“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!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
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.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Psalms of Ascent Part 11
Psa 130:1 A Song of degrees. Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.
Psa 130:2 Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
Psa 130:3 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
Psa 130:4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
Psa 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
Psa 130:6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
Psa 130:7 Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
Psa 130:8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
This Psalm brings out an important element in our Christian life. We all have great depths of sin in our lives. Actual sins committed, but far more sin resident within our hearts, ready to burst out should God not hold it in check. If God looked and was unwilling to blot out our many iniquities, none of us would be able to stand before Him.
God forgives us, because He is forgiving. However there is a second part to that. His forgiveness is so that He may be feared, that His holiness and justice may be revealed, like a criminal standing before a judge convicted, but then given a pardon. It is given that he may have a chance to change not so that he may do that for which he was originally dragged before the judge. This is why Christ said, “Go and sin no more…” The old debt is paid and forgiven so that a change may be brought about.
The Psalmist waits for his deliverance, he knows himself unable to deliver himself from the power of sin. He waits and hopes in the Lord with the same expectancy found in a guard on duty waiting for the glimmer of dawn to show him his work is done.
In the end of this psalm it is shown that God not only forgives sin, but redeems. Redemption is to deliver one from the slavery to the sin. He does this not only for a select few sins, but for all sin. Is there a sin or bondage in your life? Than God desires to redeem you from it, so that you will no longer serve it, but Him. Praise His holy Name!
Psa 130:2 Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
Psa 130:3 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
Psa 130:4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
Psa 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
Psa 130:6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
Psa 130:7 Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
Psa 130:8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
This Psalm brings out an important element in our Christian life. We all have great depths of sin in our lives. Actual sins committed, but far more sin resident within our hearts, ready to burst out should God not hold it in check. If God looked and was unwilling to blot out our many iniquities, none of us would be able to stand before Him.
God forgives us, because He is forgiving. However there is a second part to that. His forgiveness is so that He may be feared, that His holiness and justice may be revealed, like a criminal standing before a judge convicted, but then given a pardon. It is given that he may have a chance to change not so that he may do that for which he was originally dragged before the judge. This is why Christ said, “Go and sin no more…” The old debt is paid and forgiven so that a change may be brought about.
The Psalmist waits for his deliverance, he knows himself unable to deliver himself from the power of sin. He waits and hopes in the Lord with the same expectancy found in a guard on duty waiting for the glimmer of dawn to show him his work is done.
In the end of this psalm it is shown that God not only forgives sin, but redeems. Redemption is to deliver one from the slavery to the sin. He does this not only for a select few sins, but for all sin. Is there a sin or bondage in your life? Than God desires to redeem you from it, so that you will no longer serve it, but Him. Praise His holy Name!
Psalms of Ascent Part 10
Psa 129:1 A Song of degrees. Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:
Psa 129:2 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
Psa 129:3 The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.
Psa 129:4 The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
Psa 129:5 Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.
Psa 129:6 Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:
Psa 129:7 Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.
Psa 129:8 Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.
The Christian life is not without afflictions, as Psalm 34:19 says, “many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” In spite of the afflictions, the righteous triumph. Those who afflict them do not prevail against them. Christ has made us more than conquerors, and there can be no conquest without a battle. The greater our affliction, the greater the victory as we respond as the Lord would have us respond.
In the end, God does move on our behalf if we do what is right. A certain puritan minister once said that God would plead the cause of the most unrighteous man against even the most godly, and that is true. God as a just judge must act even on the behalf of the wicked when they are wronged. Often in circumstances we have done right, but not perfectly right. Perhaps we are 5% wrong and the other is 95% wrong, God will require of us that 5% before He will move on our behalf. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:6, “And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” God will not aid us in a situation, until our obedience is fulfilled.
Ultimately the plans of those who persecute the godly or fight against God will be defeated. They may flourish for a short time, just like the grass that would bloom on top of the packed earth roofs used in the Levant. However there was no depth in their roots and they would be scorched before they could come to fruition. The counsel of the Lord will stand in spite of all opposition. One of the later Roman emperors known as Julian the Apostate raged against the church and against Christ, yet when he was dying on the field of battle, he acknowledged, “You have conquered, O Galilean!” Christ will conquer but we must make sure we are on His side.
Psa 129:2 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
Psa 129:3 The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.
Psa 129:4 The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
Psa 129:5 Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.
Psa 129:6 Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:
Psa 129:7 Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.
Psa 129:8 Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.
The Christian life is not without afflictions, as Psalm 34:19 says, “many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” In spite of the afflictions, the righteous triumph. Those who afflict them do not prevail against them. Christ has made us more than conquerors, and there can be no conquest without a battle. The greater our affliction, the greater the victory as we respond as the Lord would have us respond.
