Jesus warned the church, and individual Christians, to expect to be persecuted and mocked, because the unbelieving world hates believers in the same way that it hates Christ (Jn 15:19; 16:1-4). Paul says "everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim 3:12). To share in Christ’s tribulation is something that his followers should be prepared for and expect.
But Christians also share in Christ’s kingdom. Christ "has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father" (Rev 1:6). We even now are subjects of Jesus' Kingdom and under his authority (Col 1:13). And someday we will reign with Christ (Rev 5:10) and will be seated with Him at God's right hand (Eph 2:6).
Right now the churches' participation in Jesus' royal power is hard to see, veiled behind affliction, poverty, and little power (Rev 2:9; 3:8).
And yet, during the Advent Season, the 4 weeks before Christmas, we in faith are looking forward to the day when the kingdom of Jesus will bring all distress to an end. And Jesus who promised to return to us says: “Yes, I am coming soon." (Rev 22:20)
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Advent: God sent his Son
During the next four weeks, until Christmas day, we will remember that Christ took on our weak, human nature and became one of us. We call this time “the Advent season”.
As the Apostle Paul puts it in 2 Cor 5: 21: God made him who had no sin, to be sin for us so that in him, we might become the righteousness of God.
This is what Christ did for us during that first Christmas day. In taking on ”weak human flesh”, he associated himself with our dilemma which is the result of our imperfections, mistakes, disobedience and sin. He came to live the life that God requires and we cannot accomplish, and live it perfectly, holy and without sin - in our place! The Son of God became our brother and he will never leave, nor forsake us.
I told this story before, but it’s a good one – so here it is again: Elderly Mr. & Mrs. Jones one Christmas received a microwave oven from their son. They were so excited that now they, too, could be part of the instant generation. Mr. Jones unpacked the microwave and plugged it in. Literally, within seconds, the microwave transformed two smiles into frowns! Even after reading the directions in the manual, they couldn't make it work. Two days later Mrs. Jones was playing bridge with a friend and confessed her inability to get that microwave oven to even boil water. "To get this thing to work," she exclaimed, "I really don't need better directions; I just need my son to come along with the gift!"
It sounds familiar. We have similar problems with camcorders, computers, electronic clocks in cars or bedrooms and a variety of other gadgets that are suppose to be part of our technological age. Like Mr and Mrs. Jones, we who are on the “wrong side” of 50 often need our children to show us how the stuff work.
During this season of Advent, the four weeks before Christmas, we want to celebrate that when God gave the gift of salvation, he did not send a manual, or complicated instructions for us to figure out, or new laws and procedures that are beyond us. Instead, he sent his Son.
Jesus came to show us how salvation works. Jesus came to become our salvation, our joy and our security. Jesus came to give us everlasting life. Today he comes into our lives through his Spirit and ensure that we know how salvation works in our daily lives and challenges and in our work for the Lord.
And one day he will come again on the clouds to make our salvation complete.
The Advent message always remains that (John 3:16) God so much loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Lets trust in the directions of the Son. Lets rejoice because he did everything we could not do, to save us!
Lets pray that he will come again soon to dry all our tears.
May you experience a blessed and merry Advent Season
Monday, November 23, 2009
I will trust God!
According to Paul in Rom 4: 17 our God is “the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not, as though they were.”
I believe in God the Father, almighty Creator of heaven and earth. Everything good that we see and experience, he called out of nothing and they are witnesses of his glorious power and love. He sustains his creation and keeps all of us through his love.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord!
God gave Jesus life and victory and our Lord has all authority in heaven and earth.
I believe in the Holy Spirit who teaches me how great my God is and that the salvation through the Son makes me a child of God.
Therefore I will not be troubled. This week and all my days I will trust in God. And I will trust in Jesus Christ my Saviour, my King and my Lord.
Because he is alive, I will live through him. And because I love Jesus, God will love me too!
Have a blessed week in fellowship with Christ, our Lord.
I believe in God the Father, almighty Creator of heaven and earth. Everything good that we see and experience, he called out of nothing and they are witnesses of his glorious power and love. He sustains his creation and keeps all of us through his love.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord!
God gave Jesus life and victory and our Lord has all authority in heaven and earth.
I believe in the Holy Spirit who teaches me how great my God is and that the salvation through the Son makes me a child of God.
Therefore I will not be troubled. This week and all my days I will trust in God. And I will trust in Jesus Christ my Saviour, my King and my Lord.
Because he is alive, I will live through him. And because I love Jesus, God will love me too!
Have a blessed week in fellowship with Christ, our Lord.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Why try to be good if you are saved by grace?
If we are saved only by grace, through faith, on the grounds that Jesus Christ is our righteousness and we know that we are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God - is there any reason why we should still be concerned with right and wrong? If I know I go to heaven in spite of not being perfect and that I will not be perfect in this life, why strive for perfection and holiness and obedience to God?
Let me share five reasons why.
1. We submit to Jesus because we acknowledge that he rules the world (Eph 1:22-23). He is in control of every thing. Our future is not determined by chance or other human beings, but by God’s. will. There can be nothing more foolish than to ignore his will. There can be no wiser choice than to seek his will.
2. Jesus is the one who will judge the world (Acts 17:31). On the last day nobody will escape God’s judgment. He will hold us accountable for every action. (1Cor 4:5). It will be based on truth and without prejudice. So even if we experience injustice, Christians entrust themselves to God’s perfect justice which will be fully made known on the last day (Rom 1:5-6; 12:19). We seek obedience to God’s Word in our lives, because nothing else makes sense and can be absolutely trusted.
3. We obey God because he loves us. (John 3:16). We love him because he first loved us, dying for our sins, so that we are forgiven and became reconciled with him. There is no greater love than this ‘that a man lay down his life for his friends’. And that is exactly what Jesus did for us on the cross. Such love compels us to seek his will and to not disappoint him or bring his Name in disrepute by our choices.
4. We are called to live out our identity as God’s people. We have a calling and a mandate to proclaim God’s justice, righteousness and holiness. ‘For you are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God that you may sing the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light’ (1Pet 2:9). We are called to make a difference in God’s Name in this world and be the salt and the light that transform communities. We are called to be an example of God’s Kingdom that is coming and to bear witness of its glory by the way we live. .
5. We know that God knows better. We seek to practice his wisdom and to live his life, because it brings true joy in our lives and in the lives of the people whose lives we have an influence on. There is no greater joy than to love, worship and praise God and there is no higher quality of life than to bring into practice our gratefulness for his grace, his sacrifice, his victory and his forgiveness. We want to be restored into the person God wants us to be, because that person is the truly happy and satisfied one. The person who I am in Christ is the man or woman with a purpose that goes beyond this life. (1Pet 1:11-12).
God’s forgiveness and his mercy give us the assurance and hope we need as people living in a crying, dying, lost world. We are committed to show the light of heaven on this dark earth and to show true joy to every empty vessel on its way to eternal death without God. We live God’s will, as much as we are able to, in eager expectation of the perfect glory that will only be revealed when Jesus comes again. (Tit 2:13).
May our Lord bless you with the wealth of his mercy and grace.
Let me share five reasons why.
1. We submit to Jesus because we acknowledge that he rules the world (Eph 1:22-23). He is in control of every thing. Our future is not determined by chance or other human beings, but by God’s. will. There can be nothing more foolish than to ignore his will. There can be no wiser choice than to seek his will.
2. Jesus is the one who will judge the world (Acts 17:31). On the last day nobody will escape God’s judgment. He will hold us accountable for every action. (1Cor 4:5). It will be based on truth and without prejudice. So even if we experience injustice, Christians entrust themselves to God’s perfect justice which will be fully made known on the last day (Rom 1:5-6; 12:19). We seek obedience to God’s Word in our lives, because nothing else makes sense and can be absolutely trusted.
3. We obey God because he loves us. (John 3:16). We love him because he first loved us, dying for our sins, so that we are forgiven and became reconciled with him. There is no greater love than this ‘that a man lay down his life for his friends’. And that is exactly what Jesus did for us on the cross. Such love compels us to seek his will and to not disappoint him or bring his Name in disrepute by our choices.
4. We are called to live out our identity as God’s people. We have a calling and a mandate to proclaim God’s justice, righteousness and holiness. ‘For you are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God that you may sing the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light’ (1Pet 2:9). We are called to make a difference in God’s Name in this world and be the salt and the light that transform communities. We are called to be an example of God’s Kingdom that is coming and to bear witness of its glory by the way we live. .
