Exo 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
Deu 5:21 Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour's.
This command is interesting in that it is the only one for which there are no proscribed punishments in the law. This is because it deals not with outward acts, which are provable and thus able to be prosecuted, but instead with desires. It is easy enough to prove adultery or theft, but how do you prove that your neighbor is coveting?
This commandment thus shows something in an obscure way that is made open by Christ, that God deems evil attitudes and desires as sins, not just evil acts. Jesus forbade anger as being murder in the heart and lust as being adultery in the heart (Matt. 5:22-23; 27-29). Now the evil desire is the seed of sin, and is sinful in itself, but it is not as evil as the deed. Some might say, coveting is as bad as stealing. No, coveting is not as bad. People have coveted without stealing, but no one has stolen without coveting. The same can be said of lust. This does not excuse covetousness, which is a great evil, but it is to emphasize that while it is bad to want to do a sinful deed, it is worse to do it.
James gives us the progressive order of sin, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” Lust or desire tempts us, we dwell on that desire and commit the act. The act carries with it a penalty – death! The key to victory over sin is in the desires. If we can put away evil desires and not dwell on them, then we won’t advance to the second stage and actually commit evil deeds. The Apostle Paul in Colossians gives lists of two different types of sins, some that need to be mortified and some that need to be put off. There are five that must be starved to death, fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and coveteousness. Passion differs from evil desire in that it denotes a will that is set on a course, like the feet that are swift in running to mischief (Prov. 6:18). Evil desire is like the heart that devises wicked imaginations. Covetousness is desiring something God has not given you, and is compared with idolatry (Eph. 5:5). Fornication and uncleanness cover the whole range of sexual immorality. These five desires must be taken captive, and starved until they are destroyed. These sins must be put to death as John Bunyan has my Lord Willbewill do unto Harmless-Mirth (Lasciviousness in disguise) in his book “The Holy War.”
There are other sins mentioned later in Colossians 3 that are to be put off, such as anger, filthy speaking, etc. When we are tempted to be angry we make a choice to not allow it, we put it off.
If we hunger and thirst after righteousness, God will change our desires from evil desires to desires of righteousness. This is part of the total redemption which Christ purchased for us on the cross, Praise God!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Ten Commandments Part 10
Exo 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Deu 5:20 Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbor.
This commandment demands our truthfulness, not only in courts of law, but as witnesses to the actions of ourselves and others in general. While this commandment forbids all lying, I would like to focus on one specific form which is gossip and slander. It is a sad state of affairs when the children of light throw around the darkness of slander and calumny. Christ calls Himself the faithful and true witness (Rev. 3:14). For us to be anything less is to fall short of His glory.
There are several ways in which Christians can break this commandment without perhaps even realizing it. Richard Baxter in a sermon entitled “Cases Of Conscience, and Directions Against Backbiting, Slandering, and Evil Speaking” available for reading at www.puritansermons.com, mentions several thoughts concerning this commandment worth noting. I will summarize a few of them (I would recommend reading the whole sermon, he says things in a very memorable way far better than I could.):
1. Even if a man is the enemy of God and the truth we cannot go beyond the bounds of truth in attacking him. “God needeth not malice, nor calumnies nor injustice to His glory.”
Remember of Christ it is said, “In righteousness doth He judge and make
war” (Rev. 19:11).
2. Take heed that in your zeal to defend your beliefs and the beliefs of your sect, you do not cross over to calumny of others who disagree. “A siding factious zeal, which is hotter for any sect or party, than for the common Christianity and catholic church, is always a railing, a lying, and a slandering zeal, and is notably described, James 3, as ‘earthly, sensual, and devilish,’ causing ‘envy, strife, and confusion, and every evil work.’”
When we realize that it is only God that gives understanding of His Word, we should be merciful towards others who disagree with us, especially on minor matters. We cannot shy away from the truth, but we need not attack them personally. It is one thing to fight a doctrine, it is another to attack the person who holds it. 2 Timothy 2:24-25 shows us the manner we should have towards those who disagree with us. If we are right, then meekness is in order. If we are wrong, and we are the ones God has to lead to repentance it is even more needful. The more ferociously we fight the worse it will be if we are wrong.
3. Backbiting is a great evil because it destroys love. “…as it is not the natural way of winning love, to entreat and beg it, and say, I pray you love this person, or that thing; but to open the goodness of the thing or person, which will command love: so is it not the natural way to stir up hatred, by entreating men to hate this man or that; but to tell how bad they are, which will command hatred in them that do believe it. Therefore to speak evil of another, is more than to say to the hearers, I pray you hate this man…”
4. We can be guilty of lying if we repeat evil of people without sufficient proof. “They who often speak evil of others behind their backs, it is ten to one will speak falsehoods of them when they do not know it. Fame is too ordinarily a liar, and they shall be liars who will be its messengers… If you know it not to be true, or have not sufficient evidence to prove it, you are guilty of lying and slandering interpretatively, though it should prove true; because it might have been a lie for aught you knew.”
5. We should be careful not to speak before we have heard the whole of the matter (Prov. 18:17). “It is gross injustice to talk of a man’s faults, before you have heard him speak for himself. I know it is usual with such to say, O we have heard it from such as we are certain will not lie. But he is a foolish and unrighteous judge will be peremptory upon hearing one party only speak, and knoweth not how ordinary it is for a man when speaketh for himself; to blow away the most confident and plausible accusations, and make the case appear to be quite another thing. You know not what another man hath to say till you have heard him.”
It is interesting that one of things that God sets forth for those who would dwell with Him is that they should speak the truth in their hearts and neither backbite nor take up a reproach against their neighbors (Psalm 15:2-3).
Christ was tempted in all points as we are, yet He never sinned. This gives Him tremendous understanding of the frailty and failing of humanity. He never condones sin, but He sorrows for the sinner. There is no self-righteousness in Him, even though all righteousness is in Him! One of the most interesting pronouncements He made was in Matthew 23:36-38, “Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Note the tenderness He had even to those who had repeatedly rejected Him and were about to crucify them. He truly warned of the judgment that would come, but without any bitterness or railing. Truly, He is our example to follow!
Deu 5:20 Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbor.
This commandment demands our truthfulness, not only in courts of law, but as witnesses to the actions of ourselves and others in general. While this commandment forbids all lying, I would like to focus on one specific form which is gossip and slander. It is a sad state of affairs when the children of light throw around the darkness of slander and calumny. Christ calls Himself the faithful and true witness (Rev. 3:14). For us to be anything less is to fall short of His glory.
There are several ways in which Christians can break this commandment without perhaps even realizing it. Richard Baxter in a sermon entitled “Cases Of Conscience, and Directions Against Backbiting, Slandering, and Evil Speaking” available for reading at www.puritansermons.com, mentions several thoughts concerning this commandment worth noting. I will summarize a few of them (I would recommend reading the whole sermon, he says things in a very memorable way far better than I could.):
1. Even if a man is the enemy of God and the truth we cannot go beyond the bounds of truth in attacking him. “God needeth not malice, nor calumnies nor injustice to His glory.”
Remember of Christ it is said, “In righteousness doth He judge and make
war” (Rev. 19:11).
2. Take heed that in your zeal to defend your beliefs and the beliefs of your sect, you do not cross over to calumny of others who disagree. “A siding factious zeal, which is hotter for any sect or party, than for the common Christianity and catholic church, is always a railing, a lying, and a slandering zeal, and is notably described, James 3, as ‘earthly, sensual, and devilish,’ causing ‘envy, strife, and confusion, and every evil work.’”
When we realize that it is only God that gives understanding of His Word, we should be merciful towards others who disagree with us, especially on minor matters. We cannot shy away from the truth, but we need not attack them personally. It is one thing to fight a doctrine, it is another to attack the person who holds it. 2 Timothy 2:24-25 shows us the manner we should have towards those who disagree with us. If we are right, then meekness is in order. If we are wrong, and we are the ones God has to lead to repentance it is even more needful. The more ferociously we fight the worse it will be if we are wrong.
3. Backbiting is a great evil because it destroys love. “…as it is not the natural way of winning love, to entreat and beg it, and say, I pray you love this person, or that thing; but to open the goodness of the thing or person, which will command love: so is it not the natural way to stir up hatred, by entreating men to hate this man or that; but to tell how bad they are, which will command hatred in them that do believe it. Therefore to speak evil of another, is more than to say to the hearers, I pray you hate this man…”
4. We can be guilty of lying if we repeat evil of people without sufficient proof. “They who often speak evil of others behind their backs, it is ten to one will speak falsehoods of them when they do not know it. Fame is too ordinarily a liar, and they shall be liars who will be its messengers… If you know it not to be true, or have not sufficient evidence to prove it, you are guilty of lying and slandering interpretatively, though it should prove true; because it might have been a lie for aught you knew.”
5. We should be careful not to speak before we have heard the whole of the matter (Prov. 18:17). “It is gross injustice to talk of a man’s faults, before you have heard him speak for himself. I know it is usual with such to say, O we have heard it from such as we are certain will not lie. But he is a foolish and unrighteous judge will be peremptory upon hearing one party only speak, and knoweth not how ordinary it is for a man when speaketh for himself; to blow away the most confident and plausible accusations, and make the case appear to be quite another thing. You know not what another man hath to say till you have heard him.”
It is interesting that one of things that God sets forth for those who would dwell with Him is that they should speak the truth in their hearts and neither backbite nor take up a reproach against their neighbors (Psalm 15:2-3).
Christ was tempted in all points as we are, yet He never sinned. This gives Him tremendous understanding of the frailty and failing of humanity. He never condones sin, but He sorrows for the sinner. There is no self-righteousness in Him, even though all righteousness is in Him! One of the most interesting pronouncements He made was in Matthew 23:36-38, “Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Note the tenderness He had even to those who had repeatedly rejected Him and were about to crucify them. He truly warned of the judgment that would come, but without any bitterness or railing. Truly, He is our example to follow!
The Ten Commandments Part 9
Exo 20:15 Thou shalt not steal.
Deu 5:19 Neither shalt thou steal.
This commandment shows that God upholds the right of private property ownership. It is a saying that, “Possession is 9/10s of the law” and certainly in human relationships this law and its various applications make up a large part. God’s law unlike most legal codes is biased neither towards the poor nor the rich.
This commandment goes against “wealth redistribution” and other similar schemes, which in effect punish the wealthy. There is no question that some wealthy people make their wealth through dishonest means, but wealth is neither right nor wrong in the sight of God, but rather how it is acquired and how it is used. God views deprivation of property by governments as theft if it is not done in the limits of justice. Jezebel’s seizing of Naboth’s vineyard was robbery and murder in God’s eyes and He judged it accordingly (1 Kings chapter 21). In many nations were property laws are changed to deprive certain groups of their land, God views this as robbery (the application of force by the police, or armed forces raise it from mere theft to robbery, which is theft by violence or threat of violence). Often the rational given for these seizures is that the property was obtained unjustly in the beginning, if that is true, then it should be proven, and if it was unjust according to the law as it was, then why do they have to change the law to affect the seizure?
On the side of the employer, God regards it as theft if they either unnecessarily delay payment of money owed to a worker (Lev. 19:13), short-changing him in payment or otherwise changing his wages. Laban developed that scheme to perfection on Jacob, and apparently he was a role model to many in the BIA in the late 1800s. Other ways in which businesses can be guilty of theft is through dishonest scales, and similar tricks (Proverbs 11:1). In South Africa, potato chip companies will vary the amount of chips in the bag throughout the year 125g-150g, without changing the bag size or the price. While it is marked at the bottom of the packaging, they know that most people won’t notice and will pay the same price for 25g less. If that does not contravene the letter of God’s law it certainly is against the spirit. Another similar instance is when the Watt rating on speakers was changed without much fanfare to peak power output from its older standard. This allows speakers to be rated higher than they would been under the older rating.
Other forms of theft which are forbidden, are failure to return borrowed property (money included), or returning it in a damaged condition with no restitution, there are however certain limitations (Ex. 22:7-15). Damage to another’s property through carelessness also makes one liable (Ex. 22:5-6).
This is not an exhaustive list of violations. Using company time and equipment to do our own thing would also be a violation if it is not permitted by the company. We are in effect taking money without rendering the service we are obligated to render. God requires a total repentance from all stealing, and a total change in action and attitude. “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need” (Eph. 4:28). Instead of taking Christians should be givers, even to the undeserving even as God is!
Deu 5:19 Neither shalt thou steal.
This commandment shows that God upholds the right of private property ownership. It is a saying that, “Possession is 9/10s of the law” and certainly in human relationships this law and its various applications make up a large part. God’s law unlike most legal codes is biased neither towards the poor nor the rich.
This commandment goes against “wealth redistribution” and other similar schemes, which in effect punish the wealthy. There is no question that some wealthy people make their wealth through dishonest means, but wealth is neither right nor wrong in the sight of God, but rather how it is acquired and how it is used. God views deprivation of property by governments as theft if it is not done in the limits of justice. Jezebel’s seizing of Naboth’s vineyard was robbery and murder in God’s eyes and He judged it accordingly (1 Kings chapter 21). In many nations were property laws are changed to deprive certain groups of their land, God views this as robbery (the application of force by the police, or armed forces raise it from mere theft to robbery, which is theft by violence or threat of violence). Often the rational given for these seizures is that the property was obtained unjustly in the beginning, if that is true, then it should be proven, and if it was unjust according to the law as it was, then why do they have to change the law to affect the seizure?
On the side of the employer, God regards it as theft if they either unnecessarily delay payment of money owed to a worker (Lev. 19:13), short-changing him in payment or otherwise changing his wages. Laban developed that scheme to perfection on Jacob, and apparently he was a role model to many in the BIA in the late 1800s. Other ways in which businesses can be guilty of theft is through dishonest scales, and similar tricks (Proverbs 11:1). In South Africa, potato chip companies will vary the amount of chips in the bag throughout the year 125g-150g, without changing the bag size or the price. While it is marked at the bottom of the packaging, they know that most people won’t notice and will pay the same price for 25g less. If that does not contravene the letter of God’s law it certainly is against the spirit. Another similar instance is when the Watt rating on speakers was changed without much fanfare to peak power output from its older standard. This allows speakers to be rated higher than they would been under the older rating.
Other forms of theft which are forbidden, are failure to return borrowed property (money included), or returning it in a damaged condition with no restitution, there are however certain limitations (Ex. 22:7-15). Damage to another’s property through carelessness also makes one liable (Ex. 22:5-6).
This is not an exhaustive list of violations. Using company time and equipment to do our own thing would also be a violation if it is not permitted by the company. We are in effect taking money without rendering the service we are obligated to render. God requires a total repentance from all stealing, and a total change in action and attitude. “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need” (Eph. 4:28). Instead of taking Christians should be givers, even to the undeserving even as God is!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
The Ten Commandments Part 8
Exo 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Deu 5:18 Neither shalt thou commit adultery.
This commandment is a forbidding of not only adultery proper, but all uncleanness and immorality in general.
God instituted marriage in the garden of Eden, it was one man and one woman for life. The fall caused not only a break and enstrangement in the relationship with God, but also with each other. Adam’s “bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh”, became “that woman You gave me…” The change of the nature within was mirrored by the change of nature without. Thorns and briars were first introduced. In High School Biology I remember learning that thorns are branches that grow from mutated branch nodes. Unlike normal branches that branch out and bear leaves, thorns fold inward. In other words a thorn is a self-centered branch, and shows us something of the change in our own heart that happened as part of the fall. Plants began to produce thorns to keep themselves from being devoured, people began to put themselves first. “Looking out for number one” was introduced. This attitude was and is the bane of marriage.
Once this attitude is set in it was not long before it brought forth its first evil fruit, polygamy (Gen. 4:19). While the Mosaic law never forbade polygamy, it did seek to mitigate all its evils (Passing over the firstborn of the first wife, neglecting her, marrying sisters, etc…). If the life of Jacob shows us anything, it shows us the chaos that is created by polygamy in the home. When sins are prevalent in our culture and society we can be easily influenced, and not even see how far short we fall of God’s intentions. When Jacob was in danger of his life, he sent his wives and children, in reverse order of importance to him, out in front, with himself at the back so that he could escape. This is hardly the action of a good husband or father. It does not take a genius to see that this might have something to do with the violent hatred that some of the other children had for Joseph, who was his father’s favorite. The fact that God did not give up on Jacob in spite of his serious shortcomings in his homelife should encourage everyone that God can use even our own mistakes and the difficulties they create to perfect us if we turn to Him.
