Are we Listening?

(Luke 9:24) “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.”

Life is just like our hearts it never skips a beat! It seems to pass us by without much eternal thought, we always are on the move and as I look around it seems that we all face the same dilemma. How much wasted time I cannot help but wonder! So much of our time given to mundane temporal things and so little time focused on heaven and God’s will for our lives.

Consider the prophet John the Baptist; how much time he spent on his own pleasures, so much so that he lived in the desert and lived off honey and locusts. Right! I wonder if he ever handled money! That is rather extreme we would conclude and yet it is exactly the man God the Father chose to clear the way for his Son, the Lord Jesus; As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'" (Mark 1:2-3) - It was this man that prepared the way for Christ. Satan has done a sterling job distorting the perceptions we consider priority. He is not called the “deceiver” or the “father of lies” for nothing. But it is clear from scripture that he who wishes to become great for God must lose his life. There can be no debate around this truth, let us not lie to ourselves.

Don’t you just love the simple honesty of the Word of God? I love the fact that it is simple with its explanation. It is only our minds that so often try to confuse it.

We now continue with the letters to the churches…

"And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: 'The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. "'I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works. But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. Only hold fast what you have until I come. The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'” (Revelation 2:18-29)

“The form of each epistle is very much the same; and in this, as the rest, we have to consider the inscription, contents, and conclusion.

I. The inscription, telling us, 1. To whom it is directed: To the angel of the church of Thyatira, a city of the proconsular Asia, bordering upon Mysia on the north and Lydia on the south, a town of trade, whence came the woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, who, being at Philippi in Macedonia, probably about the business of her calling, heard Paul preach there, and God opened her heart, that she attended to the things that were spoken, and believed, and was baptized, and entertained Paul and Silas there. Whether it was by her means that the gospel was brought into her own city, Thyatira, is not certain; but that it was there, and successful to the forming of a gospel church, this epistle assures us. 2. By whom it was sent: by the Son of God, who is here described as having eyes like a flame of fire, and feet like as fine brass. His general title is here, the Son of God, that is, the eternal and only-begotten Son of God, which denotes that he has the same nature with the Father, but with a distinct and subordinate manner of subsistence. The description we have here of him is in two characters: - (1.) That his eyes are like a flame of fire, signifying his piercing, penetrating, perfect knowledge, a thorough insight into all persons and all things, one who searches the hearts and tries the reins of the children of men (Rev_2:23), and will make all the churches to know he does so. (2.) That his feet are like fine brass, that the outgoings of his providence are steady, awful, and all pure and holy. As he judges with perfect wisdom, so he acts with perfect strength and steadiness.

II. The contents or subject-matter of this epistle, which, as the rest, includes,

1. The honourable character and commendation Christ gives of this church, ministry, and people; and this given by one who was no stranger to them, but well acquainted with them and with the principles from which they acted. Now in this church Christ makes honourable mention, (1.) Of their charity, either more general, a disposition to do good to all men, or more special, to the household of faith: there is no religion where there is no charity. (2.) Their service, their ministration; this respects chiefly the officers of the church, who had laboured in the word and doctrine. (3.) Their faith, which was the grace that actuated all the rest, both their charity and their service. (4.) Their patience; for those that are most charitable to others, most diligent in their places, and most faithful, must yet expect to meet with that which will exercise their patience. (5.) Their growing fruitfulness: their last works were better than the first. This is an excellent character; when others had left their first love, and lost their first zeal, these were growing wiser and better. It should be the ambition and earnest desire of all Christians that their last works may be their best works, that they may be better and better every day, and best at last.

2. A faithful reproof for what was amiss. This is not so directly charged upon the church itself as upon some wicked seducers who were among them; the church's fault was that she connived too much at them.

(1.) These wicked seducers were compared to Jezebel, and called by her name. Jezebel was a persecutor of the prophets of the Lord, and a great patroness of idolaters and false prophets. The sin of these seducers was that they attempted to draw the servants of God into fornication, and to offer sacrifices to idols; they called themselves prophets, and so would claim a superior authority and regard to the ministers of the church. Two things aggravated the sin of these seducers, who, being one in their spirit and design, are spoken of as one person: - [1.] They made use of the name of God to oppose the truth of his doctrine and worship; this very much aggravated their sin. [2.] They abused the patience of God to harden themselves in their wickedness. God gave them space for repentance, but they repented not. Observe, First, Repentance is necessary to prevent a sinner's ruin. Secondly, Repentance requires time, a course of time, and time convenient; it is a great work, and a work of time. Thirdly, Where God gives space for repentance, he expects fruits meet for repentance. Fourthly, Where the space for repentance is lost, the sinner perishes with a double destruction.