5. We know that God knows better. We seek to practice his wisdom and to live his life, because it brings true joy in our lives and in the lives of the people whose lives we have an influence on. There is no greater joy than to love, worship and praise God and there is no higher quality of life than to bring into practice our gratefulness for his grace, his sacrifice, his victory and his forgiveness. We want to be restored into the person God wants us to be, because that person is the truly happy and satisfied one. The person who I am in Christ is the man or woman with a purpose that goes beyond this life. (1Pet 1:11-12).
God’s forgiveness and his mercy give us the assurance and hope we need as people living in a crying, dying, lost world. We are committed to show the light of heaven on this dark earth and to show true joy to every empty vessel on its way to eternal death without God. We live God’s will, as much as we are able to, in eager expectation of the perfect glory that will only be revealed when Jesus comes again. (Tit 2:13).
May our Lord bless you with the wealth of his mercy and grace.
Monday, November 16, 2009
How great and powerful is your God?
According to Rom 4: 17 he is “the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not, as though they were.”
Our God gave life to Jesus when he died on the cross. Our God called everything that exists out of nothing. We agree with Rom 4: 21 that we are “being fully persuaded that God has power to do what he had promised.”
Faith in a great, almighty God accomplishes a number of important things for a Christian.
1. Faith teaches us. It grows us toward maturity. It builds us up and makes us stronger. As we exercise our faith, our faith grows.
2. Faith also exalts God. It glorifies his greatness. By trusting in God we are visibly expressing our confidence in his majesty.
3. Faith grasps the truth of God's word. Trusting in God brings us to the point where we are enlightened and fully persuaded of the Gospel truth in the Bible.
4. Faith enables us. It gives us possession of God’s promises. Faith expects from our God everything that Jesus died for and was raised from the dead to give to God’s children!
I know that the greatness and power of my God fully and completely compensates for my weakness. Because of the Lord, even my little faith will grow, will glorify God, will grasp God’s promises and will enable me to own his assurance of salvation!
Bless the almighty God for granting life-giving faith to me. Thanks be to God who called faith into my empty life that I too may be filled with the strength of the resurrection of Jesus!
Hallelujah!
Our God gave life to Jesus when he died on the cross. Our God called everything that exists out of nothing. We agree with Rom 4: 21 that we are “being fully persuaded that God has power to do what he had promised.”
Faith in a great, almighty God accomplishes a number of important things for a Christian.
1. Faith teaches us. It grows us toward maturity. It builds us up and makes us stronger. As we exercise our faith, our faith grows.
2. Faith also exalts God. It glorifies his greatness. By trusting in God we are visibly expressing our confidence in his majesty.
3. Faith grasps the truth of God's word. Trusting in God brings us to the point where we are enlightened and fully persuaded of the Gospel truth in the Bible.
4. Faith enables us. It gives us possession of God’s promises. Faith expects from our God everything that Jesus died for and was raised from the dead to give to God’s children!
I know that the greatness and power of my God fully and completely compensates for my weakness. Because of the Lord, even my little faith will grow, will glorify God, will grasp God’s promises and will enable me to own his assurance of salvation!
Bless the almighty God for granting life-giving faith to me. Thanks be to God who called faith into my empty life that I too may be filled with the strength of the resurrection of Jesus!
Hallelujah!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
My life has a glorious purpose!
God is not only the creator of all things, but all things have been made to reflect the glory of God. The Bible tells us that when God created the world, everything was good. He also commissioned Adam and Eve, as stewards of his creation, to look after and care for everything God has made and loves. God gave it to them to enjoy the beauty and majesty of what he has made. God created the world for us to live in and get pleasure from, yet under God’s rule and in ways that bring only glory to him.
Psalm 8: 2- 8 takes it even further. God who is the creator of the wonderful universe has, most of all, you on his mind and cares for us even more than he cares for anything else he created. God has also given us, the human race, the highest place of honour and responsibility in his creation. Whilst the rest of creation serves God with complete obedience, it does so because it has no other choice. It was made to do so. But we as humans serve the Lord, because we use our free will to choose to live only for the honour of his glorious majesty.
Ps 8: 3 – 8: When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour.
You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
God has created us and our world with a purpose. He loves our world. But the Lord loves us even more and gives purpose to our lives by gladly accepting our worship, praise, obedience and stewardship of everything that the he holds dear.
God has not left us to ourselves to discover the purpose of our lives. We are reminded that our lives are valuable, because God himself commissions us and through his expectations of us, he gives value to our lives.
You are more valuable to God than the entire universe. God who declares his divine glory in all of his creation, here tells us that we are more valuable than everything else he has made. That means that as men and women made in the image of God, we reflects his glory more than everything else in all his creation. And we reflect his glory, because, through faith, we know that he is our Creator, our Father, our Redeemer and our Comforter.
Our Creator God and Saviour has given our lives purpose, meaning and value.
We find this purpose by gladly submitting to our calling to only live to the glory of God.
Whatever we do. Anywhere we go! Whatever the task is we are called to fulfil today.
It has meaning, because it reflects the glory, the majesty, the power, the holiness and mercy of our Lord! And God invites us to enjoy all of this, because he takes care of us!
Psalm 8: 2- 8 takes it even further. God who is the creator of the wonderful universe has, most of all, you on his mind and cares for us even more than he cares for anything else he created. God has also given us, the human race, the highest place of honour and responsibility in his creation. Whilst the rest of creation serves God with complete obedience, it does so because it has no other choice. It was made to do so. But we as humans serve the Lord, because we use our free will to choose to live only for the honour of his glorious majesty.
Ps 8: 3 – 8: When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour.
You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
God has created us and our world with a purpose. He loves our world. But the Lord loves us even more and gives purpose to our lives by gladly accepting our worship, praise, obedience and stewardship of everything that the he holds dear.
God has not left us to ourselves to discover the purpose of our lives. We are reminded that our lives are valuable, because God himself commissions us and through his expectations of us, he gives value to our lives.
You are more valuable to God than the entire universe. God who declares his divine glory in all of his creation, here tells us that we are more valuable than everything else he has made. That means that as men and women made in the image of God, we reflects his glory more than everything else in all his creation. And we reflect his glory, because, through faith, we know that he is our Creator, our Father, our Redeemer and our Comforter.
Our Creator God and Saviour has given our lives purpose, meaning and value.
We find this purpose by gladly submitting to our calling to only live to the glory of God.
Whatever we do. Anywhere we go! Whatever the task is we are called to fulfil today.
It has meaning, because it reflects the glory, the majesty, the power, the holiness and mercy of our Lord! And God invites us to enjoy all of this, because he takes care of us!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Redeemed!!
The original image of the terms redeemer and redemption introduces us to the language of the market-place and of commerce. The most basic meaning of "to redeem" something is "to buy it or to buy it back." It became a technical term in the ancient world for the purchase of a slave in order to liberate or free him or her. Redeem, then, refers to the release of someone or something by the payment of a huge ransom price.
In the Gospel the concept of redemption is central to the Good News about Jesus. In a familiar text Jesus says, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mk 10:45). And Paul writes to Timothy: There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all. (1 Tim 2:5-6).
The Bible is clearly talking about redemption – about the payment of a price, the life and death of our Lord, in order to set his people free.
We need to celebrate redemption with our whole life. We need to celebrate that we now belong to the living Jesus. We are reconciled with God. We now only live for our Redeemer!
Yesterday we sang this song in church:
While I’m alive, or when I die,
I’m not afraid! You ask me why?
’Cause I belong, to Jesus Christ, my Lord!
I have no need for anything,
or any other solace.
Christ now owns my everything,
faithful Saviour Jesus!
In life and death, he remains, my Comforter.
I know my sin; it is forgiven.
I only live, for God in heaven,
It’s Christ alone, who guides me in my life!
Believe it!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
We must become what we are in Christ!
We last time discussed the fact that we are not perfect, yet! This week we think about the fact that we are:
To become what we are in Christ.
Listen to these passages which talk about who we are, in Christ:
(Col 3:9-10) You have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self.
(Eph 5:8) You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
(Rom 6:11) Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
(Rom 6:2,4) We died to sin ... just as Christ was raised from the dead ... we too may live a new life.
(2 Cor 5:17) If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Over and over again the Bible calls God's children to live the new life because, in Christ and through the Spirit, they have been delivered from the slavery of sin. In Christ we are new or renewed. In Christ the old self of sin has been demolished.
Think of what we are in Christ: a new self, raised with Christ, light in the Lord, alive to God, a new creation. This new person that we are in Christ hates sin, strives for holiness and has the life of Christ himself. This new person that we are in Christ, is indwelt by the Spirit.