By the time of the return from Babylon, the Jews had as a whole realized that polygamy was not ideal and that God’s ideal was one man and one wife. However fallen man trying to look out for himself, changed that in effect to “one wife at a time.” Divorce like polygamy was not forbidden in the Mosaic law but it’s evils were lessened. Apparently it was not a common occurrence in the earlier Old Testament times, but became a great destroyer of family life by the time of Malachi. He explains how God views it (Mal. 2:10-16). In spite of what Malachi prophesied divorce continued to be very common up to the days of Christ some 400 years later. Asked His opinion He stated it clearly and expressly, that God joined man and woman in marriage therefore man could not dissolve the marriage (Matt. 19:3-10). God is the only one who can dissolve the marriage and He does that by death. It is my conviction that the exception clause refers to fornication proper during the engagement period in Jewish custom (Eg. Matt.1). In the second century, while the church apparently did allow divorce for immorality, they did not allow remarriage. A divorced person was to remain single or be reconciled (Hermas Book 2 Chap. 1). While I would not agree with that position, it does show what was believed by the church concerning remarriage at a very early date.
When we consider the situation that the early Church experienced as compared to the Church today, we realize that they are very similar. The people of God (then the Jews, now the Church) were better than the surrounding nations in that they did not kill unwanted babies (Exposure then, now abortion) or in all the flagrant immorality, yet there was a high rate of divorce even among God’s people. Jesus came to institute the New Covenant, which has the power not only to remit sin, but to break its power. In the immoral world we live in today it is good to remember the apostle Paul’s words to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 6:9-11). First he tells us in no uncertain terms that immoral people will not get into heaven. Then he adds some of the most comforting words ever written, the beauty of the past tense, “Such WERE some of you…” Having told them that no fornicator, adulterer, homosexual, etc… shall inherit the kingdom of God, he then shows that there may be many former fornicators, former adulterers, and former homosexuals in heaven. It is not sin that keeps us from heaven, but unwillingness to turn from it. God is willing to meet us in our sin and rebellion and change us if we are willing to forsake our sin. God often will use trouble and calamity to make us willing to repent even as He did with King David. If we repent, God will begin to restore us. David knew God as “the lifter of His head” (Psa. 3:3). When he could only hangs his head in shame of the remembrance of what he had done and could not undo, God raised his head and reminded him, “You are not the same man who did that, I have changed you, and I will continue to change you…” 1 Kings 1:1-4 shows us a different David from 2 Samuel 11, it is a wiser David, a David that has learned his lesson and been changed. If we have been involved in a particular sin and come out of it, God may at times bring us into situations that would have been tempting before, He does this not for His sake, because He already knows we have been changed. Instead He does it for our sake and the sake of others around us so that we can see the work God has done and thank Him that we are different. Praise God!
Deu 5:18 Neither shalt thou commit adultery.
This commandment is a forbidding of not only adultery proper, but all uncleanness and immorality in general.
God instituted marriage in the garden of Eden, it was one man and one woman for life. The fall caused not only a break and enstrangement in the relationship with God, but also with each other. Adam’s “bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh”, became “that woman You gave me…” The change of the nature within was mirrored by the change of nature without. Thorns and briars were first introduced. In High School Biology I remember learning that thorns are branches that grow from mutated branch nodes. Unlike normal branches that branch out and bear leaves, thorns fold inward. In other words a thorn is a self-centered branch, and shows us something of the change in our own heart that happened as part of the fall. Plants began to produce thorns to keep themselves from being devoured, people began to put themselves first. “Looking out for number one” was introduced. This attitude was and is the bane of marriage.
Once this attitude is set in it was not long before it brought forth its first evil fruit, polygamy (Gen. 4:19). While the Mosaic law never forbade polygamy, it did seek to mitigate all its evils (Passing over the firstborn of the first wife, neglecting her, marrying sisters, etc…). If the life of Jacob shows us anything, it shows us the chaos that is created by polygamy in the home. When sins are prevalent in our culture and society we can be easily influenced, and not even see how far short we fall of God’s intentions. When Jacob was in danger of his life, he sent his wives and children, in reverse order of importance to him, out in front, with himself at the back so that he could escape. This is hardly the action of a good husband or father. It does not take a genius to see that this might have something to do with the violent hatred that some of the other children had for Joseph, who was his father’s favorite. The fact that God did not give up on Jacob in spite of his serious shortcomings in his homelife should encourage everyone that God can use even our own mistakes and the difficulties they create to perfect us if we turn to Him.
By the time of the return from Babylon, the Jews had as a whole realized that polygamy was not ideal and that God’s ideal was one man and one wife. However fallen man trying to look out for himself, changed that in effect to “one wife at a time.” Divorce like polygamy was not forbidden in the Mosaic law but it’s evils were lessened. Apparently it was not a common occurrence in the earlier Old Testament times, but became a great destroyer of family life by the time of Malachi. He explains how God views it (Mal. 2:10-16). In spite of what Malachi prophesied divorce continued to be very common up to the days of Christ some 400 years later. Asked His opinion He stated it clearly and expressly, that God joined man and woman in marriage therefore man could not dissolve the marriage (Matt. 19:3-10). God is the only one who can dissolve the marriage and He does that by death. It is my conviction that the exception clause refers to fornication proper during the engagement period in Jewish custom (Eg. Matt.1). In the second century, while the church apparently did allow divorce for immorality, they did not allow remarriage. A divorced person was to remain single or be reconciled (Hermas Book 2 Chap. 1). While I would not agree with that position, it does show what was believed by the church concerning remarriage at a very early date.
When we consider the situation that the early Church experienced as compared to the Church today, we realize that they are very similar. The people of God (then the Jews, now the Church) were better than the surrounding nations in that they did not kill unwanted babies (Exposure then, now abortion) or in all the flagrant immorality, yet there was a high rate of divorce even among God’s people. Jesus came to institute the New Covenant, which has the power not only to remit sin, but to break its power. In the immoral world we live in today it is good to remember the apostle Paul’s words to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 6:9-11). First he tells us in no uncertain terms that immoral people will not get into heaven. Then he adds some of the most comforting words ever written, the beauty of the past tense, “Such WERE some of you…” Having told them that no fornicator, adulterer, homosexual, etc… shall inherit the kingdom of God, he then shows that there may be many former fornicators, former adulterers, and former homosexuals in heaven. It is not sin that keeps us from heaven, but unwillingness to turn from it. God is willing to meet us in our sin and rebellion and change us if we are willing to forsake our sin. God often will use trouble and calamity to make us willing to repent even as He did with King David. If we repent, God will begin to restore us. David knew God as “the lifter of His head” (Psa. 3:3). When he could only hangs his head in shame of the remembrance of what he had done and could not undo, God raised his head and reminded him, “You are not the same man who did that, I have changed you, and I will continue to change you…” 1 Kings 1:1-4 shows us a different David from 2 Samuel 11, it is a wiser David, a David that has learned his lesson and been changed. If we have been involved in a particular sin and come out of it, God may at times bring us into situations that would have been tempting before, He does this not for His sake, because He already knows we have been changed. Instead He does it for our sake and the sake of others around us so that we can see the work God has done and thank Him that we are different. Praise God!
Friday, December 12, 2008
The Ten Commandments Part 7
Exo 20:13 Thou shalt not kill.
Deu 5:17 Thou shalt not kill.
The Ten Commandments form an abridgement of the law, as is seen when the law is studied as a whole. Much of the law deals with various infractions against these Ten Commandments and the corresponding punishments. I write this because some would use this command to oppose capital punishment. This is an absurd perversion of the Law of God. God gives this command because human life is precious. It is given by Him as a trust in stewardship of the one to whom it is given with a reckoning held at the end as to how it was lived. When a man’s life is cut short, God requires a life for a life, and instituted this in the covenant He gave to Noah (Gen. 9:5-6). This covenant has never been abrogated and remains in effect for all of humanity for all times.
This law is far better than any other method which man has used to punish murder throughout history. It specifically forbids the reception of money in place of the death of the murderer (Num. 35:31-34). When man is viewed merely as a producer/consumer then it becomes possible to economically compensate the family for the loss. This was a widespread custom occurring among the Germanic tribes, and the Native Americans among others. However the Biblical view of man is that he was formed in the image of God, and thus any taking of his life, or even disfigurement of the dead is an offense against God who made man in His image (Gen. 1:26-27; Amos 2:1). In our own time the tendency is to view man merely as a member of society, thus we punish murder by locking the murderer away to prevent further murder. This humanistic method of valuing man ultimately leads to euthanasia and abortion, especially of those who are not perceived as having value to society. Man’s life is valuable not because of what he contributes to society, but because of the image they bear, marred by sin though it is.
The other common way to treat the offense was to kill one of the kindred of the one responsible, if the perpetrator could not be found. This is removed in the law, because only the one responsible was to be killed. Also His death was to be done after a trial, which would prevent blood feuds.
The law of God would thus require capital punishment for murder, with some allowance made for mercy to be shown as it was to David. The main objection to capital punishment is wrongful conviction. This would be somewhat removed if the law reflected the Mosaic law and made perjury in a capital case a capital offense (Deut. 19:16-19).
The value that God places on human life was shown in that this law was applied even to a burglar (during daylight hours) and only the confusion of night and terror associated with a night time prowler permitted the killing of a thief (Ex. 22:2-3). During the day it should have been possible to subdue the man, even if he were armed, at night the whole matter would have been much harder. The Old Testament does make it clear that men are within their rights to band together and fight against others who come against them to kill them (Est. 8:11). However, as Christians we have the privilege of laying down our rights, even the right to life, on behalf of others.
This command directly forbids abortion, euthanasia and suicide. These acts all view life as belonging to ourselves rather than as being a stewardship given by God.
Jesus took the command to not kill to its source and forbade us even to be angry with our neighbors which is the source of murder (Matt. 5:21-22). Beloved let us love one another!
Deu 5:17 Thou shalt not kill.
The Ten Commandments form an abridgement of the law, as is seen when the law is studied as a whole. Much of the law deals with various infractions against these Ten Commandments and the corresponding punishments. I write this because some would use this command to oppose capital punishment. This is an absurd perversion of the Law of God. God gives this command because human life is precious. It is given by Him as a trust in stewardship of the one to whom it is given with a reckoning held at the end as to how it was lived. When a man’s life is cut short, God requires a life for a life, and instituted this in the covenant He gave to Noah (Gen. 9:5-6). This covenant has never been abrogated and remains in effect for all of humanity for all times.
This law is far better than any other method which man has used to punish murder throughout history. It specifically forbids the reception of money in place of the death of the murderer (Num. 35:31-34). When man is viewed merely as a producer/consumer then it becomes possible to economically compensate the family for the loss. This was a widespread custom occurring among the Germanic tribes, and the Native Americans among others. However the Biblical view of man is that he was formed in the image of God, and thus any taking of his life, or even disfigurement of the dead is an offense against God who made man in His image (Gen. 1:26-27; Amos 2:1). In our own time the tendency is to view man merely as a member of society, thus we punish murder by locking the murderer away to prevent further murder. This humanistic method of valuing man ultimately leads to euthanasia and abortion, especially of those who are not perceived as having value to society. Man’s life is valuable not because of what he contributes to society, but because of the image they bear, marred by sin though it is.
The other common way to treat the offense was to kill one of the kindred of the one responsible, if the perpetrator could not be found. This is removed in the law, because only the one responsible was to be killed. Also His death was to be done after a trial, which would prevent blood feuds.
The law of God would thus require capital punishment for murder, with some allowance made for mercy to be shown as it was to David. The main objection to capital punishment is wrongful conviction. This would be somewhat removed if the law reflected the Mosaic law and made perjury in a capital case a capital offense (Deut. 19:16-19).
The value that God places on human life was shown in that this law was applied even to a burglar (during daylight hours) and only the confusion of night and terror associated with a night time prowler permitted the killing of a thief (Ex. 22:2-3). During the day it should have been possible to subdue the man, even if he were armed, at night the whole matter would have been much harder. The Old Testament does make it clear that men are within their rights to band together and fight against others who come against them to kill them (Est. 8:11). However, as Christians we have the privilege of laying down our rights, even the right to life, on behalf of others.
This command directly forbids abortion, euthanasia and suicide. These acts all view life as belonging to ourselves rather than as being a stewardship given by God.
Jesus took the command to not kill to its source and forbade us even to be angry with our neighbors which is the source of murder (Matt. 5:21-22). Beloved let us love one another!
The Ten Commandments Part 6
Exo 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Deu 5:16 Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
This command actually ends the first table of the commandments. The previous four have all had to do with our relationship to God. God begins with our relationship with Him, because that is first in importance. If we do not care about offending against God we will have few scruples about offending against people. This command is a transition commandment. It belongs to the first table, because it still deals with our relationship with God as reflected by our relationship with human authority. Thus this commandment belongs to both the first and second table and forms a bridge between them.
God often tests the reality of our relationship with Him based on our relationship to others. True love of God is proved by love of the brethren (1 John 4:20). In the same way our honoring our parents is a reflection of our honor for God. Since, if we are born again, God is also our Father, we will respond to Him as we do to our earthly parents. We had no say in who our parents were, God chose that as sovereign over all things to do with human reproduction. Whatever the faults and flaws they have, they were still chosen by God for our training, so we should honor them. This holds true with authorities in general, and if we learn a right attitude to our parents we will have a much easier time with other authorities who were also placed over us by God. God often asks us to obey Him in things that go against the way we would like to do things, if we never learn to respond well to our parents when they cross our will, how will we respond to Him?
It is not always possible to obey our parents, but it always is possible to honor them. Jesus is our pattern in this as well as in everything else. When He was young He was obedient to them in everything (Luk. 2:51). As He grew older and entered His ministry, there were some things that He was unable to follow their wishes in, because He had to do the will of His Father. However, He was always respectful to His mother, though in English it may not always translate so (John 2:1-11; Matt. 12:46-50). Among His last acts as He hung on the cross was ensuring that His mother would be looked after (John 19:26-27).
If our parents are requiring something of us that is contrary to what God says in His Word, we must obey God, but be respectful towards them. If they attempt to pressure us into a vocation or other long term commitment that we have no desire towards, we should pray to see if it is God’s will for us. God can change our desires, but if it isn’t His will and we are sure that God has something else for us, we should state firmly yet respectfully that we will not pursue that course of action. Far greater than our duty to our parents is our duty towards God. Sometimes these difficulties can continue for some time, so we should pray that God would bring about His will. If our parents are set on something for us, we can not budge them, but God can give them a change of heart. He usually will do this after our own attitude improves.
This commandment is the first one with a promise. We are promised a long and blessed life if we obey it. So may God grant that we obey it!
Deu 5:16 Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
This command actually ends the first table of the commandments. The previous four have all had to do with our relationship to God. God begins with our relationship with Him, because that is first in importance. If we do not care about offending against God we will have few scruples about offending against people. This command is a transition commandment. It belongs to the first table, because it still deals with our relationship with God as reflected by our relationship with human authority. Thus this commandment belongs to both the first and second table and forms a bridge between them.
God often tests the reality of our relationship with Him based on our relationship to others. True love of God is proved by love of the brethren (1 John 4:20). In the same way our honoring our parents is a reflection of our honor for God. Since, if we are born again, God is also our Father, we will respond to Him as we do to our earthly parents. We had no say in who our parents were, God chose that as sovereign over all things to do with human reproduction. Whatever the faults and flaws they have, they were still chosen by God for our training, so we should honor them. This holds true with authorities in general, and if we learn a right attitude to our parents we will have a much easier time with other authorities who were also placed over us by God. God often asks us to obey Him in things that go against the way we would like to do things, if we never learn to respond well to our parents when they cross our will, how will we respond to Him?
