spirit food

2012-05-04T13:54:00.002-07:00

Today has been my 66th birthday and I have been so blessed with over 200 different greetings by cards, Facebook, Skype and telephone from various parts of the world. Today I am also grateful to Lisa in Singapore for this song - I heard this beautiful song for the first time, "Jesus at the Centre of it All," sung at the Hillsong Conference. It sums up all that I desire the rest of my life to be - Jesus at the Centre. I trust that as you click on the link below you will be as blessed as I was by this song.

Jesus at the Centre of it All Israel Houghton & Micah Massey - Hillsong Conference *New Song*

A Girl With An Apple

2012-04-18T15:22:00.002-07:00

Digital Social Networking and Poor Relationships

2012-04-15T15:05:00.000-07:00

I received from a friend this interesting editorial of Charisma Magazine, written by the Editor, Lee Grady, and find it very challenging in the context of friendship, relationships and the Y generation.

Technology has connected us superficially. But the Holy Spirit can knit us together supernaturally.

Two weeks ago I attended a men’s retreat in Georgia with some of my closest friends. Chris, Eddie, Rick, Michael, Ray, Robert, Medad, Quentin and James were in the audience with 120 other guys. We spent 2 1/2 days together—worshipping, attending teaching sessions, praying in small groups and eating our meals together. Nobody wanted to go home. It felt like heaven because we enjoyed being together so much.

“In this sophisticated age of social networking, when everyone is supposedly ‘connected,’ we are as self-absorbed and isolated as ever. Digital technology has trivialized relationships to the point that we ‘friend’ or ‘unfriend’ a person with a click. You can have 5,000 ‘friends’ and yet be the loneliest person in cyberspace.”

When it was time to leave I asked all the guys to come near the stage. We linked arms and sang a simple chorus I haven’t heard in years. You may remember the words:

Bind us together, Lord, bind us together / With cords that cannot be broken / Bind us together, Lord, bind us together / Bind us together with love / There is only one God, there is only one King / There is only one body, that is why we can sing ...

That song was popular during a simpler time, at the tail end of the Jesus movement in the 1970s when church wasn’t as trendy and professional as it is today. Back then we didn’t have savvy marketing strategies, media-enhanced sermons and hipster preachers. But what we lacked in coolness we made up for with deep relationships.

Call me old-fashioned, but I think we need a return to that simpler style. Not only is the world crying out for genuine love, but Christians are too. In this sophisticated age of social networking, when everyone is supposedly “connected,” we are as self-absorbed and isolated as ever. Digital technology has trivialized relationships to the point that we “friend” or “unfriend” a person with a click. You can have 5,000 “friends” and yet be the loneliest person in cyberspace.

I meet many believers, especially men, who are starved for real relationships but find it too painful to make them. This is partly because we tend to emphasize the importance of a vertical relationship with God but spend very little time teaching people how to make their faith horizontal. And in charismatic churches, we often are too busy chasing an electrifying personal experience with God to place any value on community.

Those of us who pride ourselves on being experts on the Holy Spirit have neglected one of His most important roles. He is not just the One who heals us, anoints us and empowers us to work miracles. The Spirit is also the One who unites Christians with a holy bond and draws us into close fellowship with each other. He forms us into a tightly knit family.

The Greek word koinonia, translated “fellowship,” first appears in Acts 2:42, immediately after the Holy Spirit’s outpouring on the first disciples. This is because genuine fellowship—the knitting of our hearts to each other—is a supernatural work of the Spirit, a manifestation of His power that is no less important than dreams, visions, speaking in tongues or prophecy. (Koinonia is also attributed to the Holy Spirit in 2 Corinthians 13:14 and Philippians 2:1.)

Even a cursory reading of the New Testament proves that koinonia, this powerful bond of the Spirit, was what held the early church together and fueled its growth. The first Christians had no marketing plans, no church growth gurus, no Twitter or Facebook, no concert tours. But they had a gushing love for each other, a holy affection that glued their hearts together to form a cross-cultural, multi-racial family.

When the Holy Spirit came on the early church, He changed everything about the way they related to each other. “And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common … and they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:44, 46b-47, NASB).

It is the Spirit who enables true community. He gives us the grace to humble ourselves, take off our armor of pride and open our hearts to each other. He enables us to forgive and mend our rifts with each other. He connects us, and then nourishes every connection with His love.

If you find it hard to make close friends, or to enjoy a deep level of fellowship with other believers, then ask the Holy Spirit to help you. He will heal the hurts of your past. He will free you from the fear of betrayal and rejection. And He will connect you with real friends. Just as He knit the hearts of David and Jonathan, and just as He knit the heart of the apostle Paul to the saints in Ephesus, Thessalonica and Philippi, He will give you close relationships. This is part of your inheritance as a child of God.

I see a spiritual awakening on the horizon, but it is not what many of us imagined. Yes there are miracles and clouds of glory awaiting. But what will stand out the most—and make the biggest impression on unbelievers—is not our fiery sermons or our charismatic power but our passionate love for each other.

J. LEE GRADY is contributing editor of Charisma. You can follow him on Twitter at leegrady. His most recent book is 10 Lies Men Believe (Charisma House).

Jesus is risen and returning as King

2012-04-10T03:15:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful time it is when we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus. This past Sunday we were so blessed by the word on what the resurrection meant to Thomas, to Simon Peter and to Mary Magdalene.

I was especially touched by a few words in John's Gospel - "The Simon Peter came, following the disciple whom Jesus loved, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying together with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself." I have wondered why God makes such specific mention of this in His word and why the handkerchief was folded. There is a simple reason. When the master leaves the dinner table he leaves his serviette lying next to his plate. If he has not finished his meal the servant will fold the cloth - it is a sign that the master is coming back! The resurrected Jesus is coming back!

I was so blessed listening today So Hyang singing "You raise me up." In Jesus I find myself, my true identity, my strength, my victory in ever storm and in Him I become more than I could ever be without Him. I trust that this song will bless you today.

[HD] Sohyang - You raise me up

www.youtube.com

Sohyang - You raise me up KBS Open concert (21-June-2009)

Every Pain Can Be Redemptive

2012-04-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

After some months of not writing my blog I have felt today that I should begin to write and use the blog site again.

I was so blessed today as I listened to this wonderful song and lyrics sent to me by a special friend in Singapore who has been going through a very difficult time. Please allow it to bless you.

The cruelest words, the coldest heart
The deepest wounds, the endless dark
The lonely ache, the burning tears
The bitter nights, the wasted years

Life breaks and falls apart
But we know these are

[Chorus]
Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
They may be unfulfilled, they may be unrestored
But when anything that's shattered is laid before the Lord
Just watch and see it will not be
Unredeemed

For every choice that led to shame
And all the love that never came
For every vow that someone broke
And every life that gave up hope

We live in the shadow of the fall
But the cross says these are all

May the Lord especially bless you at this Easter time as we remember the seat and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus.

Knowing Your Identity in Christ

2011-11-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest “spirit food” message. You may wonder why it is not the next in the series of Romans, but I have felt somewhat bogged down with this and want to share with you something that is so much on my heart right now – taken from Ephesians, Paul’s writing on who we are in Christ! Thank you to several people who have asked me when this next blog message will be written and have prompted me to continue writing.

KNOWING YOUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST

In Colossians Paul says that we are complete in Christ [Colossians 2:10]. We are to walk in Him [Colossians 2:6]; We are to be rooted and built up in Him [Colossians 2:7]

We used to sing a song, “He is my everything, He is my all….” and this is exactly how Paul sees Jesus – He is everything!

Our identity is in Christ and if our identity is in anything else then when difficult times come we will be shaken and will find it hard to stand! Our families, job, hobbies or ministry may be wonderful and may reflect our identity they may all fail and be lost. In Christ alone is our identity and security.

Our identity is not first in our job, our family, our ministry, however good and important these may be. but in Christ! When we know who we are in Christ we can reject the lies of the enemy; we can speak out with confidence and we do not have to grovel in fear about the future!

IN EPHESIANS PAUL POWERFULLY DECLARES WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST

WE ARE BLESSED [Ephesians 1:3]

Every blessing that God wants us to enjoy we have in Christ!

All the promises of God are available to us – they are “Yes” and “Amen” in Christ Jesus!

In Ephesians 1:3 Paul says, “Every spiritual blessing” – there is no dichotomy in Christ between the secular and the spiritual – all things are spiritual in Christ, including material things!

WE ARE CHOSEN [Ephesians 1:4]

Jesus said that many are called but few chosen [Matthew 20:16]

This does not mean that He chose us but rejected others – the Gospel is for the “whosoever.”

We make the choice when He calls us!

Paul says that God chooses the foolish and the weak things to put to shame the things which are mighty [1 Cor.1:27] – the people who recognize their helplessness!

He chose us to bear fruit that would remain [John 15:16]

We do not serve Jesus to be accepted but we serve Him because we love Him

WE ARE ADOPTED [Ephesians 1:5]

“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption

by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” [Romans 8:15]

Notice from Romans 8:15 that the adopted have:

[a] A deep sense of intimacy – “Abba, Father” – “Abba” is the most intimate word for father!

[b] Freedom from fear – we now belong to a family of love and perfect love casts out all fear!

[c] Become joint-heirs with Christ [Romans 8:17] – all that belongs to Jesus also belongs to us.

WE ARE ACCEPTED [Ephesians 1:6]

Jesus Christ was the most rejected man who ever lived, and because He was rejected we can be accepted!

Rejection is so often the root cause of fear, aggression, isolationism, and low self-esteem. It is the denial of love, acceptance and approval. The opposite of rejection is to be loved, accepted, approved, and affirmed!

In Jesus we are totally accepted – just as we are. The hymn writer Charlotte Elliott wrote about this in her great hymn, “Just as I am.”

“Just as I am without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, O Lamb of God I come!

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome pardon, cleanse, relieve, Because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God I come!”

When the prodigal returned to the Father in Jesus’ wonderful parable he was totally accepted. The father ran to him and hugged him. He put a robe on him that covered his shame, he put a ring on his finger that said, “You are mine,” and shoes on his feet. Servants did not wear shoes but sons do! Here is total acceptance. Our heavenly Father totally accepts us.

WE ARE REDEEMED [Ephesians 1:7a]

To be redeemed means “to be bought back.” The picture comes from the slave market! A price has been paid for the slave and the slave becomes the possession it the one who bought him. Jesus paid the price to buy us back from the slavery of the devil!

Because He bought us back we want to give myself to serve forever!

“Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe;

Sin had left its crimson stain; He washed me white as snow.”

WE ARE FORGIVEN [Ephesians 1:7b]

A part of being bought back is being set free! We are no longer in bondage. Our sins have been removed! Here is freedom, joy and peace! The joy of sins forgiven, hell subdued and peace with heaven!

“As far as the East is from the West so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

[Psalm 103:12]. According to Micah 7:19 – He casts all our sins into the depths of the sea!

When the Egyptians were covered by the Red Sea they were totally destroyed. When God forgives our sins they are put into the depths of the sea, totally destroyed, and never to be seen again! Hallelujah!

A songwriter wrote:

“Gone! Gone! Yes my sins have gone!

Buried in the deepest sea;

Yes that’s good enough for me,

I shall live eternally,

Praise God, my sins have gone!”

WE ARE SEATED TOGETHER WITH CHRIST [Ephesians 2:6]

Jesus is in heaven and our position is that we are “seated together with Him in heavenly places.”

Christ is seated above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named….everything is under His feet – and we are with Him!

According to Ephesians 6:12 the principalities and powers are demonic forces.

Seated together with Christ is our VICTORY – we share in His triumph!

Seated together with Christ is our AUTHORITY – He has given us His authority - we speak from authority and with authority!

To be seated together on the throne with Christ means that we also are reigning with Him. We are destined to reign with Him!

WE ARE SEALED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT [Ephesians 1:13-14]

Following hearing the Word of Truth, trusting in Christ and believing in Him, Paul tells the Ephesians that they were sealed with the Holy Spirit!

The word ‘sealed’ means to set a mark on something and this denotes that it is genuine, authentic and approved. It was also used in the sense of closing [sealing] a book or document so that it may not be opened or read, and is thus protective. We have the seal of acceptance, approval and protection and even more than that it is also the guarantee that one day we will receive everything that God has prepared for us – this is the deposit or down payment!

This is who we are in Christ – Blessed, Chosen, Adopted, Accepted, Forgiven, Reigning, Sealed!

THE BOOK OF ROMANS [Part 4]

2011-10-04T21:13:00.000-07:00

THE BOOK OF ROMANS [Part 4]

JUSTIFICATION [Part 2] [3:21-5:21]

Since Romans is a book of logic, Paul makes use of the word “therefore” in his arguments. He uses the word “therefore” at four key moments in this Epistle.

JUDGMENT OF SIN

Following his teaching on sin, the law, and judgment in Romans 1:18-3:19, Paul says, “Therefore by the deed of the law no flesh shall be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin” [Romans 3:20].

JUSTIFICATION

Paul has both explained and illustrated the teaching of justification [Romans 3:21-4:25]. Now he “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” [Romans 5:1]

SANCTIFICATION

Paul writes about the crucified life, of having been slaves to sin but now slaves of God, and of freedom from the Law that cannot save us [Romans 6:1-7:25]. There comes the cry of the desperate man, who is struggling with sin and cries out, “Who shall deliver me from this body of death?” Then comes the glorious statement that, “There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” [Romans 8:1]

CONSECRATION

The Jews had been banished from Rome and were now returning. These included Jewish believers. There were some difficulties between the Gentile believers and the Jewish believers. Following his teaching on sin, justification and sanctification Paul took three chapters to clearly state the position of the Jews and Israel [Romans 9:1-11:36]. God is faithful to them and to His “everlasting covenant” with them. The gospel is to the Jew first, but He is also faithful in keeping His promise to the gentile believers. Now both Jew and Gentile in the light of this teaching should consecrate themselves totally to God

“I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” [Romans 12:1]

Justification illustrated and explained in Romans 3:21-4:25 makes it clear that God declares those who trust in Jesus righteous. It is not of works but by faith alone. It is His gift. We are declared righteous through what Jesus did on the cross. In Romans 5:1-11 Paul’s explains more fully the Christian experience of justification. The previous passages laid out the Biblical theology of justification, and now, continuing from the phrase, “our justification” at the end of Romans 4:25 he enlarges on what justification means in our personal experience.