In the end, God does move on our behalf if we do what is right. A certain puritan minister once said that God would plead the cause of the most unrighteous man against even the most godly, and that is true. God as a just judge must act even on the behalf of the wicked when they are wronged. Often in circumstances we have done right, but not perfectly right. Perhaps we are 5% wrong and the other is 95% wrong, God will require of us that 5% before He will move on our behalf. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:6, “And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” God will not aid us in a situation, until our obedience is fulfilled.
Ultimately the plans of those who persecute the godly or fight against God will be defeated. They may flourish for a short time, just like the grass that would bloom on top of the packed earth roofs used in the Levant. However there was no depth in their roots and they would be scorched before they could come to fruition. The counsel of the Lord will stand in spite of all opposition. One of the later Roman emperors known as Julian the Apostate raged against the church and against Christ, yet when he was dying on the field of battle, he acknowledged, “You have conquered, O Galilean!” Christ will conquer but we must make sure we are on His side.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Psalms of Ascent Part 9
Psa 128:1 A Song of degrees. Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
Psa 128:2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
Psa 128:3 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
Psa 128:4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
Psa 128:5 The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
Psa 128:6 Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.
This Psalm is on the theme of the blessedness of the godly. This blessedness is not an absence of labour or an abundance of leisure but is instead an enjoyment of the fruits of labour. As it says in Ecclesiastes 2:24-26, “There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God. For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I? For to the man that pleaseth him God giveth wisdom, and knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that pleaseth God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.”
Speaking specifically of Christ, but applicable also in a measure to those who follow Him in the way of the cross is Isaiah 53:11, “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.” Christ is satisfied in His labour as He enjoys the fruit of many sons brought to glory. Fallen men redeemed and made holy, the spirits of just men made perfect by His atoning sacrifice. In a very real sense His wife is a fruitful vine and His children are olive plants around the table.
The righteous truly do have a wonderful heritage awaiting them both in this life and in the life to come.
Psa 128:2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
Psa 128:3 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
Psa 128:4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
Psa 128:5 The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
Psa 128:6 Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.
This Psalm is on the theme of the blessedness of the godly. This blessedness is not an absence of labour or an abundance of leisure but is instead an enjoyment of the fruits of labour. As it says in Ecclesiastes 2:24-26, “There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God. For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I? For to the man that pleaseth him God giveth wisdom, and knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that pleaseth God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.”
Speaking specifically of Christ, but applicable also in a measure to those who follow Him in the way of the cross is Isaiah 53:11, “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.” Christ is satisfied in His labour as He enjoys the fruit of many sons brought to glory. Fallen men redeemed and made holy, the spirits of just men made perfect by His atoning sacrifice. In a very real sense His wife is a fruitful vine and His children are olive plants around the table.
The righteous truly do have a wonderful heritage awaiting them both in this life and in the life to come.
Psalms of Ascent Part 8
Psa 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
Psa 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
Psa 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Psa 127:4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Psa 127:5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
This Psalm begins by showing the futility of human endeavor. If God is not in whatever we are doing it is vain and will fail. Even if it appears to succeed in the light of eternity it will be a failure. We need to look beyond man and see the hand of God. When God has determined to judge a city all efforts of man will be defeated. In Isaiah 29:14 it says, “Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.” When the great San Francisco earthquake took place, one of the first casualties was the fire chief. This is one of the reasons why the response to the fire which occurred in the aftermath of the earthquake was ineffective. Unless the Lord keeps the city the watchman wakes in vain.
In the midst of troubles God provides rest for His own. God judged Sodom, but rescued Lot, and as Peter tells us, is able to preserve the righteous even as He judges the wicked. With that in mind we can rest and not worry.
The psalm then goes on to show how children are blessing which God gives. They reach areas that you never could go yourself, even as an arrow can reach somewhere that the archer could not himself. It is the young men, both naturally and spiritually, that are involved in the bulk of warfare. Inheritances are contested in the spirit and it is often the spiritual children who help fight the battles to enter into an inheritance.
Psa 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
Psa 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Psa 127:4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Psa 127:5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
This Psalm begins by showing the futility of human endeavor. If God is not in whatever we are doing it is vain and will fail. Even if it appears to succeed in the light of eternity it will be a failure. We need to look beyond man and see the hand of God. When God has determined to judge a city all efforts of man will be defeated. In Isaiah 29:14 it says, “Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.” When the great San Francisco earthquake took place, one of the first casualties was the fire chief. This is one of the reasons why the response to the fire which occurred in the aftermath of the earthquake was ineffective. Unless the Lord keeps the city the watchman wakes in vain.
In the midst of troubles God provides rest for His own. God judged Sodom, but rescued Lot, and as Peter tells us, is able to preserve the righteous even as He judges the wicked. With that in mind we can rest and not worry.