But if all of this is true – and it is – then why do we Christians still do bad things? If we are a new creation in Christ, why do we so often live like we are still part of the old creation? Why is it that we seem to be dead to the new life and alive to sin instead of alive to God in Christ Jesus and dead to sin?
The Bible says it is because we are still “in the flesh”! We are still human. And “our weak flesh” clings to even our best works for God.
So what happens? In our flesh there is a slumbering tendency which is both unexpected and fierce. With great power it seizes us. All at once a secret, smouldering fire is kindled. It makes no difference whether it is ambition, or vanity, or desire for revenge, or love of fame and power, or greed for money. God becomes unreal to us. God loses all reality, and the only real thing is the desire to sin. It surrounds the mind and will of the Christian with darkness and we lose the power to fight and resist.
A Christian may be a new self, she may be raised with Christ, she may be light in the Lord, she may be alive to God, she may be a new creation, but she is also a sinner. Even in the Christian, sin remains sin. Even in a Christian sin is horribly displeasing to God. In fact, in the eyes of God the sins of the Christian are worse than the sins of the world, because the Christian knows better and is supposed to be dead to these sinful desires.
So, we have to fight the enemy within!
God doesn't want us to tolerate sin, learn to live with it and be complacent about it . He says:
(Col 3:5,12) Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature (“flesh”) : sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry ... Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
God wants us to become what we are. We are a new self, raised with Christ, light in the Lord, alive to God, a new creation. Now, we must live and act like we are. We must become what we are in Christ.
How do we do this?
Firstly, Christians must humble themselves before God. We have no reason to be proud and we have every reason to be small. By nature those who are Christian are not one tiny bit better than even the greatest sinner. And we are especially small before God. We cannot defend our sins in any way. We must be humble about our sins.
Secondly, Christians must flee for refuge to Christ crucified. We need Christ every hour of every day. As born-again Christians who continue to sin, we need what only Christ can give: His blood, his grace, his power, his forgiveness. We need Christ and must turn to him as much as the unbeliever down the street has to turn to him.
Thirdly, Christians must pray. We pray, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." We pray, "Grant us victory, Lord. Keep us from falling."
Finally, the Christian is to strain for holiness. The Christian is to strain for holiness in the same way as the athlete strains for the finish line.
That's the effort we need to make, to become what we already are in Christ: a new person, raised with Christ!
Victorious Jesus, in his mercy, will do the rest.
To become what we are in Christ.
Listen to these passages which talk about who we are, in Christ:
(Col 3:9-10) You have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self.
(Eph 5:8) You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
(Rom 6:11) Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
(Rom 6:2,4) We died to sin ... just as Christ was raised from the dead ... we too may live a new life.
(2 Cor 5:17) If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Over and over again the Bible calls God's children to live the new life because, in Christ and through the Spirit, they have been delivered from the slavery of sin. In Christ we are new or renewed. In Christ the old self of sin has been demolished.
Think of what we are in Christ: a new self, raised with Christ, light in the Lord, alive to God, a new creation. This new person that we are in Christ hates sin, strives for holiness and has the life of Christ himself. This new person that we are in Christ, is indwelt by the Spirit.
But if all of this is true – and it is – then why do we Christians still do bad things? If we are a new creation in Christ, why do we so often live like we are still part of the old creation? Why is it that we seem to be dead to the new life and alive to sin instead of alive to God in Christ Jesus and dead to sin?
The Bible says it is because we are still “in the flesh”! We are still human. And “our weak flesh” clings to even our best works for God.
So what happens? In our flesh there is a slumbering tendency which is both unexpected and fierce. With great power it seizes us. All at once a secret, smouldering fire is kindled. It makes no difference whether it is ambition, or vanity, or desire for revenge, or love of fame and power, or greed for money. God becomes unreal to us. God loses all reality, and the only real thing is the desire to sin. It surrounds the mind and will of the Christian with darkness and we lose the power to fight and resist.
A Christian may be a new self, she may be raised with Christ, she may be light in the Lord, she may be alive to God, she may be a new creation, but she is also a sinner. Even in the Christian, sin remains sin. Even in a Christian sin is horribly displeasing to God. In fact, in the eyes of God the sins of the Christian are worse than the sins of the world, because the Christian knows better and is supposed to be dead to these sinful desires.
So, we have to fight the enemy within!
God doesn't want us to tolerate sin, learn to live with it and be complacent about it . He says:
(Col 3:5,12) Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature (“flesh”) : sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry ... Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
God wants us to become what we are. We are a new self, raised with Christ, light in the Lord, alive to God, a new creation. Now, we must live and act like we are. We must become what we are in Christ.
How do we do this?
Firstly, Christians must humble themselves before God. We have no reason to be proud and we have every reason to be small. By nature those who are Christian are not one tiny bit better than even the greatest sinner. And we are especially small before God. We cannot defend our sins in any way. We must be humble about our sins.
Secondly, Christians must flee for refuge to Christ crucified. We need Christ every hour of every day. As born-again Christians who continue to sin, we need what only Christ can give: His blood, his grace, his power, his forgiveness. We need Christ and must turn to him as much as the unbeliever down the street has to turn to him.
Thirdly, Christians must pray. We pray, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." We pray, "Grant us victory, Lord. Keep us from falling."
Finally, the Christian is to strain for holiness. The Christian is to strain for holiness in the same way as the athlete strains for the finish line.
That's the effort we need to make, to become what we already are in Christ: a new person, raised with Christ!
Victorious Jesus, in his mercy, will do the rest.
Monday, November 2, 2009
How is faith born in my heart?
Romans 10:17 says, "faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
The origin of faith in the hearts of believers is through hearing the word of Christ. Notice that Paul does not say that faith comes by hearing the word, but rather, that faith comes by hearing and hearing comes by the word.
The picture is more than only of the believer and his Bible. The picture here is of the believer, the Holy Spirit and the Bible. It is by the action of the Holy Spirit, as we read the Bible, that we come to a place of spiritually hearing what God has to say through his Word.
We can hear with physical ears and never hear with spiritual ears. As we read God’s Book, or hear it preached or taught, we should prayerfully ask God to reveal and apply its truth to our lives. When we do, the Holy Spirit will be faithful to speak to our hearts the truth of the Word. He will apply it to our lives. And as the Spirit applies it to our lives, faith will be born in our hearts. We will not only understand the truth of the Word of God, but will be challenged and changed by it. Only then are we enabled to respond to the Word of God with eagerness and changed lives. And that is faith.
Lets faithfully read the Bible this week – examining the truth of the gospel through the magnifying glass of the Scriptures and be blessed with the faith we need to live victoriously in every circumstance!
The origin of faith in the hearts of believers is through hearing the word of Christ. Notice that Paul does not say that faith comes by hearing the word, but rather, that faith comes by hearing and hearing comes by the word.
The picture is more than only of the believer and his Bible. The picture here is of the believer, the Holy Spirit and the Bible. It is by the action of the Holy Spirit, as we read the Bible, that we come to a place of spiritually hearing what God has to say through his Word.
We can hear with physical ears and never hear with spiritual ears. As we read God’s Book, or hear it preached or taught, we should prayerfully ask God to reveal and apply its truth to our lives. When we do, the Holy Spirit will be faithful to speak to our hearts the truth of the Word. He will apply it to our lives. And as the Spirit applies it to our lives, faith will be born in our hearts. We will not only understand the truth of the Word of God, but will be challenged and changed by it. Only then are we enabled to respond to the Word of God with eagerness and changed lives. And that is faith.
Lets faithfully read the Bible this week – examining the truth of the gospel through the magnifying glass of the Scriptures and be blessed with the faith we need to live victoriously in every circumstance!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Perseverance - a matter of life and death!
NOT PERFECT YET?
Do not do something stupid today!
A member of the Christian church commits suicide. "How can such a thing happen?" We ask. "He was a pillar of the community, an elder of the church, someone respected for his faith. So how could he do this?"
A member, elder or minister of the church commits adultery. "How can such a thing happen?" We ask..
A member of the church is charged with theft. "How could she have done this?"
A member of the church, a professor of theology, is caught with child pornography on his computer. "How could he have done that?"
A member, elder or minister of the church is charged with sexual abuse. "How could this have happened?
All of the above happened in South Africa during the first 10 months of 2009. How do we explain it that Christians have actually done horrible things? This is not the first time nor will it be the last time that God's people ask questions such as these. I think it happened since the time of the Apostles.