In his commentary on Romans Warren Wiersbe entitles Romans 5 “Live like a King!” Here we have the wonderful blessings of justification in our daily lives. I like to think of these as the sevenfold fruit or blessings of being justified.

We have peace with God [5:1]

Two verses from Isaiah make the matter clear - “There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked” [Isa. 48:22]; and “The work of righteousness shall be peace” [Isa. 32:17].

“peace” = ‘shalom’- expresses all the benefits of a right relationship with God, namely a partnership of reconciliation, eternal well-being, and wholeness of life.

We have access to God [5:2a]

The Jew was kept from God’s presence by the veil in the temple; and a wall in the temple kept out the Gentile with a warning on it that any Gentile who went beyond would be killed. But when Jesus died, He tore the veil [Luke 23:45] and broke down the wall [Eph. 2:14]. In Christ, believing Jews and Gentiles have access to God [Eph. 2:18; Heb. 10:19-25]; and they can draw on the inexhaustible riches of the grace of God [Eph. 1:7; 2:4; 3:8]. The child of a king can enter his father’s presence.

We have hope in God [5:2b]

Peace speaks to the past…. access speaks to the present….hope speaks to the future! The hope of salvation is a helmet [1 Thess. 5:8]

We have confidence [5:3-4]

“Justification is no escape from the trials of life. “In this world ye shall have tribulation” [John 16:33]. But for the believer, trials work for him and not against him. No amount of suffering can separate us from the Lord [Rom. 8:35-39]; instead, trials bring us closer to the Lord and make us more like the Lord. Suffering builds Christian character.

The word “experience” in Romans 5:4 means “character that has been proved.” The sequence is: tribulation — patience — proven character —hope.

The English word “tribulation” comes from a Latin word “tribulum.” In Paul’s day, a tribulum was a heavy piece of timber with spikes in it, used for threshing grain. The tribulum was drawn over the grain and it separated the wheat from the chaff. As we go through tribulations, and depend upon God’s grace, the purifying trials help us get rid of the chaff.” [Warren Wiersbe in “Being Right”]

We experience God’s love [5:5]

We become channels of His love – “agape” - always seeks the highest for another person, no matter what he does. It is unconditional love!

We have salvation from future wrath [5:9]

Through justification God’s anger is averted and we can face the day of God’s judgement without fear!

We are Reconciled with God [5:10-11]

The word ‘reconciliation’ is sometimes translated ‘atonement ‘meaning “brought back into fellowship with God.”

A review of these seven blessings of justification shows how certain our salvation is in Christ. Totally apart from Law, and purely by grace, we have a salvation that takes care of the past, the present, and the future. Christ died for us; Christ lives for us; Christ is coming for us!

THE BOOK OF ROMANS [Part 3]

2011-08-18T16:40:00.000-07:00

This week I have been blessed as I have considered this old fashioned word, "Justification." Someone once said that this word means, "Just-as-if-i-ed never sinned." Not only are we forgiven but God declares us righteous. Christ is our righteousness!

THE BOOK OF ROMANS [Part 3]

JUSTIFICATION [Part 1] [Romans 3:21-5:21]

We begin this section by an important definition – the word “Justification.”

A DEFINITION – Justification is the act of God whereby He declares the believing sinner righteous in Christ on the basis of the finished work of Christ on the cross

Each part of this definition is important, so we must consider it carefully:

It is an act not a process. There are no degrees of justification; each believer has the same right standing before God. Justification should not be confused with Sanctification. Sanctification is a process whereby God makes the believer more and more like Christ.

It is an act of God. Justification is something God does. No sinner can justify himself before God.

God declares us righteous. God does not make us righteous but declares us righteous.

Justification is a legal matter. God puts the righteousness of Christ on our record in place of our sinfulness.

The sinner is justified by FAITH. When the sinner trusts Christ, God declares him righteous. God looks on us, and deals with us as though we had never sinned at all.

The question then is, How can the holy God declare sinners righteous?

Paul answers this in three ways – Firstly, he explains it [3:21-31]. Secondly, he illustrates it [4:1-25]. Thirdly, he applies it as a practical and personal experience [5:1-21].

JUSTIFICATION EXPLAINED [3:21-31]

It is Apart from the Law [3:21]

Obedience to the the Law could not make a person righteous before God. Not even Abraham was justified by works – but by faith!

"The Law bore witness to this Gospel righteousness even though it could not provide it. Beginning at Genesis 3:15, and continuing through the entire Old Testament, witness is given to salvation by faith in Christ. The Old Testament sacrifices, the prophecies, the types, and the great "Gospel Scriptures" [eg. Isaiah 53] all bore witness to this truth. The Law could only witness to God's righteousness, but it could not provide it for sinful man. Only Jesus Christ could do that [see Galatians 2:21]." [Warren Wiersbe]

It is Available as a gift of Christ by His Grace

Two aspects of God’s love shown to us are grace and mercy.

‘mercy’ = God does not give us what we deserve, and ‘grace’ = God gives us what we do not deserve.

Justification is a GIFT - we can pay nothing towards it!
"freely" [3:24] - is translated in John 15:25 as "without reason." We are justified without a reason except that God loves us!!

There is no cause in us that would merit salvation of God!

It is Accepted by Faith

This is stated [3:26-30] and illustrated in the life of Abraham [4:1-3]

It is personal, individual faith in Jesus Christ that saves and justifies the lost sinner. The word faith means ‘to trust in’ ‘to commit to’ ‘to rely upon.’ It is active, not passive!

It is for both Jews and Gentiles – “There is no difference” [3:22-23].

Just as all have sinned....so all can be justified - but in only one way! [3:30] - It eliminates all human pride and boasting [3:27]

It satisfies God’s Justice

Note the word “justice” [3:25,26]. Because God is holy sin must be punished. When Jesus died, it was not only to forgive us, but a demonstration of God’s justice. The death of Jesus satisfies God’s holy Law, meeting its just demands, thus allowing God to freely forgive all who come to Christ.

JUSTIFICATION ILLUSTRATED [4:1-25]

Paul uses the illustration of the faith of Abraham.

THE KEY VERSE: Romans 4:3

THE KEY WORD: “credited” [4:3] - a Greek word that means “to put to one’s account.” It is a banking term. This same word is used eleven times in this chapter [Romans 4:3,4,5,6,8,9,10,11, 22,23, 24]. The word is sometimes translated as “counted” or “reckoned” and elsewhere “imputed”

“When a man works he earns a salary and this money is put to his account. But Abraham did not work for his salvation; he simply trusted God’s Word. It was Jesus who did the work on the cross, and His righteousness was put on Abraham’s account.” [Warren Wiersbe]

Abraham was justified by faith – not by works [4:1-8]

God told Abraham to look at the stars and promised, “So shall thy seed [descendants] be!” God promised; and Abraham believed God’s promise. The Hebrew word translated believed means to say "Amen."

The example of David [4:6-8] – Paul quotes David’s confession after his sin with Bathsheba [4:6-8 cp. Psalm 32:1-2]. David made two amazing statements:

God forgives sins and imputes righteousness apart from works and

God does not count our sins against us

God does keep a record of our works, so that He might reward us when Jesus comes; but He is not keeping a record of our sins.

Some key principles in Paul’s argument:

The Jews gloried in circumcision and the Law but what He required was inward obedience [Roms. 2:12-29]

God’s blessings are not for the Jew [circumcised] only. Abraham was justified before he was circumcised [4:9b-10] He is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised as well as those who are circumcised!

Circumcision was only a sign of faith and a seal [4:11]. Today we are sealed by the Holy Spirit [Eph. 1:13-14] and experience a ‘circumcision of the heart’

[Colossians 2:10-12]

Abraham did not receive the promise through the Law but by faith [4:13-15]

The promise is by faith – for both Jew and Gentile [4:16]

THREE PRINCIPLES OF FAITH BASED ON THE LIFE OF ABRAHAM
[see Romans 4:18-22]

[1] Faith is based upon God's Word - "The promise of God" [4:20] "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" [Romans 10:17]

[2] Faith does not depend upon circumstances - "as good as dead" [4:19]. Why did God wait until Abraham was so old? So that it had to be of God - Abraham could not do it himself!

[3] Faith is the assurance of things hoped for - "being fully assured..." [4:20-21]. God says it...I believe it... that settles it!

PAUL’S CONCLSION ON THE MATTER OF JUSTIFICATION [4:23-25]

He personalises all that he has said – applying it to us! [4:23-24a]

He returns to the source and basis of justification – the death & resurrection of Jesus [4:24b-25].

Next week we will look at the wonderful results of Justification as we experience it in Christ as declared to us by Paul in Romans 5:1-21

THE BOOK OF ROMANS [Part 2]

2011-08-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

Today I have been looking at Paul's teaching about man's sinfulness. What it means, the effects of sin and the fact of all men have sinned, whether Jews or Gentiles. This is an important foundation. In the next study we will look at how God makes the sinner righteous, but first there must be a recognition of sin.

SIN – THE PROBLEM STATED [Romans 1:18-3:20]

The Key Verse in this whole section is: “All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.” [Romans 2:12]

The Gentiles are people apart from the law; = the Jews are the people under the law = the Jews. Both are sinners and the result of sin is JUDGEMENT and DESTRUCTION! [“Perish”]

THE GENTILES ARE UNDER SIN [1:18-32]

They knew God all about God [1:18-20]

God’s qualities, power and nature are clearly recognizable so that no one can claim ignorance of God and God’s will for humanity [1:19]. People who reject God cannot use the excuse that they did not know!

They did not glorify Him as God [1:21-23]

They did not honour [glorify] Him…. were not thankful and became proud. This led to:

Crude Paganism – an unblushing worship of graven images [1:23,25]

Cultured Paganism – a worship by man of his own godless imagination!

They changed the truth of God [1:24-25]

The Truth – all people are creatures of God’s creation and can find true fulfilment only in worshipping and obediently serving God!

The Lie – any creature, whether angelic [see Isaiah 14:13-14; John 8:44] or human [Gen. 3:4-5] can exist independently of God, self-sufficient, self-directing, and self-fulfilling. Thus man made himself his god!

They rejected the knowledge of God [1:26-32]

Their Action - They did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God [1:28]

The Effect - “God gave them up…..” [1:24,26,28]

God allows stubborn human beings to pursue their folly to the point of experiencing the full consequences of their actions!

“God gave them the desires of their heart, but sent leanness to their souls.” [Psalm 106:15]

The Result

“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness” [1:29]

God gave them over to their sinful desires [1:24]

God gave them over to shameful lusts [1:26-27]

Specifically mentioned are unnatural sexual sins

“The due penalty” [1:27] – What is meant, whether addiction, acquired behavourial traits, disease or other results is not clear. The bottom line is that there are serious consequences because of sin!

God gave them over to a depraved mind [1:28-32]

This is the longest list of the sins of the flesh written by Paul

The words, “continue to do” [1:32] show that this evil lifestyle becomes habitual – it is very hard to break the pattern. Note the phrase: “such things….” [1:32] These things - Deserve death [1:32]; and deserve God’s judgement [1:18; 2:2]

THE JEWS ARE UNDER SIN [2:1-3:8]

Paul now shows that the Jews are equally condemned sinners before God! To the Gentiles he said, “You are without excuse.” [1:20]. He says the same thing to the Jews [2:1].

As the Jew would read Paul’s indictment of the Gentiles, he would have smiled and said, “Serve them right!” [see Luke 18:9-14]. Jewish pride can be felt in the phrase, “…you judge another.”[2:1]

In Romans Chapter 2 Paul explains 3 vital principles of God’s judgment

Judgement is according to truth [2:1-5 esp.v2]

God does not judge according to men’s opinions! His judgement is a righteous judgement [Isaiah 11:1-5]

Israel was guilty of judging others whilst themselves committing the very same sins they judged others for [2:1,3]. The Jews sinned in hardening their hearts against God…showing contempt for His grace…refusing to come to repentance! [2:4-5] [see Psalm 78]

Judgement is according to deeds [2:6-11]

God judges each person according to they have done [2:6]

Here is a fundamental truth – especially for the Jews: It is not the hearing of the law, but rather obeying the law that makes a person righteous [2:13]

“those who by persistence” [v7-8] This is not occasional actions, but more about persistency and making a ‘life-choice’

God is no respecter of persons in judgement. Note the words, “each person” [v6]; “every human being” [v9]; “everyone” [v10] – “God does not show favouritism” [v11 NIV]

Judgement is according to the light received [2:12-17]

The Jews had the Law and rejected God [v12]. The Gentiles were without the Law, but the

requirements of the Law were written on their hearts and they rejected God [v14-15]. Both had knowledge of God and rejected Him. There is no excuse! Their deeds would be judged accordingly.

In Romans 2:17 we see a day of judgement….we see what is judged….we see the Judge…and the judgement is according to the gospel!

Paul looks here at the heart attitude of the Jews and it is not a pretty sight [2:17-24]

They have a sense of superiority [2:17-18]….They regard themselves as instructors to the blind, darkened, childish Gentiles [2:19-20]….Here is hypocrisy and a failure to practice what they preach [2:21-23]….They become a stumbling block to the Gentiles [2:24].

“blasphemy” [2:24] is a lifestyle rather than words spoken!

Their religious ceremony is worthless without righteousness [2:25-27]

It is of little wonder that Paul then explains what a true Jew is! [2:28-29] The true Jew has nothing to do with outward religious before but is a matter of the heart:

“A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is the circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by a written code. Such a man’s praise is not from men, but from God.” [Romans 2:28-29]

What is required is a change of heart – for either Jew or Gentile! Only the Gospel can do this – it is “the power of God for salvation, for both the Jew and the Gentile” [1:16]

THE WHOLE WORLD IS UNDER SIN [3:1-20]

Paul’s anticipates questions which might come from his readers [Note: verses 1,3,5,7,8,9, all contain questions]. Paul then proceeds to answer each question. This form of rhetoric, developed in Greek philosophical debate, was called “diatribe.”