(2.) Now why should the wickedness of this Jezebel be charged upon the church of Thyatira? Because that church suffered her to seduce the people of that city. But how could the church help it? They had not, as a church, civil power to banish or imprison her; but they had ministerial power to censure and to excommunicate her: and it is probable that neglecting to use the power they had made them sharers in her sin.

3. The punishment of this seducer, this Jezebel, Rev_2:22, Rev_2:23, in which is couched a prediction of the fall of Babylon. (1.) I will cast her into a bed, into a bed of pain, not of pleasure, into a bed of flames; and those who have sinned with her shall suffer with her; but this may yet be prevented by their repentance. (2.) I will kill her children with death; that is, the second death, which does the work effectually, and leaves no hope of future life, no resurrection for those that are killed by the second death, but only to shame and everlasting contempt.

4. The design of Christ in the destruction of these wicked seducers, and this was the instruction of others, especially of his churches: All the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and the hearts; and I will give to every one of you according to your works. God is known by the judgments that he executes; and, by this revenge taken upon seducers, he would make known, (1.) His infallible knowledge of the hearts of men, of their principles, designs, frame, and temper, their formality, their indifference, their secret inclinations to symbolize with idolaters. (2.) His impartial justice, in giving every one according to his work, that the name of Christians should be no protection, their churches should be no sanctuaries for sin and sinners.

5. The encouragement given to those who keep themselves pure and undefiled: But to you I say, and unto the rest, etc., Rev_2:24. Observe, (1.) What these seducers called their doctrines - depths, profound mysteries, amusing the people, and endeavouring to persuade them that they had a deeper insight into religion than their own ministers had attained to. (2.) What Christ called them - depths of Satan, Satanical delusions and devices, diabolical mysteries; for there is a mystery of iniquity, as well and the great mystery of godliness. It is a dangerous thing to despise the mystery of God, and it is as dangerous to receive the mysteries of Satan. (3.) How tender Christ is of his faithful servants: “I will lay upon you no other burden; but that which you have already hold fast till I come, Rev_2:24, Rev_2:25. I will not overburden your faith with any new mysteries, nor your consciences with any new laws. I only require your attention to what you have received. Hold that fast till I come, and I desire no more.” Christ is coming to put an end to all the temptations of his people; and, if they hold fast faith and a good conscience till he come, all the difficulty and danger will be over.

III. We now come to the conclusion of this message, Rev_2:26-29. Here we have, 1. The promise of an ample reward to the persevering victorious believer, in two parts: - (1.) Very great power and dominion over the rest of the world: Power over the nations, which may refer either to the time when the empire should turn Christian, and the world be under the government of the Christian emperor, as in Constantine's time; or to the other world, when believers shall sit down with Christ on his throne of judgment, and join with him in trying, and condemning, and consigning over to punishment the enemies of Christ and the church. The upright shall have dominion in the morning. (2.) Knowledge and wisdom, suitable to such power and dominion: I will give him the morning-star. Christ is the morning-star. He brings day with him into the soul, the light of grace and of glory; and he will give his people that perfection of light and wisdom which is requisite to the state of dignity and dominion that they shall have in the morning of the resurrection. 2. This epistle ends with the usual demand of attention: He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. In the foregoing epistles, this demand of attention comes before the concluding promise; but in this, and all that follow, it comes after, and tells us that we should all attend to the promises as well as to the precepts that Christ delivers to the churches.” (Matthew Henry)

Signing off

Tyrone

  

Another Warning!

(Revelation 2:12) "And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write…”

I had a dream… without going into the details, my brother who in fact was my step brother’s step brother, almost family and yet referred to as family lay face down in water blowing bubbles. He had fallen into a rocky gorge with his head severely damaged. How he had survived was of great relief but still somewhat surprising…

While there is breathe there is hope!

"And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: 'The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. "'I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.' (Revelation 2:12-17)

Whether or not this city was resurrected out of the ruins of the Troy of old is neither certain nor material; it nevertheless was a place the gospel had effectually reached and Christ had been preached. Yet as with the church of Ephesus the Lord Jesus presents himself with a different emphasis… Are we paying attention?