The psalm then goes on to show how children are blessing which God gives. They reach areas that you never could go yourself, even as an arrow can reach somewhere that the archer could not himself. It is the young men, both naturally and spiritually, that are involved in the bulk of warfare. Inheritances are contested in the spirit and it is often the spiritual children who help fight the battles to enter into an inheritance.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Psalms of Ascent Part 7
Psa 126:1 A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
Psa 126:2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
Psa 126:3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Psa 126:4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
Psa 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Psa 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
God has never promised an easy path for His people. He has, however, promised that He will be with us and to work everything for our good. In Jeremiah 24, the prophet was given a vision of good and bad figs. Interestingly, it was the good figs who were to be carried into the captivity referred to in this Psalm.
They were to be there for 70 years, but they would leave suddenly. Often in our own lives situations and circumstances seem like they will never end or improve, however when God moves it is sudden. Like Zacharias who had been praying a long time for a son, when Gabriel appeared and gave him the promise of a son he could not believe it. Often when we have been praying for an answer for a long time we are not really ready for it when it comes. We have to blink and rub our eyes and ask ourselves, “Is this real?”
The streams in the south (Negev) refer to the seasonal streams in that region. Much of the year you could visit those areas and see no water, and doubt that a river could ever flow in that region again, but when the rains come these streams are torrents. When I was in Botswana there had been several years of drought and there was talk of removing a certain river from maps, because it had not flowed in 20 years! However that year heavy rains came and the river was back. Sometimes things like this happen in our own lives we wonder if everything will always so dry and barren. When the rains come it will change.
If we are faithful to sow the precious Word of God and good deeds in good times and bad, a harvest will spring up. To the upright arises light in darkness. Light and happiness are sown for them, they merely must wait for their harvest. To God be praise for His goodness!
Psa 126:2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
Psa 126:3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Psa 126:4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
Psa 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Psa 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
God has never promised an easy path for His people. He has, however, promised that He will be with us and to work everything for our good. In Jeremiah 24, the prophet was given a vision of good and bad figs. Interestingly, it was the good figs who were to be carried into the captivity referred to in this Psalm.
They were to be there for 70 years, but they would leave suddenly. Often in our own lives situations and circumstances seem like they will never end or improve, however when God moves it is sudden. Like Zacharias who had been praying a long time for a son, when Gabriel appeared and gave him the promise of a son he could not believe it. Often when we have been praying for an answer for a long time we are not really ready for it when it comes. We have to blink and rub our eyes and ask ourselves, “Is this real?”
The streams in the south (Negev) refer to the seasonal streams in that region. Much of the year you could visit those areas and see no water, and doubt that a river could ever flow in that region again, but when the rains come these streams are torrents. When I was in Botswana there had been several years of drought and there was talk of removing a certain river from maps, because it had not flowed in 20 years! However that year heavy rains came and the river was back. Sometimes things like this happen in our own lives we wonder if everything will always so dry and barren. When the rains come it will change.
If we are faithful to sow the precious Word of God and good deeds in good times and bad, a harvest will spring up. To the upright arises light in darkness. Light and happiness are sown for them, they merely must wait for their harvest. To God be praise for His goodness!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Psalms of Ascent Part 6
Psa 125:1 A Song of degrees. They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
Psa 125:2 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
Psa 125:3 For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.
Psa 125:4 Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.
Psa 125:5 As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.
This Psalm contains the promises of preservation and warning against straying that are found throughout scripture in a very clear and yet concise manner.
Those that trust in the Lord will remain. They are as solid as the Rock that they stand on. They are the apple of His eye, and He surrounds them with His protection. Though He may allow the wicked to have rule over them for a short time, yet their rod will not rest upon them, lest they be discouraged. Man in his best is frail and the human spirit seeing the wicked prosper is liable to follow the way of the wicked. God allows the elevation of the wicked to try us but it will be but temporary. God’s concern is always for His people. In the parable of the wheat and the tares, the tares were not removed until harvest, not because they were desirable, but because none of the wheat should be removed by mistake. God would not have one blade of wheat mistakenly removed so greatly He loves His own.
To have a clear understanding of this promise, we must understand what it means by trust. This should be clear, but it has been muddied by men who wrest the scriptures to their own destruction. Trusting implies obedience. This is known even to the ungodly. How many times in a movie have you seen someone extending a hand to another person or making their way through a dangerous place and saying, “trust me.” What are they saying? They are saying believe that I have the power, skill, knowledge and ability to help you through this situation, and act upon it by relying on me. If we trust someone and they ask us to do something that we do not understand we will still do it. If we are walking in our own path and walking in disobedience to God, we are not trusting Him, no matter what we may say.
