I would contend, the position of common sense and observation! What does it mean to be «created in His image»? That, too, is a subject on its own, and something to which I may return!

He also created us to rest with Him. «And on the seventh day God finished His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all His work which He had done in creation.» (2:2-3). God's "rest" is not idleness! He has finished a perfect job - «And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good.» (1:31; emphasis added) - so there is no more creating to do. Of course, He has been busy ever since, with other work - sustaining, guiding, feeding, etc. He is not the "god who creates, and then ignores" that some propose! And we must never forget His great work of redemption through the death of the Lord Jesus on the cross at Calvary, and His glorious resurrection. But the Creator built into human nature the need to make one day of the week different - to break off from our daily work, to celebrate His work, and to turn to things for which there may be no time on other days.

Sadly, as we look around, we see much abuse of God's plan for the world. We see exploitation of the environment, and cruelty to animals. We see indignities to people who are made in His image, including man's dominance over women, rather than partnership with them. We see waste and misuse. We see some who have little or nothing, while others have far more than they need. How can this be? That is a question that the Book of Genesis answers shortly - but it is for another post!

In the beginning ...!

The title of this post, many will have instantly realised, is the opening words, in most English language translations, of Genesis - the Book of Beginnings. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters." (Gen 1:1-2). That is the Revised Standard Version (my personal favourite), but I checked more than fifty versions, and found less than five that had slightly different words! The first eleven chapters of that book show what Almghty God, the Creator, had in mind when He made us, and explains why we think and feel as we do. In a world of chaos, we have - whether, or not, we consciously recognise it - a deep instinct to get back to the order and harmony that God designed at the start. 

I am old enough to remember when, in the UK, there was "television" - just one channel, with a break every few hours. During those interludes, a number of items were used to fill the time, one of which was a potter at his wheel. Perhaps you have seen something similar! The potter starts with a shapeless lump of clay that is thrown on to the wheel. Then from what is an appalling-looking mess of clay and water, the fingers and hands of the potter fashion a beautiful container, or whatever. That is not a bad illustration of God at work in Genesis.

Almighty God made everything. "... the heavens and the earth ..." refers, in contemporary understanding, to the whole known universe. He started by making His raw material - ex nihilo ("from nothing"!). Before He spoke, it was chaotic, formless, empty, dark, and deep. But God's Spirit was hovering, like a mother-bird fluttering above her nest, stirring her young to fly, bringing what is incomplete to maturity.

Of course, before a play can be staged, there's a lot of work involved in designing, constructing, and painting the scenery. That is, in effect, what we see Almighty God doing next.

[If you have access to a copy of the Bible (and if you are reading this, then you must have access to at least an electronic version, or versions!), read Genesis 1:3-19.  Do so slowly, aloud, and carefully in order to "get a feel" for the rhythms, and for words that are repeated].

Many, sadly, get so caught-up with the length of the "days", that they miss out on the basic lesson - that the Creator has a well-planned 'working week' that sets a pattern, and a rhythm, for all of our work. For the record, by the way, I believe in six literal days for the Creation, but I would not make this, in itself, a major issue. What is more important, I would suggest, is that none of this happened just "by chance" - the only reason why the billions of years postulated by the evolutionist, are required! 

Read the passage again, and see how the heavenly Father, steadily and methodically, tackles the different elements of the chaos of the first two verses. On the first day, He puts darkness in its place, gives it a use, and creates light to control it. Then, on the second day, He parcels out the deep into sea and rain, with sky and space to keep them apart. So, we see that what was formless begins to take shape. To go back to our earlier picture, the lump of clay still requires a lot of work - but at least it is beginning to look like a pot rather than a plate!

On the third day, God starts filling what was empty - the sea with dry land, and the land with life-supporting vegetation. On the fourth, He works some more on the lighting. The darkness will be tamed, rather than total, and the two great lights are set to add rhythm and marker-posts to the orderly passage of time (itself, of course, a created entity!). God has now created the conditions in which animal, and human, life can exist.