Paul’s four questions are:

Is the any advantage in being a Jew? [3:1-2]; Has Israel’s unbelief cancelled God’s Word [3:3-4]; Why not sin and glorify God the more? [3:5-8]; Is the Jew any better than the Gentile [3:9-20]

Paul’s conclusion: The Jew is no better than the Gentile! [3:9]…. No one is righteous in God’s sight by obeying the Law [3:20]…The Law cannot make a person righteous – it can only reveal sin [3:21]. Paul makes clear the total depravity of man [Rom. 3:10-18]

THE BOOK OF ROMANS [Part 1]

2011-08-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking and praying about the direction I should take as I write the Spirit Food blog. The burden has come to me that it should be a weekly study from a book of the Bible. I can think of no better place to begin than with the Book of Romans, and so will work through this amazing Epistle of Paul over the next few weeks. Let’s begin with the first part of Romans chapter one.

Romans 1:1-17

The SIMPLICITY of the gospel [1:1-6]

When Paul writes about the Gospel he always keeps it simple, and deals with basic fundamentals - The Gospel is the good news about God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

In the first six verses of Romans Paul makes three clear foundational statements about the gospel

It was God’s plan to send His Son [1:2]

Jesus is the Lamb of God, slain before the foundation of the world.

His coming was made known to Abraham [Gal. 3:8]

There were many prophesies about the coming of Jesus [eg. Isaiah 9:6; 53:1-12; Micah 5:2]

Remember the conversation between Jesus and the two disciples on the Emmaus Road [Luke 24:27]

The Gospel is not a new idea or thought – it is the eternal Gospel! God has no after-thoughts and no contingency plans!

God sent His Son in human flesh [1:3]

Jesus was descended from David. This was a pre-requisite for Messiahship [see Isaiah 11:1-10]

This is an important key in testing whether a person is really a Christian [see 1 John 4:2-3].

That Jesus was the Son of God – His deity [1:4]

“….who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord.” [NASV]

Two facts here that point to the deity of Jesus:

His Resurrection - The resurrection declared Jesus to be the Son of God. It validated His claims to deity and His prediction that He would rise from the dead [see John 2:18-22; Matt. 16:21]

The expression “by the resurrection from the dead” suggests victory over the penalty of sin.

His Holiness - The “Spirit of Holiness” describes the character of Jesus. The holiness of Jesus validated His claims to deity. The expression “by the Spirit of holiness” suggests victory over the the power of sin.

THE SERVANT OF THE GOSPEL [1:1,5-16]

A willing slave [1:1] See also 2 Corinthians 4:5

Here is a picture of the Old Testament servant who chooses to have his ear pierced [Exodus 21:5-6]. He loves his master and wants to stay with him even though he could go free! A willing slave has only one desire – to please the master [see Psalm 123:2]

Paul willingly submits to the Lordship of Jesus as His bondservant!

A called apostle [1:1]

For Paul’s call see Galatians 1:15-16 and Acts 9:1-9; 22:6-11; 26:12-18

“Apostle” = one sent on a special mission. “Called” = “appointed.” Paul was literally appointed, anointed and sent!

Every Christian needs that sense of call from God to do what they are doing with their life.

It is the sense of call that keeps you in the tough times. Consider the tough times that Paul went through and how he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision [see 2 Cor. 11:23ff]

A separated vessel [1:1]

See Galatians 1:15 Note: The NIV says “set apart” – different!

“Separated” = “cut off” – all bridges burned behind them – no way back!

The Greek word used here contains the thought of the horizon. Paul’s whole horizon was dominated by Christ.

A prayer warrior [1:8-10]

Paul had a real burden to pray for the church in Rome, even though he had never been there.

He offers thanksgiving for them [1:8]

For similar Pauline thanksgivings see 1 Cor.1:4-9; 2 Cor.1:3-7; Phil.1:3-11; 1 Thess.2:10; Philem 4:7;

By comparison these verses lack the usual specific references to the life of the congregation because Paul had not yet visited Rome [see 1:10 & 15:22]

He offers petitions for them [1:9-10]

“With my spirit” = wholeheartedly; Paul has invested his entire being in the work of the Gospel.

We can feel something of Paul’s prayer life in : Phil.1:3-5; 1 Thes. 1:2, Philem. 4-5; Col. 1:3; Eph. 1:16; 2 Thes. 1:3

A motivated minister [1:11-15]

We know why Paul wanted to go to Rome [see 1:11-13]

Paul also had a sense of obligation – “I am a debtor” [1:14-15]. Compare this with 1 Cor. 9:16-17 – there is a sense of obligation because of what God has done in Paul.

THE SUMMARY OF THE GOSPEL [1:16-17]

The Gospel is Powerful

“dunamis” = power [dunamis is the root word of the English words dynamite, dynamic, dynamo]

“Salvation” = ‘sozo’ =to rescue or bring to safety; to deliver and to make whole

The Son of man came to seek and to save what was lost [Luke 19:10]

The Gospel is for Everyone

“First for the Jew, and then for the Gentiles.” = in the sense of order in which the Gospel was proclaimed!

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved [Acts 4:12]

The Gospel is based on faith, not works

“Faith” – in Paul’s understanding, Christian believing is to understand that we are recipients of God’s grace and, in obedience [see 1:5], living daily in accordance with that understanding. It is all faith [1:17 – “by faith from first to last”]

The Gospel reveals the righteousness of God

The righteousness of God = The way God places people in a right relationship with him. This is the theme of Romans, addressed specifically in 3:21-31. The Greek word for “righteousness” is also the word for “justice” [2:5] and “justification” [5:21], and its verb is translated “justify” [3:24, 26, 28].

God can make sinners righteous and still uphold His own holy law

God’s law, holiness and justice had to be upheld!

Because there was sin, someone had to be punished! Jesus bore our sin and took its penalty in order that we could be free!

A KEY Message of Romans is: “The just shall live by faith” [Romans 1:17]. This truth is also stated in Habakkuk. 2:4; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38]

THE CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE TO MONEY

2011-07-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

We are living in a time of global recession, debt and anxiety about personal finances. It is good to read what the Bible teaches about the Christian attitude to money.

Almost every news bulletin in the last two years has made mention of financial crisis. The head of the American Federal Reserve making a statement at the beginning of the present crisis said that he wasn’t sure if this was Armageddon! There is a lot of fear and uncertainty! What do we say about this situation as followers of Jesus?

The Gospel of Matthew places a lot of emphasis on God’s Kingdom. Matthew mentions God’s Kingdom 54 times. Many of the parables of Jesus recorded in Matthew’s Gospel were about the Kingdom of God.

The Kingdom of God is literally “where God reigns and where His rule is acknowledged.” That is why we pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” [see Matthew 6:10] but Jesus also said, “The kingdom of God is within you.” [Luke 17:21]

A person becomes a part of God’s Kingdom when their life comes under the rule of God and Jesus becomes their Lord!

In Matthew Chapter 6 we can find four attitudes of a person who will successfully survive every financial crisis

GOD’S APPROVAL IS MORE IMPORTANT TO THEM THAN MEN’S APPROVAL [Matthew 6:1-18]

In Matthew 6:1-18 Jesus emphasizes three aspects of the Christian life: Giving [verses 1-4]; Praying [verses 5-15]; Fasting [verses 16-18].

Jesus uses one phrase three times when speaking about these three matters: “Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you [openly]” [see verses 4,6,18]

The issue is not so much the secrecy – but the motive of our heart.

The motive of the Pharisees was that they liked to be seen [see verses 2,5,16]. They are literally seeking men’s approval! [and find security in that approval!].

Paul also makes it clear that it is impossible to please both God and men [Galatians 1:10]

Jim Elliott, the missionary martyr in Ecuador said that there was one degree above all others that he sought. He called it the AUG! It stood for "Approved unto God." The most important thing in life is that our lives are pleasing to God.

MATERIAL POSSESSIONS ARE NOT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THEIR LIFE [Matthew 6:19-21]

Jesus states a principal of the kingdom, “Don’t store on earth…but in heaven.” What Jesus forbids the selfish accumulation of goods [Note: “for yourselves” in verse 19]

The Bible is full of stories of people who were eaten up by the love of things and money! Remember the successful farmer who pulled down his barns and built bigger barns, but neglected his soul that God would require of him that very night. Jesus called him a fool! The rich young ruler is another. His possessions meant more to him than following Jesus, and became the idol that caused him not to follow Jesus! Then there was Ananias & Sapphira,

The opposite of selfish accumulation is to “lay up treasures in heaven.” Brother Andrew, of God’s Smuggler fame, said “There are two ways to get things from God – “Ask” and “Give” and I prefer the latter!” “Jesus teaches us to “Give and it will be given unto you”

God wants to prosper us. The “Isaac anointing” was investment that God blessed! [see Genesis 26:12]. God always pays His debts – “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done [Proverbs 19:17]. Consider also Proverbs 11:24-26; and Proverbs 3:9-10. When we honour God with our finances He meets all our needs in abundance!

All sowing into the kingdom begins with giving away your life and then everything else!!!

Personally I have discovered that when I begin to feel that I like money too much I have learned to give it away before it becomes an idol!

Material possessions are not the most important thing in life – knowing, honouring, and walking with God and using what God gives us to bless others should take precedent over the lives of those who are members of His Kingdom.

THEY TRUST GOD AND DO NOT WORRY OR FEAR [Matthew 6:25-34]

The phrase, “Do not worry” occurs three times [Matthew 6 verses 25,31,34]. cp “Do not worry about anything” [Phil. 4:6]. Jesus says five things about worry in Matthew chapter six:

We tend to worry unnecessarily [verse 25] How often do we say after the event, “Why on earth did I worry?”

Worrying doesn’t solve our problems [v27] It may create some problems – “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression.” [see Proverbs 12:25]

Worrying is for pagans [v32]

When we worry we are not trusting God [v32]

“Faith came singing into my room and other guests took flight.

Fear anxiety, doubt and gloom sped out into the night

I wondered that such peace could be, but faith said simply,

Don’t you see, These other guests can’t live with me.”

Why worry about tomorrow when you have to live today? [verse 34] This is not an encouragement to laziness – LIVE RIGHT; WORK HARD; TRUST GOD! John Wesley said, “Gain all you can, Save all you can, Give all you can!”

“The Lord promises that our heavenly Father can be trusted to feed and clothe us. Yet even faithful believers are not exempt from the following: First, believers are not exempt from earning their own living. We cannot sit back in the armchair, twiddle our thumbs, mutter ‘my heavenly Father will provide’ and do nothing. We have to work. As Paul put it later: ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat’ [2 Thess. 3:10]. Second, believers are not exempt from responsibility for others. It seems significant that in this same Gospel of Matthew the Jesus who says that our heavenly Father feeds and clothes His children later says that we must ourselves feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and will be judged accordingly [Matt. 25:31-36] Third, believers are not exempt from experiencing trouble. Jesus forbids His people to worry. But freedom from worry and freedom from trouble are not the same thing. At the end of this paragraph the reason Jesus gives why we are not to worry about tomorrow is: ‘Each day has enough trouble of its own’ [Matt. 6:34]. So then, God’s people are promised freedom neither from work, not responsibility, nor from trouble, but only from worry. Worry is incompatible with Christian faith.” [John Stott]

God’s promise is clear in Matthew 6:33 – “When we seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness first He will add everything else that we need! When we take care of business He takes care of ours!

SEEKING GOD’S GLORY ABOVE ALL ELSE IS MOST IMPORTANT

FOR A FOLLOWER OF JESUS [Matthew 6:22-24,33]

Three times this is emphasized:

A single eye [Matthew 6 verses 22-23] - Singleness of vision and purpose!

A single master [Matthew 6 verse 24] – James Hudson of the China Inland Mission said, “If Jesus is not Lord of all, then He isn’t Lord at all”

A single kingdom [Matthew 6 verse 33] – “The single most important thing in life for the Christian is to seek God’s Kingdom before all else – this is an infallible mark of a follower of Jesus [Henry Martyn]

JESUS THE MISSIONARY [PART 3]

2011-07-08T15:39:00.000-07:00

Last night someone reminded me that it is several weeks since I have written the spirit food blog. I had planned to have a three week break, but it has become five weeks! One of my difficulties has been playing catch-up with emails. For several days when I was in Malaysia we had no internet connection. The result was four hundred and thirty emails that needed an answer. Add to that the new ones each day and it has been quite a battle to get through them all. There are still a few outstanding emails to answer but it is almost up to date again.

Here is part 3 of “Jesus the Missionary.

JESUS THE MISSIONARY [Part 3]

Our key verse is John 20:21 – Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, so send I you.”

The way in which the Father sent Jesus is vital for us to understand because Jesus sends us in the same way. In previous spirit food blogs we saw that the Father sent Jesus to lay down His life for those He came to save, and that He sent Him to live a life of obedience to His Father. This week we will consider how the Father sent Jesus to live in the power of the Holy Spirit

Here are two key verses:

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him.” [Acts 10:38]

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” [John 14:12]

In the same way that the Father sent Jesus, so Jesus sends us. How did the Father send Jesus? The Father sent Jesus to live and move in the power of the Holy Spirit and under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

JESUS WAS SENT TO MINISTER IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Jesus was the perfect man – Paul called Him the second Adam – the perfect man! Although others called Him the Son of God, He Himself constantly used the title “Son of Man.”

Jesus was a man who was utterly dependant upon the Holy Spirit. Jesus spoke two of the most remarkable verses of Scripture about Himself when He said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself,” [John 5:19] and “I can of Myself do nothing” [John 5:30]. Although Jesus was God He lived as a man in utter dependence upon the Holy Spirit!