“The same Jesus who here describes himself as one that hath the sharp sword with two edges (Rev_1:16), out of whose mouth went a sharp two-edged sword. Some have observed that, in the several titles of Christ which are prefixed to the several epistles, there is something suited to the state of those churches; as in that to Ephesus, what could be more proper to awaken and recover a drowsy and declining church than to hear Christ speaking as one that held the stars in his hand, and walked in the midst of the golden candlesticks? etc. The church of Pergamos was infested with men of corrupt minds, who did what they could to corrupt both the faith and manners of the church; and Christ, being resolved to fight against them by the sword of his word, takes the title of him that hath the sharp sword with two edges. (1.) The word of God is a sword; it is a weapon both offensive and defensive, it is, in the hand of God, able to slay both sin and sinners. (2.) It is a sharp sword. No heart is so hard but it is able to cut it; it can divide asunder between the soul and the spirit, that is, between the soul and those sinful habits that by custom have become another soul, or seem to be essential to it. (3.) It is a sword with two edges; it turns and cuts every way. There is the edge of the law against the transgressors of that dispensation, and the edge of the gospel against the despisers of that dispensation; there is an edge to make a wound, and an edge to open a festered wound in order to its healing. There is no escaping the edge of this sword: if you turn aside to the right hand, it has an edge on that side; if on the left hand, you fall upon the edge of the sword on that side; it turns every way.

II. From the inscription we proceed to the contents of the epistle, in which the method is much the same as is observed in the rest. Here,

1. Christ takes notice of the trials and difficulties this church encountered with: I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, etc., Rev_2:13. The works of God's servants are best known when the circumstances under which they did those works are duly considered. Now that which added very much lustre to the good works of this church was the circumstance of the place where this church was planted, a place where Satan's seat was. As our great Lord takes notice of all the advantages and opportunities we have for duty in the places where we dwell, so he takes notice of all the temptations and discouragements we meet with from the places where we dwell, and makes gracious allowances for them. This people dwelt where Satan's seat was, where he kept his court. His circuit is throughout the world, his seat is in some places that are infamous for wickedness, error, and cruelty. Some think that the Roman governor in this city was a most violent enemy to the Christians; and the seat of persecution is Satan's seat.

2. He commends their stedfastness: Thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith. These two expressions are much the same in sense; the former may, however, signify the effect and the latter the cause or means. (1.) “Thou holdest fast my name; thou art not ashamed of thy relation to me, but accountest it thine honour that my name is named on thee, that, as the wife bears the name of the husband, so thou art called by my name; this thou holdest fast, as thine honour and privilege.” (2.) “That which has made thee thus faithful is the grace of faith: thou hast not denied the great doctrines of the gospel, nor departed from the Christian faith, and by that means thou hast been kept faithful.” Our faith will have a great influence upon our faithfulness. Men who deny the faith of Christ may boast very much of their sincerity, and faithfulness to God and conscience; but it has been seldom known that those who let go the true faith retained their fidelity; usually on that rock on which men make shipwreck of their faith they make shipwreck of a good conscience too. And here our blessed Lord aggrandizes the fidelity of this church from the circumstance of the times, as well as of the place where they lived: they had been stedfast even in those days wherein Antipas his faithful martyr was slain among them. Who this person was, and whether there be anything mysterious in his name, we have no certain account. He was a faithful disciple of Christ, he suffered martyrdom for it, and sealed his faith and fidelity with his blood in the place where Satan dwelt; and though the rest of the believers there knew this, and saw it, yet they were not discouraged nor drawn away from their stedfastness: this is mentioned as an addition to their honour.

3. He reproves them for their sinful failures (Rev_2:14): But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there those that hold the doctrine of Balaam, etc., and those that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. There were some who taught that it was lawful to eat things sacrificed to idols, and that simple fornication was no sin; they, by an impure worship, drew men into impure practices, as Balaam did the Israelites. Observe, (1.) The filthiness of the spirit and the filthiness of the flesh often go together. Corrupt doctrines and a corrupt worship often lead to a corrupt conversation. (2.) It is very lawful to fix the name of the leaders of any heresy upon those who follow them. It is the shortest way of telling whom we mean. (3.) To continue in communion with persons of corrupt principles and practices is displeasing to God, draws a guilt and blemish upon the whole society: they become partakers of other men's sins. Though the church, as such, has no power to punish the persons of men, either for heresy or immorality, with corporal penalties, yet it has power to exclude them from its communion; and, if it do not so, Christ, the head and lawgiver of the church, will be displeased with it.