But what has all of this to say to you and to me, living - at the very least - some 6,000 years later? Well, I wonder if you are going through a chaotic time in your life. We are certainly living in a chaotic world. May I recommend that you turn all such matters over to the One Who spoke, and it was so?! His timetable is different from ours, and a situation may appear not to change immediately. But He is working out His own purposes and, as we walk closely to, and with, Him, we will know that peace that only He can give. That, in itself, will help to bring order to our lives - and even to the lives of those around us.

The Romans Road

Over the past few weeks, we have been looking at what a disciple of Jesus really is. Now I know that many of those who receive these posts are already born-again of His Spirit. But there may be others who are not and who are now asking: "How do I become a disciple of Jesus - knowing that I may enjoy His presence; be able to share everything with Him; and trust Him, implicitly, in every situation?" That is the question with which I will deal in this post.

First of all, however, let me state that what follows is not something that I have "produced" myself. Indeed, I do not even know who first formulated it! However, it is based on Paul's letter to the early disciples of Jesus in Rome and, as such, has become known as "The Romans Road". Interestingly, during the week, I watched a video on YouTube on how the Romans constructed roads, many of which have survived until today. It is very brief, and may be worth watching at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1aFWtBXHII (you may have to "copy and paste"!). Regardless of that, I trust that the following will help - even if it is just one person!

The Romans Road - a well-engineered path to Salvation.

Although many people believe that they will go to heaven because of the 'good' things that they have done - living a good life; doing charity work; having been baptised (christened) as an infant; attended a worship service regularly; treated others fairly; or given financial support to "good works"; the Bible makes it perfectly clear that none of us is able to live up to the standards of righteousness that Almighty God has set. That means that we need a way to God that doesn't rely on anything that we may do, but on the gift of His grace alone. The Romans Road provides what we may refer to as a 'map' for our salvation, and eternal fellowship with Father God. There are seven steps:

1. You must acknowledge God as the Creator of everything, and accept your humble position in His created order and purpose. "Ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature, namely, His eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse; for although they knew God they did not honour Him as God or give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened." (1:20-21; see also Gen.1:1).

2. You must realise that you are a sinner, who needs forgiveness. Not one of us is worthy under God's standards. "For there is no distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (3:22-23; see also Gen.3:1-13).

3. Father God has provided the way by which we may receive that forgiveness. He showed us His love by coming into this world, in the Persona* of the Son Who became sin for us, and Who paid the penalty for your sins, and mine by dying on the cross for us - the perfect sacrifice. "But God shows His love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us." (5:8; see also Gen.3:14-15).

4. If we remain as sinners, we shall die - eternally. However, if we repent of our sins, and accept that salvation that was gained for us, at such great cost, at Calvary, acknowledging the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, we shall have eternal life. "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (6:23; see also Isaiah 59:2; John 3:16-18, 36).

5. You must share that Jesus, the Christ, is your Lord and Saviour, believing in your heart that the Father raised Him from the dead, and that you are truly saved in Him. "... if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved." (10:9-11; see also Ephesians 2:8-9).

6. That's just about it! There are no religious formulae or rituals. You simply, and sincerely, call upon His name, and you shall be saved! "For, «every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.»" (10:13; see also Acts 16:30-31; John 17:3). 

7. Determine, in your own heart, to make Jesus, the Christ, the Lord of your life - today, and every day. "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory for ever." (11:36; see also Acts 1:8). 

Well, that's the road - but are you ready to start walking on it, accepting God's Gift of salvation? If so, may I welcome you to the most wonderful family on earth! Oh, it's not perfect! I know that only too well - and I know that I am a part of the imperfection. But I would rather be a part of that family - which is the very Body of the Christ, on earth - than of any other group of people.

Finally, our good works do not save us - but once saved, there are certain things that we should do! 