JESUS WAS CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT [Luke 1:35]

Jesus was always God but not always God’s Son! In the beginning He was “the Word.” [see John 1:1]. He is eternal and yet he became “the only begotten Son” [John 3:16]. God prepared a body for Him [Hebrews 10:5]

Because of who Jesus was He had to be born in a special way – it is described in the Nicene Creed – “Born of the virgin Mary.” It was a work of the Holy Spirit – “The Holy Spirit shall come upon you and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you…” [Luke 1:35]

The birth of Jesus was a direct action of the Holy Spirit.

“If Christ had been born by natural generation His blood would have been poisoned by the universal malady of sin and would have been absolutely valueless as an atonement for the sinful sons of men...It is an established physiological fact that the mother’s blood is neither

the source nor the supply of the blood in the unborn infant’s veins. It is the contribution of the male, which leads to the development of the blood. Without that vital contribution no blood could be produced because the female of herself does not produce the elements essential for the production of this new blood. Gray’s “Anatomy,” a recognized medical authority, states, “The foetal and maternal blood-currents do not intermingle, being separated from each other by the delicate walls of the villi.” [Christian Foundations, p56, Paisley]

JESUS LIVED HIS LIFE IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

[a] Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit without measure! “For since He whom God has sent

speaks the words of God, God does not give Him His Spirit sparingly or by measure, but boundless is the gift God makes of His Spirit” [John 3:34 Amplified Bible]. This should surely challenge us to be more filled with the Holy Spirit. The great evangelist, D.L. Moody said, “The world has yet to see what God can do through a man who is totally surrendered to Him.”

[b] Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit - “Then Jesus, full of and controlled by the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led in [by] the [Holy] Spirit” [Luke 4:1 Amplified Bible; see also Matthew 4:1]. Notice where He was led by the Holy Spirit - into the wilderness!

[c] Jesus was filled with joy by the Holy Spirit - “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit…” [Luke 10:21]. His disciples returned from their mission trip and when He saw them Jesus was filled with joy by the Holy Spirit. One of the evidences of the presence of the Holy Spirit is joy!

[d] Jesus was strengthened by the Holy Spirit - “Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God.” [Hebrews 9:14]. Although Jesus was totally God He was utterly dependent on the Holy Spirit to strengthen Him!

[e] Jesus was resurrected by the Holy Spirit - “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead” [Rom 8:11];“Christ was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit” [1 Pet 3:18]

JESUS MINISTERED UNDER THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT [Acts 10:38]

The word “Christ” literally means “anointed” – Jesus Christ = Jesus the Anointed One! “Anointed” means to be enabled to do something. Jesus was enabled by the Holy Spirit. There were several prophecies in Isaiah about Jesus being anointed with the Holy Spirit [see Isaiah 11:1-5; 42:1-4 & 61:1-3].

The anointing came at His baptism – before then He performed no miraculous works of power. Jesus returned from the wilderness “full of and under the power of the Holy Spirit” [Luke 4:14]. Shortly after that Jesus taught in the synagogue and quoted from Isaiah 61:1-3 – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…”[Luke 4:18-19]. He specifically said this word was fulfilled in Himself. He was anointed to minister by the Holy Spirit. Although He was and is God, Jesus ministered as a man in dependence upon the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Note from Acts 10:38 the effect of the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus: [a] “He went about” [b] “doing good” [c] “healing all who were oppressed by the devil” [d] “God was with Him.” Isn’t that last phrase interesting – He ministered because God was with Him. Why doesn’t it say, ‘because He was God?” Because although He was God He chose to minister as a man in dependence upon the Holy Spirit!

He cast out demons by the Holy Spirit – “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you” [Matthew 12:28]

He ministered through the gifts of the Holy Spirit:

Discerning of spirits [Matt.16:22-23]; The word of knowledge [John 1:47; 4:17-18; Mark 5:30]; The word of wisdom [John 8:4-7; Luke 5:4-10 (imagine a carpenter tells a fisherman where to catch fish!); Luke 20:20-26]; Faith [Matthew 17:21; 4:31; 8:26]; Prophecy, Healings & Miracles were evident in the ministry of Jesus.

He taught through the Holy Spirit [see Acts 1:2 – He gave commandments by the Holy Spirit]

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” [John 16:33]. This is why people said, “No man ever spoke like this man.”

Jesus chose not to minister on earth as God but as a man through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Because Jesus ministered as a man full of the Holy Spirit we also can be filled with the Holy Spirit and do the things that He did.

Jesus Christ obtained power for His divine works not by his inherent deity, but by His anointing through the Holy Spirit. He was subject to the same conditions as other men.”

[R.A.Torrey, “What the Bible Teaches”]

For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure." [John 3:34] "Jesus received the Spirit in fullness, with nothing held back, and He alone has universal authority. However, since this enduement of the Holy Spirit is given to He whom God has sent, John 20:21 would suggest a similar unlimited resource of Holy Spirit fullness is available to obedient disciples of Jesus." [Jack Hayford

“As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”

Acts 1:8 – You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you shall be my witnesses….

JESUS THE MISSIONARY [PART 2]

2011-05-28T08:28:00.000-07:00

Here is the second part of the series, Jesus the Missionary. We had a wonderful time last week teaching this series on "Jesus the Missionary" in YWAM. I trust that you will be blessed and challenged by God's Word.

JESUS THE MISSIONARY [PART 2]

Jesus as the Pattern of Missions said: “As the Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” [John 20:21].

How did the Father send Jesus?

He sent Him to lay down His life for those he came to save

He was sent to live a life of obedience to His Father

He sent Him to identify with those He came to save

He sent Him to train others to continue His ministry

He sent Him to minister in the power of the Holy Spirit

He sent His to wage spiritual warfare against the enemy

JESUS WAS SENT TO LIVE A LIFE OF OBEDIENCE TO HIS FATHER [Hebrews 5:8; John 5:19,30]

“My will is to do the will of Him who sent me” [Hebrews 5:8]

“To obey is better than sacrifice” [1 Sam.15:22]. Sacrifice, which does not issue out of obedience to God, is actually foolishness. The basis of sacrifice is obedience but is it really sacrifice? Especially when God gives back to us more than we can ever give Him!

Two kinds of obedience:

[a] Obedience to God’s written Word

[b] Obedience to the voice of the Holy Spirit - “As many as are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God” [Romans 8:14]

THERE ARE THREE MAJOR REASONS WHY WE SHOULD OBEY GOD

1. Because obedience is the language of love

For some people, obedience is difficult to handle! It means towing the line, submitting to authority, doing what you are told. In modern society we equate obedience less with love and more with authority.John more than any other Gospel writer emphasized love, and yet more than any other spoke about obedience! The two go together. See John 14:15, 21, 23-24; 15:10.

Love is the greatest thing of all – 1 Cor. 13:13 – Love is greater than faith or hope! God is the God of faith, and of hope, but He is love!

Paul commands us to “Do everything in love.” [1 Cor. 16:14]; and to “Follow the way of love…” [1 Cor. 14:1] - Everything is based on love – our relationship to the Lord, our service for him, our obedience to Him. Obedience is not something we do simply because we must do it – if that is the case then we have moved into legalism and away from grace.

A key verse is John 14:15 – “If you love me, keep my commandments.” This is normally understood to mean, “By keeping My commandments you prove that you love Me.” In the margin there is an alternative rendering, “you will keep”. If you love me you will keep my commandments – obedience is not the basis of relationship, love is! When we love Jesus we will obey Him! The power of our love for Him causes us to obey Him. It is “the expulsive power of a new affection

John says, “His commandments are not burdensome to us.” [1 John 5:3]

2. Because Obedience is the twin of faith

Love is the basis of obedience and faith is the twin of obedience. Therefore, love is also the basis of faith [see Galatians 5:6 – “faith works through love”].

Faith and Obedience always go together

Literally, God speaks and by faith, we obey Him!

In Hebrews we read, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down…” [Heb.11:30] Note the order in which the Lord dealt with Joshua [Joshua 5:13-6:10]. Firstly he surrendered – he took off his shoes. Servants don’t wear shoes! Secondly, Joshua heard God’s voice – “See I have given into your hands Jericho. Thirdly, Obedience – the Israelites had to do what God told them, but the writer to the Hebrews calls it faith!

After Jericho Israel comes Ai [Joshua 7] The danger is that faith turns to presumption – not listening to God but doing it the way they did it at Jericho previously. It is longer faith and obedience but trusting in their own ability!

“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only son [Heb. 11:17]. The story of offering Isaac is a story of obedience, but the writer to Hebrews calls it faith!

Faith increases through obedience [Luke 17:5-9]

Immediately after the disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith He tells a parable about an obedient servant!

[a] It’s not great faith we need, but faith as a mustard seed [v6]

[b] Faith is always active – it speaks to the mountain [v6]

[c] When we obey in small things God gives us more! [Matthew 25:21,23]

3. Because obedience is the key to blessing

Deuteronomy 28 – The first fourteen verses of this chapter speak of the blessings of obedience. Some of the blessings of obedience mentioned are: Your children will be blessed [28:4]; Your enemies will be defeated [28:7]; You will established as God’s people [28:9]; You will prosper [28:8, 11]; You will be a source of blessing to others [28:10, 12b]. However, the largest part of that chapter speaks about the curses that come upon disobedience [28:15-68]. The price of disobedience is great – We can clearly see some of the results of disobedience shown in Deuteronomy 28 in the world today: Confusion [v20]; Diseases [v21-22, 35, 59-61];

Drought & Famine [v23-24]; Defeat [v25]; Little fruit from much sowing [v38-42]; Debt [v43]; Captivity [v49ff]; Lack of Success [v29]; Breakdown of Family Life [v53ff, see v41];

Jesus said that the disobedient will not enter heaven! [Matthew 7:21-23]

God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him! Peter speaking in front of the Sanhedrin begins by saying that we must obey God rather than men, and then says, “the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey him” [Acts 5:29-32]

Obedience is not always easy – it is a battle. Often it involves a clash with our natural, fleshly desires. We see this in the life of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane as he prayed, “Not my will, but your will be done.”

Obedience is a life style. The more we make a decision to obey God the easier it becomes! As the Father sent Jesus to obey so Jesus sends us out into the world to obey Him.

JESUS THE MISSIONARY [PART 1]

2011-05-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

This week I am teaching each morning on Missions at Youth with A Mission [YWAM] It seemed appropriate to use these messages as the messages for Spirit Food in the next five weeks. May God richly bless you and challenge you as you read these messages.

JESUS THE MISSIONARY [Part I]

¹⁹Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples wereassembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” ²⁰When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. ²¹So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” ²²And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” [John 20:19-23]

Missions is in the heart of God – it always was, right from the beginning.

The great missionary-explorer, David Livingstone said, “God had one Son, and He was a missionary”

From His Word we clearly understand that God is the Father of Missions, Jesus is the Pattern of Missions, and the Holy Spirit is the Executor of Missions!

It was in the Father’s heart to redeem and restore fallen, lost mankind. The Father sent Jesus who came to “seek and to save the lost” [Luke 19:10]. When Jesus returned to the Father the Holy Spirit was sent to empower His disciples in order to continue the mission of the Father and the Son. Before He returned to the Father Jesus promised His disciples, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses, in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the uttermost parts of the earth.” [Acts 1:8]. This amazing mission under the direction of the Holy Spirit began on the Day of Pentecost [Acts 2:1]. The first missionaries to be sent out by the church in Antioch were sent out by the Holy Spirit [Acts 13:1-4].

A missionary is “one who is sent out with a mission.” In some cases this has been in interpreted as someone who leaves their culture and homeland to serve among people of a different language and culture. The Christian missionary movement is an amazing story, but the danger is that we then understand a missionary in that light alone. The word “missionary” has a much broader meaning. Every Christian should be a missionary, called to serve their Master and reach out to lost and needy people, whether in the own culture or across into another culture.

For each Christian believer, Jesus is the Pattern of Missions. He clearly stated that pattern when He said, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” [John 20:21]. Literally, in the same way that the Father sent Jesus, He sends us. To understand how He sends us, we need to understand how the Father sent Jesus. How then did the Father send Jesus?

¨ He was sent to lay down His life for those he came to save

¨ He was sent to live a life of obedience to His Father

¨ He was sent to identify with those He came to save

¨ He was sent to minister in the power of the Holy Spirit

¨ He was sent to wage spiritual warfare against the enemy

We will consider each of these different aspects of the way that the Father sent Jesus and over the next few weeks and hopefully better understand how He sends us. Here is the first one:

JESUS WAS SENT TO LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR THOSE HE CAME TO SAVE

15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 17 “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” [John 10:15,17-18]

Jesus chose to lay down His life – no one took it from Him. He had no will but the will of His Father. It was His joy to do the Father’s will! He laid aside His reputation and His rights as God [Philippians 2:1-11]. He retained all His attributes as God but chose not to use them.

Many years ago a missionary from West Africa, Mabel Williamson, wrote a book entitled “Have We No Rights.” She came to the conclusion that the only right that she had was to walk in obedience to God and obey Him.

Watchman Nee said, “God’s normal for a Christian is, “I no longer live! Now it is Christ who lives His life in me.” This exactly echoes the words of Paul in Galatians 2:20. The heart of real Christianity is a process of death to the self-life

Recently a young Christian man struggling to find his way in Christ asked me the question, “Why do I never hear teaching in church about being “crucified with Christ.”

Consider what the cost of missions meant to the apostle Paul [see 2 Corinthians 11:23-28]. It meant pain, suffering, shipwreck, beatings, weariness, toil, hunger, danger and more!

David said, “I will not offer unto the Lord my God of that which has cost me nothing [2 Sam. 24:24]

Jesus laid down His own mandate for discipleship and the cost of discipleship in Luke 14:25-33

Three times in this passage we find the phrase “cannot be My disciple” [verse 26,27,33]. The first time it is in the context of relationships, the second in the context of ambitions, and the third time in the context of possessions.

Jesus must be Lord of our RELATIONSHIPS [verse 26]

In order to understand the word “hate” compare this passage with Matthew 10:34-39. Literally, Jesus must be Lord, and no other loves must come before our love for Him.