Committing your life to the Lord does not guarantee that you are trusting in the Lord now. Often when people walk their own way it is because of unbelief. They either do not believe that God knows best, or that He intends their good, or that He is able. Lack of belief in those three things is the root of much sin. Does God know best? Then His commands are better than what appears better to me. Does God intend my ultimate good? Then what He commands will result in happiness even if it causes pain in the short term. Is God able? Then what He promises as the result of obedience will take place no matter the circumstance. Jacob committed his sin of deceiving his father because he did not believe that God was able to overcome Isaac’s bias toward Esau and fulfill His promise. God showed him how it could have been different on his own deathbed as he blessed Joseph’s sons.
Those who turn aside are led away with the wicked. There is both goodness and severity with God (Rom. 11:22). A husband who loves his wife is hurt, made jealous and angry by unfaithfulness on her part. The greater the love for her the greater the anger manifest at her betrayal. If God’s love is infinite than His wrath must also be infinite.
Psa 125:2 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
Psa 125:3 For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.
Psa 125:4 Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.
Psa 125:5 As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.
This Psalm contains the promises of preservation and warning against straying that are found throughout scripture in a very clear and yet concise manner.
Those that trust in the Lord will remain. They are as solid as the Rock that they stand on. They are the apple of His eye, and He surrounds them with His protection. Though He may allow the wicked to have rule over them for a short time, yet their rod will not rest upon them, lest they be discouraged. Man in his best is frail and the human spirit seeing the wicked prosper is liable to follow the way of the wicked. God allows the elevation of the wicked to try us but it will be but temporary. God’s concern is always for His people. In the parable of the wheat and the tares, the tares were not removed until harvest, not because they were desirable, but because none of the wheat should be removed by mistake. God would not have one blade of wheat mistakenly removed so greatly He loves His own.
To have a clear understanding of this promise, we must understand what it means by trust. This should be clear, but it has been muddied by men who wrest the scriptures to their own destruction. Trusting implies obedience. This is known even to the ungodly. How many times in a movie have you seen someone extending a hand to another person or making their way through a dangerous place and saying, “trust me.” What are they saying? They are saying believe that I have the power, skill, knowledge and ability to help you through this situation, and act upon it by relying on me. If we trust someone and they ask us to do something that we do not understand we will still do it. If we are walking in our own path and walking in disobedience to God, we are not trusting Him, no matter what we may say.
Committing your life to the Lord does not guarantee that you are trusting in the Lord now. Often when people walk their own way it is because of unbelief. They either do not believe that God knows best, or that He intends their good, or that He is able. Lack of belief in those three things is the root of much sin. Does God know best? Then His commands are better than what appears better to me. Does God intend my ultimate good? Then what He commands will result in happiness even if it causes pain in the short term. Is God able? Then what He promises as the result of obedience will take place no matter the circumstance. Jacob committed his sin of deceiving his father because he did not believe that God was able to overcome Isaac’s bias toward Esau and fulfill His promise. God showed him how it could have been different on his own deathbed as he blessed Joseph’s sons.
Those who turn aside are led away with the wicked. There is both goodness and severity with God (Rom. 11:22). A husband who loves his wife is hurt, made jealous and angry by unfaithfulness on her part. The greater the love for her the greater the anger manifest at her betrayal. If God’s love is infinite than His wrath must also be infinite.
Back in Malawi
I arrived back in Malawi on the 5th of July and we began our Bible school term on the 7th. In the beginning we had around 13 students, but there were 19 students by the end of the week. Malawi is having a food shortage again and times are hard for many of them. A more usual class size is 28-30.
Our Bible school is setup to primarily train people who are already in the ministry, and is arranged to make it as convenient as possible for village pastors. We have a 2 year course with 3 terms a year, terms are in February, June (July this year), and October. These times avoid the rainy season when travel can be difficult and do not interfere with their planting and harvesting, since most of the village people live by subsistence farming. Since some of the pastors and church leaders cannot leave their churches for a full 4 week term, we teach one subject a week. They can attend for a couple of weeks go back to their churches and return for the classes they have missed in 2 years time in this way they will still be able to complete the 2 year course, but it may take them 4 years.
This week I taught the subject, “The Hope of the Christian” using the text book by Pastor Norman Holmes. It is basically a study in personal Christian eschatology, concerning the ultimate goals that God has for each individual Christian. The transformation into the image of Christ and the completion of redemption at the resurrection are two of its main themes.
My father will be teaching first and second Corinthians this coming week. Then I will teach the Synoptic gospels.
I hope to continue my writing on the Psalms of ascent soon.