• Tell someone else about your new-found faith in the Lord Jesus.
• Be baptised, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - as commanded by the Lord Jesus. (Matt.28:19)
• Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a very long period of time. Just develop the daily habit (without it becoming no more than a habit!) of praying, and reading God's Word. There are many useful books that will help you to structure your Bible reading in a helpful manner.  
• Find a Fellowship where the Bible is faithfully preached, and attend the worship services - developing a group of believing friends who will support you, and help you with questions you may have. 
• Support your Fellowship, and other Christian ministries, by your tithe and offerings.

If I can be of any personal assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at the e-mail address in the heading. May God bless you in your new life.

* This word, and many others, are explained fully in my first book: "Great Words of the Faith." There is a link to the site at which it may be purchased, at the top of the page. ALL royalties go directly to Release International, in support of the persecuted church.

What is a Christian - Pt.4

As we come to the end of this little series - well, there may be one more post that will be closely related! - may I remind you that a true Biblical Christian is one who enjoys a Presence, and who forms a practice. But such a person also trusts a promise.

The brief passage from Paul's letter to the Philippian believers with which we started, reads: "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 final sentence speaks to us of the adequacy the Christ brings. Peace is, among other things, having adequate resources.  If we are to know peace with regard to our finances, must have income that covers expenditure. That’s why, in periods of financial depression/recession so many have lost, not only material assets, but also peace.  And that was the point made by Charles Dickens, through his character Mr Micawber.  “Annual income twenty shillings; annual expenditure nineteen shillings and sixpence – result, happiness.  Annual income twenty shillings; annual expenditure twenty shillings and sixpence – result, misery!”

It’s a basic financial truth that politicians ought to understand, particularly those who are charged with being Chancellor of the Exchequer.  But this basic financial truth is no less true in the spiritual realm.  There must be adequate resources in our lives. But His very presence with us assures us of all that we need.  He brings us pardon for sin; power to resist temptation.  Gives us “Life with a capital L” to use the title of a book by the late Lyndsay Glegg; “life in all its fullness” (Jn10:10), to use the words of Jesus Himself.

“I can do all things” Paul shouts out a few sentences later (v13), “through Christ Who strengthens me” or, we might put it “through Christ Who gives me adequate resources.”  We can meet everything that life throws at us if He is beside us through the adequacy Christ brings, and  the anxiety He stills.

As we pray; as we share everything with Him, and realise that He is able, so our anxious hearts are stilled and quietened, and we truly know that “peace that is beyond human understanding” (v7); peace that is so precious that man’s mind, with all of its skill, and knowledge, and understanding, can never contrive it, or find it, or manufacture it.  It’s a peace that is only of God’s giving.  And the promise is that that peace “will keep constant guard over our hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus.” (v.7)

What is a Christian?  Someone who

Enjoys a Presence – even the presence of the Lord Jesus;

Forms a practice – of sharing everything with Him, in prayer and praise;

Trusts a promise – that He can provide all that is needful, and can still our hearts even in the midst of the fiercest storm.

It is wonderful, isn’t it, being a disciple of Jesus, a Christian in the Biblical sense?  If don’t recognise yourself in what we’ve shared, then please speak with someone whom you recognise as being a true disciple of the Lord Jesus. I, too, will be happy to assist anyone who asks.  If you do recognise yourself, then let’s show the real thing to those with whom we come in contact in our daily lives.  And to our great God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we’ll give all of the glory. 

What is a Christian - Pt. 3

 A Christian - a true disciple of Jesus - I suggested in the previous post, is someone who enjoys a Presence, even the Presence of the Lord Jesus. But such a person also, we discover, forms a practice.