It is not always possible to obey our parents, but it always is possible to honor them. Jesus is our pattern in this as well as in everything else. When He was young He was obedient to them in everything (Luk. 2:51). As He grew older and entered His ministry, there were some things that He was unable to follow their wishes in, because He had to do the will of His Father. However, He was always respectful to His mother, though in English it may not always translate so (John 2:1-11; Matt. 12:46-50). Among His last acts as He hung on the cross was ensuring that His mother would be looked after (John 19:26-27).
If our parents are requiring something of us that is contrary to what God says in His Word, we must obey God, but be respectful towards them. If they attempt to pressure us into a vocation or other long term commitment that we have no desire towards, we should pray to see if it is God’s will for us. God can change our desires, but if it isn’t His will and we are sure that God has something else for us, we should state firmly yet respectfully that we will not pursue that course of action. Far greater than our duty to our parents is our duty towards God. Sometimes these difficulties can continue for some time, so we should pray that God would bring about His will. If our parents are set on something for us, we can not budge them, but God can give them a change of heart. He usually will do this after our own attitude improves.
This commandment is the first one with a promise. We are promised a long and blessed life if we obey it. So may God grant that we obey it!
Friday, December 05, 2008
The Ten Commandments Part 5
Exo 20:8-11 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Deu 5:12-15 Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee. Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.
This commandment is slightly different in wording though not in substance in the two portions of Scripture where it is found. What differs more is the reason given for it which follows. We are given two reasons to keep this commandment. First, is God’s creation of the world in six days and His then resting. Second, is a remembrance of His deliverance of Israel from Egypt.
It is interesting that the seven day week is a common occurrence throughout widely divergent cultures. However unlike the 28 day lunar cycle or 365 day solar cycle it has no astronomical base. It in itself testifies to the Creator. For this reason the French tried to eliminate it when they set up their cult of reason in the French revolution (Like the Antichrist who is to come they tried to change times and seasons). They were introducing all their metric measurements at that time and tried to introduce a ten day week. This proved unworkable as people and even the animals needed a day of rest on the seventh not tenth day.
The early church began to meet on the first day of the week (Sunday) rather than on the sixth day at a very early time (1 Cor. 16:1-2). This was done in honor of Christ’s resurrection (Matt. 28:1).
The Sabbath we are to keep is a holy day. It is not just a day of rest, which is essential, which God has given us, but also a day to remember Him and think of His goodness. The bare minimum of this commandment is regular church attendance. We are not to neglect the assembling together of believers (Heb. 10:25). It’s greater purpose is to lead us to an entering into rest and a cessation from our own works in every area of our life (Heb. 4:10). If we are insistent on doing our own thing on a Sunday, how will we ever learn to do His will in the day to day details?
I think if we truly consider this commandment we must admit that the church at large violates it. The worst example I have heard of occurred when a church chose to show the Superbowl on Superbowl Sunday. Blasphemous profanation! Is that why Christ died so that He can have a people who can’t set their minds on Him as long as they aren’t sure of the current score? Before the game does the pastor preach on 1 John 2:15?
On the other hand, I would certainly not advocate the way that in the old days, this commandment was taken to an extreme. In some houses they actually would cover all the paintings they had lest someone should actually derive some pleasure from seeing it on the Sabbath! What you choose to do is between you and God. I would suggest that you consider this command and ask God how He would like you to keep it. After all, He gave the law so He knows what He has in mind!
Deu 5:12-15 Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee. Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.
This commandment is slightly different in wording though not in substance in the two portions of Scripture where it is found. What differs more is the reason given for it which follows. We are given two reasons to keep this commandment. First, is God’s creation of the world in six days and His then resting. Second, is a remembrance of His deliverance of Israel from Egypt.
It is interesting that the seven day week is a common occurrence throughout widely divergent cultures. However unlike the 28 day lunar cycle or 365 day solar cycle it has no astronomical base. It in itself testifies to the Creator. For this reason the French tried to eliminate it when they set up their cult of reason in the French revolution (Like the Antichrist who is to come they tried to change times and seasons). They were introducing all their metric measurements at that time and tried to introduce a ten day week. This proved unworkable as people and even the animals needed a day of rest on the seventh not tenth day.
The early church began to meet on the first day of the week (Sunday) rather than on the sixth day at a very early time (1 Cor. 16:1-2). This was done in honor of Christ’s resurrection (Matt. 28:1).
The Sabbath we are to keep is a holy day. It is not just a day of rest, which is essential, which God has given us, but also a day to remember Him and think of His goodness. The bare minimum of this commandment is regular church attendance. We are not to neglect the assembling together of believers (Heb. 10:25). It’s greater purpose is to lead us to an entering into rest and a cessation from our own works in every area of our life (Heb. 4:10). If we are insistent on doing our own thing on a Sunday, how will we ever learn to do His will in the day to day details?
I think if we truly consider this commandment we must admit that the church at large violates it. The worst example I have heard of occurred when a church chose to show the Superbowl on Superbowl Sunday. Blasphemous profanation! Is that why Christ died so that He can have a people who can’t set their minds on Him as long as they aren’t sure of the current score? Before the game does the pastor preach on 1 John 2:15?
On the other hand, I would certainly not advocate the way that in the old days, this commandment was taken to an extreme. In some houses they actually would cover all the paintings they had lest someone should actually derive some pleasure from seeing it on the Sabbath! What you choose to do is between you and God. I would suggest that you consider this command and ask God how He would like you to keep it. After all, He gave the law so He knows what He has in mind!
Monday, December 01, 2008
The Ten Commandments Part 4
Exo 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Deu 5:11 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
The third commandment forbids the use of God’s name in vain. To take God’s name in vain is to fail in the purpose for which man was created, to glorify and please the God. This commandment is violated perhaps more than any other in this age we live, both by believers and unbelievers.
We violate this commandment whenever we use God’s name as an exclamation or curse instead of an invocation of Him in Holiness. We also violate it whenever we call Him as a witness to our innocence when we are guilty.
The tenor of this whole commandment is the fear of the Lord. If we truly fear God then we will be jealous of His Name. Christ raised the bar for this commandment in the Sermon on the Mount, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16). Not only should we not misuse the name of God but every word and deed should be to glorify that name. Paul wrote as a great indictment against the Jews of his day, that by their lives they caused God’s name to be blasphemed and dishonored rather than glorified (Rom. 2:17-29). The fact that the glory of God figured highly even in David’s cry for mercy in His fall shows our contemporary Christianity in an unfavorable light. His repentance and cry for restoration were more the outgrowth of a desire that God would be justified in His judgment of one who bore His name but walked contrary to Him than of a desire for personal salvation (See Psalm. 25:11; 40:2-3,10,16; 51:4, 13, 19).
The last way in which Christians often break the third commandment applies specifically to Pentecostal/Charismatic circles and is when we use the words “The Lord told me” as a cover for doing our own thing or in any other manner when God has not really spoken. To use His name as a stamp for our own agenda does not lend authority to it, because His authority only flows from His authorship. Everything which originates in Him will bear His authority and will be brought to pass. Anything that originates in us can never have His authority, no matter how good the idea may sound, or how much we pray for His blessing upon it, because it does not have His authorship. To Use His name for our own “prophecies” which we have devised, brings genuine prophecy into disrepute and makes the name of God a common and profane thing.
Let us bring glory and honor to His name!
Deu 5:11 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
The third commandment forbids the use of God’s name in vain. To take God’s name in vain is to fail in the purpose for which man was created, to glorify and please the God. This commandment is violated perhaps more than any other in this age we live, both by believers and unbelievers.
We violate this commandment whenever we use God’s name as an exclamation or curse instead of an invocation of Him in Holiness. We also violate it whenever we call Him as a witness to our innocence when we are guilty.
The tenor of this whole commandment is the fear of the Lord. If we truly fear God then we will be jealous of His Name. Christ raised the bar for this commandment in the Sermon on the Mount, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16). Not only should we not misuse the name of God but every word and deed should be to glorify that name. Paul wrote as a great indictment against the Jews of his day, that by their lives they caused God’s name to be blasphemed and dishonored rather than glorified (Rom. 2:17-29). The fact that the glory of God figured highly even in David’s cry for mercy in His fall shows our contemporary Christianity in an unfavorable light. His repentance and cry for restoration were more the outgrowth of a desire that God would be justified in His judgment of one who bore His name but walked contrary to Him than of a desire for personal salvation (See Psalm. 25:11; 40:2-3,10,16; 51:4, 13, 19).
The last way in which Christians often break the third commandment applies specifically to Pentecostal/Charismatic circles and is when we use the words “The Lord told me” as a cover for doing our own thing or in any other manner when God has not really spoken. To use His name as a stamp for our own agenda does not lend authority to it, because His authority only flows from His authorship. Everything which originates in Him will bear His authority and will be brought to pass. Anything that originates in us can never have His authority, no matter how good the idea may sound, or how much we pray for His blessing upon it, because it does not have His authorship. To Use His name for our own “prophecies” which we have devised, brings genuine prophecy into disrepute and makes the name of God a common and profane thing.
Let us bring glory and honor to His name!
Monday, November 24, 2008
The Ten Commandments Part 3
Exo 20:4-6 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Deu 5:8-10 Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.
The first commandment dealt with our focus in worship, the second deals with the manner of worship. God does not and never has desired us to worship Him through the medium of images. Man has often swerved from this commandment. Israel often violated both this and the first commandment when they made images of Baal and other gods. In the wilderness Aaron and the people violated the second commandment without having another god per se (Ex. 32:5). Aaron called the feast that he appointed a feast to Jehovah. Jeroboam the son of Nebat likewise transgressed in this way.
Whenever we rely on a talisman, charm, statue, picture, or any other thing which is man-made to draw us into God’s presence or bring His favor and blessing upon us we are breaking the second commandment. This commandment is not a total prohibition against making statues and other works of art, because God Himself commanded certain of these things in His own tabernacle. It is however a prohibition against using these as objects to promote devotion or to be channels of worship. In the Middle Ages the stained glass windows and other art work of the great cathedrals could have been useful in as far as they often told Bible stories, and could have served as reminders of truth. However they often instead distracted the people who came from the worship of God and the hearing of His Word. The same could be said of some of the Powerpoint and multimedia presentations in churches today. They distract from worship. There is nothing wrong with having the words of the songs we sing projected to the front, and there is no reason why these words have to have plain background. However, if it gets to the point that people become more interested in these things than in God’s presence, than the second commandment is being broken. Videos playing on a screen have a tendency to catch the human eye, and distract from the presence of God. The main thing in a church service is the presence of God and the hearing of His Word, multimedia that gives illustration and aids in remembering the Word is good, if it distracts it becomes as great a curse as it could be a blessing.
May God grant us wisdom in all things.
Deu 5:8-10 Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.
The first commandment dealt with our focus in worship, the second deals with the manner of worship. God does not and never has desired us to worship Him through the medium of images. Man has often swerved from this commandment. Israel often violated both this and the first commandment when they made images of Baal and other gods. In the wilderness Aaron and the people violated the second commandment without having another god per se (Ex. 32:5). Aaron called the feast that he appointed a feast to Jehovah. Jeroboam the son of Nebat likewise transgressed in this way.
Whenever we rely on a talisman, charm, statue, picture, or any other thing which is man-made to draw us into God’s presence or bring His favor and blessing upon us we are breaking the second commandment. This commandment is not a total prohibition against making statues and other works of art, because God Himself commanded certain of these things in His own tabernacle. It is however a prohibition against using these as objects to promote devotion or to be channels of worship. In the Middle Ages the stained glass windows and other art work of the great cathedrals could have been useful in as far as they often told Bible stories, and could have served as reminders of truth. However they often instead distracted the people who came from the worship of God and the hearing of His Word. The same could be said of some of the Powerpoint and multimedia presentations in churches today. They distract from worship. There is nothing wrong with having the words of the songs we sing projected to the front, and there is no reason why these words have to have plain background. However, if it gets to the point that people become more interested in these things than in God’s presence, than the second commandment is being broken. Videos playing on a screen have a tendency to catch the human eye, and distract from the presence of God. The main thing in a church service is the presence of God and the hearing of His Word, multimedia that gives illustration and aids in remembering the Word is good, if it distracts it becomes as great a curse as it could be a blessing.
May God grant us wisdom in all things.
The Ten Commandments Part 2
Exo 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Deu 5:7 Thou shalt have none other gods before me.
Since there are some minor variations between the two chapters which give the Decalogue, I thought it would be good to give the text of both for a fuller elucidation of its meaning.
The First Commandment is also the most important, since as we see in Romans 1:21-32, that God gives those who fail in this commandment over to break other of the commandments as a punishing of sin with sin.
This commandment shows the jealousy of God. Jealousy differs from envy. Envy desires what another has, and is linked to unthankfulness and covetousness. God is never envious for He owns everything, but He is jealous. Jealousy is properly the desire to be number 1 in position and in the hearts of the people. In man it is a sin, but in God who is alone worthy to be number one it is His right. As a husband and wife have the right to expect that in each other’s affections as far as humanity is concerned they come first, so God has the right to expect that He comes first and only in the class of God, especially since He is in a class by His own.
This commandment is broken when we cherish anything above God in our hearts. Jesus enlarged on this commandment in Matthew 10:37-38, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” When man lowers God in his estimation, God lowers the man in His. Those who do not see the worth of our Lord and become willing to forsake all for Him, have actually shown their own lack of worth. Some people speak of relationships as 50/50 propositions, but actually they are 100/100. The Christian relationship with God only works when we give our hundred percent to it, God already gave His hundred percent. We love Him because He first loved us.
This commandment is broken even by those who claim to believe in no God. They actually believe in three, matter, time and chance. These three inferior deities are claimed to have worked in conjunction to bring into being everything we see. Their reliance is on these deities to continue moving everything towards a better form of life, and their lives are controlled by these forces. This religion even has its own eschatology, whereby eventually all the stars will burn out and all life will cease. This is at least partially true for its adherents who will taste the second death and for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.
This is all in contrast to the self-revelation of God, Who created the universe from nothing, with no external aid. Currently He upholds all things by the Word of His power, and is moving His creatures (the sons of God) towards a better form of existence, which will be manifested fully in the new heavens and new earth.
Whenever we take any attributes that belong to God alone and ascribe them to any created thing, we make a god of it and are in violation of the first commandment. We also violate this law when we place an inordinate confidence in any created thing as opposed to God. For example if we begin to place our trust in salvation more in our church than in Christ Himself, or when we rely exclusively on doctors when ill, to the detriment of faith in God. Our faith should always be in God, He can heal using doctors or He can heal directly without healing agency, but unless He purposes it, no healing can take place. We are also guilty of violating this commandment when we trust in our own resources, strength, wisdom, etc. and forget that all these are merely gifts of God of which we are stewards. This is one test which all mankind will face, we have all been given differing talents and abilities, and we will be tested on whether we used what was given us for God’s glory or for self-aggrandizement as Lucifer did. Let God be God in your life!
Deu 5:7 Thou shalt have none other gods before me.
Since there are some minor variations between the two chapters which give the Decalogue, I thought it would be good to give the text of both for a fuller elucidation of its meaning.
The First Commandment is also the most important, since as we see in Romans 1:21-32, that God gives those who fail in this commandment over to break other of the commandments as a punishing of sin with sin.
This commandment shows the jealousy of God. Jealousy differs from envy. Envy desires what another has, and is linked to unthankfulness and covetousness. God is never envious for He owns everything, but He is jealous. Jealousy is properly the desire to be number 1 in position and in the hearts of the people. In man it is a sin, but in God who is alone worthy to be number one it is His right. As a husband and wife have the right to expect that in each other’s affections as far as humanity is concerned they come first, so God has the right to expect that He comes first and only in the class of God, especially since He is in a class by His own.
This commandment is broken when we cherish anything above God in our hearts. Jesus enlarged on this commandment in Matthew 10:37-38, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” When man lowers God in his estimation, God lowers the man in His. Those who do not see the worth of our Lord and become willing to forsake all for Him, have actually shown their own lack of worth. Some people speak of relationships as 50/50 propositions, but actually they are 100/100. The Christian relationship with God only works when we give our hundred percent to it, God already gave His hundred percent. We love Him because He first loved us.
This commandment is broken even by those who claim to believe in no God. They actually believe in three, matter, time and chance. These three inferior deities are claimed to have worked in conjunction to bring into being everything we see. Their reliance is on these deities to continue moving everything towards a better form of life, and their lives are controlled by these forces. This religion even has its own eschatology, whereby eventually all the stars will burn out and all life will cease. This is at least partially true for its adherents who will taste the second death and for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.