Take a look at Abraham, the man of faith. Out of fear he lied to Pharaoh and said Sarah was his sister. It was Pharaoh, the pagan, who asked, "What have you done to me? Why didn't you tell me she was your wife?" (Gen 12:18). In other words, "How is it posiible that you, a child of God, can do this?"
Take a look at David, the anointed king in God’s service. He was an adulterer and a murderer.
Remember Peter. He was praised for his confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus called him a rock and said that on this rock he would build the church. And then this rock denied Jesus three times. "How is this possible? How could he have done something so appalling?"
The only way to deal with this, is in terms of what the church fathers called the “perseverance of the believers”. Christians are called to persevere in faith and salvation. In other words, God preserves his children, so that, although they fall, they are not lost.
The perseverance of the believers is also called the preservation of the believers. God's grace of preserving the believers becomes visible in and through the perseverance of the faithful.
Seriously consider this story: An old man was cutting down tree branches to make up a bundle for his fireplace. When it was large, he tied it up, and attempted to lift it on his shoulder, and carry it away; but, finding it very heavy, he laid it down again, cut more wood, and heaped it on; and then tried again to carry it off. This he repeated several times; always adding something to the load, after trying in vain to raise it from the ground.
The pile of wood became bigger and bigger. The old man attempted to lift it, but in vain; it was now far beyond his strength to raise. His feeble legs staggered under their burden; the remains of his strength were fading away; the darkness of death was gathering around him; and, after a convulsive attempt to lift the pile, he fell down and died.
In the foolish old man we see those, who, being made aware of the burden of their sins and weakness, still attempt to save themselves, to persevere and remain children of God in their own strength! Continuously adding to their burden until it is too heavy to carry; and then, in despair of God's mercy, and with no glory in sight, lie down to die.
What is a true Christian? Who are those that God preserves in faith and salvation?
Are they those who achieved perfection?? No!
No, they are those who were called by God, have fellowship / a relationship with Christ, are renewed by the Spirit, and are set free from the reign of sin.
But why does a true Christian then needs preservation? Here is a profound truth that you should not miss:
In this life the believers are not entirely set free from the burden of sin.
It means: We are not perfect yet. We sometimes / often - still do filthy, stupid things!!
It is about this issue that Paul speaks in Romans 7. (Read the chapter!) Paul tells us from the heart about his own difficulties with sin - as a Christian. You have heard his words before:
(Rom 7:15,19) I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. (19) For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing. Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
Now consider this: It was the custom of ancient conquerors to prevent the escape of their prisoners by tying a dead body to their backs. With such gruesome burdens, these poor wretches could not run away. Imagine that: carrying around a dead body, a body of death.
Paul compares his struggle with sin as a Christian with carrying around a body of death: "Who will rescue me from this body of death?" Paul knows the answer: "Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Rom 7:25).
This tells me of a horrifying feature of the Christian life. Believers can be deeply divided persons. Genuine faith and genuine wickedness can live side-by-side in us. It certainly explains the behaviour of Abraham, David, and Peter. And it certainly explains why even prominent church members embarrass themselves, the church and most of all their Lord!
Christians need the preserving grace of God in their hearts and lives, otherwise they will in their own strength fall away. The body of death we carry will certainly become too much for us to bear!
But this is the truth: God preserves his children. They are called by God, have fellowship with Christ and are renewed by the Spirit. They are set free from the reign of sin.
Yes, they are not yet perfect. This is why God needs to preserve them in the faith and in salvation or all will be lost and none would be saved. But, by the grace of God we are preserved, therefore we can persevere, in spite of shameful things that happened!
Have you done something terrible – something you cannot bear to carry anymore. Are you sick with shame, with guilt, with fear? Can you not carry the body of death anymore?
You are a believer, right? Well, having faith is good. It helps. But its not enough.
You need God’s mercy and grace. Someone must help you! And there IS help available, thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Rom 7:25).
Jesus can help! Only Jesus can!!
You DO NOT HAVE TO DO SOMETHING STUPID!
Call on the Name of Jesus! Ask him to help you carry the body of death!
You need God! You need God to take the guilt, the shame and the fear away, today!!
Let any Christian friend, pray with you, battle with you!
GOD PRESERVES YOU FOR HIS KINGDOM. That is why you will be able to persevere!
Thanks be to God – Jesus can help you with the body of death.
Jesus helps with everything.
Do not do something stupid today!
A member of the Christian church commits suicide. "How can such a thing happen?" We ask. "He was a pillar of the community, an elder of the church, someone respected for his faith. So how could he do this?"
A member, elder or minister of the church commits adultery. "How can such a thing happen?" We ask..
A member of the church is charged with theft. "How could she have done this?"
A member of the church, a professor of theology, is caught with child pornography on his computer. "How could he have done that?"
A member, elder or minister of the church is charged with sexual abuse. "How could this have happened?
All of the above happened in South Africa during the first 10 months of 2009. How do we explain it that Christians have actually done horrible things? This is not the first time nor will it be the last time that God's people ask questions such as these. I think it happened since the time of the Apostles.
Take a look at Abraham, the man of faith. Out of fear he lied to Pharaoh and said Sarah was his sister. It was Pharaoh, the pagan, who asked, "What have you done to me? Why didn't you tell me she was your wife?" (Gen 12:18). In other words, "How is it posiible that you, a child of God, can do this?"
Take a look at David, the anointed king in God’s service. He was an adulterer and a murderer.
Remember Peter. He was praised for his confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus called him a rock and said that on this rock he would build the church. And then this rock denied Jesus three times. "How is this possible? How could he have done something so appalling?"
The only way to deal with this, is in terms of what the church fathers called the “perseverance of the believers”. Christians are called to persevere in faith and salvation. In other words, God preserves his children, so that, although they fall, they are not lost.
The perseverance of the believers is also called the preservation of the believers. God's grace of preserving the believers becomes visible in and through the perseverance of the faithful.
Seriously consider this story: An old man was cutting down tree branches to make up a bundle for his fireplace. When it was large, he tied it up, and attempted to lift it on his shoulder, and carry it away; but, finding it very heavy, he laid it down again, cut more wood, and heaped it on; and then tried again to carry it off. This he repeated several times; always adding something to the load, after trying in vain to raise it from the ground.
The pile of wood became bigger and bigger. The old man attempted to lift it, but in vain; it was now far beyond his strength to raise. His feeble legs staggered under their burden; the remains of his strength were fading away; the darkness of death was gathering around him; and, after a convulsive attempt to lift the pile, he fell down and died.
In the foolish old man we see those, who, being made aware of the burden of their sins and weakness, still attempt to save themselves, to persevere and remain children of God in their own strength! Continuously adding to their burden until it is too heavy to carry; and then, in despair of God's mercy, and with no glory in sight, lie down to die.
What is a true Christian? Who are those that God preserves in faith and salvation?
Are they those who achieved perfection?? No!
No, they are those who were called by God, have fellowship / a relationship with Christ, are renewed by the Spirit, and are set free from the reign of sin.
But why does a true Christian then needs preservation? Here is a profound truth that you should not miss:
In this life the believers are not entirely set free from the burden of sin.
It means: We are not perfect yet. We sometimes / often - still do filthy, stupid things!!
It is about this issue that Paul speaks in Romans 7. (Read the chapter!) Paul tells us from the heart about his own difficulties with sin - as a Christian. You have heard his words before:
(Rom 7:15,19) I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. (19) For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing. Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
Now consider this: It was the custom of ancient conquerors to prevent the escape of their prisoners by tying a dead body to their backs. With such gruesome burdens, these poor wretches could not run away. Imagine that: carrying around a dead body, a body of death.
Paul compares his struggle with sin as a Christian with carrying around a body of death: "Who will rescue me from this body of death?" Paul knows the answer: "Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Rom 7:25).
This tells me of a horrifying feature of the Christian life. Believers can be deeply divided persons. Genuine faith and genuine wickedness can live side-by-side in us. It certainly explains the behaviour of Abraham, David, and Peter. And it certainly explains why even prominent church members embarrass themselves, the church and most of all their Lord!
Christians need the preserving grace of God in their hearts and lives, otherwise they will in their own strength fall away. The body of death we carry will certainly become too much for us to bear!
But this is the truth: God preserves his children. They are called by God, have fellowship with Christ and are renewed by the Spirit. They are set free from the reign of sin.
Yes, they are not yet perfect. This is why God needs to preserve them in the faith and in salvation or all will be lost and none would be saved. But, by the grace of God we are preserved, therefore we can persevere, in spite of shameful things that happened!