Allan Yuen, one of China’s great Christian leaders one day shared his testimony with me of the twenty-two years that he spent as a prisoner during the Cultural Revolution. I asked him what was the most difficult thing that he experienced in coming back to Beijing. His eyes filled with tears, and replied, “My little girl was three years old when I was sent to prison, and she was twenty-five years old the next time I saw. I missed all the years of her growing up.” He wept, but then pulled himself together and said, “But that’s what it means to follow Jesus, isn’t it!”

The motto of Jim Elliott, the missionary martyred in Ecuador was, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength” [Deuteronomy 6:5] – literally with “your whole being” spirit, soul and body! This is how we are to love God. Notice it says, “strength” – God wants our bodies! [see Romans 12:1-2]

The story of Abraham offering Isaac is fundamentally God dealing with this issue of love [Genesis chapter 22]. God was challenging Abraham’s love for Him. Do you love me more than even your own son? More than the most precious gifts that I have given you?

Jesus must be Lord of our AMBITIONS [verse 27]

The prime example of the cross was Jesus Himself – “Not my will but yours be done!”

Many years ago I read this remarkable quotation, but cannot remember the source. It still challenges me and speaks deeply into my spirit until now: “Self cannot be domesticated. Salvation does not improve self! Christ did not come to improve self but to replace it. Self has no place in God’s economy. Self cannot be disciplined. However much we try to educate self, expose it to good moral teaching, or change it, self remains wild and deceitful. It is desperately wicked. Self cannot be dedicated. How prone we are to try and do that. The accumulated result of the effort to dedicate self is a system that operates on selfish motivation and selfish rewards. We have in our churches acres and acres of dedicated self [which is not dedication at all]. Self will do anything before it will die. It will pray, work and tithe. It will teach a Sunday School class and become a deacon. It will even preach! It will steep itself in religious tradition to cushion itself against God. As long as self and Christ remain in the same heart there will be a war.”

The cross means a firm “No!” to our own will!

Francis Xavier said, “Give up your small ambitions and come east and preach Christ.” Jesus wants to give us His ambitions. Our personal ambitions may well be a hindrance to the Lordship of Jesus in our lives.

Jesus said, “Except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die it abideth alone, but if it die it will bring forth much fruit” [John 12:24-25]. Here is a divine principle – life, blessing and fruitfulness come out of death.

John the Baptist said, “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease” [John 3:30]

Jesus must be Lord of our POSSESSIONS [verse 33]

Does this mean I cannot enjoy nice things? That is not what Jesus is saying. The Apostle Paul said that the Lord gives us all things richly to enjoy [1 Timothy 6:17]. In the same Paul commands us “not to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God.” The real issue is do we possess our possessions or do our possessions possess us!

Our open hands that receive from God must be equally open to give to others, and bless others.

In 1 Timothy chapter 6 there is some very clear teaching on money and material possessions: Firstly, Paul states four basic truths:

[a] Wealth does not bring Contentment [1Timothy 6:6]

[b] Wealth is not Lasting [1 Timothy 6:7]

[c] Our Basic Needs are really very few [1 Timothy 6:8]

[d] The Desire to be Wealthy leads to Sin [1 Timothy 6:9-10]

Secondly, These four basic truths should lead to five Biblical attitudes:

[a] Humbly receive what God gives you [I Timothy 6:17a]

[b] Trust God to meet all your need [I Timothy 6:17b]

[c] Enjoy what God gives you [I Timothy 6:17c]

[d] Employ what God gives you [I Timothy 6:18]

[e] Learn to look for heaven’s reward [I Timothy 6:19]

John Wesley had a very simple but effective teaching on money and possessions. He said, “Gain all you can; Save all you can; Give all you can.”

Jesus must be Lord of all – our relationships, our ambitions and our possessions.

“If Jesus is not Lord of all, then He is not lord at all” [James Hudson Taylor]

BREAKFAST ON THE BEACH

2011-05-02T10:24:00.001-07:00

Bible Reading: John 21:1-25

The Kingdom of God is not food and drink [Romans 14:17], but eating meal’s together is important – consider the Last Supper, Jesus feeding the multitude, the Jewish Feasts, the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and many more Bible meals!

Someone has said that “More business is conducted over a meal than in the office.” “Let’s have some fellowship – let’s have a meal together.”

Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and dine with him, and he with me.” [Rev. 3:20].

Breakfast on the beach in John 21 is the setting for one of the most wonderful stories in the New Testament – the restoration by the risen Christ of a man who had failed so badly.

Peter was sanguine, outgoing, and an extrovert who somehow always managed to make a mess of things! In Matthew 16:16-23 we see two sides of Peter. We hear his amazing confession – “Thou art the Christ” [verse 16], and Jesus tells him that that this is a revelation from the Father in heaven [verse 17]. Immediately after this confession Jesus tells His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, be killed and raised on the third day [verse 21]. Peter’s immediate response is to rebuke Jesus, “Lord this shall not happen to you!” [verse 22]. Now Jesus rebukes Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” [verse 23]. In a few moments Peter has had an amazing revelation from God and then been rebuked by Jesus for being mindful of the things of men and not God!

Peter will always be known among Christians for two specific things. Firstly that he denied Jesus three times. Three times he said, “I do not know Him” [Luke 24:54f], and secondly, that he was the preacher on the Day of Pentecost and became a great leader in the Early Church.

These two facts about Peter are closely linked together. They tell us that God can mightily use a failure! Failure does not have to be final!!

Look at the steps downwards in Peter’s denial of Jesus

Self-confidence [Luke 22:31-34] - In Mark it is even stronger, “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be… he spoke more vehemently, “If I have to die with You, I will not deny you.”

Sleeping when he should be praying [Luke 22:39-46]. Jesus spoke specifically to Peter – “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak.” [Mark 14:37-38]

Operating in the flesh [Luke 22:27-53]. John 18:10 tells us that it was Peter who cut off the ear of high priest’s servant.

Following afar off [Luke 22:54]

Cowardice [Luke 22:54-62] – Peter denied Jesus three times to a servant girl! “Peter went out and wept bitterly” [Luke 22:62]

Who hasn’t been a failure? The great Chinese Christian leader, Wang Ming Dao, was arrested during the Cultural Revolution in China, but under tremendous duress he denied his Lord and was released. Realizing what he had done Ming Dao went to his fellow believers, confessed his sin, repented, and was immediately re-arrested and imprisoned. Many years later, when he was finally released from prison he said, “I have often been like Peter, but never been like Judas!”

Following the resurrection Jesus appeared several times to His disciples, and especially to Mary Magdalene and to Thomas. Peter had heard the testimony of the women who saw the two angels at the tomb who told them that Jesus was not there but alive. On hearing this Peter had run to the tomb and found it to be empty but Jesus had still not personally addressed Peter, who had wept so bitterly over his failure. Can you imagine how desperate Peter must have been – will He ever forgive me for what I have done? Will He ever trust me again? Am I cast away forever?

Peter’s reaction was to go fishing! [John 21:3]. Peter was going back to what he knew and understood – his old way of life! It was a natural escape mechanism to try and overcome his sense of failure and guilt, and the other disciples followed him. Peter was a natural leader. He was a leader who had failed and was flawed

That night Peter and his friends caught nothing. They were back where they started when Jesus had first called them to follow Him [see Luke 5:1-11]. Three years earlier they had fished all night and caught nothing but at Jesus’ command they had launched out into the deep and let their nets down for a catch. Their catch was amazing and Peter’s response had been to fall at the feet of Jesus and say, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Jesus then called Peter and his three friends and said, “Follow Me.” Now, three years later, they have again had a fruitless night at sea, and as they drew near to the shore they saw a stranger on the shore. He called to them, “Do you have any food?” Once again Jesus told them where to cast their nets and find fish. Imagine a carpenter telling fishermen where to catch fish! Once again they caught a large catch of fish.

John recognized that the Stranger on the shore was Jesus and as soon as Peter’s heard that he jumped into the sea and swam to the shore [John 21:7] but Jesus waited until after breakfast to speak with Peter about his failure [John 21:15]. Peter rushed to Jesus with such desire [John 21:7], but Jesus seemed more concerned about breakfast, ”Bring some fish…come and eat breakfast” [John 21:10,12].

After they had eaten breakfast Jesus finally spoke to Peter [John 21:15-22]

JESUS SPOKE TO PETER’S FAILURE

Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” With each question and each of Peter’s responses Jesus is wiping out the power of Peter’s three denials.

The Greek words for “love” are interesting. Twice Jesus uses the word “agape” [“God-like, sacrificial” love] [John 21:15,16], but each time Peter responds with the word “phileo” [“the affection of a brother”]. It almost seems as though all of Peter’s flamboyant self-confidence has gone and he cannot trust himself to make an “agape” commitment, for fear of failing again! The third time Jesus asks the question He also uses the word “phileo.” He has come down to Peter’s level and understands.

JESUS SPOKE TO PETER’S FUTURE

Jesus gives Peter a clear commission to be a shepherd of His sheep! Peter’s failure does not make his future hopeless and useless! Failure does not have to be final! Hallelujah!

But Jesus says something else about Peter’s future. He tells Peter that one day he will die for his faith. This is not a forbid, fearful word. It will happen when Peter is old [John 21:18-19] but it says to Peter, “Jesus trusts me that I will not fail in the same way next time.”

Jesus does not hold back the cost of following Him – it is good to count the cost! The cost of obedience may be great but it is never going to be as costly as disobedience.

JESUS SPOKE TO PETER’S PRESENT

The past has been dealt with, and the future is ahead but a decision must be made that will determine the future. At this moment Jesus requires a decision and renews His call to Peter. “Follow Me” [John 21:19b]

It must have reminded Peter of the first call – “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men” [Mark 1:16-20]. Suddenly comes this wonderful realization, that with God there is a second chance!

Peter’s response is so human. Instead of an immediate “Yes,” he looks at John and asks Jesus, “What about this man?” [John 21:20-22]. Jesus quickly responds – that is not your business, get your eyes of others and what they do Peter. “You follow Me.”

THE CROSS

2011-04-22T04:18:00.001-07:00

On this special Friday when we celebrate the death of Jesus it is good to look back and consider why He died.

The Apostle Paul said, “We preach Christ crucified” [1 Corinthians 1:23]. A few verses later, in his same epistle he said, “I determined to know nothing among you except Christ and Him crucified” [1 Corinthians 2:2]

The symbol of Christianity is a cross – an instrument of torture. Wherever you go you will the symbol of the cross – on jewellery, on graves and in churches, but the real cross is not so popular!

It was not popular to the Jews because it hurt their religious pride or the Greeks because it hurt their intellectual pride. It is certainly not acceptable to Muslims who say that it is impossible for a prophet to die in such a way.

However, neither religion nor intellectualism has the ultimate answer to man’s dilemmas and problems. Ask Solomon, the richest man of his generation. He wrote the story of his search for God in the book of Ecclesiastes. He sought answers in education and learning [1:12-18]; in work and business [2:12-26]; in philosophy [3:5-8]; in morally good living [7:1-12:12] but the result was failure! Thirty-seven times Solomon uses the words, “Vanity, all is vanity!”

We need to understand what happened on the cross – why is it so important? It is not the material of the cross but the Person on the cross that makes it so powerful.

Following his statement, “We preach Christ crucified,” Paul says, “Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God” [1 Corinthians 1:24]

THERE FOUR SPECIFIC REASONS WHY JESUS DIED UPON THE CROSS FOR EVERY PERSON

SUBSTITUTION – JESUS DIED IN OUR PLACE

Peter says, “Christ died, the just for the unjust” [1 Peter 3:18]

Here is the principle of substitution:

[a] We are all sinner – by nature and by deed

[b] Because God is both holy and just He must judge sin

[c] God wants to have fellowship with us, but cannot because of our sin – it has separated us from God

[d] Because God is just His justice must be satisfied – the penalty of sin must be paid.

[e] Only when the penalty of sin is paid can the sinner be set free and have a relationship with God.

On the cross Jesus took our place, bore our sin and satisfied God’s holiness and justice.

In the Old Testament a sacrificial lamb was killed so that a representative of sinful man could come into God’s presence. The sacrificial lamb pointed to Jesus and prompted John the Baptist to say, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” [John 1:29].

Jesus took the punishment for sin that we deserved and were due to receive. As the hymn writer wrote, “ In my place condemned He stood, Sealed my pardon with His blood.” Jesus was our SUBSTITUTE.

RECONCILIATION – JESUS DIED TO RECONCILE US BACK TO GOD

We understand reconciliation as the joining together of two parties who have been in dispute, and is often understood in the context of marriage.

Our relationship with God has been damaged by sin – we are alienated from God. The Bible says that outside of Christ a person is dead toward God and there is nothing that we could do about it, however much we may have tried. But took the initiative in bringing about reconciliation. Paul speaks about what were outside of Christ, lost, dead, controlled by fleshly lusts and passions, worldly, but God reached out to us [Ephesians 2:4]

God, was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself [2 Corinthians 5:19]

We have reconciliation…. and peace through the blood of His cross [Colossians 1:19-20]

“… we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son [Romans 5:10]

REDEMPTION – JESUS BOUGHT US BACK FROM SATAN AND SIN

The song sung about Jesus in heaven says, “You were slain, and have redeemed

us to God by your blood, out of every people” [Revelation 5:9]

To redeem something means to make a payment to buy it back. The word was appropriate in the slave market where a good man might by a slave with payment and then sign a document to release him and set him free. The same word,

“redeem” can be used of goods that have been pawned to make money but are then bought back.

Peter writes, “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect [1 Peter 1:18-19].

Jesus, speaking in the synagogue, quoted from Isaiah 61:1-3 and said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from the darkness for the prisoners.” Jesus paid the price to redeem us, heal us and give us freedom!

RESTORATION – JESUS DIED TO FORGIVE OUR SINS

Paul writes, “In Jesus we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” [Ephesians 1:7]

To forgive is the Greek word ‘aphiemi” which means “to send away.” God has taken our sins and put them on Jesus – He has sent them away from us! With this forgiveness we are released the guilt of sin, the penalty of sin, the mistakes of the past and the fear of death!