This is all in contrast to the self-revelation of God, Who created the universe from nothing, with no external aid. Currently He upholds all things by the Word of His power, and is moving His creatures (the sons of God) towards a better form of existence, which will be manifested fully in the new heavens and new earth.
Whenever we take any attributes that belong to God alone and ascribe them to any created thing, we make a god of it and are in violation of the first commandment. We also violate this law when we place an inordinate confidence in any created thing as opposed to God. For example if we begin to place our trust in salvation more in our church than in Christ Himself, or when we rely exclusively on doctors when ill, to the detriment of faith in God. Our faith should always be in God, He can heal using doctors or He can heal directly without healing agency, but unless He purposes it, no healing can take place. We are also guilty of violating this commandment when we trust in our own resources, strength, wisdom, etc. and forget that all these are merely gifts of God of which we are stewards. This is one test which all mankind will face, we have all been given differing talents and abilities, and we will be tested on whether we used what was given us for God’s glory or for self-aggrandizement as Lucifer did. Let God be God in your life!
Monday, November 17, 2008
News from Malawi
The last 2 Sundays Dad and I have been out ministering in village churches. This Friday I will be speaking at a lunch hour service. We are gearing up for our Christmas distributions (Since we now have 1800+ on our list, we will be doing 5 different distributions). At the Christmas distributions we give out food, as well as a few sweets, some vasoline,clothing and blankets.
We had been working among 5 villages, we added another one, and then several more quickly requested help. We ended up taking on some people from 2 more villages, and refused other requests. The last 2 we took up are a good hour and a half walk, and since Mom visits those who are on our list to check on their needs and we have many people coming to see us with requests taking the other villages would have been overwhelming. It often isn't practicable to drive to these areas as there are streams that have no bridges that can support a motor vehicle and some of the paths are too narrow.
We also have been helping supply money for fertiliser for people in our area. Since many Malawians live by subsistance famring this is helping them help themselves. We are praying for good rains this year so that the people can have a good harvest.
We had been working among 5 villages, we added another one, and then several more quickly requested help. We ended up taking on some people from 2 more villages, and refused other requests. The last 2 we took up are a good hour and a half walk, and since Mom visits those who are on our list to check on their needs and we have many people coming to see us with requests taking the other villages would have been overwhelming. It often isn't practicable to drive to these areas as there are streams that have no bridges that can support a motor vehicle and some of the paths are too narrow.
We also have been helping supply money for fertiliser for people in our area. Since many Malawians live by subsistance famring this is helping them help themselves. We are praying for good rains this year so that the people can have a good harvest.
The Ten Commandments Part 1
In starting a series on the exposition of the Ten commandments, it is first necessary to understand the correct place of the Law in the Christian life. There are 2 principle errors in the viewing of the law – Antinomianism and Legalism. The one views the law as abolished or at least of no importance to the believer. The other tends to emphasize it to a degree which makes it the basis of justification, or at least a source of confidence before God.
Against both of these stand the Scriptures and most especially, 1 Timothy 1:5-11, “But the end of the charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned: from which things some having swerved have turned aside unto vain talking; desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully, as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for abusers of themselves with men, for menstealers, for liars, for false swearers, and if there be any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine; according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.”
The law is good, it was not issued out of caprice, but as part of an ongoing revelation of a holy God to sinful man. Before the law, as Paul tells us in Romans 5:14, men still died even though they had not sinned in an actual transgression of a commandment like Adam, since there was no commandment to transgress. However, death still reigned, because sin was still within man, as a latent propensity which would spring forth whenever a command was given, and thus opportunity was granted for its manifestation. In the same way that a fox kit may look harmless enough, and even be allowed into a hen house, but sooner or later it would fulfill its nature and devour the chickens. In the same way God cannot take unredeemed man into His Kingdom, even though there be no law to convict them, their nature only awaits a command, any command of God to set up their own will in opposition to His. Unconverted man would quickly re-enact the fall of Lucifer again in heaven, and were they allowed to remain there they would turn the celestial harmony of will found there into the dissonant discord of hell.
Hence God sent His law, this was and is a self-revelation of His good nature, and a revelation of the fallshortishness of humanity. Each precept was a hammer blow to drive nails into the coffin of human pride and self-reliance so that man would realize his guilt, need of redemption and utter unfitness to enter God’s kingdom in the state he is born. The law shows where we fall short and is the basis of Christ’s declaration to Nicodemus, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). A new and heavenly birth is essential, because it provides a new nature (Christ’s) which can enter into God’s kingdom. Using the law as a source of justification is like using a hammer to drive a screw into wood (Something many Malawian carpenters do). It is a misuse of a tool which is good for its intention, and not to be blamed for its misapplication.
With this part being given as an introduction, I desire now to look at the Ten Commandments. If we study these and look at the amplifications of these given in the New Testament, we are sure to be challenged in areas where the old nature needs to die and the new nature come forth. His law is perfect converting the soul.
Against both of these stand the Scriptures and most especially, 1 Timothy 1:5-11, “But the end of the charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned: from which things some having swerved have turned aside unto vain talking; desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully, as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for abusers of themselves with men, for menstealers, for liars, for false swearers, and if there be any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine; according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.”
The law is good, it was not issued out of caprice, but as part of an ongoing revelation of a holy God to sinful man. Before the law, as Paul tells us in Romans 5:14, men still died even though they had not sinned in an actual transgression of a commandment like Adam, since there was no commandment to transgress. However, death still reigned, because sin was still within man, as a latent propensity which would spring forth whenever a command was given, and thus opportunity was granted for its manifestation. In the same way that a fox kit may look harmless enough, and even be allowed into a hen house, but sooner or later it would fulfill its nature and devour the chickens. In the same way God cannot take unredeemed man into His Kingdom, even though there be no law to convict them, their nature only awaits a command, any command of God to set up their own will in opposition to His. Unconverted man would quickly re-enact the fall of Lucifer again in heaven, and were they allowed to remain there they would turn the celestial harmony of will found there into the dissonant discord of hell.
Hence God sent His law, this was and is a self-revelation of His good nature, and a revelation of the fallshortishness of humanity. Each precept was a hammer blow to drive nails into the coffin of human pride and self-reliance so that man would realize his guilt, need of redemption and utter unfitness to enter God’s kingdom in the state he is born. The law shows where we fall short and is the basis of Christ’s declaration to Nicodemus, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). A new and heavenly birth is essential, because it provides a new nature (Christ’s) which can enter into God’s kingdom. Using the law as a source of justification is like using a hammer to drive a screw into wood (Something many Malawian carpenters do). It is a misuse of a tool which is good for its intention, and not to be blamed for its misapplication.
With this part being given as an introduction, I desire now to look at the Ten Commandments. If we study these and look at the amplifications of these given in the New Testament, we are sure to be challenged in areas where the old nature needs to die and the new nature come forth. His law is perfect converting the soul.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Thoughts On Psalm 19
Psa 19:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
Psa 19:2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
Psa 19:3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
Psa 19:4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
Psa 19:5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
Psa 19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Psa 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Psa 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Psa 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Psa 19:11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Psa 19:12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
Psa 19:13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Psa 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
This Psalm begins with the testimony of nature to its Creator. Then it moves to the more sure Word of Prophecy found in Scripture. It closes with a desire for purification.
Part 1
The heavens are a continual showing forth of the attributes of God. The sun rising on the just and unjust shows His impartial benevolence and the change of the seasons His faithfulness. Creation shows to an awakened soul a God who loves beauty and infinite variety, who creates every snow flake and blade of grass unique, and yet containing properties of their type. These sermons of God’s goodness and justice are spoken even where the Bible has never been read, nor the gospel preached. As Paul writes in Romans all men are without excuse.
Part 2
We have however an even better testimony as to the nature of God, His own self-revelation as written in His Word. In a similar way to a work of art which tells us much about the artist, even more revealing would be the diary of that artist where he describes what his aim in making the work was and what he was expressing through it. The Bible is the book which gives purpose to nature, or rather it reveals God who is the purpose of nature. It is only after we have seen the beginning and end of this creation in the Word that we can properly understand nature. Otherwise we tend to flounder in Nature Worship (materialism being one species, animism another).
It is the Word which converts our souls, makes us wise, and enlightens our understanding.
Part 3
This part of the Psalm would seem to be somewhat of a digression from the rest. Unless, perhaps it is to remind us that God never enlightens for the purpose of knowledge, but rather for the purpose of character. Too many times we seek knowledge of God’s Word without a desire to apply that knowledge to our lives.
This part begins with a question, “Who can understand his errors?” As humans we all labour under the difficulty of self-ignorance. Every fool’s folly seems folly but his own. We can see faults in every one but ourselves, and when our real self is manifest through circumstances we cast it out of mind as an aberration. How do we gain a true self knowledge? Like a filthy man who cannot see his own dirt, we need a mirror. We need the mirror of God’s Word.
There is no fitter ending to this post than the final prayer of the Psalmist, who having meditated on the Word of God and His thoughts now says, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”
Psa 19:2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
Psa 19:3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
Psa 19:4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
Psa 19:5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
Psa 19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Psa 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Psa 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Psa 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Psa 19:11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Psa 19:12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
Psa 19:13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Psa 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
This Psalm begins with the testimony of nature to its Creator. Then it moves to the more sure Word of Prophecy found in Scripture. It closes with a desire for purification.
Part 1
The heavens are a continual showing forth of the attributes of God. The sun rising on the just and unjust shows His impartial benevolence and the change of the seasons His faithfulness. Creation shows to an awakened soul a God who loves beauty and infinite variety, who creates every snow flake and blade of grass unique, and yet containing properties of their type. These sermons of God’s goodness and justice are spoken even where the Bible has never been read, nor the gospel preached. As Paul writes in Romans all men are without excuse.
Part 2
We have however an even better testimony as to the nature of God, His own self-revelation as written in His Word. In a similar way to a work of art which tells us much about the artist, even more revealing would be the diary of that artist where he describes what his aim in making the work was and what he was expressing through it. The Bible is the book which gives purpose to nature, or rather it reveals God who is the purpose of nature. It is only after we have seen the beginning and end of this creation in the Word that we can properly understand nature. Otherwise we tend to flounder in Nature Worship (materialism being one species, animism another).
It is the Word which converts our souls, makes us wise, and enlightens our understanding.
Part 3
This part of the Psalm would seem to be somewhat of a digression from the rest. Unless, perhaps it is to remind us that God never enlightens for the purpose of knowledge, but rather for the purpose of character. Too many times we seek knowledge of God’s Word without a desire to apply that knowledge to our lives.
This part begins with a question, “Who can understand his errors?” As humans we all labour under the difficulty of self-ignorance. Every fool’s folly seems folly but his own. We can see faults in every one but ourselves, and when our real self is manifest through circumstances we cast it out of mind as an aberration. How do we gain a true self knowledge? Like a filthy man who cannot see his own dirt, we need a mirror. We need the mirror of God’s Word.
There is no fitter ending to this post than the final prayer of the Psalmist, who having meditated on the Word of God and His thoughts now says, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
A Few Stray Thoughts on the Church
Eph 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Leaving the first part of these verses to those who have more experience that me, I would like to look at the thought of Christ and His Church. I find my mind often returning to the mystery of the Church. I think it is because in the last couple of years Christ has given me a much greater love for His Church. When you think of the awesomeness of the relationship between Christ and His Church it really changes your outlook on life.
My thoughts on this verse are more of a side note. I was recently thinking, “If Christ loved the Church enough to give His life for it, should not I be willing also to throw in my 2 cents worth of life for it?” I have been given a tremendous privilege by God, firstly to be in His Holy Church, secondly to have been called to be a minister in that Church. He loved this Church enough to die for it, and He allows me to share His Word in some measure in that Church to help wash it that it might be found acceptable before Him! Surely if it was worth the sacrifice of His life, it is worthy of every feeble effort of mine.
Another thought I had was, “If Christ laid down His life for His Church, should I not joyfully lay down my life for that Church?” In other words, can I not accept being misunderstood, or lay down my own rights, etc… for the sake of others in His Body. I often think of this as a burdensome duty, but it is a rare privilege, to allow an injustice, or bear with another’s fault, or in some other way lay down your life so that Christ can work in that person, so that He can one day have that Bride He awaits.
It is something to think about, the next time a fellow believer and you have difficulties, think of this, “Christ lay down His life for that one, should my life not also be laid down for him, that he may become what Christ desires and will have pleasure in for all eternity?
Lord Jesus, may You have a Church truly worthy of You on that day, and my You grant us the privilege of bringing it about by laying down our small insignificant lives as You laid down Your inestimable life. Amen.
Leaving the first part of these verses to those who have more experience that me, I would like to look at the thought of Christ and His Church. I find my mind often returning to the mystery of the Church. I think it is because in the last couple of years Christ has given me a much greater love for His Church. When you think of the awesomeness of the relationship between Christ and His Church it really changes your outlook on life.
My thoughts on this verse are more of a side note. I was recently thinking, “If Christ loved the Church enough to give His life for it, should not I be willing also to throw in my 2 cents worth of life for it?” I have been given a tremendous privilege by God, firstly to be in His Holy Church, secondly to have been called to be a minister in that Church. He loved this Church enough to die for it, and He allows me to share His Word in some measure in that Church to help wash it that it might be found acceptable before Him! Surely if it was worth the sacrifice of His life, it is worthy of every feeble effort of mine.
Another thought I had was, “If Christ laid down His life for His Church, should I not joyfully lay down my life for that Church?” In other words, can I not accept being misunderstood, or lay down my own rights, etc… for the sake of others in His Body. I often think of this as a burdensome duty, but it is a rare privilege, to allow an injustice, or bear with another’s fault, or in some other way lay down your life so that Christ can work in that person, so that He can one day have that Bride He awaits.
It is something to think about, the next time a fellow believer and you have difficulties, think of this, “Christ lay down His life for that one, should my life not also be laid down for him, that he may become what Christ desires and will have pleasure in for all eternity?
Lord Jesus, may You have a Church truly worthy of You on that day, and my You grant us the privilege of bringing it about by laying down our small insignificant lives as You laid down Your inestimable life. Amen.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Preaching Christ
Before I begin writing on this subject, let me ask you, “what do you think is meant by preaching Christ?” When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2), was he referring only to the message of salvation through the cross, or to something more? If any of His other epistles are of help in showing his message it was something more.
He preached a triumphant Christ, who had defeated every principality and power (Col. 2:15), a Christ who needs no additives or substitutes (Col. 2:10). He preached a Christ that is the Head from which all direction and nourishment flows (Col. 2:19). All of his multitude of rays of theology all found there source and purpose in the One of whom he wrote, “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” (Rom. 11:36).
Could one reason perhaps why we do not see results like Paul’s, be because we do not preach Christ like he did? We speak and see little response. We preach on modesty and yet are continually confronted with immodesty. We blame the sheep for being rebellious. Some of them are, but with many that is a symptom, not the disease. The problem is we have not really, fully preached Christ.
Let me show you a scenario. Imagine a marathon. Now in this marathon there is a runner who has a trainer instructing him. Imagine if the trainer tells him that the race doesn’t matter and he can run however he feels like and even in the wrong direction. Clearly something would be wrong with that. Now imagine that this trainer is constantly running alongside this runner and sometimes holding up a chocolate bar, saying, “come on if you take that next step you can have this.” At other times he has a whip and threatens, “if you don’t take that next step this is what you will get.” This image also is absurd, the trainer would be doing more work than the athlete. It all falls into place when the trainer has convinced the athlete that the race is worth winning. Once that has happened the athlete will prepare and discipline himself to the utmost so that he can win.
Paul understood this. We lay Christ before the people, by the grace of God in His entirety. When we have done that and they have grasped Him, the race makes sense. They no longer run aimlessly any way they want, nor are they motivated only by our threats and favours. They run to win Christ. They can only do that if they see Christ though. Many of our problems originate from trying to make people who have never really seen Christ try to discipline themselves to run. If we can show them Christ our problem will be keeping them back.