Have you done something terrible – something you cannot bear to carry anymore. Are you sick with shame, with guilt, with fear? Can you not carry the body of death anymore?
You are a believer, right? Well, having faith is good. It helps. But its not enough.
You need God’s mercy and grace. Someone must help you! And there IS help available, thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Rom 7:25).
Jesus can help! Only Jesus can!!
You DO NOT HAVE TO DO SOMETHING STUPID!
Call on the Name of Jesus! Ask him to help you carry the body of death!
You need God! You need God to take the guilt, the shame and the fear away, today!!
Let any Christian friend, pray with you, battle with you!
GOD PRESERVES YOU FOR HIS KINGDOM. That is why you will be able to persevere!
Thanks be to God – Jesus can help you with the body of death.
Jesus helps with everything.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Fired up for God's glory
As Presbyterians we know it is only through faith that we receive all the wonders, all the blessings of God’s grace.
John Calvin said: “No man is excluded from calling upon God; the gate of salvation is set open unto all men: neither is there any other thing which keeps us back from entering in, save only our own unbelief”.
And nobody can believe on our behalf. We need to be fired up by our own accepting of the Lord’s promise that we belong to him forever. It is in this context that Calvin also said:
“Build a man a fire and he will be warm for a day; set him on fire and he will be warm for the rest of his life!”
Pray to be set on fire by the Spirit, who changes hearts and thoughts by teaching us through the Word of God to follow Christ. In this way only will we, by God’s grace, live only for the glory of God.
Monday, October 19, 2009
500th birth year: John Calvin's legacy!
John Calvin’s 500th Birthyear!
- Soli Deo Gloria –
John Calvin was born 500 years ago, on 10 July 1509. His life and ministry would change the Christian views of many millions of Christians, shaped the thoughts of tens of thousands of theologians and ministers of the Church, founded the Western views of just as many philosophers on the state, politics, democracy, science and every other important sphere of life! On Reformation Sunday, 25 October 2009, we celebrate the 500th anniversary of his birthday.
This is one birthday everyone can celebrate. Our values and beliefs benefited from his genius, his humble faith and piety and his dependence on the work of the Holy Spirit.
Calvin’s theology is popularly summarised by quoting the five “sola’s” or “only’s”, of the Reformed tradition, namely:
- We should live our lives “only to the glory of God!”
- We know the Gospel truth “only from the holy Scriptures!”
- We are justified “only by the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ!”
- We are saved “only by grace!”
- We are saved “only through faith!”
Calvin became the leader of the Protestants in the city of Geneva, which became the centre of the Reformation in Europe. From Geneva Presbyterianism spread to Germany, Scotland, mainly through John Knox who studied under Calvin, and to England, Ireland, the Netherlands, Hungary, America and eventually other parts of the world, including the Dutch and British colonies.
Today some 50 million men, women and children throughout the world belong to ‘Reformed’ or ‘Presbyterian’ Churches. The name Reformed refers to Calvin’s intention to establish a Church reformed according to the Word of God. The name Presbyterian refers to our form of church government with ‘presbyters’ or elders.
His Bible centred teaching matched his passion for God centred living and God centred faith. This is the origin for passionately seeking a just society, up to this day. Calvin’s dream to promote religious toleration challenged the Church and the state. His views on the separation of the powers of Church and State where each is independent of the other yet accountable to God for everything they do, led to the ideal of democratic freedom of both the individual and structures within society. Without these principles a free economy and science and technology liberated from both theological and political tyranny, would not have flourished.
Calvin’s thinking influenced many over the centuries. It was, for example the Calvinism of both President Woodrow Wilson of the USA and of Jan Smuts of South Africa which inspired the establishment of the League of Nations after the First World War. It became the forerunner of the United Nations as we know it today.
Lets contemplate this remarkable contribution towards the development of the ideals for a free Christian society, while seeking answers for our own challenges. Lets also give thanks for a life lived to the glory of God, in service of the Church of Christ and for the liberation of humanity.
- Soli Deo Gloria –
John Calvin was born 500 years ago, on 10 July 1509. His life and ministry would change the Christian views of many millions of Christians, shaped the thoughts of tens of thousands of theologians and ministers of the Church, founded the Western views of just as many philosophers on the state, politics, democracy, science and every other important sphere of life! On Reformation Sunday, 25 October 2009, we celebrate the 500th anniversary of his birthday.
This is one birthday everyone can celebrate. Our values and beliefs benefited from his genius, his humble faith and piety and his dependence on the work of the Holy Spirit.
Calvin’s theology is popularly summarised by quoting the five “sola’s” or “only’s”, of the Reformed tradition, namely:
- We should live our lives “only to the glory of God!”
- We know the Gospel truth “only from the holy Scriptures!”
- We are justified “only by the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ!”
- We are saved “only by grace!”
- We are saved “only through faith!”
Calvin became the leader of the Protestants in the city of Geneva, which became the centre of the Reformation in Europe. From Geneva Presbyterianism spread to Germany, Scotland, mainly through John Knox who studied under Calvin, and to England, Ireland, the Netherlands, Hungary, America and eventually other parts of the world, including the Dutch and British colonies.
Today some 50 million men, women and children throughout the world belong to ‘Reformed’ or ‘Presbyterian’ Churches. The name Reformed refers to Calvin’s intention to establish a Church reformed according to the Word of God. The name Presbyterian refers to our form of church government with ‘presbyters’ or elders.
His Bible centred teaching matched his passion for God centred living and God centred faith. This is the origin for passionately seeking a just society, up to this day. Calvin’s dream to promote religious toleration challenged the Church and the state. His views on the separation of the powers of Church and State where each is independent of the other yet accountable to God for everything they do, led to the ideal of democratic freedom of both the individual and structures within society. Without these principles a free economy and science and technology liberated from both theological and political tyranny, would not have flourished.
Calvin’s thinking influenced many over the centuries. It was, for example the Calvinism of both President Woodrow Wilson of the USA and of Jan Smuts of South Africa which inspired the establishment of the League of Nations after the First World War. It became the forerunner of the United Nations as we know it today.
Lets contemplate this remarkable contribution towards the development of the ideals for a free Christian society, while seeking answers for our own challenges. Lets also give thanks for a life lived to the glory of God, in service of the Church of Christ and for the liberation of humanity.
We must always remember that it is God who sends, calls and commissions to preach and teach his Word. This means that the Word of God is proclaimed amongst us with the authority of our Lord himself.
Let me remind you of what Paul writes to the church at Rome:
(Rom 10:14-15) How, then, can they call on (means to pray) the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (15) And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
Do you see the proclamation chain? Commissioned/sent, preach, hear, believe, pray. We are blessed to be part of that chain. But notice, the focus of it all is the Word and Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Do you see how serious God takes the proclamation of the Gospel? It is so serious that God lets no one speak their own word or on their own authority. Whether it is the Apostle Paul, our Minister or Sunday School teachers or Bible study leaders - we speak as those sent by the Spirit to proclaim the Word and Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Be blessed as you listen to and live the Word proclaimed!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
God does not show favouritism.
Ten years after the ascension of Christ and his command to "go and make disciples of all nations" and be "witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Mt 28:19; Acts 1:8), the mission to the Gentiles – to the nations who are not Jewish - has not yet started.
The blame has to be placed on the understanding of the division between Jew and Gentile prescribed by their interpretation of the Old Testament Law that forbade almost all contact with Gentiles. Gentiles, like us, were considered unclean and all forms of contact with Gentiles, to accept their hospitality and sit at table with them, was intolerable.
Acts 10 is about God bringing an end to this idea of unclean people. Two people play out God’s message to the church, namely Peter – a preacher but a Jew and Cornelius a religious man who feared the God of Israel, but a Gentile.
Cornelius, though a Gentile, had very impressive religious credentials: he feared God, gave generously, and prayed constantly. Nevertheless, there was something lacking in his faith, and his religion was not good enough: it was still necessary for him to believe in Christ Jesus.
The other main human actor in our story is Peter. We know him as an impatient follower of the Lord. He also was a man stuck on tradition and culture.. His traditions and culture would not allow him to actively begin a mission to the Gentiles.
One day about lunch time Peter was standing on the roof waiting for his food to be prepared, for he was very hungry (vs 10). It was then that Peter had a vision of a cloth coming out of the sky filled with all kinds of creatures – all of them ceremonially unclean according to the dietary laws of the Jews. A voice from heaven said, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat" (vs 13). Peter replied, "Surely not, Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean" (vs 14). Then the most interesting and marvellous words come to Peter: "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean" (vs 15).