The Psalmist knew the meaning of this when he wrote these wonderful words:

“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.  He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” [Psalm 103:8-12]

“From north to south is limited because there is a North and South Pole, but from east to west never comes to an end. That’s how far God has removed our transgressions from us.” [Corrie ten Boom]

The Lord says in Isaiah, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will remember your sins no more” [Isaiah 43:25]

The prophet Micah said, “You will cast our sins into the depths of the sea.” [Micah 7:19]

A young man had wandered far from home and had been deeply damaged in the world. He wondered whether his parents would accept him back. The train line to the station where his parents lived went past the bottom of their garden, and there was apple tree in the garden. He wrote to his parents and said that if they were happy to accept him home to put a white handkerchief on the tree at a time when he would be on a train going past the house. He continued by saying that if there was no handkerchief he would continue on his way and not come home. As the train neared the garden he could scarce bear to look. He asked a fellow passenger to look for him. The fellow passenger shouted with excitement and told the young man to look. The whole tree was covered with white handkerchiefs. That’s how much God wants us to come home!

“Praise my soul the King of heaven,

To His feet thy tribute bring;

Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,

Who like me His praise should sing?

Praise Him, praise Him, praise Him, praise Him,

Praise with us the God of grace”

NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES

2011-04-18T00:55:00.000-07:00

This past week Esther and I had a good time of ministry and also rest in Ireland between Tuesday and Saturday. It included speaking at a well-attended business-persons lunch, speaking at the fast growing Green Pastures church in Ballymena and then a day of teaching in the Servant Academy of Green Pastures. We stayed in a most beautiful apartment overlooking the fabulous Port Stewart beach, and were able to do some walking, as well as having meals with several old friends.

Yesterday we were back in our church in Bracknell. It is the Kerith Centre. Please check out their website at www.kerith.co.uk. I was asked to speak on "Jesus in the Old Testament" as part of the church series working through the Old Testament. It was a good day. As part of the message I quoted the words of Don Moen in his song "Name Above all Names" taken from album, "God with Us." So many people commented on these words yesterday and as you read them out aloud you sense the anointing as Jesus is glorified. Here are the words:

NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES

In Genesis Jesus is the ram at Abraham’s Altar

In Exodus He’s the Passover Lamb

In Leviticus He’s the High Priest

In Numbers He’s the Cloud by Day and Pillar of Fire by Night

In Deuteronomy He’s the City of our Refuge

In Joshua He’s the Scarlet Thread out Rahab’s window

In Judges He is our Judge

In Ruth He is our Kinsman-Redeemer

In First & Second Samuel He’s our trusted Prophet

In Kings and Chronicles He’s our Reigning King

In Ezra He is our Faithful Scribe

In Nehemiah He’s the Rebuilder of everything that is broken

In Esther He is the Mordecai sitting faithful at the gate

In Job He’s our Redeemer that ever liveth

In Psalms He is My Shepherd and I shall not want

In Proverbs & Ecclesiastes He’s our Wisdom, and

In the Song of Solomon He is the beautiful Bridegroom

In Isaiah He’s the Suffering Servant

In Jeremiah and Lamentations it is Jesus that is the Weeping Prophet

In Ezekiel He’s the wonderful Four-Faced Man, and

In Daniel He is the Fourth Man in the midst of a firey furnace

In Hosea He is my Love that is ever faithful

In Joel He baptizes us with the Holy Spirit

In Amos He’s our Burden-Bearer

In Obadiah our Saviour, and

In Jonah He is the great Foreign Missionary that takes the Word of God into all of the world

In Micah He is the Messenger with beautiful feet

In Nahum He’s the Avenger, and

In Habbakuk He’s the Watchman who is ever praying for revival

In Zephaniah He’s the Lord, mighty to save

In Haggai He’s the Restorer of our lost heritage

In Zechariah He’s our Fountain, and

In Malachi He’s the Son of Righteousness with healing in His wings

DAVID - A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART

2011-04-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

It is only nine days since we arrived back in the UK from Singapore and yet we seem to have done so much. I preached twice at Emmanuel Church [EEC] in Westminster and Edgware. Traveled to the Midlands and spoke at the funeral of a very special friend. Spoke with Life Group leaders at our home church of Kerith, here in Bracknell. Last night I spoke to students from Singapore and Malaysia in Central London. We helped move our daughter Angie out of her and Mario's rented accommodation [the owner wants to sell]....and...it's been very busy. Mario is in the Seychelles working on a special project for several weeks so Angie has moved back home to be with Esther and I. When Mario returns they will go house hunting.

Tomorrow we are ministering in St. Paul's Church in Cheam, and I am in Ireland for meetings from Wednesday to Saturday. Do please pray for us. On our return from Ireland things will be a bit quieter and we have quite a number of days that are free of any engagements.

I have had great joy in writing and preparing this week's Spirit Food message. What an epitaph to have and a testimony from God Himself, to be called "a man after God's own heart."

David was one of the most remarkable men in history – from his family line Jesus came!

The Bible says that Abraham was a friend of God. It says that Enoch walked with God, but perhaps most amazing of all it says about David that he was a man after God’s own heart. That was God’s testimony about David! [Acts 13:22]

When you consider David’s failures this may seem a strange thing for God to say about David!

David committed adultery, told lies and murdered! He was in the wrong place at the wrong time doing the wrong thing! [1 Samuel 11]

David took a census of the people of Israel in disobedience to God and it cost the lives of seventy thousand people! [1 Samuel 24]

David was not allowed to build the temple because he was a “man who shed blood” [1 Chronicles 28:1-3]

David’s own family was dysfunctional – three of David’s children, Amnon, Absalom and Tamar went completely off the rails [see 2 Samuel 13-18]

Under our present judicial system David would have been considered a criminal and guilty of war crimes. When you consider David and King Saul you might be tempted to ask which of them was the greater sinner and yet the Bible says that God rejected Saul but said about David that He was a man after His own heart!

If David failed so badly What would make God say this about David?

Let’s consider some of the good things that David did in his life that might have made God say this about him.

BECAUSE HE DID GOD’S WILL IN HIS LIFE

God said about David, “….he will do all my will [Acts 13:22] and “…he served the purpose of god in his generation” [Acts 13:36]. Is this why God said of David that he was a man after His own heart?

BECAUSE OF HIS YOUTHFUL COMMUNION WITH GOD

Consider his writing the 23^rd Psalm as looked after the sheep on the hillside. He was just a young boy but he already loved the presence of God, and his shepherd psalm has blessed multitudes of people. Is this why God said of David that he was a man after His own heart?

BECAUSE OF WHAT HE BECAME INSPITE OF A DYSFUNCTIONAL BACKGROUND

According to Jewish Rabbinical tradition David was born out of wedlock – there is no mention of his mother in the Bible. He was an embarrassment to his family – he was not present when Samuel came to anoint the future king of Israel [1 Samuel 16:11]. He was looked down upon by his brothers – when he brought them food [1 Sam.17:17-18, 26-29]. When he said “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me [Psalm 51:5] he was not giving the theologians a proof text for original sin but sharing his own background! Despite such rejection and insecurity David became a mighty man of God. What an inspiration! Is this why God said of David that he was a man after His own heart?

BECAUSE OF HIS REMARKABLE FAITH IN KILLING GOLIATH

He had killed a lion and bear – why should the giant, Goliath, be any different! [1 Sam.17:34-37]. David refused to trust in Saul’s armour – a picture of natural human reasoning! [1 Sam.17:38-39], and instead he made an amazing statement of faith [1 Sam.17:45-47]. Perhaps this is the reason that God called him a "man after His own heart."

BECAUSE HE REFUSED TO KILL THE MAN WHO WANTED TO DESTROY HIM

Because of jealousy Saul was determined to kill David. David had opportunities to kill him [see 1 Sam.24:3-11; 26:7-12]. See David’s attitude to Lord’s anointed [1 Samuel 26:9-11]. Is this why God said of David that he was a man after His own heart?

BECAUSE OF HIS FEARLESSNESS OF OTHER PEOPLE’S OPINIONS

His joyful dancing before the Lord cost him his wife! [2 Sam.6:14-23]. Michal despised David, but he was determined to honour God [2 Sam.6:20-23]. Is this why God said of David that he was a man after His own heart?

BECAUSE OF HIS AMAZING LEADERSHIP ABILITY

He took a band of rabble rousers and trouble-makers and welded them into one of the greatest armies in history [see 1 Samuel 22:1-2]. A group of men who were in distress, in debt and were discontented gathered to David and became his “mighty men!” It is also not insignificant that his brothers and family also joined with him. Perhaps it was his leadership ability that made God say of David that he was a man after His own heart?

BECAUSE OF HIS REMARKABLE SENSE OF INTEGRITY

David said, “I will not offer to the Lord that which has cost me nothing”

[1 Samuel 26:24]. Is David's integrity the reason God said of him that he was a man after His own heart?

BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE OF KINDNESS

“Is there anyone left of the household of Saul to whom I can show kindess? [2 Samuel 9:1,3]. King Saul had been David’s great enemy and yet here is David showing kindness to his family. It is the story of Mephibosheth, a son of Saul and a man lame in both feet [v3]. Mephibosheth had such a low self-esteem – he called himself “a dead dog” [v8] – but David brought him to Jerusalem & Mephibosheth ate daily at the king’s table [v10,13]. What tenderness and kindness - Surely this would be a reason this why God said of David that he was a man after His own heart?

These actions of David were all good, but were merely symptoms, and not the reason why God said that David was “a man after His own heart!” The key is not David’s successes or his failures but his heart! When Samuel came to anoint the new king of Israel he said – “man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart!” - God is most interested in our hearts – not our failures or our successes!

“God will be judge us not by what we did or didn’t do but by the motives of our heart” [A.W.Tozer]

WHAT WAS IT ABOUT DAVID’S HEART THAT MADE GOD SAY “HE IS A MAN AFTER MY OWN HEART”?

DAVID HAD A HEART OF WORSHIP

He loved to be in God’s House [Psalm 27:4] – “One thing have I desired of the Lord”

He loved to worship the Lord – the Psalms are evidence of that.

“The chief end of man is worship God and enjoy Him forever” [Westminster Catechism]

There is tremendous power in worship. Don Moen says that God created worship for our good! To worship God is good for us and so often we find healing as we worship Him. A paraphrase of Psalm 34 verse 9 says, “Worship God if you want the best; worship opens the doors to all His goodness.” [The Message]

David loved God’s presence. His testimony was that, “In His presence is fullness of joy”

He longed that God’s will should be done – despite his own failings and inadequacies!

DAVID HAD A HEART OF DEPENDENCY

When he was in need David cried out to the Lord – “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me…” [Psalm 61:2]. He desperately wanted God’s presence and was afraid of losing God’s presence because of his sin. He cried out, “cast me not away from your presence”[Ps.51:11]

DAVID HAD A HEART OF REPENTANCE

When he failed the Lord he wept before Him and cried out for forgiveness. Psalm 32 and 51 are such an evidence of his broken heart over the sin in his life.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a maid or a master; one who leads or one who is led; a rich person or a poor person – what matters is your heart! This is what God looks at!

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.”

[2 Chronicles 16:9]

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS

2011-03-31T14:42:00.000-07:00

The blog is two days late this week because Esther and I have been traveling back home from Singapore. Last weekend in Church of our Saviour we experienced remarkable meetings when the presence of God was very tangible. Such was the worship and working of God that the word was quite short but powerfully appropriate based on the beatitude, "Blessed are the peacemakers. The notes are below but you can also catch the service on the podcast at www.coos.org.sg

This Sunday is mothering sunday, and Esther and I are returning to minister at the place where we served several years ago, in Westminster, at the Emmanuel Evangelical Church.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall

be called the sons of God” [Matthew 5:9]

In James 3 verse 18 we read this lovely verse: “Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace”

The dictionary defines a Peacemaker as a person who brings about peace. Literally, a person who brings calm and quiet; re-establishes friendly relationships between people; brings reconciliation [The Oxford Dictionary]

In the Biblical sense peace is not just the negative absence of conflict, but the positive “shalom” – of well-being & wholeness! ‘Shalom’ means completeness, wholeness, peace, health, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquillity prosperity, fullness, perfectness, rest, and harmony: the absence of agitation and discord. This adds a whole new emphasis to being a peacemaker – one who brings wholeness and well being as well as reconciliation between conflicting parties. This is not just a personality type but is a result of the work of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life!

Not all children of God are known as peacemakers, but the reward of being a peacemaker is to be known as a child of God.

Is there any more wonderful name to have than being someone who brings peace? “You shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in” [Isaiah 58:12]

“The peace-makers are not necessarily the people who are talking about peace all the time. Peace-makers are those who are doing something, creating something, building something – bridges mostly” [Robert Schuller]

TO MAKE PEACE A PERSON MUST BE AT PEACE

Christ is our peace – Ephesians 2:14-18. When Jesus rules in our hearts and lives the result is peace! God’s Kingdom is a kingdom of peace [Romans 14:17]. We need to be at peace with God, with ourselves, and with others. How can we possibly be a peacemaker if we ourselves are not at peace?

“The peace of God which passes all understanding shall rule your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 4:7] is a wonderful promise. This peace is supernatural!

We are commanded to “Maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” [Ephesians 4:3]

We should pursue peace. Paul says, “Therefore, let us pursue the things that make for peace, and the things by which we may edify one another.” [Romans 14:19]

Paul speaks about peace and unity in his closing words to the Corinthians, “Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace” [2 Corinthians 13:11].

It is impossible for a person to bring peace when there is a war going on in their heart and soul.

“Of all the people who can bring peace, Christians should be the most able. They don’t need to carry around a bundle of emotional garbage that shows itself in the form of anxiety, fear, tension, or insecurity. They should not be angry people who feel they are the victims of life’s injustices.”

[Robert Schuller]

THE POWER TO BRING PEACE COMES FROM THE PRINCE OF PEACE

Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” [see Isaiah 9:6]

Every Christian is called to be a peacemaker

God reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation…He has committed to us the word of reconciliation…we are ambassadors for Christ.” [2 Corinthians 5:18-20]. We are called to be reconcilers and peacemakers. We are ambassadors of the Prince of Peace

Peace making is God’s work – God is the author of peace, and of reconciliation. “Through Christ God was pleased ‘to reconcile to Himself all things…making peace by the blood of His cross.” [Colossians 1:20]. Christ’s purpose was to create in Himself one new man in place of the two [Jew & Gentile], so making peace’ [Ephesians 2:15].