Paul having already preached Christ to his churches could challenge them to walk worthy of the one who called you (1 Thess. 2:12; Col. 1:10). In order to challenge someone with that they must have a proper idea of His worth. With this key, every door begins to open. It works first in our own lives. When I battle with unforgiveness, I remind myself, I do not forgive because the person deserves it. Whoever deserves forgiveness? I forgive because Christ forgave and He deserves that I should forgive others. If I battle with sin, I look to Christ is He not able to deliver me and change my desires. I am complete in Him. His power in me can snap whatever bondage, however long it has been a habit. If my manner of dressing offends someone in the church and I am aware of it. As I stand ready to dress for service, what do I do? “That is their problem they are too critical.” That may be true, but can you not wear something else out of love for Christ. Not because their opinion matters, whose does? Instead wear it because the Christ who died for you also died for them and would be grieved if you grieved them. On the other side, if I see someone wearing something I consider inappropriate, do I berate them? Can I not for the sake of Him who forbears much with me forbear with them for a short time. Am I upset because of the shame it brings to God, or is it more from the reproach it casts upon my church? We have to be careful, because often our desire to instruct is born out of busibodiness abetted by a mistaken belief that we are the “unto Him” to whom those in Jude v24 are committed.
The answer for every problem is Christ, the difference is merely one of attributes. Do we need His healing, His love, His patience, His wisdom, etc…
What do I do if they won’t listen when I point them to Christ? At that point there is not much you can do. I can only point people to Christ and show them what He desires, if they have no fear of displeasing Him, and no desire to please Him, than unless God changes their desires they are lost. God forbid that any man who will not listen to Christ should listen to me when I speak. As an ambassador, if you are at odds with my ruler, it would be strange if you were to be pleased when I speak on his behalf.
There is an everlasting gospel that we should focus on preaching. When we are in heaven we will still be preaching that. Should I be allowed the inestimable privilege of preaching in heaven, what would I be preaching? I would not there be preaching on wives submitting to their husbands or on husbands loving their wives, there would be no need. Nor would I be preaching on modesty, or many other things that are necessary now. However, I could still preach on the incomparableness of Christ, His love toward us which sparked our love towards Him, His nature and goodness. Nothing would be better than to see Him listening as I bare my soul’s love of Him and His greatness before Him and others. If He is lifted up He will draw men unto Himself. So let us lift Him up!
He preached a triumphant Christ, who had defeated every principality and power (Col. 2:15), a Christ who needs no additives or substitutes (Col. 2:10). He preached a Christ that is the Head from which all direction and nourishment flows (Col. 2:19). All of his multitude of rays of theology all found there source and purpose in the One of whom he wrote, “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” (Rom. 11:36).
Could one reason perhaps why we do not see results like Paul’s, be because we do not preach Christ like he did? We speak and see little response. We preach on modesty and yet are continually confronted with immodesty. We blame the sheep for being rebellious. Some of them are, but with many that is a symptom, not the disease. The problem is we have not really, fully preached Christ.
Let me show you a scenario. Imagine a marathon. Now in this marathon there is a runner who has a trainer instructing him. Imagine if the trainer tells him that the race doesn’t matter and he can run however he feels like and even in the wrong direction. Clearly something would be wrong with that. Now imagine that this trainer is constantly running alongside this runner and sometimes holding up a chocolate bar, saying, “come on if you take that next step you can have this.” At other times he has a whip and threatens, “if you don’t take that next step this is what you will get.” This image also is absurd, the trainer would be doing more work than the athlete. It all falls into place when the trainer has convinced the athlete that the race is worth winning. Once that has happened the athlete will prepare and discipline himself to the utmost so that he can win.
Paul understood this. We lay Christ before the people, by the grace of God in His entirety. When we have done that and they have grasped Him, the race makes sense. They no longer run aimlessly any way they want, nor are they motivated only by our threats and favours. They run to win Christ. They can only do that if they see Christ though. Many of our problems originate from trying to make people who have never really seen Christ try to discipline themselves to run. If we can show them Christ our problem will be keeping them back.
Paul having already preached Christ to his churches could challenge them to walk worthy of the one who called you (1 Thess. 2:12; Col. 1:10). In order to challenge someone with that they must have a proper idea of His worth. With this key, every door begins to open. It works first in our own lives. When I battle with unforgiveness, I remind myself, I do not forgive because the person deserves it. Whoever deserves forgiveness? I forgive because Christ forgave and He deserves that I should forgive others. If I battle with sin, I look to Christ is He not able to deliver me and change my desires. I am complete in Him. His power in me can snap whatever bondage, however long it has been a habit. If my manner of dressing offends someone in the church and I am aware of it. As I stand ready to dress for service, what do I do? “That is their problem they are too critical.” That may be true, but can you not wear something else out of love for Christ. Not because their opinion matters, whose does? Instead wear it because the Christ who died for you also died for them and would be grieved if you grieved them. On the other side, if I see someone wearing something I consider inappropriate, do I berate them? Can I not for the sake of Him who forbears much with me forbear with them for a short time. Am I upset because of the shame it brings to God, or is it more from the reproach it casts upon my church? We have to be careful, because often our desire to instruct is born out of busibodiness abetted by a mistaken belief that we are the “unto Him” to whom those in Jude v24 are committed.
The answer for every problem is Christ, the difference is merely one of attributes. Do we need His healing, His love, His patience, His wisdom, etc…
What do I do if they won’t listen when I point them to Christ? At that point there is not much you can do. I can only point people to Christ and show them what He desires, if they have no fear of displeasing Him, and no desire to please Him, than unless God changes their desires they are lost. God forbid that any man who will not listen to Christ should listen to me when I speak. As an ambassador, if you are at odds with my ruler, it would be strange if you were to be pleased when I speak on his behalf.
There is an everlasting gospel that we should focus on preaching. When we are in heaven we will still be preaching that. Should I be allowed the inestimable privilege of preaching in heaven, what would I be preaching? I would not there be preaching on wives submitting to their husbands or on husbands loving their wives, there would be no need. Nor would I be preaching on modesty, or many other things that are necessary now. However, I could still preach on the incomparableness of Christ, His love toward us which sparked our love towards Him, His nature and goodness. Nothing would be better than to see Him listening as I bare my soul’s love of Him and His greatness before Him and others. If He is lifted up He will draw men unto Himself. So let us lift Him up!
Preaching Christ
Before I begin writing on this subject, let me ask you, “what do you think is meant by preaching Christ?” When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2), was he referring only to the message of salvation through the cross, or to something more? If any of His other epistles are of help in showing his message it was something more.
He preached a triumphant Christ, who had defeated every principality and power (Col. 2:15), a Christ who needs no additives or substitutes (Col. 2:10). He preached a Christ that is the Head from which all direction and nourishment flows (Col. 2:19). All of his multitude of rays of theology all found there source and purpose in the One of whom he wrote, “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” (Rom. 11:36).
Could one reason perhaps why we do not see results like Paul’s, be because we do not preach Christ like he did? We speak and see little response. We preach on modesty and yet are continually confronted with immodesty. We blame the sheep for being rebellious. Some of them are, but with many that is a symptom, not the disease. The problem is we have not really, fully preached Christ.
Let me show you a scenario. Imagine a marathon. Now in this marathon there is a runner who has a trainer instructing him. Imagine if the trainer tells him that the race doesn’t matter and he can run however he feels like and even in the wrong direction. Clearly something would be wrong with that. Now imagine that this trainer is constantly running alongside this runner and sometimes holding up a chocolate bar, saying, “come on if you take that next step you can have this.” At other times he has a whip and threatens, “if you don’t take that next step this is what you will get.” This image also is absurd, the trainer would be doing more work than the athlete. It all falls into place when the trainer has convinced the athlete that the race is worth winning. Once that has happened the athlete will prepare and discipline himself to the utmost so that he can win.
Paul understood this. We lay Christ before the people, by the grace of God in His entirety. When we have done that and they have grasped Him, the race makes sense. They no longer run aimlessly any way they want, nor are they motivated only by our threats and favours. They run to win Christ. They can only do that if they see Christ though. Many of our problems originate from trying to make people who have never really seen Christ try to discipline themselves to run. If we can show them Christ our problem will be keeping them back.
Paul having already preached Christ to his churches could challenge them to walk worthy of the one who called you (1 Thess. 2:12; Col. 1:10). In order to challenge someone with that they must have a proper idea of His worth. With this key, every door begins to open. It works first in our own lives. When I battle with unforgiveness, I remind myself, I do not forgive because the person deserves it. Whoever deserves forgiveness? I forgive because Christ forgave and He deserves that I should forgive others. If I battle with sin, I look to Christ is He not able to deliver me and change my desires. I am complete in Him. His power in me can snap whatever bondage, however long it has been a habit. If my manner of dressing offends someone in the church and I am aware of it. As I stand ready to dress for service, what do I do? “That is their problem they are too critical.” That may be true, but can you not wear something else out of love for Christ. Not because their opinion matters, whose does? Instead wear it because the Christ who died for you also died for them and would be grieved if you grieved them. On the other side, if I see someone wearing something I consider inappropriate, do I berate them? Can I not for the sake of Him who forbears much with me forbear with them for a short time. Am I upset because of the shame it brings to God, or is it more from the reproach it casts upon my church? We have to be careful, because often our desire to instruct is born out of busibodiness abetted by a mistaken belief that we are the “unto Him” to whom those in Jude v24 are committed.
The answer for every problem is Christ, the difference is merely one of attributes. Do we need His healing, His love, His patience, His wisdom, etc…
What do I do if they won’t listen when I point them to Christ? At that point there is not much you can do. I can only point people to Christ and show them what He desires, if they have no fear of displeasing Him, and no desire to please Him, than unless God changes their desires they are lost. God forbid that any man who will not listen to Christ should listen to me when I speak. As an ambassador, if you are at odds with my ruler, it would be strange if you were to be pleased when I speak on his behalf.
There is an everlasting gospel that we should focus on preaching. When we are in heaven we will still be preaching that. Should I be allowed the inestimable privilege of preaching in heaven, what would I be preaching? I would not there be preaching on wives submitting to their husbands or on husbands loving their wives, there would be no need. Nor would I be preaching on modesty, or many other things that are necessary now. However, I could still preach on the incomparableness of Christ, His love toward us which sparked our love towards Him, His nature and goodness. Nothing would be better than to see Him listening as I bare my soul’s love of Him and His greatness before Him and others. If He is lifted up He will draw men unto Himself. So let us lift Him up!
He preached a triumphant Christ, who had defeated every principality and power (Col. 2:15), a Christ who needs no additives or substitutes (Col. 2:10). He preached a Christ that is the Head from which all direction and nourishment flows (Col. 2:19). All of his multitude of rays of theology all found there source and purpose in the One of whom he wrote, “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” (Rom. 11:36).
Could one reason perhaps why we do not see results like Paul’s, be because we do not preach Christ like he did? We speak and see little response. We preach on modesty and yet are continually confronted with immodesty. We blame the sheep for being rebellious. Some of them are, but with many that is a symptom, not the disease. The problem is we have not really, fully preached Christ.
Let me show you a scenario. Imagine a marathon. Now in this marathon there is a runner who has a trainer instructing him. Imagine if the trainer tells him that the race doesn’t matter and he can run however he feels like and even in the wrong direction. Clearly something would be wrong with that. Now imagine that this trainer is constantly running alongside this runner and sometimes holding up a chocolate bar, saying, “come on if you take that next step you can have this.” At other times he has a whip and threatens, “if you don’t take that next step this is what you will get.” This image also is absurd, the trainer would be doing more work than the athlete. It all falls into place when the trainer has convinced the athlete that the race is worth winning. Once that has happened the athlete will prepare and discipline himself to the utmost so that he can win.
Paul understood this. We lay Christ before the people, by the grace of God in His entirety. When we have done that and they have grasped Him, the race makes sense. They no longer run aimlessly any way they want, nor are they motivated only by our threats and favours. They run to win Christ. They can only do that if they see Christ though. Many of our problems originate from trying to make people who have never really seen Christ try to discipline themselves to run. If we can show them Christ our problem will be keeping them back.
Paul having already preached Christ to his churches could challenge them to walk worthy of the one who called you (1 Thess. 2:12; Col. 1:10). In order to challenge someone with that they must have a proper idea of His worth. With this key, every door begins to open. It works first in our own lives. When I battle with unforgiveness, I remind myself, I do not forgive because the person deserves it. Whoever deserves forgiveness? I forgive because Christ forgave and He deserves that I should forgive others. If I battle with sin, I look to Christ is He not able to deliver me and change my desires. I am complete in Him. His power in me can snap whatever bondage, however long it has been a habit. If my manner of dressing offends someone in the church and I am aware of it. As I stand ready to dress for service, what do I do? “That is their problem they are too critical.” That may be true, but can you not wear something else out of love for Christ. Not because their opinion matters, whose does? Instead wear it because the Christ who died for you also died for them and would be grieved if you grieved them. On the other side, if I see someone wearing something I consider inappropriate, do I berate them? Can I not for the sake of Him who forbears much with me forbear with them for a short time. Am I upset because of the shame it brings to God, or is it more from the reproach it casts upon my church? We have to be careful, because often our desire to instruct is born out of busibodiness abetted by a mistaken belief that we are the “unto Him” to whom those in Jude v24 are committed.
The answer for every problem is Christ, the difference is merely one of attributes. Do we need His healing, His love, His patience, His wisdom, etc…
What do I do if they won’t listen when I point them to Christ? At that point there is not much you can do. I can only point people to Christ and show them what He desires, if they have no fear of displeasing Him, and no desire to please Him, than unless God changes their desires they are lost. God forbid that any man who will not listen to Christ should listen to me when I speak. As an ambassador, if you are at odds with my ruler, it would be strange if you were to be pleased when I speak on his behalf.
There is an everlasting gospel that we should focus on preaching. When we are in heaven we will still be preaching that. Should I be allowed the inestimable privilege of preaching in heaven, what would I be preaching? I would not there be preaching on wives submitting to their husbands or on husbands loving their wives, there would be no need. Nor would I be preaching on modesty, or many other things that are necessary now. However, I could still preach on the incomparableness of Christ, His love toward us which sparked our love towards Him, His nature and goodness. Nothing would be better than to see Him listening as I bare my soul’s love of Him and His greatness before Him and others. If He is lifted up He will draw men unto Himself. So let us lift Him up!
The Voice of the Son Of God
There is a voice like no other, a voice that called the world into being. There is a voice which speaks truth and is Truth. There is a voice which is Life and gives life, the voice of the Son of God.
Some Scriptures speak to the mind and heart and bring forth a good assent, to hear and obey them is good and the purpose for which they have been given. Other Scriptures thunder like a clapper striking a bell and posing the question “Do you ring?” Does your heart resonate with these truths? Has the infinite abyss of sin and weakness, which is man, called out to the infinite abyss of mercy and strength which is God? John 5:25-26 is such Scripture.
Joh 5:25-26 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.”
Jesus begins this saying with what we translate in the KJV as “Verily, Verily.” Literally it is “Amen, Amen” The word “amen” when uttered by Him, who is the Amen, betokens not only the truth of what is to follow, but also the sure fulfillment of it without doubt or question.
Next in His words He reveals the time frame for what He is about to say. It is clear if you study this chapter in its entirety that it refers to the general resurrection from the dead. That is the hour that is coming. The hour that now is, however, can well apply to the personal resurrection of the soul that is dead in trespasses and sins.
Yes, praise God, the hour comes when all the dead shall hear His voice and rise again to judgment, but even now those who hear His voice shall live! He has life in Himself, not as a communicated attribute or state, and as a result can communicate this life to others. How does this communication take place? It takes place by hearing His voice.
Often today we tend to think that the life flows by saying the “sinner’s prayer” or otherwise responding to the preaching of the Gospel, but really it only happens by His voice. The “sinner’s prayer” or other similar methods are only valid if they are the response of a dead soul coming to life in response to the voice of the life-giving Son.
As seen in John 10:27-28, those who are Christ’s sheep are those who hear His voice. It is to those that hear His voice, are known by Him and follow Him that the promises made in these verses apply.