God is from beginning to end the main actor and director of this story. It is God who breaks down the barrier of human tradition and culture. It is God who initiates the Gentile mission and brings Cornelius into the church as a full member. It was God who took steps to let also the Gentiles hear about the death and resurrection of Christ.
Peter parted with his traditions and culture because of the Lord's leading. It was God's Spirit which allowed Peter to make the leap from impure or unclean food to impure or unclean people. So Peter himself says, "God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean" (vs 28). That Peter learned the lesson is obvious from what he says: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favouritism" (vs 34). God has no favourites. He does not favour one culture over another and one person over another!
There are still Christians with the same fears and desires as were in Peter and the Jewish Christians. They too want to protect themselves from those they consider to be "unclean." When God's people think and act like this, God's marvellous and loving words to the nations come back to us, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."
We should not act this way. We are called to be a living testimony of the unity of Christ’s people, in spite of cultural diversity and other differences. We are called to be warm, loving, and accepting of all those who walk in the doors of our churches. I believe that we, like Peter, have to know the truth about God: that he does not show favouritism but accepts every person who fear him and follow our Lord Jesus.
This truth is personally important for me and for you. For if God did show favouritism, then none of us would be or could be saved. So, always make room for others in the church. May we never think that we are favoured by God above others.
Instead, let's celebrate the diversity of Christ's body.
The blame has to be placed on the understanding of the division between Jew and Gentile prescribed by their interpretation of the Old Testament Law that forbade almost all contact with Gentiles. Gentiles, like us, were considered unclean and all forms of contact with Gentiles, to accept their hospitality and sit at table with them, was intolerable.
Acts 10 is about God bringing an end to this idea of unclean people. Two people play out God’s message to the church, namely Peter – a preacher but a Jew and Cornelius a religious man who feared the God of Israel, but a Gentile.
Cornelius, though a Gentile, had very impressive religious credentials: he feared God, gave generously, and prayed constantly. Nevertheless, there was something lacking in his faith, and his religion was not good enough: it was still necessary for him to believe in Christ Jesus.
The other main human actor in our story is Peter. We know him as an impatient follower of the Lord. He also was a man stuck on tradition and culture.. His traditions and culture would not allow him to actively begin a mission to the Gentiles.
One day about lunch time Peter was standing on the roof waiting for his food to be prepared, for he was very hungry (vs 10). It was then that Peter had a vision of a cloth coming out of the sky filled with all kinds of creatures – all of them ceremonially unclean according to the dietary laws of the Jews. A voice from heaven said, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat" (vs 13). Peter replied, "Surely not, Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean" (vs 14). Then the most interesting and marvellous words come to Peter: "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean" (vs 15).
God is from beginning to end the main actor and director of this story. It is God who breaks down the barrier of human tradition and culture. It is God who initiates the Gentile mission and brings Cornelius into the church as a full member. It was God who took steps to let also the Gentiles hear about the death and resurrection of Christ.
Peter parted with his traditions and culture because of the Lord's leading. It was God's Spirit which allowed Peter to make the leap from impure or unclean food to impure or unclean people. So Peter himself says, "God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean" (vs 28). That Peter learned the lesson is obvious from what he says: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favouritism" (vs 34). God has no favourites. He does not favour one culture over another and one person over another!
There are still Christians with the same fears and desires as were in Peter and the Jewish Christians. They too want to protect themselves from those they consider to be "unclean." When God's people think and act like this, God's marvellous and loving words to the nations come back to us, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."
We should not act this way. We are called to be a living testimony of the unity of Christ’s people, in spite of cultural diversity and other differences. We are called to be warm, loving, and accepting of all those who walk in the doors of our churches. I believe that we, like Peter, have to know the truth about God: that he does not show favouritism but accepts every person who fear him and follow our Lord Jesus.
This truth is personally important for me and for you. For if God did show favouritism, then none of us would be or could be saved. So, always make room for others in the church. May we never think that we are favoured by God above others.
Instead, let's celebrate the diversity of Christ's body.
Monday, October 12, 2009
The hands of Jesus
During the Second World War a church in Strasbourg was destroyed. After the bombing, the members of the church found that the entire roof had fallen in, leaving only a heap of rubble. Much to their surprise a statue of Christ with outstretched hands that had been carved centuries before by a great artist, was still standing. It was virtually unharmed except that both hands had been broken off. The people asked a sculptor if he could replace the hands of the statue. He was willing, but when the church officials met to consider the sculptor's proposition, they decided not to accept his offer. Why? Because they felt that the statue without hands would be the greatest illustration possible that God's work is done through his people.
Have you considered the work you can do for the Lord? In Acts 9: 15 we read that the Lord said about Saul of Tarsus, humanly speaking the most unlikely candidate for the ministry: “This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.”
Have you ever thought of yourself in this way? Have you ever thought of yourself as the hands of Jesus, his chosen instrument?
Jesus Christ chooses to do his work through human hands. Sometimes they seem to be frail, or the least successful, or the least qualified hands, but yours are the hands he uses. If Saul was his chosen instrument, then you can be his chosen instrument as well.
Be blessed when you thank the Lord for the gifts you received, and serve him with passion!
Have you considered the work you can do for the Lord? In Acts 9: 15 we read that the Lord said about Saul of Tarsus, humanly speaking the most unlikely candidate for the ministry: “This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.”
Have you ever thought of yourself in this way? Have you ever thought of yourself as the hands of Jesus, his chosen instrument?
Jesus Christ chooses to do his work through human hands. Sometimes they seem to be frail, or the least successful, or the least qualified hands, but yours are the hands he uses. If Saul was his chosen instrument, then you can be his chosen instrument as well.
Be blessed when you thank the Lord for the gifts you received, and serve him with passion!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
History of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA)
CELEBRATING THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNION
OF THE UNITING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA (UPCSA)
The History of the UPCSA
Several attempts to unite the Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPC) and the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa (PCSA) were pursued during the 20th century. All failed until, with the coming of democracy in South Africa, the RPC in 1994 initiated a new attempt. This culminated in the formation of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA) on 27 September 1999.
This is the Union that we celebrate during 2009!!
THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
Through the Word and the Spirit God calls the Church into being and sustains it as a people gathered into fellowship in Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ is the King and Head of the Church. Her purpose and function is to bear witness to his saving gospel to all the world, to build up in faith, hope and love those who believe in him, to proclaim his sovereignty over all of life, and to work for his will in the world.
ORIGINS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The Presbyterian family of churches, like all Christian churches, traces its roots back to the apostolic Church in the New Testament.. It stands in the tradition of the Church fathers of the first century.
But we are also rooted in the 16th century Reformers like Martin Luther , Huldreych Zwingli and John Calvin, who called the Church to return to the gospel. The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa belongs to the Reformed family of Churches, which stems from Zwingli’s reformation in Zurich and Calvin’s in Geneva.
John Calvin was born in France in 1509. He studied Latin, logic, philosophy, theology, law and classical literature at several universities in France. While still a young man he became convinced of the truth of the Reformation. As a result he was forced to flee from France and eventually found refuge in Switzerland.
Calvin became the leader of the Protestants in the city of Geneva, which became the centre of the Reformation in Europe. Calvin's particular legacy is in his teaching on the authority of Scripture, the sovereignty and glory of God, the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit and salvation by grace alone through faith alone.
His ethical and political ideas shaped the modern democratic society and particularly Western thought.
From Zurich and Geneva Presbyterianism spread to Germany, Scotland, mainly through John Knox who studied under Calvin, and to England, Ireland, the Netherlands, Hungary, America and eventually other parts of the world, including the Dutch and British colonies.
Some 50 million men, women and children throughout the world belong to ‘Reformed’ or ‘Presbyterian’ Churches. The name Reformed comes from Calvin’s intention to establish a Church reformed according to the Word of God. The name Presbyterian comes from the Reformed form of church government with ‘presbyters’ (Elders).
THE BEGINNINGS OF PRESBYTERIANISM IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
From 1795 to 1803 Britain occupied the Cape. Some of the occupying troops were Scottish, and W. Reid, a missionary of the London Missionary Society, inspired them to form a ‘Calvinist Society’. They met every week for prayer, Bible study and public worship and invited any passing missionaries to preach.
In 1812 George Thom arrived at the Cape. He was a Presbyterian minister on his way to India as a missionary. A meeting with the Calvinist Society led him to stay at the Cape and establish the first Presbyterian Church in 1813.