When we seek to bring peace wherever we go, we are simply doing what the Father does – it is not surprising then that peacemakers are called sons of God!

The key is that “God was in Christ, reconciling….” And “Christ lives in me” – the need is simply to let Him, who is the Prince of Peace, do His work through us!

PEACE ONLY WORKS IN CONJUNCTION WITH TRUTH AND LOVE

Peace is not the same as appeasement – it is not peace at any price - it cost the life-blood of God’s only Son!

To proclaim ‘Peace, peace’ when there is no peace is the work of a false prophet, not of Christian witness [Jeremiah 6:14 & 8:11]. There can be no real peace unless there is also truth and love!

Sometimes making peace is painful – When we are ourselves involved in a quarrel, there will be either the pain of apologizing to the person we have injured or the pain of rebuking the person who has injured us – pretending something has not happened or not dealing with the issue properly, and in a Biblical manner, is not peace making!

Being a peace-maker is risky - “We may not be personally involved in a dispute, but may find ourselves struggling to reconcile to each other two people or groups who are estranged and at variance with each other. In this case there will be the pain of listening, of ridding ourselves of prejudice, of striving sympathetically to understand both the opposing points of view, and of risking misunderstanding, ingratitude or failure.”
[John Stott]

Peace-making often requires a positive attitude of love and care

We have an amazing example of peacemaking in the life of King David. He asked the question, “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake.” Remember Saul had become his bitter enemy. A crippled son of Saul, called Mephibosheth was brought before him in fear and trembling. David brought him to his palace and said that this man would eat at the king’s table for the rest of his life [2 Samuel 9:1-13]. Such love brings peace and against such there is no law!

HOW GOD CHANGED A CHEAT

2011-03-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

Esther and I are now into our final few days and weekend in Singapore. God has richly blessed as we have ministered, especially this past weekend. You can catch the message on podcast at www.coos.org.sg

I have been so blessed as I have prepared todays message on Jacob. I trust that you will enjoy, but also be challenged at how God changed this man's life.

HOW GOD CHANGED A CHEAT

Perhaps one of the most remarkable stories in the whole Bible is the story of how God changed Jacob. Jacob was a strong-willed, selfish, wheeler-dealing man who God totally changed! His name means “supplanter” or in modern English “cheat.”

Jacob’s father, Isaac, made Esau his favourite son, whilst Rebecca favoured Isaac. This is already a recipe for a family disaster. Favouritism creates jealousy, anger and bitterness.

Jacob stole his brother Esau’s birthright. He even cheated his own father and stole the blessing of his father from Esau. After this he had to flee in fear for his life!

When he was on the run Jacob had a remarkable experience of God at a place Jacob called Bethel [see Genesis 28:10-22]; God spoke to Jacob through a dream [28:12]; Jacob received the promise that God would be with him [28:13-16a]; Jacob made a genuine confession [28:16b-17] and commitment [28:18-22]; But then Jacob goes on his way and nothing further is recorded of his relationship with God until we come to Genesis chapter 32. Twenty-five years have passed since the experience Jacob had at Bethel. Is it possible to have an experience of God and your life to be unchanged?

Jacob continued cheating – painting sheep to get rich at another’s expense! He is a very selfish, and not nice person, full of his own importance and self-will. All that will change! In Genesis chapter 32 we read of how God changed Jacob! The whole chapter is just one day in Jacob’s life.

IN THE MORNING Jacob met with angels [see Genesis 32:1-2]

There were two possible reasons why the angels met Jacob. Perhaps it was to remind him of the experience he had at Bethel, where, in his dream, he saw the angels ascending and descending on a ladder – Remember Jacob! It might be that the angels met with Jacob because later day Jacob would meet with an Angel – Be Prepared Jacob!

IN THE AFTERNOON Jacob met with trouble [see Genesis 32:3-21]

It is family trouble – Esau is coming to meet Jacob! Jacob has been running from him for many years avoiding confrontation and Esau’s anger! Actually Esau is coming in peace but Jacob’s conscience cannot understand. Jacob is afraid – he divides his possessions for protection [v7-8]; he prays [v9-12]; and he tries to appease his brother by sending a huge gift [v13-21].

It is the same old Jacob…unchanged, scheming and trying to work it out his way!

IN THE EVENING Jacob met with God [see Genesis 32:22-32]

The key verse – “And He blessed him there” [v29] – where was “there?” “There” was a place called Peniel, but it was also an experience.

It was a place of Loneliness [32:24] – all the pillars he leaned upon were gone! His wife, children, possessions were all on the other side of the river – Jacob was alone! It was just him and God!

It was a place of Brokenness [32:25]

The initiative came from God – he came and wrestled with Jacob!

We see the strength of Jacob’s spirit – he could resist God “all night”!

Here is the patience of God – that God allowed Jacob to resist “all night!”

When morning came God dealt with Jacob with just a touch – and Jacob was broken!

The thigh is a symbol of human strength – Jacob would not be able to run any more!

It was a place of Desperation [32:26]

Before Jacob was resisting, but now he is clinging! “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

Jacob recognized his need – the self-sufficiency, pride, arrogance has all gone now! He is desperate!

It was a place of Honesty [32:27]

The Lord asked Jacob, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he replied. Cheat, deceiver! In the past his own father had asked the same question and had lied to him [see Genesis 27:18-19]. Now he is honest!

“And He blessed Jacob there!” God gave Jacob a new name – Israel [v30]. He had a new vision – “I have seen God face to face” [v30]; [c] Jacob moved with a limp [v31], but he was changed. He would never forget and his life would never be the same again.

The last time we read about Jacob in the the Bible is in the book of Hebrews. Jacob is now an old man, and the writer says, “By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff” [Hebrews 11:21]. This former selfish wheeler dealer is now giving not getting; worshipping not fighting; He is leaning on his staff – did he still limp because God had touched his thigh? God had done His work and His servant was no longer arrogant, proud and fleshly but tender and sensitive to God!

HOW GOOD IS THE GOD WE ADORE!

OUR UNFAITHFUL UNCHANGEABLE FRIEND,

WHOSE LOVE IS AS GREAT AS HIS POWER,

AND KNOWS NEITHER MEASURE NOR END!

BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL

2011-03-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

Esther and I have had a wonderful few days in Singapore. On Sunday there was an amazing spirit of intercession for Japan in this time of great pain in that nation. Last night Esther spoke to a "market-place" group of about sixty ladies and it was a time of great blessing.

The message I preached on Sunday in Church of our Saviour, Singapore is the basis of our "Spirit Food" message this week. If you would like to listen to the message then please do so at www.coos.sg

May the Lord richly bless you this week.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” [Matthew 5:8]

We are going to look at the character of mercy that God expects of us, and the reward that the merciful receive.

Mercy is one of the three expectations that God places upon us. – “What does the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” [Micah 6:8]

THE MERCY GOD EXPECTS OF US IS PRACTICAL

The Greek word for mercy is active not passive. It has a positive meaning:

[a] It means to show kindness to the destitute or those in trouble.

[b] The stress is on pity shown by action and not just in thought. Mercy is a doing word!

[c] A synonym for mercy is compassion. “Compassion is love with pain!”

The difference between grace and mercy:

grace = undeserved, unmerited favour shown to the needy

mercy = practical compassion to the needy

The Word of God shows us two specific ways in which we are to be merciful:

Practical Care

One of the most impressive things about YWAM is its Mercy Ministries alongside its church-

planting and evangelistic ministries. There is not a dichotomy.

In Isaiah 58 gives us some amazing promises about guidance, healing and protection but these are conditional caring for the poor and needy.

In Matthew 25:34-46 Jesus speaks of clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and caring for those in prison as doing it as though to Him personally. Ministering to the needy = to minister to Jesus!

In James 1:27 we read that “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”

The apostle John commands us to love, not in word only, but with action and in truth

[see 1 John 3:17-18]

On of the most beautiful stories in the Old Testament tells of King David’s love for a crippled man, related to his enemy, whom he brought to eat for the rest of his life to the royal palace and at the king’s table [2 Samuel 9:1-13]

We must be careful that our motives and attitudes are right. We do not care out of a sense of needing to be needed or to mask our own needs. Sometimes rejected people care for people in the hope of gaining acceptance. Neither do we care for people in order to gain merit, and find acceptance with God! We cannot earn acceptance or favour with God! We must be careful not to

carry people’s burdens in such a way that we hinder them from coming to God – thus becoming as it were a replacement for God, so that they learn to lean on us and not the Lord Himself.

Forgiveness

To have mercy on someone is to pardon and forgive them. The unmerciful refuse to forgive!

In the parable of the unmerciful servant [Matt. 18:21f] Jesus told of a servant who had been forgiven much but then showed no mercy or forgiveness to another person who owed him so little.

The story of Joseph is remarkable. He was treated unmercifully by his brothers, but later, when they were at his mercy he showed them mercy – he wept for their misery, met their needs, forgave them & restored them [Gen. 50:20]

How do I know that I have really forgiven someone? One proof is that if I still blame someone for something that happened to me, then I haven’t properly forgiven them.

Here are two penetrating tests:

[a] If we have no mercy towards those in need then it is it is doubtful whether we are Christians

[b] If we do not exercise mercy in forgiveness, then it is unlikely that we have ever really understood God’s grace. The person with no desire to forgive is in grave danger

THE REWARD EXPERIENCED BY THOSE WHO ARE MERCIFUL IS TANGIBLE

Those who show mercy will receive mercy! See some of the blessings to be enjoyed by the merciful:

Psalm 37:26 – Their children will be blessed

Psalm 112:4-9 – The compassionate man [see v4,5,9a] will have: [i] Have light [v4];

[ii] Experience good [v5]; [iii] Be secure [v6-8]; [iv] Be remembered forever [v6b, 9b];

[v] Be honoured [v9c];

Proverbs 3:3-4 – He will have favour and understanding before God and men.

Proverbs 11:17 – He does good to his own soul.

Proverbs 21:21 – He finds life, honour and righteousness.

The merciful are blessed - literally, they are 'most happy' - that's the meaning of "blessed!"

Here is the Law of Proportionate Returns – we forgive & are forgiven [Matt. 6:15]; we give and receive [Matt. 7:2]; we sowing and reap [Gal. 6:7];

We are to “Do to others as you would have them do unto you.”

‘If you want to treat people mercifully you have to begin by treating yourself mercifully. Accept yourself by knowing that Christ accepts you as you are! However, if you lack a deep sense of self-esteem and self-worth, you will constantly have problems with other people. You wont treat them mercifully. You’ll be unkind. You’ll be critical or you’ll gossip. You’ll lash back until you’ve undermined the most important aspects of your life – and you find it collapsed around you.

Think about it. What is it that keeps us from treating people mercifully? Is it resentment, jealousy, or the feeling that someone is a threat to you? If you can’t handle resentment, jealousy, or ‘victimitis’ then deep down in your own mind, heart and soul, you need to deal with your lack of positive self-image. Your negative reactions are the result of hidden wounds that need to be healed.'

[Robert Schuller in “The Be Happy Attitudes”]

BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART

2011-03-08T17:04:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow Esther and I fly to Singapore and will be ministering in Church of our Saviour for the next three weekends. I will be continuing the series on the beatitudes found in Matthew 5:1-12. Below is one of the messages - Blessed are the pure in heart. You can listen to the message of each weekend on the podcast found at the Church of Saviour website. The website is: www.coos.org.sg

We have had a wonderful evening with our friends Michael and Carole this evening and they will be resting and relaxing in our home whilst we are in Singapore. We return to the UK on 30th March. Please pray for us.

BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”

[Matthew 5:8]

Read Psalm 24 - the importance of clean hands and a pure heart

Holiness has been a much maligned teaching – spoiled by wrong negative attitudes and legalism, but the Bible says that holiness is a beautiful thing. God's Word says that we are to "worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness"

Lets look at this word wonderful beatitude about the pure in heart

THE BIBLICAL MEANING OF THE WORD HEART

The heart is the inner part of man

Although man is a single entity, he is made up of various parts. David said, “You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part…..” [Psalm 51:6]

The heart is:

The seat of our affections

“Where your treasure is there will your heart be also” [Matt. 6:21]

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart…” [Matt. 22:37]

The source of our words and actions

The things that come out of the mouth come from the heart….out of the heart come evil thoughts…[Matt. 15:18-19]

When we talk about a pure heart, we are talking about the inner person, and the result is seen in their life and character.

The heart of man is desperately wicked

The heart is deceitful above all things….who can know it?” [Jeremiah 17:9]

In Matthew 15:19 a list of wickednesses is given of things that come from the heart [This is repeated in Mark 7:21].

The heart is so full of mixed motives, distractions and divided loyalties

Only God can make the heart of man pure

Under the Law it was impossible to make yourself pure and these beatitudes make it even more impossible! And yet God’s Word says, “PURIFY YOURSELVES” [James 4:8]. As we surrender to Jesus so the Lord purifies our hearts through what he did for us on the cross.

THE MEANING OF BEING PURE IN HEART

It means to be CLEAN

In the sense of not being mixed with any impurity.

In Greek the word is used of: Clear water; Metals without alloy; Grain that has been winnowed [freed from mixture of other particles]

Nathaniel was a guileless man [John 1:47] – literally there were no hidden motives or selfish aims and hidden agendas underlying a fair outward appearance.

King David prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” [Psalm 51:10]

It means to be HOLY

Holiness = separation unto God!

It is God’s work to make us holy, as we yield to Him. We are “Sanctified by the Spirit.” Paul says, “The God of peace sanctify you wholly…[1 Thess. 5:23].