1. I give unto them eternal life. (this is not a once off donation, but is present and continuous in the Greek). The Father gave the Son to have life in Himself, we however constantly draw it from Him (John 15). It is a contemporary error that is very common to view eternal life as something we enjoy only in heaven. The life we live now is eternal so long as it is lived united to the Eternal One. Our deeds done now have an impact on our eternal reward and if we are living in oneness with Christ we should also be living with an eternal vision in our life.
2. They shall never perish. This is a very emphatic expression in the Greek. It is utterly impossible that they perish. The qualifications are hearing His voice, being known by Him, and following Him. These do not apply to those who do mighty works in His Name but practice lawlessness, because to those He says, “I never knew You.” Those who practice lawlessness can and do perish.
3. They shall not be plucked out of My hand. Jude commended those to whom he wrote “Unto Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless…” The power of Christ is boundless, and when worked for our good, what great good it will accomplish! It is my firm conviction backed from these Scriptures that Christ has never and never will lose one who comes to Him hearing His voice and following Him. The ones that are lost are those who listened to other voices and followed those other voices.
What voice are you listening to today? Have you heard the voice that is incomparable in your spirit? The second Adam is a life-giving spirit and He will quicken you as you hear His voice. If today you hear His voice and you are known of Him, then follow. As you follow your end is sure!
Some Scriptures speak to the mind and heart and bring forth a good assent, to hear and obey them is good and the purpose for which they have been given. Other Scriptures thunder like a clapper striking a bell and posing the question “Do you ring?” Does your heart resonate with these truths? Has the infinite abyss of sin and weakness, which is man, called out to the infinite abyss of mercy and strength which is God? John 5:25-26 is such Scripture.
Joh 5:25-26 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.”
Jesus begins this saying with what we translate in the KJV as “Verily, Verily.” Literally it is “Amen, Amen” The word “amen” when uttered by Him, who is the Amen, betokens not only the truth of what is to follow, but also the sure fulfillment of it without doubt or question.
Next in His words He reveals the time frame for what He is about to say. It is clear if you study this chapter in its entirety that it refers to the general resurrection from the dead. That is the hour that is coming. The hour that now is, however, can well apply to the personal resurrection of the soul that is dead in trespasses and sins.
Yes, praise God, the hour comes when all the dead shall hear His voice and rise again to judgment, but even now those who hear His voice shall live! He has life in Himself, not as a communicated attribute or state, and as a result can communicate this life to others. How does this communication take place? It takes place by hearing His voice.
Often today we tend to think that the life flows by saying the “sinner’s prayer” or otherwise responding to the preaching of the Gospel, but really it only happens by His voice. The “sinner’s prayer” or other similar methods are only valid if they are the response of a dead soul coming to life in response to the voice of the life-giving Son.
As seen in John 10:27-28, those who are Christ’s sheep are those who hear His voice. It is to those that hear His voice, are known by Him and follow Him that the promises made in these verses apply.
1. I give unto them eternal life. (this is not a once off donation, but is present and continuous in the Greek). The Father gave the Son to have life in Himself, we however constantly draw it from Him (John 15). It is a contemporary error that is very common to view eternal life as something we enjoy only in heaven. The life we live now is eternal so long as it is lived united to the Eternal One. Our deeds done now have an impact on our eternal reward and if we are living in oneness with Christ we should also be living with an eternal vision in our life.
2. They shall never perish. This is a very emphatic expression in the Greek. It is utterly impossible that they perish. The qualifications are hearing His voice, being known by Him, and following Him. These do not apply to those who do mighty works in His Name but practice lawlessness, because to those He says, “I never knew You.” Those who practice lawlessness can and do perish.
3. They shall not be plucked out of My hand. Jude commended those to whom he wrote “Unto Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless…” The power of Christ is boundless, and when worked for our good, what great good it will accomplish! It is my firm conviction backed from these Scriptures that Christ has never and never will lose one who comes to Him hearing His voice and following Him. The ones that are lost are those who listened to other voices and followed those other voices.
What voice are you listening to today? Have you heard the voice that is incomparable in your spirit? The second Adam is a life-giving spirit and He will quicken you as you hear His voice. If today you hear His voice and you are known of Him, then follow. As you follow your end is sure!
Monday, October 27, 2008
On the Last Week Of This Bible School Term
This term I taught two weeks back to back (2nd-3rd). I taught Joshua and on Prayer. This term has been very good, we have around 19 students which is less than our more usual 30+. However, the ones we have are very good and the atmosphere has been the best we have seen since we began.
Often before in our prayer meetings some of the students would get a little carried away when God's presence came in our prayer meetings. This has not happened this term, even though some that were more prone to this are here. It seems to be a good sign that they are learning how to respond to God's presence in a positive manner.
While I was teaching Mom was busy with our on-going food distribution things and Dad was busy supervising housing projects. Today I helped finish putting the door on one that he had been unable to complete.
Other than teaching I have been doing a fair bit of reading this month. Various writings of some Ante-Nicene Fathers, and more recently things by Tauler, Eckhart and other German and Dutch Mystics. It has been interesting. Call it the rounding of an education. These are all available at www.ccel.org. If like me you can't read them online you can download the Pdf files for a fee. I just downloaded a book by Sadhu Sundar Singh and will hopefully read it soon. Devotional literature is my favorite kind, but discipline is not my strongest virtue by any means...
Often before in our prayer meetings some of the students would get a little carried away when God's presence came in our prayer meetings. This has not happened this term, even though some that were more prone to this are here. It seems to be a good sign that they are learning how to respond to God's presence in a positive manner.
While I was teaching Mom was busy with our on-going food distribution things and Dad was busy supervising housing projects. Today I helped finish putting the door on one that he had been unable to complete.
Other than teaching I have been doing a fair bit of reading this month. Various writings of some Ante-Nicene Fathers, and more recently things by Tauler, Eckhart and other German and Dutch Mystics. It has been interesting. Call it the rounding of an education. These are all available at www.ccel.org. If like me you can't read them online you can download the Pdf files for a fee. I just downloaded a book by Sadhu Sundar Singh and will hopefully read it soon. Devotional literature is my favorite kind, but discipline is not my strongest virtue by any means...
Thoughts on Psalm 116:11
Psa 116:11 I said in my haste, All men are liars.
David in his flight from King Saul and in the subsequent betrayals he underwent uttered these words. They are an exaggeration, as is shown even in this verse. It was in haste he said it. Yet, there is a great element of truth in this. Mankind naturally has a propensity to falsehood. If a man does not lie outright, yet he may still not give the whole truth, or may twist things in a hundred different ways. A truly honest man will be willing to tell the truth even if it does harm to him and his cause. In this almost all men fall short.
Guilelessness is a very rare trait, one which, initially, was only found in one of the twelve disciples, Nathanael (John 1:45-47). He was a very forthright person and did not try to sugarcoat things.
Christ was always a wonderful example of truthfulness, but never more than when He admitted to being the Son of God when confronted by the oath of the High Priest. He did this knowing that they would use this to put Him to death, but without hesitation He spoke the truth, the ever blessed truth, of which He is the embodiment.
While we are on the subject of truth and guilelessness, it might be relevant for me to mention one of my little quirks. To the best of my recollection, I have never ended a letter with “sincerely yours”. I have ended many with “yours” or other similar things, but it has always struck me that sincerity never claims for itself.
If there are to stores selling jewelry and the one offers “24 Carat Gold” and the other offers “genuine 24 Carat Gold”. Which is more likely to be real? The one says, “24 Carat if you doubt than test it.” The other says, “I’m genuine you don’t need to test me.”
Sincerity merely states the truth, and allows others to test. It rests on the assurance of its own reality. Guile boldly proclaims its genuineness so that it will not be tested and found wanting.
Without giving an exact quote, and trusting that I am not giving a false impression of what he wrote (the book “the Character Of God’s Workmen” is not currently in my possession), Watchman Nee once wrote that whenever we consciously say something in a certain way to someone to elicit a certain response, we are guilty of manipulation.
God does not speak the truth in a way that tries to trick us into doing it. He speaks the truth and whether we respond or not is based on our love of the truth.
When Christ declared Himself the Son of God, the judges all had opportunity to test that assertion. They none loved the truth and used it as a pretext to have Him put to death.
May God grant that all of us may one day be found in the company of those in whose mouth was found no guile (Rev. 14:5).
Yours,
Daniel
David in his flight from King Saul and in the subsequent betrayals he underwent uttered these words. They are an exaggeration, as is shown even in this verse. It was in haste he said it. Yet, there is a great element of truth in this. Mankind naturally has a propensity to falsehood. If a man does not lie outright, yet he may still not give the whole truth, or may twist things in a hundred different ways. A truly honest man will be willing to tell the truth even if it does harm to him and his cause. In this almost all men fall short.
Guilelessness is a very rare trait, one which, initially, was only found in one of the twelve disciples, Nathanael (John 1:45-47). He was a very forthright person and did not try to sugarcoat things.
Christ was always a wonderful example of truthfulness, but never more than when He admitted to being the Son of God when confronted by the oath of the High Priest. He did this knowing that they would use this to put Him to death, but without hesitation He spoke the truth, the ever blessed truth, of which He is the embodiment.
While we are on the subject of truth and guilelessness, it might be relevant for me to mention one of my little quirks. To the best of my recollection, I have never ended a letter with “sincerely yours”. I have ended many with “yours” or other similar things, but it has always struck me that sincerity never claims for itself.
If there are to stores selling jewelry and the one offers “24 Carat Gold” and the other offers “genuine 24 Carat Gold”. Which is more likely to be real? The one says, “24 Carat if you doubt than test it.” The other says, “I’m genuine you don’t need to test me.”
Sincerity merely states the truth, and allows others to test. It rests on the assurance of its own reality. Guile boldly proclaims its genuineness so that it will not be tested and found wanting.
Without giving an exact quote, and trusting that I am not giving a false impression of what he wrote (the book “the Character Of God’s Workmen” is not currently in my possession), Watchman Nee once wrote that whenever we consciously say something in a certain way to someone to elicit a certain response, we are guilty of manipulation.
God does not speak the truth in a way that tries to trick us into doing it. He speaks the truth and whether we respond or not is based on our love of the truth.
When Christ declared Himself the Son of God, the judges all had opportunity to test that assertion. They none loved the truth and used it as a pretext to have Him put to death.
May God grant that all of us may one day be found in the company of those in whose mouth was found no guile (Rev. 14:5).
Yours,
Daniel
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Thoughts on 1 Thessalonians 5:14
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”
This is one of the Apostle Paul’s ending exhortations to this epistle, along with exhortations to prayer and thanksgiving. Like those exhortations it is not directed at the leadership alone, but to all believers. These exhortations are all expressed in a martial way, using words that anyone vaguely familiar with the military would understand.
1. To the unruly
We are to warn the unruly. The unruly are literally those who step out of line. The ones with attitude problems, who are insubordinate, need to be warned. They require a firm admonition that such behavior is displeasing to God and cannot be allowed.
2. To the feebleminded
It is important to discern between these two groups. Feebleminded (Greek – Small souled, faint hearted) people are those who through some spiritual or emotional trauma are discouraged. To warn one in that state would be to drive them to despair. A certain person I know was once in a very confused state of mind through several situations that had occurred. This was compounded by a warning that a well-meaning person gave. In the person’s confused state, it almost caused the person to think that he had no hope. John Bunyan was for several years in a very confused state, and at one time even thought that perhaps he had committed the unpardonable sin. When he approached a fellow believer and told him this, the man agreed. It was only God’s mercy that saved him from the pit of despair he had been plunged into then. Job’s wife was another one to whom this term could be applied.
3. Support the weak
The word support here is another military word and means to stand opposite from. A good illustration of this principle occurred at Waterloo. During this battle there was a captain of an artillery battery that contrary to usual practice stood at his guns the whole time, rather than seeking cover in infantry squares during the calvary charges. His reason was that the infantry near him were inexperienced, and if they saw him taking cover, they would break and run. It is important for those wavering to see someone stand so that they know it is possible to stand.
The most important part of this exhortation is given at the end. “Be patient (or longsuffering) to all.” If you have been in any position of responsibility for people for longer than two weeks, you probably realize that the 3 things given above require repetition. Mr. Unruly is not going to become Mr. Saint instantly because you spoke to him, even if he listens and obeys in one area, he will likely still be unruly for a time in other areas. Feebleminded people will be that way for a time, and weak people will need support until they can stand themselves. So to continue to do these things until God can produce a change in them requires longsuffering. It is worth it, a unruly person can become a Hudson Taylor, a feebleminded one a John Bunyan, a weak one a Peter. That is why longsuffering is so important.
This is one of the Apostle Paul’s ending exhortations to this epistle, along with exhortations to prayer and thanksgiving. Like those exhortations it is not directed at the leadership alone, but to all believers. These exhortations are all expressed in a martial way, using words that anyone vaguely familiar with the military would understand.
1. To the unruly
We are to warn the unruly. The unruly are literally those who step out of line. The ones with attitude problems, who are insubordinate, need to be warned. They require a firm admonition that such behavior is displeasing to God and cannot be allowed.
2. To the feebleminded
It is important to discern between these two groups. Feebleminded (Greek – Small souled, faint hearted) people are those who through some spiritual or emotional trauma are discouraged. To warn one in that state would be to drive them to despair. A certain person I know was once in a very confused state of mind through several situations that had occurred. This was compounded by a warning that a well-meaning person gave. In the person’s confused state, it almost caused the person to think that he had no hope. John Bunyan was for several years in a very confused state, and at one time even thought that perhaps he had committed the unpardonable sin. When he approached a fellow believer and told him this, the man agreed. It was only God’s mercy that saved him from the pit of despair he had been plunged into then. Job’s wife was another one to whom this term could be applied.
3. Support the weak
The word support here is another military word and means to stand opposite from. A good illustration of this principle occurred at Waterloo. During this battle there was a captain of an artillery battery that contrary to usual practice stood at his guns the whole time, rather than seeking cover in infantry squares during the calvary charges. His reason was that the infantry near him were inexperienced, and if they saw him taking cover, they would break and run. It is important for those wavering to see someone stand so that they know it is possible to stand.
The most important part of this exhortation is given at the end. “Be patient (or longsuffering) to all.” If you have been in any position of responsibility for people for longer than two weeks, you probably realize that the 3 things given above require repetition. Mr. Unruly is not going to become Mr. Saint instantly because you spoke to him, even if he listens and obeys in one area, he will likely still be unruly for a time in other areas. Feebleminded people will be that way for a time, and weak people will need support until they can stand themselves. So to continue to do these things until God can produce a change in them requires longsuffering. It is worth it, a unruly person can become a Hudson Taylor, a feebleminded one a John Bunyan, a weak one a Peter. That is why longsuffering is so important.
Daniel Learns a New Word
For my previous post as I was gathering my thoughts and trying to describe the union with Christ, the word came to me hypostatic union. So I was thinking, “It sounds nice, does it convey the right meaning.” The word has several meanings, three of which are relevant. I try when writing to find words that sound nice when read (that’s my poetic side), of course, not just sounding nice, they also have to convey the right message. Sometimes you find a word which is ideal in both accounts. The meaning of hypostasis as found in my mother’s trusty old dictionary. I would give you the edition, but since she has had it for years and it survived five children growing up it has lost its front page and anything antecedent to “Ag”. As found there Hypostasis, akin to Latin Substance, means: 1. Foundation; 2. Person; 3. The substance or essential nature of an individual. As such a Hypostatic Union would be: 1. A foundational union; 2. A Personal Union; 3. A union of our deepest essence with the deepest essence of God. Number 3 is the one I like best, though the others also contain some of the substance of the thought.
Thoughts on Hosea 5:7
Hos 5:7 They have dealt treacherously against Jehovah; for they have borne strange children: now shall the new moon devour them with their fields. (ASV)
The book of Hosea is really the book of God’s marriage covenant with Israel. It is seen in other portions of the Old Testament, but it is the central theme of Hosea, and most clearly portrayed there. Israel as a whole was His bride, chosen from among the nations round about when it was helpless and small, chosen for the sake of the fathers (Eze. 16; Rom. 11:28). God’s purpose in His nation (as well as marriage in general) was a godly seed (Mal. 2:15). However, here the Lord speaks that Israel has betrayed Him and has begotten strange or foreign children.