By 1824 a growing number of Presbyterians established a strong congregation. In 1827-29, with help from the British Government and from the Dutch Reformed Church, they built a church building in what is now the centre of Cape Town. First called ‘The Scottish Kirk’ and later ‘St Andrew’s’, this is ‘the Mother Church’ of Presbyterianism in Southern Africa. In 1827 Dr John Adamson arrived from Scotland and served as minister until 1841 and helped to found the University of Cape Town, which he served as its only professor for some time.
MISSION WORK IN THE EASTERN CAPE
In 1821 the Glasgow Missionary Society (GMS) sent its first two missionaries to work on the eastern frontier: John Bennie and William Thomson. Others soon followed. In 1824 they established a mission station at Incehra named Lovedale after Dr John Love, former secretary of both the GMS and the LMS. In later years, under the leadership of Dr James Stewart, Lovedale became the most famous Presbyterian institution in South Africa.
As early as 1823 a Presbytery was formed and churches spread rapidly throughout the whole Eastern Cape frontier. Within a few years this work developed into three Presbyteries.
Meanwhile the 1820 British Settlers had also arrived in the eastern part of the country. They erected the first Presbyterian church building actually completed in South Africa, at Glen Lynden in 1828, and gradually spread through the eastern Cape.
IN NATAL AND IN THE INTERIOR
The beginnings of Presbyterianism in Natal go back to missionary work. Organised Presbyterianism began in 1850, when Presbyterians met in the Congregational Chapel and resolved to form what they called ‘The Presbyterian Church of Natal’. William Campbell, a minister of the Free Church in Scotland, accepted a call to become the first minister of this young congregation the next year.
The growth of the Presbyterian Church in other parts of South Africa followed in the wake of the Great Trek that began in 1830, the discovery of diamonds in the Northern Cape in 1870 and the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand in 1886.
IN ZIMBABWE AND ZAMBIA
In 1896 the first Presbyterian congregation in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) was formed at Bulawayo, and in 1903 another at Salisbury (now Harare). Others soon followed. Several important educational institutions such as David Livingstone Secondary School, Gloag Ranch and Mondoro Secondary School were also started.
The first Presbyterian congregation in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) was established in 1926 at Livingstone and named after this famous Presbyterian as the David Livingstone Memorial Presbyterian Church.
FORMATION OF THE PCSA AND THE BPC
Meanwhile back in 1882 St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Cape Town initiated a move to unite all Presbyterians (of all colours) in South Africa. This led to the meeting and constitution of the first General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of South Africa in Durban in 1897. By the end of the next year this had brought together congregations and mission stations scattered all over the Cape (west, east and north), Natal and the Transvaal and also the congregation in Bulawayo.
Some missionaries and leaders feared white domination in a united Church, however, and felt that the Scottish missions should stay out of the union unless the PCSA adopted a rule that white and black majorities separately had to approve all important decisions. Tragically the negotiating committee did not accept this, and so the majority of the Presbyterian Church mission stations and black congregations eventually stayed out of the union. The intention nevertheless was that all the groups would one day unite. In 1923 all the mission stations and congregations that had stayed out of the PCSA united to form the Bantu Presbyterian Church. In 1979 it renamed itself the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (RPC).
Meanwhile in 1958, the PCSA, because its work in the countries north of South Africa had now expanded, also changed its name, to the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa.
THE UNITING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA (UPCSA
With the coming of democracy in South Africa, the RPC in 1994 initiated a new attempt to unite the two denominations. This culminated in the unification, and therefore the formation of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA) on 27 September 1999.
This is the Union that we celebrated during 2009!!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
JESUS HAD SUPPER WITH SINNERS DURING HIS MINISTRY ON EARTH!
Often church-going, conservative, religious people see it as their duty to separate them from sinners, unbelievers and all who do not share their Christian attitude. Unfortunately this is often more about defending their way of life, than defending the honour of God!
In Mark 2:13 -17 we find that the teachers of the law had a big problem with Jesus. The problem was that he called sinners to follow him and that he had fellowship with them. The call of Levi (he was also known as Matthew) to become a disciple of Jesus is an example of this. Levi was a tax collector for the Roman oppressor. Yet Jesus called him and had supper at his home.
Out of all the people Jesus could have chosen, he deliberately chose Levi, the offensive sinner. These were some of the most hated men in all Israel. They were men who had a license to steal from the people, because they could keep any money that was raised over the amount the Roman government required. So, they generally became rich men at the expense of the common people. Such a man was Levi, or Matthew. But here was a man who was also hurting inside, who knew loneliness and who needed Jesus. So Jesus called him to follow him. What a scandal it has been!
But Jesus went further. He went home with Levi to a supper where many of Levi’s friends had been invited, and ate with them. This caused a stir among the Scribes and Pharisees. How could Jesus do this? They questioned his disciples about this improper conduct. This was the general idea of these Pharisees: A good, religious person, and especially a teacher, should stay away from such company! Their position was that good, religious people should not be a friend of sinners.
But Jesus was meeting the real human need the only way it could be met. He was the physician of sinners and they needed him because they were soul-sick. They knew it, and he knew it, and that is why he was there with them.
To the self-righteous Pharisees who thought they needed no spiritual help, Jesus did not go. They did not consider themselves sick. They thought they were spiritual examples to others.
Someone who believes he or she is extraordinary fit and healthy will not go to a doctor!
So, it is only as you acknowledge your sin-sick soul that you will call on the Healer of Souls, the Great Physician, the Saviour Lord! Only by admitting my need, will I will call on Jesus to help and heal me and I will enjoy his company and joy.
Jesus saves. Not those who believe they are soul-healthy – but everyone who calls on his Name, because they know they are soul-sick, lost and separated from God!
Jesus calls even me and wants to have Supper with me! Are we willing to come, even if it requires us to change?
Monday, October 5, 2009
Lovers of money
Jesus said: No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (Luke 16:13).
We are either serving God or “mammon” - the word Jesus used for money when it becomes an idol. When the love of money becomes the core motivator of our lives, we cannot love Jesus as he demands to be loved and served.
Our actions, passions and choices reveal who has our allegiance. Most of us claim to be serving and loving God, but our lifestyles often reveal that we actually love money more. We aren’t serving God in one of the most fundamental ways he requires, namely being faithful stewards of what he entrusted to us. We can’t imagine sacrificially sharing our wealth as God intended, because we love what we have too much, and we want more. Money is really our master and not God! And as Jesus declared, no one can serve two masters. Either we will love one and hate the other or vice versa.
Jesus also said (Matt 6: 28 – 34) : "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Blessed are those who live the simple lifestyle of Christ-like servant hood and righteous stewardship, because they will inherit the glorious wealth of God’s eternal, heavenly kingdom and reign with Christ forever!
We are either serving God or “mammon” - the word Jesus used for money when it becomes an idol. When the love of money becomes the core motivator of our lives, we cannot love Jesus as he demands to be loved and served.
Our actions, passions and choices reveal who has our allegiance. Most of us claim to be serving and loving God, but our lifestyles often reveal that we actually love money more. We aren’t serving God in one of the most fundamental ways he requires, namely being faithful stewards of what he entrusted to us. We can’t imagine sacrificially sharing our wealth as God intended, because we love what we have too much, and we want more. Money is really our master and not God! And as Jesus declared, no one can serve two masters. Either we will love one and hate the other or vice versa.
Jesus also said (Matt 6: 28 – 34) : "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Blessed are those who live the simple lifestyle of Christ-like servant hood and righteous stewardship, because they will inherit the glorious wealth of God’s eternal, heavenly kingdom and reign with Christ forever!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Presbyterian Church (UPCSA) celebrates 10th anniversary of Union
We celebrate the 10th anniversary of the union of the former Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPC) and the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa (PCSA) during 2009. We became the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA) on 27 September 1999. It was the culmination of decades of good intentions and hard work to bring Christians together who share the same teachings, doctrine, church government and history and living in the same countries. into an united spiritual home.
This Union and celebrating it is important, because unity amongst Christians is a central Biblical principle. After all, we believe in “one, holy, universal Church”, because the Bible teaches us that there is only one Body under one Head and King. If Christians sharing the same countries, with the same doctrine, polity, history, vision and mission cannot “live in one spiritual home”, who can?
We celebrate both our unity - and our unity within cultural diversity, as well as diversity of spiritual styles and customs.
Yet Jesus clearly said in John 17 that the unbelieving world will believe that he is Lord and Saviour, if they see that we are one “as he and the Father are one”. This remains our calling - and our challenge.