Our Bible school is setup to primarily train people who are already in the ministry, and is arranged to make it as convenient as possible for village pastors. We have a 2 year course with 3 terms a year, terms are in February, June (July this year), and October. These times avoid the rainy season when travel can be difficult and do not interfere with their planting and harvesting, since most of the village people live by subsistence farming. Since some of the pastors and church leaders cannot leave their churches for a full 4 week term, we teach one subject a week. They can attend for a couple of weeks go back to their churches and return for the classes they have missed in 2 years time in this way they will still be able to complete the 2 year course, but it may take them 4 years.
This week I taught the subject, “The Hope of the Christian” using the text book by Pastor Norman Holmes. It is basically a study in personal Christian eschatology, concerning the ultimate goals that God has for each individual Christian. The transformation into the image of Christ and the completion of redemption at the resurrection are two of its main themes.
My father will be teaching first and second Corinthians this coming week. Then I will teach the Synoptic gospels.
I hope to continue my writing on the Psalms of ascent soon.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Psalms of Ascent Part 5
Psa 124:1 A Song of degrees of David. If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;
Psa 124:2 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:
Psa 124:3 Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:
Psa 124:4 Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:
Psa 124:5 Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.
Psa 124:6 Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
Psa 124:7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
Psa 124:8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
This Psalm again shows the impossibility of the pilgrim making it to the end without the sovereign intervention of God. The pilgrim is almost swallowed, almost, but not quite. As Paul put it, “Persecuted, but not forsaken, cast down, but not destroyed…” (2 Cor. 4:9).
We have a very real implacable enemy who is intent on our destruction, he lays all manner of traps to snare us. However above him is God, “Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.” It is God who warns us of the snares that have been laid in our path, and it is God who can deliver us if we are snared.
A snare always has a bait that appeals to something within us. Our enemy knows our weaknesses and he baits his traps well. The fear of the Lord and the counsel of wise men are fountains of life that keep us from these snares (Prov. 13:14; 14:27). As we fear the Lord and head wise counsel, we are made aware of traps and can avoid them. This is the best way.
David who penned this Psalm was snared, but delivered by God through much difficulty. The same God who keeps us from falling can also deliver us if we have fallen if we will call to Him. It is God alone who can show us the snares it is God alone who can break them and deliver us if we have fallen, so when we arrive at our eternal inheritance we will all fall before His throne for what He alone was able to do in bringing us there. Praise His name!
Psa 124:2 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:
Psa 124:3 Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:
Psa 124:4 Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:
Psa 124:5 Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.
Psa 124:6 Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
Psa 124:7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
Psa 124:8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
This Psalm again shows the impossibility of the pilgrim making it to the end without the sovereign intervention of God. The pilgrim is almost swallowed, almost, but not quite. As Paul put it, “Persecuted, but not forsaken, cast down, but not destroyed…” (2 Cor. 4:9).
We have a very real implacable enemy who is intent on our destruction, he lays all manner of traps to snare us. However above him is God, “Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.” It is God who warns us of the snares that have been laid in our path, and it is God who can deliver us if we are snared.
A snare always has a bait that appeals to something within us. Our enemy knows our weaknesses and he baits his traps well. The fear of the Lord and the counsel of wise men are fountains of life that keep us from these snares (Prov. 13:14; 14:27). As we fear the Lord and head wise counsel, we are made aware of traps and can avoid them. This is the best way.
David who penned this Psalm was snared, but delivered by God through much difficulty. The same God who keeps us from falling can also deliver us if we have fallen if we will call to Him. It is God alone who can show us the snares it is God alone who can break them and deliver us if we have fallen, so when we arrive at our eternal inheritance we will all fall before His throne for what He alone was able to do in bringing us there. Praise His name!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Psalms of Ascent Part 4
Psa 123:1 Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.
Psa 123:2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.
Psa 123:3 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.
Psa 123:4 Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.
This Psalm shows the reliance of the pilgrim upon God. The pilgrim is in distress from complacent people and proud people. Those who have ceased to move forward wonder why anyone else would go on and scorn them. Also those who are proud and are resisted by God have contempt for those who are going on by the mercy and grace of God.
The pilgrim appears to have no other recourse but God. He is waiting earnestly looking for the slightest sign of movement, just as a servant waits for a signal from his master. The pilgrim waits for a sign of mercy, because he knows “it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy” (Rom. 9:16). As we study these Psalms it becomes more and more clear that as we go on with God there will be opposition and the only way we will make it through is the mercy of God. Unto Him be glory forever and ever!
Psa 123:2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.
Psa 123:3 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.
Psa 123:4 Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.
This Psalm shows the reliance of the pilgrim upon God. The pilgrim is in distress from complacent people and proud people. Those who have ceased to move forward wonder why anyone else would go on and scorn them. Also those who are proud and are resisted by God have contempt for those who are going on by the mercy and grace of God.