Foreign children are children who are apart from the covenant of God. In the Old Covenant God was married to Israel and the Father of the children of Israel (Isa. 63:16). These children were outside that covenant and had a different father. Because of that they also had a different nature, not the nature of God the Father, and they were not taught His law. They were born outside of the covenant because of the idolatry of the nation of Israel and its backsliding.
This is relevant to the Church today. We in the New Covenant are the Bride of Christ. James tells us that friendship with the world is spiritual adultery and enmity with God (James 4:4). So what happens when the Church courts the world? It ends up having strange children. Converts who do not bear the image of Christ, but the image of another. They don’t have the desires of Christ, but instead the desires of their father. In short they are just like the world.
Christ’s desire is that His Church individually and collectively is joined to Him in a hypostatic union from which His image is implanted upon us. Once His image is implanted upon us it can then be implanted upon others as they are drawn to the nature of Christ within us. Christ is the express image (Greek – Character) of God. The word “Character” has a twofold meaning, 1. The tool that makes an impression; 2. The impression or image made by that tool. Christ is the image of God, He is also the tool which God uses to form that same character in us. As that is accomplished we become tools to convey that same character into others.
This is the call of the Church!
The book of Hosea is really the book of God’s marriage covenant with Israel. It is seen in other portions of the Old Testament, but it is the central theme of Hosea, and most clearly portrayed there. Israel as a whole was His bride, chosen from among the nations round about when it was helpless and small, chosen for the sake of the fathers (Eze. 16; Rom. 11:28). God’s purpose in His nation (as well as marriage in general) was a godly seed (Mal. 2:15). However, here the Lord speaks that Israel has betrayed Him and has begotten strange or foreign children.
Foreign children are children who are apart from the covenant of God. In the Old Covenant God was married to Israel and the Father of the children of Israel (Isa. 63:16). These children were outside that covenant and had a different father. Because of that they also had a different nature, not the nature of God the Father, and they were not taught His law. They were born outside of the covenant because of the idolatry of the nation of Israel and its backsliding.
This is relevant to the Church today. We in the New Covenant are the Bride of Christ. James tells us that friendship with the world is spiritual adultery and enmity with God (James 4:4). So what happens when the Church courts the world? It ends up having strange children. Converts who do not bear the image of Christ, but the image of another. They don’t have the desires of Christ, but instead the desires of their father. In short they are just like the world.
Christ’s desire is that His Church individually and collectively is joined to Him in a hypostatic union from which His image is implanted upon us. Once His image is implanted upon us it can then be implanted upon others as they are drawn to the nature of Christ within us. Christ is the express image (Greek – Character) of God. The word “Character” has a twofold meaning, 1. The tool that makes an impression; 2. The impression or image made by that tool. Christ is the image of God, He is also the tool which God uses to form that same character in us. As that is accomplished we become tools to convey that same character into others.
This is the call of the Church!
About “That Day”
There are many things that I love about the Scriptures, one of them is their ability to upset and rearrange our entire lives in very few words. It is not verbosity that is needed to change us, but merely an understanding of what is required and a quickening of our spirits by the Spirit of God.
One very short phrase that can radically change your outlook on life is “That Day”. The apostle Paul uses this expression a few times in an off-hand way, but this very fact is what is so important. All days are not created equal, some days are very significant. Every student of History knows of D-day. It marked a significant step in World War II, and a hastening of the end of that war. Paul refers to “That Day” as if it is the only day that matters. As if no other day that has been in existence since the world began is as important. So what day is he referring to?
The Day of the Lord, the Day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ (Rom. 2:16). The Day when He will be glorified in His saints (2 Thess. 1:10). The day when Paul would rejoice in those he had fathered in the Gospel (2 Cor. 1:14; Php 2:15-16). The day when our works will be tried and rewards received (1 Cor. 3:13; 2 Tim. 1:12; 2 Tim. 4:8). It is a day of revelation, when all that is hidden (good or bad) will be revealed.
I would like to invite you to breathe in this 1st century air for a minute. You will find it more bracing than the best sea breeze. It will do wonders for your spiritual constitution. It is unpolluted by the materialism and unbelief that choke many in our current age. It is the breath of faith.
It is also a realization, every day I live is a preparation for that day. That Day the opening night of the eternal show. This life is only our preparation for that Day. We rehearse now so that we might perform then. We practice now so that there we can compete. Even as sports teams practice so that on the match days they are ready. This is the day in which success and failure are ultimately determined. The knowledge of this day should color our every thought and deed. It did all of the apostles (2 Peter 3:10-12; 1 John 4:17).
Some, such as the false prophets in Jeremiah, run after a temporary success which they obtain. However in THAT DAY, they receive an everlasting shame and reproach (Jer.23:40).
I don’t know about you, but my heart thrills with the words “That Day”. It’s the day I want to live for, not the past days I’ve had, or the present as if that is the best life has to offer, or any future attainment no matter how good.
See you on “That Day!”
One very short phrase that can radically change your outlook on life is “That Day”. The apostle Paul uses this expression a few times in an off-hand way, but this very fact is what is so important. All days are not created equal, some days are very significant. Every student of History knows of D-day. It marked a significant step in World War II, and a hastening of the end of that war. Paul refers to “That Day” as if it is the only day that matters. As if no other day that has been in existence since the world began is as important. So what day is he referring to?
The Day of the Lord, the Day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ (Rom. 2:16). The Day when He will be glorified in His saints (2 Thess. 1:10). The day when Paul would rejoice in those he had fathered in the Gospel (2 Cor. 1:14; Php 2:15-16). The day when our works will be tried and rewards received (1 Cor. 3:13; 2 Tim. 1:12; 2 Tim. 4:8). It is a day of revelation, when all that is hidden (good or bad) will be revealed.
I would like to invite you to breathe in this 1st century air for a minute. You will find it more bracing than the best sea breeze. It will do wonders for your spiritual constitution. It is unpolluted by the materialism and unbelief that choke many in our current age. It is the breath of faith.
It is also a realization, every day I live is a preparation for that day. That Day the opening night of the eternal show. This life is only our preparation for that Day. We rehearse now so that we might perform then. We practice now so that there we can compete. Even as sports teams practice so that on the match days they are ready. This is the day in which success and failure are ultimately determined. The knowledge of this day should color our every thought and deed. It did all of the apostles (2 Peter 3:10-12; 1 John 4:17).
Some, such as the false prophets in Jeremiah, run after a temporary success which they obtain. However in THAT DAY, they receive an everlasting shame and reproach (Jer.23:40).
I don’t know about you, but my heart thrills with the words “That Day”. It’s the day I want to live for, not the past days I’ve had, or the present as if that is the best life has to offer, or any future attainment no matter how good.
See you on “That Day!”
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Thoughts on Revelation 22:11
“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.”
For awhile I have had some various thoughts that tie into this verse and I would like to write a little about this.
There are 2 negative states which God confirms people in because of obstinacy in evil, and 2 positive states into which God confirms the faithful in good.
In a certain sense these 4 states can be linked with 1 Corinthians 6:20 “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” Filthiness and righteousness have to do more with our glorifying or not glorifying God in our Body. I think it is abundantly apparent that in our time there is rampant immorality. Those who do not repent will eventually find themselves in a place where they will be confirmed in that evil and unable to change. I do not wish to write too much on righteousness and filthiness because I think these are well understood by most of my readership.
Injustice and Holiness have to do with the spirit. To some it may seem strange that injustice would be a sin of the spirit, but in Hebrews 12:22-24 one of the things mentioned as being at Mount Zion, which is every Christian’s goal, are the spirits of just men made perfect. Also our sense of justice is very much affected by who our god is. Justice is affected by our moral compass and will be in error to the extent that it is aligned to a wrong pole.
The Nazis considered all of their atrocities just, only because they considered their party to be the arbiter of all actions. The communists likewise could do all manner of evil and claim right because they followed their party. They even used the word “honest” in a very peculiar sense, to denote someone who agreed with the party, even if he flip-flopped with the party and was most dishonest in any normal sense of the word.
There are many different poles to which we can align ourselves. People align themselves to what their peers think, what is traditional, what a certain philosophy teaches, or even to a whatever a certain religious authority says (as the Jesuits do). There is, however, only one true pole, God and His Word. Holiness is being joined to God, and having our mind renewed so we see justice as He calls justice.
Many Christians are not like the Bereans who searched the Scriptures to see if what Paul preached was true. Perhaps this very trait is why they never had to receive epistles shortly after their founding as the Thessalonians did. The Apostle Paul had to counteract falsehood with the Thessalonians almost immediately, apparently some of the errors were found in a letter that was thought to have come from him (2 Thess. 2:2). People who do not search the Scriptures for themselves are easily deceived.
I am an avid fan of history and once was perusing a certain book on military mistakes in a book store. I don’t remember the title of the book, but I do remember the one small section I read. It was about the American bombers during World War II and how at that time they had missions go off course, and even some planes run out of fuel, because they did not do their own navigation. Often there would be around 20 bombers together in formation, the 2 lead bombers would be doing all the navigation. If something happened to both of those bombers, one instance of which was related in the book, then these bombers would have to figure out first where they were, and then try to make corrections. By the time one group which had lost its lead planes figured out where it was, it was too far off course to reach its intended target, and ended up deciding to bomb somewhere else. Another similar instance cost the lives of one bomber crew who ran out of fuel in North Africa, and ended up dying of thirst in the desert only to be found years later by oil workers.
As Christians we are to follow the leaders that God places over us, but not in a servile fashion. They set the course and direction God speaks to them. It is then our job to search scripture and listen to the voice of God so that we are sure we are heading in the right way. If our leader falls away, but we are anchored in God’s Word, we can carry on. However if we are relying on that leader for all our spiritual input, we will either follow him in his fall, or else wander aimlessly until we crash.
I have heard people when considering choices of action make their decisions based on how their denomination or fellowship will view it. This too is a false pole. While as Christians we need to be part of a body and the disapproval of others in that group could be because we are in error, we cannot escape individual responsibility for our actions. When we stand before God as individuals and He queries us concerning something we have done, we will not be excused merely because what we did was considered fine in the eyes of our denomination.
God’s call to the Levites was to let their Urim and Thummim be with the Holy One (Deut.33:8). In other words to let their judgments be in accordance with the Law and inner witness of the Spirit of God. This is the only true pole to which we must align ourselves, because this is the standard by which we will all be judged as we stand before God.
Unto Him be glory in the Church!
For awhile I have had some various thoughts that tie into this verse and I would like to write a little about this.
There are 2 negative states which God confirms people in because of obstinacy in evil, and 2 positive states into which God confirms the faithful in good.
In a certain sense these 4 states can be linked with 1 Corinthians 6:20 “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” Filthiness and righteousness have to do more with our glorifying or not glorifying God in our Body. I think it is abundantly apparent that in our time there is rampant immorality. Those who do not repent will eventually find themselves in a place where they will be confirmed in that evil and unable to change. I do not wish to write too much on righteousness and filthiness because I think these are well understood by most of my readership.
Injustice and Holiness have to do with the spirit. To some it may seem strange that injustice would be a sin of the spirit, but in Hebrews 12:22-24 one of the things mentioned as being at Mount Zion, which is every Christian’s goal, are the spirits of just men made perfect. Also our sense of justice is very much affected by who our god is. Justice is affected by our moral compass and will be in error to the extent that it is aligned to a wrong pole.
The Nazis considered all of their atrocities just, only because they considered their party to be the arbiter of all actions. The communists likewise could do all manner of evil and claim right because they followed their party. They even used the word “honest” in a very peculiar sense, to denote someone who agreed with the party, even if he flip-flopped with the party and was most dishonest in any normal sense of the word.
There are many different poles to which we can align ourselves. People align themselves to what their peers think, what is traditional, what a certain philosophy teaches, or even to a whatever a certain religious authority says (as the Jesuits do). There is, however, only one true pole, God and His Word. Holiness is being joined to God, and having our mind renewed so we see justice as He calls justice.
Many Christians are not like the Bereans who searched the Scriptures to see if what Paul preached was true. Perhaps this very trait is why they never had to receive epistles shortly after their founding as the Thessalonians did. The Apostle Paul had to counteract falsehood with the Thessalonians almost immediately, apparently some of the errors were found in a letter that was thought to have come from him (2 Thess. 2:2). People who do not search the Scriptures for themselves are easily deceived.
I am an avid fan of history and once was perusing a certain book on military mistakes in a book store. I don’t remember the title of the book, but I do remember the one small section I read. It was about the American bombers during World War II and how at that time they had missions go off course, and even some planes run out of fuel, because they did not do their own navigation. Often there would be around 20 bombers together in formation, the 2 lead bombers would be doing all the navigation. If something happened to both of those bombers, one instance of which was related in the book, then these bombers would have to figure out first where they were, and then try to make corrections. By the time one group which had lost its lead planes figured out where it was, it was too far off course to reach its intended target, and ended up deciding to bomb somewhere else. Another similar instance cost the lives of one bomber crew who ran out of fuel in North Africa, and ended up dying of thirst in the desert only to be found years later by oil workers.
As Christians we are to follow the leaders that God places over us, but not in a servile fashion. They set the course and direction God speaks to them. It is then our job to search scripture and listen to the voice of God so that we are sure we are heading in the right way. If our leader falls away, but we are anchored in God’s Word, we can carry on. However if we are relying on that leader for all our spiritual input, we will either follow him in his fall, or else wander aimlessly until we crash.
I have heard people when considering choices of action make their decisions based on how their denomination or fellowship will view it. This too is a false pole. While as Christians we need to be part of a body and the disapproval of others in that group could be because we are in error, we cannot escape individual responsibility for our actions. When we stand before God as individuals and He queries us concerning something we have done, we will not be excused merely because what we did was considered fine in the eyes of our denomination.
God’s call to the Levites was to let their Urim and Thummim be with the Holy One (Deut.33:8). In other words to let their judgments be in accordance with the Law and inner witness of the Spirit of God. This is the only true pole to which we must align ourselves, because this is the standard by which we will all be judged as we stand before God.
Unto Him be glory in the Church!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Keeping Busy
For anyone wondering what I’ve been up to the last few weeks, I give a brief synopsis. Two days were spent putting up the supports for a church roof, the actual roofing will be done later. Several afternoons were spent helping with our housing projects, putting hinges and latches on the shutters, and fitting locks on the doors. Miscellaneous mornings and afternoons were spent drilling holes in the window frames and then pounding in metal burglar bars and painting said bars as well as doors, door frames, etc.
This morning I replaced our earth leakage which had been giving us some trouble. When we lose electrical power (about every other night recently) it trips when the power comes back on. Furthermore it tends to stay down. At first it was just a minor occurrence, but two nights ago it stayed down and refused to come up. We flipped all the switches down and it still refused to budge. Since we realized that the earth leakage was an the way out we decided to remove it and bypass it until we could replace it. Removing it took all of a minute (keep in mind this was all done at 8:00 in the evening by candle and flashlight). However fixing the neutral bar which had become dislodged when trying to free one of the neutral wires and rigging up a joint from the neutral bar to the neutral wire coming from outside took toil and sweat (thankfully no blood) and a good 45 minutes. This morning I installed the new earth leakage without too much hassle and we are up and running.
We start Bible School again on the 7th of October. Between preparation for that and housing projects we will be pretty busy. As a result I may not be getting online very often.
There is a possibility of our getting internet in our home, for at least certain hours of the day. The only snag is that the particular equipment we need is currently out of stock. The company should have more, but we don’t know when they said maybe next week so we’ll have to see.
We recently added another village to our orphan feeding program. There was one widow with several children that requested help. Mom went to see the situation. We agreed to help her. The next day several other people from that area who had seen Mom on her journey showed up at our gate asking for help. It has been about 2 weeks and we now have 60 families from that area that we are assisting to various degrees.