We are grateful that the Lord thus far protected our Union, in spite of the fact that many practical issues and historical diverse developments and traditions still need to be addressed and resolved.
Let us pray, for the sake of our witness in the world, that we will remain as one and serve the Lord and his Kingdom with fervour, love and passion, understanding his priorities for his work and living according to his principles for his ministry.
Through prayer we will pursue these challenges! Please pray the following prayer with us:
A prayer for the Church of Christ and for the UPCSA, as we remember the “journey of union” this week:
Eternal God, most blessed and most Holy,
before whom the angels veil their faces,
with humble reverence and adoring love
we acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity,
and worship you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God.
Lord of heaven and earth,
we thank you for all the ways in which you have blessed humankind
through the work and witness of your world-wide Church.
We bless you for the teaching of the Scriptures,
for the preaching of your Word,
for the grace of the sacraments,
and for our fellowship in Christ with you and with one another.
We thank your for the holy example of your faithful servants
who have gone before us
and pray that with them that
we may be counted in the company of the redeemed,
when Jesus comes in glory.
In particular we thank you for
the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa,
as a branch of your one, holy, universal Church,
and for the ten years of our union that you have given us
to express the unity of the Body of Christ.
Forgive us, we pray,
for the times when we have not listened to one another
and for all the ways in which we have not, for the sake of our unity,
set aside our prejudices or what our own group prefers.
Set us free from all our failures in the past
and from all our self-importance and pride, we pray,
so that we may more fully express
the oneness of the Body of Christ in the world.
Almighty God, holy Father of us all,
we ask you to provide the UPCSA with all it needs
to grow into the stature of the fullness of Christ:
teachers to educate children in your love and grace,
Ministers to minister in Word and sacrament,
Elders to serve with diligence and integrity,
carers to care for the needy and the suffering,
and places of worship in which to glorify you.
God our Father, you are the source of all truth and peace.
Hear our prayer also for the whole Church of Christ.
Look with mercy on all your people.
Purify our hearts from all hypocrisy, falsehood and prejudice
that, professing one Lord, one faith and one baptism,
all whom Christ calls may be of one heart and one mind
and come to manifest the unity of the Body of Christ to the world,
to the honour and glory of your Name.
We pray for all who spread the gospel,
that through them your Holy Spirit may draw all people to the Father.
We pray for all who do receive the Word,
that they in turn may bear a good witness to your glory.
So guide us by your loving wisdom
that the peace and unity to which you call the family of God
may be realized more and more in our land
and between all people on earth.
Take away from us everything that hinders
the advancement of your truth;
rouse the careless;
turn the wicked to repent;
restore the penitent;
strengthen and confirm the faithful;
protect and guide our children;
comfort and heal the sick and the afflicted
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
God, bless Africa:
guard her children,
guide her leaders
and give her peace,
for Jesus Christ's sake.
Amen.
Jesus is alive! Jesus leef!
uJesu u ya phila! Jesu oa phela! Yesu wa hanya!
This Union and celebrating it is important, because unity amongst Christians is a central Biblical principle. After all, we believe in “one, holy, universal Church”, because the Bible teaches us that there is only one Body under one Head and King. If Christians sharing the same countries, with the same doctrine, polity, history, vision and mission cannot “live in one spiritual home”, who can?
We celebrate both our unity - and our unity within cultural diversity, as well as diversity of spiritual styles and customs.
Yet Jesus clearly said in John 17 that the unbelieving world will believe that he is Lord and Saviour, if they see that we are one “as he and the Father are one”. This remains our calling - and our challenge.
We are grateful that the Lord thus far protected our Union, in spite of the fact that many practical issues and historical diverse developments and traditions still need to be addressed and resolved.
Let us pray, for the sake of our witness in the world, that we will remain as one and serve the Lord and his Kingdom with fervour, love and passion, understanding his priorities for his work and living according to his principles for his ministry.
Through prayer we will pursue these challenges! Please pray the following prayer with us:
A prayer for the Church of Christ and for the UPCSA, as we remember the “journey of union” this week:
Eternal God, most blessed and most Holy,
before whom the angels veil their faces,
with humble reverence and adoring love
we acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity,
and worship you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God.
Lord of heaven and earth,
we thank you for all the ways in which you have blessed humankind
through the work and witness of your world-wide Church.
We bless you for the teaching of the Scriptures,
for the preaching of your Word,
for the grace of the sacraments,
and for our fellowship in Christ with you and with one another.
We thank your for the holy example of your faithful servants
who have gone before us
and pray that with them that
we may be counted in the company of the redeemed,
when Jesus comes in glory.
In particular we thank you for
the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa,
as a branch of your one, holy, universal Church,
and for the ten years of our union that you have given us
to express the unity of the Body of Christ.
Forgive us, we pray,
for the times when we have not listened to one another
and for all the ways in which we have not, for the sake of our unity,
set aside our prejudices or what our own group prefers.
Set us free from all our failures in the past
and from all our self-importance and pride, we pray,
so that we may more fully express
the oneness of the Body of Christ in the world.
Almighty God, holy Father of us all,
we ask you to provide the UPCSA with all it needs
to grow into the stature of the fullness of Christ:
teachers to educate children in your love and grace,
Ministers to minister in Word and sacrament,
Elders to serve with diligence and integrity,
carers to care for the needy and the suffering,
and places of worship in which to glorify you.
God our Father, you are the source of all truth and peace.
Hear our prayer also for the whole Church of Christ.
Look with mercy on all your people.
Purify our hearts from all hypocrisy, falsehood and prejudice
that, professing one Lord, one faith and one baptism,
all whom Christ calls may be of one heart and one mind
and come to manifest the unity of the Body of Christ to the world,
to the honour and glory of your Name.
We pray for all who spread the gospel,
that through them your Holy Spirit may draw all people to the Father.
We pray for all who do receive the Word,
that they in turn may bear a good witness to your glory.
So guide us by your loving wisdom
that the peace and unity to which you call the family of God
may be realized more and more in our land
and between all people on earth.
Take away from us everything that hinders
the advancement of your truth;
rouse the careless;
turn the wicked to repent;
restore the penitent;
strengthen and confirm the faithful;
protect and guide our children;
comfort and heal the sick and the afflicted
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
God, bless Africa:
guard her children,
guide her leaders
and give her peace,
for Jesus Christ's sake.
Amen.
Jesus is alive! Jesus leef!
uJesu u ya phila! Jesu oa phela! Yesu wa hanya!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Worship with gladness!
It has always struck me as amusing how people change when they come to church services. In church they are all solemn and grave. But take these same people to a social gathering or a rugby / soccer match and they suddenly become excited and enthusiastic.
We are emotional people and positive, motivating emotions are good.
In church, we should also be free to be enthusiastic in our praise to God. We certainly should be joyful and happy. There is much to be excited about.
What we as Christians need is a real revelation of the greatness of God and the great number of blessings that he grants his people. We simply are not aware enough of even a portion of the blessings we receive. If we could somehow catch a glimpse of some of the multitude of ways we have been blessed by God, it will blow us away.
And it’s true! We are the most blessed of all people.
We may call the awesome, creator God, our Father. We know Jesus as friend, protector, redeemer and saviour. And his Holy Spirit lives in and with us always! The holy God calls us his own, cares for us and loves us with divine passion.
Pray about it. Ask God to show you how he has blessed you. Ask him to reveal to you the things for which you should be grateful.
Ask him to give you a glimpse of his glory and a glimpse of his love for you. Such a revelation will change the way you worship. Such a revelation will change the way you live.
You will then certainly join the psalmist in singing this song:
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100).
We are emotional people and positive, motivating emotions are good.
In church, we should also be free to be enthusiastic in our praise to God. We certainly should be joyful and happy. There is much to be excited about.
What we as Christians need is a real revelation of the greatness of God and the great number of blessings that he grants his people. We simply are not aware enough of even a portion of the blessings we receive. If we could somehow catch a glimpse of some of the multitude of ways we have been blessed by God, it will blow us away.
And it’s true! We are the most blessed of all people.
We may call the awesome, creator God, our Father. We know Jesus as friend, protector, redeemer and saviour. And his Holy Spirit lives in and with us always! The holy God calls us his own, cares for us and loves us with divine passion.
Pray about it. Ask God to show you how he has blessed you. Ask him to reveal to you the things for which you should be grateful.
Ask him to give you a glimpse of his glory and a glimpse of his love for you. Such a revelation will change the way you worship. Such a revelation will change the way you live.
You will then certainly join the psalmist in singing this song:
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100).
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