The pilgrim appears to have no other recourse but God. He is waiting earnestly looking for the slightest sign of movement, just as a servant waits for a signal from his master. The pilgrim waits for a sign of mercy, because he knows “it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy” (Rom. 9:16). As we study these Psalms it becomes more and more clear that as we go on with God there will be opposition and the only way we will make it through is the mercy of God. Unto Him be glory forever and ever!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Psalms of Ascent Part 3
Psa 122:1 A Song of degrees; of David. I was glad when they said to me, Let us go into the house of Jehovah.
Psa 122:2 Our feet shall stand within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Psa 122:3 Jerusalem is built like a city that is all joined together as one;
Psa 122:4 where the tribes go up, the tribes of Jehovah, to the testimony of Israel, to give thanks to the name of Jehovah.
Psa 122:5 For there were set the thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
Psa 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; those who love you shall be blessed.
Psa 122:7 Peace be within your walls, blessings within your palaces.
Psa 122:8 For my brothers and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within you.
Psa 122:9 Because of the house of Jehovah our God I will seek your good.
This next Psalm of Ascent describes the attitude of the true pilgrim toward the Church. There should be a gladness in our hearts to come into the presence of God, and to come into His house. We should be settled into the local church God has ordained for us, and if we are currently not in a church we should seek God for the right church to attend. Our membership and usefulness in the invisible church is shown through our commitment to the local visible church God has for us.
Next is the thought of Jerusalem being a composite city. Historically Jerusalem belonged to none of the tribes, though it lay in the territory of Benjamin, on the border with Judah, yet it belonged to all the tribes. It was the common goal of all the pilgrims. We also should recognize this and seek peace with all who are truly sharing this journey, though they may be of a different denomination or group. We should pray for blessing upon our local church and for the Church as a whole in our land and worldwide, because it is the dwelling place of our God and His tool to accomplish His work in this world.
Psa 122:2 Our feet shall stand within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Psa 122:3 Jerusalem is built like a city that is all joined together as one;
Psa 122:4 where the tribes go up, the tribes of Jehovah, to the testimony of Israel, to give thanks to the name of Jehovah.
Psa 122:5 For there were set the thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
Psa 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; those who love you shall be blessed.
Psa 122:7 Peace be within your walls, blessings within your palaces.
Psa 122:8 For my brothers and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within you.
Psa 122:9 Because of the house of Jehovah our God I will seek your good.
This next Psalm of Ascent describes the attitude of the true pilgrim toward the Church. There should be a gladness in our hearts to come into the presence of God, and to come into His house. We should be settled into the local church God has ordained for us, and if we are currently not in a church we should seek God for the right church to attend. Our membership and usefulness in the invisible church is shown through our commitment to the local visible church God has for us.
Next is the thought of Jerusalem being a composite city. Historically Jerusalem belonged to none of the tribes, though it lay in the territory of Benjamin, on the border with Judah, yet it belonged to all the tribes. It was the common goal of all the pilgrims. We also should recognize this and seek peace with all who are truly sharing this journey, though they may be of a different denomination or group. We should pray for blessing upon our local church and for the Church as a whole in our land and worldwide, because it is the dwelling place of our God and His tool to accomplish His work in this world.
Psalms of Ascent Part 2
Psa 121:1 A Song of degrees. I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where shall my help come from?
Psa 121:2 My help comes from Jehovah, who made Heaven and earth.
Psa 121:3 He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Psa 121:4 Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Psa 121:5 Jehovah is your keeper; Jehovah is your shade on your right hand.
Psa 121:6 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
Psa 121:7 Jehovah shall keep you from all evil; He shall keep your soul.
Psa 121:8 Jehovah shall keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.
With the previous Psalm being so depressing, this one is needed as an encouragement. Those who are persecuted for righteousness, under intense and unrelenting opposition cast their eyes upward looking for a source of hope… They find the Lord.
How do we survive opposition, slander and everything else? We have a keeper Who never sleeps. We are watched day and night in our entrances and exits. Christ promised to build His Church in spite of the opposition from hell’s gates, and we can know that as we go on with God we will have opposition, but we will have a power stronger than the strongest opposition with us.
This Psalm relates also to the continued existence of Israel even in the face of all the persecution that they have faced worldwide. They are kept until their turning as a nation to Christ at His second coming.
Psa 121:2 My help comes from Jehovah, who made Heaven and earth.
Psa 121:3 He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Psa 121:4 Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Psa 121:5 Jehovah is your keeper; Jehovah is your shade on your right hand.
Psa 121:6 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
Psa 121:7 Jehovah shall keep you from all evil; He shall keep your soul.
Psa 121:8 Jehovah shall keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.
With the previous Psalm being so depressing, this one is needed as an encouragement. Those who are persecuted for righteousness, under intense and unrelenting opposition cast their eyes upward looking for a source of hope… They find the Lord.