I hope to write another Scripture study soon, but as of right now I have no idea on what I’ll write. So until then…
This morning I replaced our earth leakage which had been giving us some trouble. When we lose electrical power (about every other night recently) it trips when the power comes back on. Furthermore it tends to stay down. At first it was just a minor occurrence, but two nights ago it stayed down and refused to come up. We flipped all the switches down and it still refused to budge. Since we realized that the earth leakage was an the way out we decided to remove it and bypass it until we could replace it. Removing it took all of a minute (keep in mind this was all done at 8:00 in the evening by candle and flashlight). However fixing the neutral bar which had become dislodged when trying to free one of the neutral wires and rigging up a joint from the neutral bar to the neutral wire coming from outside took toil and sweat (thankfully no blood) and a good 45 minutes. This morning I installed the new earth leakage without too much hassle and we are up and running.
We start Bible School again on the 7th of October. Between preparation for that and housing projects we will be pretty busy. As a result I may not be getting online very often.
There is a possibility of our getting internet in our home, for at least certain hours of the day. The only snag is that the particular equipment we need is currently out of stock. The company should have more, but we don’t know when they said maybe next week so we’ll have to see.
We recently added another village to our orphan feeding program. There was one widow with several children that requested help. Mom went to see the situation. We agreed to help her. The next day several other people from that area who had seen Mom on her journey showed up at our gate asking for help. It has been about 2 weeks and we now have 60 families from that area that we are assisting to various degrees.
I hope to write another Scripture study soon, but as of right now I have no idea on what I’ll write. So until then…
Monday, September 15, 2008
Psalms of Ascent Part 15
Psalm 134:1 A Song of degrees. Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.
Psalm 134:2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.
Psalm 134:3 The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.
This Psalm is a fitting close to the Psalms of Ascent. Our journey consists of making our way up to the sanctuary of the Lord. Going to His very dwelling place and abiding there, not just visiting.
What are those who dwell in the sanctuary of the Lord (who are there at all hours) encouraged to do? Bless the Lord! It is always appropriate to bless the Lord. From the very start of our Christian walk we have more than enough reason to bless the Lord For His mercy, His grace and His sacrifice. As we walk on with Him we only gain more reasons to bless Him.
When our earthly journey is complete and we join the throngs of heaven we will still be blessing the Lord. Even more amazingly, as we bless the Lord, the God of all creation, He acknowledges it and returns a blessing upon us. Think of it, the God of the whole universe humbles Himself to notice your blessing of Him, and responds. God’s utter humility is shown fully in His allowing Himself to be moved by the prayers and blessings of His own creatures. It is somewhat like an elephant taking notice of and responding to an ant.
This Psalm gives us an eternal picture, because long after the stars have vanished and the sun has faded and the moon dissolved, we will still be blessing the Lord and be receiving of His infinite goodness in return. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 134:2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.
Psalm 134:3 The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.
This Psalm is a fitting close to the Psalms of Ascent. Our journey consists of making our way up to the sanctuary of the Lord. Going to His very dwelling place and abiding there, not just visiting.
What are those who dwell in the sanctuary of the Lord (who are there at all hours) encouraged to do? Bless the Lord! It is always appropriate to bless the Lord. From the very start of our Christian walk we have more than enough reason to bless the Lord For His mercy, His grace and His sacrifice. As we walk on with Him we only gain more reasons to bless Him.
When our earthly journey is complete and we join the throngs of heaven we will still be blessing the Lord. Even more amazingly, as we bless the Lord, the God of all creation, He acknowledges it and returns a blessing upon us. Think of it, the God of the whole universe humbles Himself to notice your blessing of Him, and responds. God’s utter humility is shown fully in His allowing Himself to be moved by the prayers and blessings of His own creatures. It is somewhat like an elephant taking notice of and responding to an ant.
This Psalm gives us an eternal picture, because long after the stars have vanished and the sun has faded and the moon dissolved, we will still be blessing the Lord and be receiving of His infinite goodness in return. Praise the Lord!
Monday, September 08, 2008
Psalms of Ascent Part 14
Psa 133:1 A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Psa 133:2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
Psa 133:3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
This psalm is a psalm of David which brings out the blessedness of unity. In order to better understand this Psalm, it would be good to look at the circumstances which preceded it. David had been a fugitive from King Saul, and had only a small band with him. However, God had promised David the kingship. When Saul died, David should have become king. Saul’s general, Abner, knew this, but instead set up Saul’s son Ishbosheth.
Saul represents a leader who had the anointing and lost it because of disobedience. Abner portrays an unsanctified leader that is very gifted and uses his gifts to promote a human rather than divine agenda. Ishbosheth is a bit of an enigma - a man who neither had any apparent charisma, or great military ability, nor did he have any promises from God. (He was only on the throne because of the intervention of Abner). He had absolutely nothing to offer God’s people; he was simply Saul’s heir. Yet, for the next seven years, the ten northern tribes followed Ishbosheth; Judah followed David (2 Samuel Chapters 2-4).
This certainly has some parallels to our time. In the past century there have been many big names, some of whom like Saul, have departed from the true anointing. Others are like Ishbosheth who claim the mantle of their father, but who lack the anointing and the call.
However, the story does not end here. For seven years it seemed as though there would always be division, but then God began to remove the obstacles. In 1 Chronicles 12, it gives a list of the armies of the various tribes that God stirred up to support David. In verse 38, it says, “All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.” In these men and in all of Israel there was only one desire - that David would be king.
In our time there have been many different leaders who have sought to have the hearts of God’s people, but the day is coming when there will be one King and one alone. Jesus will reign over His own people. In the book of Revelation, two churches are seen, the false church and the true. The false church has sold itself for worldly applause and wealth. The true church, however, is made up of those who are whole-hearted for the Lord.
Even as there was war for seven years between the various tribes, there has also been infighting among believers. However, when God moves, there will be a supernatural unity among those who belong to the true church. This may seem impossible now, but how likely did David’s coronation look just before it happened? God will remove Ishbosheths and Abners and raise up a group of men and women who will follow only Him. They will have one heart and one mind that Christ should reign in His Church (Isa 52:8).
It is at this time that the church will begin to experience the blessedness of Psalm 133. The anointing oil on Aaron shall run down from the head (Christ) to cover even the toes. Every member of Christ ‘s body will have the soothing anointing which will ease tension and friction and help us all to exalt Christ. May God hasten that day!
Psa 133:2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
Psa 133:3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
This psalm is a psalm of David which brings out the blessedness of unity. In order to better understand this Psalm, it would be good to look at the circumstances which preceded it. David had been a fugitive from King Saul, and had only a small band with him. However, God had promised David the kingship. When Saul died, David should have become king. Saul’s general, Abner, knew this, but instead set up Saul’s son Ishbosheth.
Saul represents a leader who had the anointing and lost it because of disobedience. Abner portrays an unsanctified leader that is very gifted and uses his gifts to promote a human rather than divine agenda. Ishbosheth is a bit of an enigma - a man who neither had any apparent charisma, or great military ability, nor did he have any promises from God. (He was only on the throne because of the intervention of Abner). He had absolutely nothing to offer God’s people; he was simply Saul’s heir. Yet, for the next seven years, the ten northern tribes followed Ishbosheth; Judah followed David (2 Samuel Chapters 2-4).
This certainly has some parallels to our time. In the past century there have been many big names, some of whom like Saul, have departed from the true anointing. Others are like Ishbosheth who claim the mantle of their father, but who lack the anointing and the call.
However, the story does not end here. For seven years it seemed as though there would always be division, but then God began to remove the obstacles. In 1 Chronicles 12, it gives a list of the armies of the various tribes that God stirred up to support David. In verse 38, it says, “All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.” In these men and in all of Israel there was only one desire - that David would be king.
In our time there have been many different leaders who have sought to have the hearts of God’s people, but the day is coming when there will be one King and one alone. Jesus will reign over His own people. In the book of Revelation, two churches are seen, the false church and the true. The false church has sold itself for worldly applause and wealth. The true church, however, is made up of those who are whole-hearted for the Lord.
Even as there was war for seven years between the various tribes, there has also been infighting among believers. However, when God moves, there will be a supernatural unity among those who belong to the true church. This may seem impossible now, but how likely did David’s coronation look just before it happened? God will remove Ishbosheths and Abners and raise up a group of men and women who will follow only Him. They will have one heart and one mind that Christ should reign in His Church (Isa 52:8).
It is at this time that the church will begin to experience the blessedness of Psalm 133. The anointing oil on Aaron shall run down from the head (Christ) to cover even the toes. Every member of Christ ‘s body will have the soothing anointing which will ease tension and friction and help us all to exalt Christ. May God hasten that day!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Psalms of Ascent Part 13
Psa 132:1 A Song of degrees. LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions:
Psa 132:2 How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;
Psa 132:3 Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed;
Psa 132:4 I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,
Psa 132:5 Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.
Psa 132:6 Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood.
Psa 132:7 We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.
Psa 132:8 Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
Psa 132:9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.
Psa 132:10 For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.
Psa 132:11 The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.
Psa 132:12 If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.
Psa 132:13 For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.
Psa 132:14 This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.
Psa 132:15 I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.
Psa 132:16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
Psa 132:17 There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.
Psa 132:18 His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.
This Psalm shows something of the heart of David towards God. In David’s heart God came first. Before he rested he wanted to be sure that God had a place of rest. From this heart came the tabernacle of David on Zion. This resulted in the promises of God to David, and blessing flowing from Zion to the city and nation round about.
On a personal level this gives us a key to obtaining the promises, presence and blessings of God. This is giving God a place of rest. Making a place for God to dwell in our own lives and placing Him before anything else. It is letting nothing prevent or rob the time you spend with God. From this inner life the blessings flow outward. Verse 17 shows us that it is in the hidden devotional time that power and guidance are obtained. As Walter Beutler said it, “If you build God a house of worship, He will build you a house of ministry.”
Psa 132:2 How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;
Psa 132:3 Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed;
Psa 132:4 I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,
Psa 132:5 Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.
Psa 132:6 Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood.
Psa 132:7 We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.
Psa 132:8 Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
Psa 132:9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.
Psa 132:10 For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.
Psa 132:11 The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.
Psa 132:12 If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.
Psa 132:13 For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.
Psa 132:14 This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.
Psa 132:15 I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.
Psa 132:16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
Psa 132:17 There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.
Psa 132:18 His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.
This Psalm shows something of the heart of David towards God. In David’s heart God came first. Before he rested he wanted to be sure that God had a place of rest. From this heart came the tabernacle of David on Zion. This resulted in the promises of God to David, and blessing flowing from Zion to the city and nation round about.
On a personal level this gives us a key to obtaining the promises, presence and blessings of God. This is giving God a place of rest. Making a place for God to dwell in our own lives and placing Him before anything else. It is letting nothing prevent or rob the time you spend with God. From this inner life the blessings flow outward. Verse 17 shows us that it is in the hidden devotional time that power and guidance are obtained. As Walter Beutler said it, “If you build God a house of worship, He will build you a house of ministry.”
Psalms of Ascent Part 12
Psa 131:1 A Song of Ascents; of David. Jehovah, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty; Neither do I exercise myself in great matters, Or in things too wonderful for me.
Psa 131:2 Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child with his mother, Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Psa 131:3 O Israel, hope in Jehovah From this time forth and for evermore.
This Psalm shows the humility necessary to carry on a walk with God. We are called to walk humbly with our God (Mic. 6:8). There are some things that God does that we do not understand, sometimes He will reveal His reasons, but other times He does not. When He chooses not to we must still ourselves. Job a very righteous man, was reproved by God for this fault of requiring of God the why and wherefore of his trial. After He quieted himself, and repented of his hard words toward the Almighty, he was able to see the purpose in the aftermath, in how he was restored more than he had lost.
Often we need to still and quiet ourselves and hope in God. We may not know what God is doing, but we can hope in Him. We can know that He is doing what is best and doing it for our good.
This Psalm is also applicable to doctrinal knowledge. God is a self-revealing God. In His sovereignty He chooses whether to reveal Himself or not to any individual. Apart from His enabling grace we have a natural inability to understand the most basic truths. Yet as we wait on Him, He can illuminate our minds. A key to having understanding of many truths is found in Philippians Chapters 2-3. There the Apostle Paul starts by exhorting the church to have humility and unity by having the same mind that was in Christ (chapter 2); from there he eschews self-righteousness and self-righteous boasting (3:1-7). Then He proceeds to set forth the goal he is pressing towards. In verses 15-16 he states, “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.” In other words, our part is to run after the goals stated in the previous verses, to press on to know Christ. If we have imperfections in our thinking and our way of viewing things God will reveal it to us as we set our hearts on obeying Him and following His will (see also John 7:16-17).
Where we see someone differing from us in doctrine, the first thing we must do is focus on our own heart and make sure we are in obedience to Christ, then we should study Scripture and pray that God would reveal clearly the right way to us. It does not hurt to reexamine what we believe in the light of Scripture. If our hearts are aligned with God, He will confirm His truth to our hearts. If, however, our motives are wrong and our desires are not the same as Paul’s goals, than no amount of searching will lead us to the truth. If the person who disagrees with us is wrong, but truly desires to exalt Christ and know Him, Christ will reveal it to him. After all, false doctrine is more embarrassing to Him who is the Truth than to us who only know a small part of it. If the person’s heart is not after God, no work on your part can have any effect anyway. He is able to keep His own without any help from us (that doesn’t mean that we should never correct someone), but if we do and they do not respond, leave it with God, He is able to enlighten the most darkened soul. After all, did He not enlighten you?
One final thought, is that there are some truths that cannot be known in this world, and await revelation in the next. Some things we must wait until eternity to learn. To speculate on those things is to invite confusion. Some of the mystery involving the “how” of the Incarnation, and other similar things are not necessary for us to know. It is enough to know that God became man, fully God, fully Man. We need to be careful not to intrude into God’s realm uninvited.
Psa 131:2 Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child with his mother, Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Psa 131:3 O Israel, hope in Jehovah From this time forth and for evermore.
This Psalm shows the humility necessary to carry on a walk with God. We are called to walk humbly with our God (Mic. 6:8). There are some things that God does that we do not understand, sometimes He will reveal His reasons, but other times He does not. When He chooses not to we must still ourselves. Job a very righteous man, was reproved by God for this fault of requiring of God the why and wherefore of his trial. After He quieted himself, and repented of his hard words toward the Almighty, he was able to see the purpose in the aftermath, in how he was restored more than he had lost.
Often we need to still and quiet ourselves and hope in God. We may not know what God is doing, but we can hope in Him. We can know that He is doing what is best and doing it for our good.
This Psalm is also applicable to doctrinal knowledge. God is a self-revealing God. In His sovereignty He chooses whether to reveal Himself or not to any individual. Apart from His enabling grace we have a natural inability to understand the most basic truths. Yet as we wait on Him, He can illuminate our minds. A key to having understanding of many truths is found in Philippians Chapters 2-3. There the Apostle Paul starts by exhorting the church to have humility and unity by having the same mind that was in Christ (chapter 2); from there he eschews self-righteousness and self-righteous boasting (3:1-7). Then He proceeds to set forth the goal he is pressing towards. In verses 15-16 he states, “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.” In other words, our part is to run after the goals stated in the previous verses, to press on to know Christ. If we have imperfections in our thinking and our way of viewing things God will reveal it to us as we set our hearts on obeying Him and following His will (see also John 7:16-17).
Where we see someone differing from us in doctrine, the first thing we must do is focus on our own heart and make sure we are in obedience to Christ, then we should study Scripture and pray that God would reveal clearly the right way to us. It does not hurt to reexamine what we believe in the light of Scripture. If our hearts are aligned with God, He will confirm His truth to our hearts. If, however, our motives are wrong and our desires are not the same as Paul’s goals, than no amount of searching will lead us to the truth. If the person who disagrees with us is wrong, but truly desires to exalt Christ and know Him, Christ will reveal it to him. After all, false doctrine is more embarrassing to Him who is the Truth than to us who only know a small part of it. If the person’s heart is not after God, no work on your part can have any effect anyway. He is able to keep His own without any help from us (that doesn’t mean that we should never correct someone), but if we do and they do not respond, leave it with God, He is able to enlighten the most darkened soul. After all, did He not enlighten you?
One final thought, is that there are some truths that cannot be known in this world, and await revelation in the next. Some things we must wait until eternity to learn. To speculate on those things is to invite confusion. Some of the mystery involving the “how” of the Incarnation, and other similar things are not necessary for us to know. It is enough to know that God became man, fully God, fully Man. We need to be careful not to intrude into God’s realm uninvited.
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