Someone once said that "God doesn’t call us to happiness but to holiness!” This is NOT sinless perfection or entire sanctification! Those born of God do not continue to commit sin [see 1 John 3:7-10 & 1 John 5:18] but this does not mean that we will not commit sins [see 1 John 1:9 & 1 John 2:1]

“Holiness is not the inability to sin, but the glorious ability not to sin” [Eric Maddison]

It means to WALK IN THE LIGHT

Light and purity are equated in the Scriptures. “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all [1 John 1:5]

The hymn writer wrote, “Eternal Light! Eternal Light, How pure the soul must be”

To walk in the light means that we accept what God says about us; that we do not deceive ourselves or others [1 John 1:8,10] and that we live a life of transparency - Honesty is the basis of all true fellowship [see 1 John 1:7]

THE PROMISE TO THE PURE IN HEART

“They shall see God” – this is the ultimate reward! What a wonderful promise we have for the future.

The hymn writer Fanny Crosby was blind and one day longing that she might see the beauty of God's creation the words came to her of one of her greatest hymns. She wrote “And I shall see Him, face to face, and tell the story, saved by grace”

SIX STEPS TO PURITY OF HEART

1. Recognize your need of purity

2. Acknowledge that only God can make your heart clean

3. Be totally honest with God about the condition of your heart

4. Confess all known sin, and allow the blood of Jesus to cleanse you

5. Fill yourself with the Word of God [Read Psalm 116:9-16]

As we hide God's word in our hearts He keeps us clean and gives us victory over sin

6. Concentrate on the finishing line

“Beloved, now are we the children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” [1 John 3:2-3]

May God give us such a hunger for this kind of holiness and purity of heart that we will reach out to Him and allow Him to make us what He wants us to be - Holy! "Be holy as I am holy, says the Lord"

BLESSED ARE THE THIRSTY

2011-03-01T06:04:00.000-08:00

Esther and I have recently returned from Holland where we were ministry and teaching in Cornerstone, the WEC Bible School. We were teaching on the Holy Spirit and His gifts. It is a tremendous privilege to input the lives of people who will be future Christian leaders and front-line missionaries. These are cutting-edge people.

Now we are home for a few days. We got back in time to attend our church in Bracknell. The morning message on Amos was outstanding and we would encourage to listen to it on the website of the Kerith Community Church, Bracknell.

We will be leaving again for Singapore on 9^th March and ministering in Singapore, returning on at the end of March. Two very dear friends will be staying in our home for that period, enjoying a time of rest and relaxation.

On Friday of this week I will be speaking to a group of Chinese students in London. I have been working through a series with them on the beatitudes from Matthew chapter 5. This week we will look at “Bessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness” from verse 6. I trust that these notes will also be a blessing to you as you read them.

BLESSED ARE THE THIRSTY

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled”

[Matthew 5:6]

We often hear that statement that someone is satisfied with Jesus or by Him and yet here we hear Jesus speaking about being spiritually hungry and thirsty!

THERE IS NO CONTRADICTION IN BEING SATISFIED AND YET HUNGRY

Some people will undoubtedly see a contradiction here: Happy are those who hunger and thirst…yet Christians speak of being satisfied.

Jesus promised to satisfy us

John 10:10 – “I am come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly”

The Psalmist speaks of being satisfied

Psalms 63:5 – “My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.”

Psalm 103:5 – “He satifies your desires with good things….”

Psalm 107:9 – “…He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”

Psalm 16:11 – “In your presence is fullness of joy….” “Where Jesus is, ‘tis heaven there!”

The Bible speaks of godly men who were hungry

David – He walked with God…had wonderful experiences with God…..but there was a deep hunger and thirst [Psalm 17:15; 42:1-2; 63:1; 84:2]

Job – In the context of trials [“When He has tried me I shall come forth as gold” – 23:10], Job says, “I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary.” [Job 23:12]

Paul – “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable to His death” [Phil. 3:10]

Many Christian Song Writers Speak of Deep Hunger for God

“I hunger and I thirst, Jesus my manna be.”

“As the deer longs for the water, so my soul longs after you…”

“O for a heart to praise my God, a heart from sin set free…”

“O for a closer walk with God……”

WHAT IT MEANS TO HUNGER & THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS

One of the key teachings of the Sermon on the Mount is about righteousness.

The first four beatitudes lead to a hunger for righteousness [v6]. The second four beatitudes lead to persecution for the sake of righteousness [v10]. The fifth, sixth and seventh beatitudes reveal the character of righteousness that often leads to persecution – it is mercy, purity & peacableness!

In three places apart from the beatitudes Jesus speaks of righteousness during the Sermon on the Mount – [Matthew 5:20; 6:1,33]

In Matthew 5:20 Jesus explains that righteousness is more than just obeying a set of rules! He then shows how our righteousness must surpass simply keeping the law:

We must not only not kill, but also not be angry against others and instead seek peace [v21-26].

We must not only not commit adultery, but not look on a person lustfully [v27-30].

We must not condone divorce because there is a legal provision but keep our covenant commitments [v31-32].

We should not only keep our oaths, but be the kind of people who do not need to take oaths in order to be believed [v33-37].

We should not seek revenge, but instead turn the other cheek and return good for evil [v38-42].

We should not only love our neighbour, but also love our enemy and pray for those who persecute us [v43-48].

Literally, righteousness has to do with showing mercy, being radically pure in heart and making peace instead of retaliating! This is what God is like!

Definitions of hungering and thirsting after righteousness include:

An increasing sense of the need for God – that nothing else can really satisfy.

A longing to be righteous, holy, God-like in character.

Wanting God’s will for our lives, and and all that this may mean for us both individually and as a community – “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” [Matthew 6:33]

Biblical righteousness is far more than a private and personal affair – when a group of people begin to act in this way it will bring community transformation [and opposition & persecution!!]

The bottom line is a hunger for God Himself. The hymn writer sums it up in the verse “My goal is God Himself, Not joy nor peace, nor even blessing but Himself my God”

When you hunger after God the other things are automatic… the desire to be like Him…to be holy…to do His will. To hunger after Him is to love Him…to love Him is to keep His commands!

Sometimes other things have taken priority, so that have become satisfied with less than God. It may be the subtle love of softening things. It may be other people [their attention; their love; even fellowship] or perhaps pleasure …ministry…work…emotional experiences… It may be that something or someone has taken the place that Jesus should have in your heart.

Tragically the church in Ephesus left its first love [see Revelation 2:1-7]. It was dynamic, active, doctrinally correct and prepared to suffer for Jesus, but had lost a vital ingredient – love!

This beatitude is a test of our spiritual desires – we each know in our hearts whether our greatest desire is to know God and His righteousness.

GOD’S PROMISE TO THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS

God made us for fullness! Don’t be satisfied with less than God wants for you!

God’s plan is always fullness. Constantly through His Word this is emphasized:

He fills all things [Eph. 1:23; 4:10]; “Filled with all the fullness of God” [Eph. 3:19]; “Be filled with the Spirit” [Eph. 5:18]; “Filled with the knowledge of His will” [Col. 1:19]; Filled with the fruits of righteousness” [Phil. 1:11]; We are to be filled with goodness, and filled with all knowledge [Romans 15:14]; Mary says, “He hath filled the hungry with good things” [Luke 1:53]; David says, “My cup runneth over” [Psalm 23:5]; One day the glory of the Lord will fill all the earth [Habbakuk 3:3].

Jesus promised that from the innermost being of the thirsty would flow “rivers of living water.”

In Genesis 26:12-25 we find Isaac unblocking the wells! The water symbolising the Holy Spirit was available, but the well blocked! Isaac unblocked the wells which had been stopped up by the enemy! Unblocking wells is not for the contented, self-satisfied or faint-hearted! When Isaac had unblocked the wells, he then “dug another well” – he was satisfied with a holy dissatisfaction!

“There is perhaps no greater secret of progress in Christian living than a healthy, hearty spiritual appetite. Again and again Scripture addresses its promises to the hungry. God ‘satisfies him who is thirsty, and the hungry He fills with good things.’ [Psalm 107:9].

If we are conscious of slow growth, is the reason that we have a jaded appetite? It is not enough to mourn over past sin; we must also hunger for future righteousness.” [John Stott]

HOW TO SURVIVE THE STORMS OF LIFE

2011-02-22T13:55:00.000-08:00

How do you survive when storms come and God seems to be silent? That is the story of Job. And we can learn a lot from the way in which Job handled the storm that hit his life.

Job was righteous [Job 1:1]. He was blameless, upright, and feared God. He was a blessed man [Job 1:2-3]. He was the greatest man in the East. He was a family man [Job 1:4-5], who prayed for his children. God Himself spoke very highly of Job [Job 1:8]. Satan hated Job and came into God’s presence to accuse him. Satan’s ability to come into God’s presence was removed when Jesus defeated him on the cross, but people do still experience the negative things that Job experienced. Satan made two basic accusations against Job:

Job only fears God because God has blessed Him [Job 1:9-11]. At this accusation God gives Satan permission to take away Job’s wealth! [Job 1:12-13]. Job loses everything, except his integrity [Job 1:13-19]. Job’s response was amazing– He mourned and worshipped [Job 1:20-21], but he did not sin! [Job 1:22]

Job only fears God because God gives him health [Job 2:4-5]

God gives Satan permission to take away Job’s health! [Job 2:6,7-8]. It is important to understand that God allowed Satan to do this but God Himself is not the author of sickness! Job’s makes one of the most amazing statements in Scripture, “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity” [Job 1:10] How did Job stand firm through all of this? How did he survive the whirlwind? Perhaps five attitudes revealed in Job’s life are a key to his survival

HE TRUSTED IN THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD

Despite what he was experiencing, Job’s testimony was that God is good and that he will trust Him whatever happens – “Though He slay me I will trust Him” [Job 13:15]. He recognized that somehow God would bring good out of the trial - “When he has tried me I shall come forth as God” [Job 23:10], and believed that God had a right to do what He did in saying “the Lord gives and takes away” [Job 1:21]. Beware of only trusting God in the good times, and remember He is Lord at all times, even in the storms. Even Satan cannot act unless God allows him to do so! Even when God seems to be silent He is still in control. That is the time to trust Him!

HE BELIEVED THERE WOULD COME A DAY OF RESURRECTION

Despite the trials Job’s assurance of a future day of blessing is clear – “I know that my Redeemer lives….” [Job 19:25-26]. In the midst of such trials it would be so easy to get your eyes on the circumstances – like Peter, to look at the waves and begin to sink!

Here is Christian hope – Job is looking ahead to a life beyond this life! It is this hope that holds us firm [Romans 5:2b-5] and this hope is a protective “helmet of salvation” [1 Thessalonians 5:8]

HE RECOGNISED THAT HE DIDN’T UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING

Job admitted that there were things that he did not understand [Job 42:2-3]. In a day when knowledge has been deified it is humbling to say that we don’t know and it is so releasing to recognize that we don’t have all the answers. Paul says, “We only know in part…we see through a glass darkly.” God doesn’t ask us to understand everything but He does ask us to trust Him!

HE WAS CAREFUL WHOSE ADVICE HE LISTENED TO

Various friends had counsel and advice for Job – but it was not the counsel that he needed! They basically blamed Job for the situation he found himself in – he must have sinned! This is what Job’s friends said about Job but it is interesting to see what God said about them!!! [Job 42:7-8]. Here are two things to beware of - the danger of teaching that brings condemnation, and negative words that people speak that bring you into bondage!

HE FOCUSED ON THE NEEDS OF OTHER PEOPLE

God turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends [Job 42:10]. Is there any better cure for self-pity that to reach out to others in their need! At this point God restored to Job everything that Job had lost – twice as much as he had before [Job 42:10]

LIVING AS GOD INTENDED

2011-02-15T13:53:00.000-08:00

God never intended us to live as fearful failures. Jesus said, “I am come that they may have fullness of life.” [John 10:10]. Another version says, “I am come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” The word “abundantly” is perissos in Greek. It has the meaning of superabundance, excessive, over-flowing, surplus, over and above, more than enough, more than sufficient. This is not referring only to money but to life itself. This is God’s plan and purpose for us. The writer of Proverbs describes with six beautiful couplets of two verses. In each couplet He gives a promise and then states the conditions we must fulfill in order to enjoy the promise. Let’s look a little closer at these six promises that God gives us:

a meaningful life [Proverbs 3:1-2]

The Amplified Bible says, “Length of days and years of a life worth living and tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age to death…” God promises that if we keep his commandments we will live the full length of life, with peace. The key is to keep God’s commands in our heart – not just outwardly – but inwardly. David says of the Lord that He desires truth in the inward parts [Psalm 51:6]

favour with God and with men [Proverbs 3:3-4]

God’s favour is priceless. If we reverence the Lord and live aright then He blesses us but also causes men to recognize that we are different – not selfish, false, or hypocritical but genuine. Joseph in the Old Testament lived with God’s favour even in slavery and a prison. When he finally stood, before Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt said, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?” The key to this is simple – always act with mercy and kindness!

clear direction & purpose [Proverbs 3:5-6]

God promises to guide us…to lead us in a straight path. What a promise as we walk through difficulties that the world and life present to us. The key to this clear guidance is to trust God to lead us, not to depend upon our own understanding, and in everything we do to seek Him and acknowledge Him. When we do this the Lord will lead us in right paths.

health and strength [Proverbs 3:7-8]

When we turn away from all evil, and especially the pride of thinking we can “do it our way,” and instead reverence the Lord and worship Him, then he promises that our nerves and our bones shall be healthy and we will have strength.

financial security [Proverbs 3:9-10]

God promises to bless us financially when we honour Him with our finances! We are to give to Him and we do that through giving to others. Amazingly, the more we give the more he seems to meet our needs! God’s promise is “Give and it shall be given to you.” Personally, we have experienced that giving what we have protects us from idolatry, blesses others but opens the door for God to bless with plenty!

grow in maturity and wisdom [Proverbs 3:11-12]

Because he loves as a Father, God chastens us and disciplines us. This is not always enjoyable but it is an evidence of His love [see Hebrews 12:3-11]. Through the school of hard knocks, trials and discipline our Heavenly Father teaches us patience and wisdom. In this way we grow up into His mature children who live peaceably and in right ways.

Over the next few months we will look on the website more closely at each of these facets of the wonderful life that God has promised His children.