How do we survive opposition, slander and everything else? We have a keeper Who never sleeps. We are watched day and night in our entrances and exits. Christ promised to build His Church in spite of the opposition from hell’s gates, and we can know that as we go on with God we will have opposition, but we will have a power stronger than the strongest opposition with us.
This Psalm relates also to the continued existence of Israel even in the face of all the persecution that they have faced worldwide. They are kept until their turning as a nation to Christ at His second coming.
Psalms of Ascent Part 1
Psa 120:1 A Song of degrees. In my trouble I cried to Jehovah, and He heard me.
Psa 120:2 Deliver my soul, O Jehovah, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.
Psa 120:3 What shall be given to you? Or what shall be done to you, O false tongue?
Psa 120:4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of broom.
Psa 120:5 Woe is me, that I live in Mesech; I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
Psa 120:6 My soul has long dwelt with a hater of peace.
Psa 120:7 I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.
The Psalms of degrees or ascent were pilgrim songs that were sung as the journey was made toward Jerusalem for the feasts. In a sense these are road maps showing certain things that we will encounter on our own path to Zion, God’s ultimate for our lives.
The first Psalm begins with an appeal to God, because of slander and falsehood. A mere perusal of these psalms will show that it is only in the midst of intense opposition that this journey can be accomplished. Those who go on with God will face fiendish opposition from people who hate peace. We have an implacable enemy of our souls who stirs up men against us. His greatest weapon is words, words like sharp arrows that wound and fester.
From the onset this journey on with God is laid out as being difficult, we will face people who are willing to say any sort of slander, and believe the worst.
In the natural this Psalm lays out the history of Israel, dwelling among Mesech and Kedar (Mesech was a northern barbarous group living around the Black Sea, and groups from that area periodically invaded the Middle East, Kedar was the descendant of Ishmael that Mohammed claimed descent from and thus refers to the muslim nations in general). Natural Israel is surrounded by these nations and as we see even today is not even acknowledged as a nation by them. This will be the state of affairs until Christ returns, with much talk of peace, but no true peace.
Psa 120:2 Deliver my soul, O Jehovah, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.
Psa 120:3 What shall be given to you? Or what shall be done to you, O false tongue?
Psa 120:4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of broom.
Psa 120:5 Woe is me, that I live in Mesech; I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
Psa 120:6 My soul has long dwelt with a hater of peace.
Psa 120:7 I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.
The Psalms of degrees or ascent were pilgrim songs that were sung as the journey was made toward Jerusalem for the feasts. In a sense these are road maps showing certain things that we will encounter on our own path to Zion, God’s ultimate for our lives.
The first Psalm begins with an appeal to God, because of slander and falsehood. A mere perusal of these psalms will show that it is only in the midst of intense opposition that this journey can be accomplished. Those who go on with God will face fiendish opposition from people who hate peace. We have an implacable enemy of our souls who stirs up men against us. His greatest weapon is words, words like sharp arrows that wound and fester.
From the onset this journey on with God is laid out as being difficult, we will face people who are willing to say any sort of slander, and believe the worst.
In the natural this Psalm lays out the history of Israel, dwelling among Mesech and Kedar (Mesech was a northern barbarous group living around the Black Sea, and groups from that area periodically invaded the Middle East, Kedar was the descendant of Ishmael that Mohammed claimed descent from and thus refers to the muslim nations in general). Natural Israel is surrounded by these nations and as we see even today is not even acknowledged as a nation by them. This will be the state of affairs until Christ returns, with much talk of peace, but no true peace.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Knowing Your Enemy
In World War II, The Germans had an elite SS Force known as the Brandenburg SS. These were an educated and highly fit fighting force who also could all speak 4 languages fluently. They were deployed into enemy zones prior to German assualts in enemy uniform to aid in confusing the enemy. Two of the main times they were used was in the prevention of the destruction of bridges in Holland by impersonating Dutch soldiers still on the other side, and also in their impersonation of American MPs during the battle of the Bulge.
To survive in war it is essential to recognize your enemy, with that in mind let’s look at 1 Peter 2:11, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul…”
Peter tells us that we are in a war against fleshly lusts. Do we know our enemy? Many times we do not. We play around with ungodly desires as if they were our harmless friends: desires of materialism, desires of popularity, desires of lust. These are not harmless, these are making a war against our very soul. Like enemies in our own uniforms they sweep deep into our heart and prepare the way for the onslaught of darkness.
Remember, you are a pilgirm and a stranger here. Recognize the desire for what it is… a fleshly evil enemy of you and God, and deal with it, or it will deal with you. Fight the good fight and may God be with you!