The apostle Paul, shares this encouragement with us: “Rejoice in the Lord always; and, again I say, ‘Rejoice’” (Phil. 4:4). What not everyone realises is that he was writing while under "house arrest" in Rome. While that wasn't as bad as being in a prison cell, it was no picnic!  He would have been constantly chained to a Roman soldier and, while this was not as bad as the conditions in, for example, the Philippian jail where he spent a night alongside his partner in the Gospel, Silas, it was a loss of freedom. In addition, while modern prisons provide food, medicine, etc., ancient prisons provided almost nothing for prisoners.  To survive, a prisoner's family or friends had to bring him food, blankets, medicine, and other necessities. Not the sort of conditions in which any of us would wish to spend our summer holiday!!

Yet it’s almost as if Paul tells his amanuensis (scribe) to write “Rejoice”; stops; recalls the many hardships he had experienced as disciple of Jesus; and thinks of what he knew might lie ahead – his own beheading.  He thought of this young fellowship in Philippi – and all the dangers and difficulties that these believers were certain to experience.  And he says, in effect, “I know what I’m talking about; I’ve considered everything that can possibly happen; I’ve counted the cost; and still I say it – “Rejoice”.’

Prof Barclay writes: “The Christian joy is independent of all things on earth, because the Christian joy has its source in the presence of Christ.  Two lovers,” he continues, “are always happy when they are together, no matter where they are.  That is why the Christian can never lose his [or her] joy, because he [or she] can never lose Jesus Christ.” (Daily Study Bible, in loc. bracketed words added).

Paul tells us two things we must do to ensure that we have this joy, deep down in our hearts. The first of these, unsurprisingly, is prayer

Life can be worrying for many of us.  So Paul tells us “Don’t worry; pray” (see v.6).  Nothing is too small, or too great, to take to Father God in prayer.  Many years ago, the former Strathclyde Regional Council sent out, to every employee, an A4 sheet of paper with a list of telephone numbers to be used when one was stressed, worried, facing seemingly insurmountable problems.  In my school we were instructed to stick a copy on the wall of each staff base.  Being an obedient employee, I did so.  However, I printed off another sheet of A4 paper and stuck it up, immediately below the other.  It had only two words printed on it – “Alternatively, pray!” (By the way, my headmaster saw it - and agreed!).

There’s a certain kind of worry that betrays a lack of trust in the love of God; in His care for us.  Peter Marshall, a son of the Lanarkshire town of Coatbridge, who emigrated to the USA and eventually became a much-loved and respected Chaplain to the US Senate spoke, in one of his recorded messages, of ulcers as “the badge of our lack of faith”; the mark of our unbelief and meagre trust in the all-loving, all-powerful, all-caring God Whom we profess to follow.  Prayer, and then praise.

Praise is an important accompaniment to true prayer.  Praise reminds us of His love and care as we have already experienced them.  The Gaither Vocal Band (the, impo, best line-up of David Phelps, Guy Penrod, Mark Lowry, and Bill Gaither) sang a song that contained these words: “The miles that I’ve travelled have proved my Lord true”.   And, as already mentioned, it was in the Roman jail in Philippi itself that we read of Paul and Silas in Acts 16.  These “servants of the Most High God”, as the slave-girl had correctly described them, were used by that same God to free her from the spirit of divination that brought great financial gain to her owners – but left her tortured in her own spirit.  And her owners didn’t like to see their investment turn so sour.  So they had Paul and Silas brought before the magistrates who had them flogged and thrown into “the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.”

But at midnight, Paul and Silas were whining and whinging; bemoaning their lot; complaining about their situation and circumstances!  No, we read that they were – “praying, and singing hymns to God ...”  Not the kind of reaction that would have been expected of high-security prisoners then, any more than now.

We may pray about anything, and may praise in every situation.  May give thanks in times of laughter, and of tears; in joy, and in sorrow; in good times, and in bad.  Because when we can truly do that, then we are truly in the will of God, in perfect submission – and in that, is fulness of joy. 

For anyone who is, at this time, dealing with difficulties, here is a song, the lyrics of which may help!