To survive in war it is essential to recognize your enemy, with that in mind let’s look at 1 Peter 2:11, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul…”
Peter tells us that we are in a war against fleshly lusts. Do we know our enemy? Many times we do not. We play around with ungodly desires as if they were our harmless friends: desires of materialism, desires of popularity, desires of lust. These are not harmless, these are making a war against our very soul. Like enemies in our own uniforms they sweep deep into our heart and prepare the way for the onslaught of darkness.
Remember, you are a pilgirm and a stranger here. Recognize the desire for what it is… a fleshly evil enemy of you and God, and deal with it, or it will deal with you. Fight the good fight and may God be with you!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Christ’s Unanswered Prayer
In John chapter 17 Jesus prays for all His disciples present and future, that they would be kept in the world, and sanctified through the Word, then He prays something extraordinary… Joh 17:20-23 “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.“
Christ prays for unity on the basis of glory. That the glory of God which had been given to Christ would be upon them and that it would effect a unity among them. So that they might be one even as the Father and Son are one.
I think it is clear that the Church has not yet entered into this prayer, “That they may be one, even as we are one.” The importance of this prayer cannot be overemphasized, it was one of Christ’s last acts before His crucifixion when He was pouring out His very heart to His disciples. His love for unity and hatred for disunity is seen in Proverbs 6:17-19 where the last abomination in God’s sight is those who sow discord.
It is my belief that this prayer will be fulfilled in the last day revival, it clearly is not fulfilled in the Church at present. It must be fulfilled because Christ prayed it in accordance with the will of the Father and from the context it must be fulfilled on earth though, of course, the Church is united in heaven. It is the glory that God will send that will unify us.
One thing we must understand is the nature of the unity. Jesus prayed that we would be one as He and the Father are one. It therefor is essential to understand the Trinity. If The Father and Son and Holy Spirit are merely different manifestations of one person then what would this mean for this verse? It would follow, that we are to become some sort of pantheistic global soul, a unity of submerged and lost identity.
However, when we properly understand the Trinity the picture of the unity becomes clear. Three persons one will, one substance, one God, One in purpose, one in humility, perfectly one. What sort of unity are we called to? A unity in glorifying another not ourselves, even as Christ glorified the Father, and the Spirit glorifies the Son. The Father does not glorfiy Himself the Son does that, the Son does not glorify Himself the Holy Spirit does that. The Spirit does not defend Himself, instead the Father and Son do. In this unity we will always be individuals, but with a will submitted to the will of the Father, laying down our lives for each other. We are all unique, but joined together in one body each performing our own function. As we each focus upon Christ and His plan for our life we learn to function with others. As long as we focus on Christ and run after Him, He will show us any thing in which we need to change (Php 3:15).
In the end in spite of ourselves, Christ will have a perfect Bride. Praise His Name!
Christ prays for unity on the basis of glory. That the glory of God which had been given to Christ would be upon them and that it would effect a unity among them. So that they might be one even as the Father and Son are one.
I think it is clear that the Church has not yet entered into this prayer, “That they may be one, even as we are one.” The importance of this prayer cannot be overemphasized, it was one of Christ’s last acts before His crucifixion when He was pouring out His very heart to His disciples. His love for unity and hatred for disunity is seen in Proverbs 6:17-19 where the last abomination in God’s sight is those who sow discord.
It is my belief that this prayer will be fulfilled in the last day revival, it clearly is not fulfilled in the Church at present. It must be fulfilled because Christ prayed it in accordance with the will of the Father and from the context it must be fulfilled on earth though, of course, the Church is united in heaven. It is the glory that God will send that will unify us.
One thing we must understand is the nature of the unity. Jesus prayed that we would be one as He and the Father are one. It therefor is essential to understand the Trinity. If The Father and Son and Holy Spirit are merely different manifestations of one person then what would this mean for this verse? It would follow, that we are to become some sort of pantheistic global soul, a unity of submerged and lost identity.
However, when we properly understand the Trinity the picture of the unity becomes clear. Three persons one will, one substance, one God, One in purpose, one in humility, perfectly one. What sort of unity are we called to? A unity in glorifying another not ourselves, even as Christ glorified the Father, and the Spirit glorifies the Son. The Father does not glorfiy Himself the Son does that, the Son does not glorify Himself the Holy Spirit does that. The Spirit does not defend Himself, instead the Father and Son do. In this unity we will always be individuals, but with a will submitted to the will of the Father, laying down our lives for each other. We are all unique, but joined together in one body each performing our own function. As we each focus upon Christ and His plan for our life we learn to function with others. As long as we focus on Christ and run after Him, He will show us any thing in which we need to change (Php 3:15).
In the end in spite of ourselves, Christ will have a perfect Bride. Praise His Name!
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