4. He calls them to repentance: Repent, or else I will come unto thee quickly, etc., Rev_2:16. Observe here, (1.) Repentance is the duty of saints as well as sinners; it is a gospel duty. (2.) It is the duty of churches and communities as well as particular persons; those who sin together should repent together. (3.) It is the duty of Christian societies to repent of other men's sins, as far as they have been accessory to them, though but so much as by connivance. (4.) When God comes to punish the corrupt members of a church, he rebukes that church itself for allowing such to continue in its communion, and some drops of the storm fall upon the whole society. (5.) No sword cuts so deep, nor inflicts so mortal a wound, as the sword of Christ's mouth. Let but the threatenings of the word be set home upon the conscience of a sinner, and he will soon be a terror to himself; let these threatenings be executed, and the sinner is utterly cut off. The word of God will take hold of sinners, sooner or later, either for their conviction or their confusion.

III. We have the conclusion of this epistle, where, after the usual demand of universal attention, there is the promise of great favour to those that overcome. They shall eat of the hidden manna, and have the new name, and the white stone, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it, Rev_2:17. 1. The hidden manna, the influences and comforts of the Spirit of Christ in communion with him, coming down from heaven into the soul, from time to time, for its support, to let it taste something how saints and angels live in heaven. This is hidden from the rest of the world - a stranger intermeddles not with this joy; and it is laid up in Christ, the ark of the covenant, in the holy of holies. 2. The white stone, with a new name engraven upon it. This white stone is absolution from the guilt of sin, alluding to the ancient custom of giving a white stone to those acquitted on trial and a black stone to those condemned. The new name is the name of adoption: adopted persons took the name of the family into which they were adopted. None can read the evidence of a man's adoption but himself; he cannot always read it, but if he persevere he shall have both the evidence of sonship and the inheritance. (Matthew Henry)

Although this message was relevant so long ago, it is nevertheless extremely germane today, will be have ears to hear I wonder? Be merciful gracious heavenly Father and forgive us for our sin.

Signing off

Tyrone

An Open Rebuke!

(Revelation 2:5) “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first…”

Following up on yesterday’s concerns, maybe it would be good to unpack the “letters to the churches” in more detail and hopefully draw some direction from it for our lives. The biggest concern we should have is the deceitfulness of our own hearts; we must sincerely pray that God the Holy Spirit would expose and correct if need be. The world propagates that we should love ourselves no matter what; but answer me this, how can we love ourselves if our actions denounce the work of Calvary? If we just habitually continue with our lives and they show no appreciation for what Christ has done for us, how then are we able to love ourselves? The only way we will love is by pretending and it will go no further, it will be a mere figment of our imaginations. Actors pretending to be who they are not! So let’s get real and learn from these letters…

The Church at Ephesus:

"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. "'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:1-5) 

Ephesus was a church planted by the Apostle Paul and then watered and governed by John. Other astute biblical scholars of the past do not believe that it was only Timothy that was their sole pastor. Nevertheless, consider how dedicated he was and of his very excellent spirit and how he cared for this church, he was surely concerned for their spiritual wellbeing. When we read about Timothy we get glimpses of his character through Paul’s writings, we stand or at least I stand in awe when I consider this man’s great example. And yet! An angel was sent by the Lord to rebuke this Church, the fruit of his ministry. What a daunting thought!

Proof enough I hope for us to sit up and take note as God now speaks to us. If we will not ask for eye salve so that our eyes may see we are in serious trouble. Open our eyes Lord so that we may see what it is you are teaching us.

Let us consider…

“He that holds the seven stars in his right hand, and walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, Rev_1:13, Rev_1:16. This title consists of two parts: - (1.) He that holds the stars in his right hand. The ministers of Christ are under his special care and protection. It is the honour of God that he knows the number of the stars, calls them by their names, binds the sweet influences of Pleiades and looses the bands of Orion; and it is the honour of the Lord Jesus Christ that the ministers of the gospel, who are greater blessings to the church than the stars are to the world, are in his hand. He directs all their motions; he disposes of them into their several orbs; he fills them with light and influence; he supports them, or else they would soon be falling stars; they are instruments in his hand, and all the good they do is done by his hand with them. (2.) He walks in the midst of the golden candlesticks. This intimates his relation to his churches, as the other his relation to his ministers. Christ is in an intimate manner present and conversant with his churches; he knows and observes their state; he takes pleasure in them, as a man does to walk in his garden. Though Christ is in heaven, he walks in the midst of his churches on earth, observing what is amiss in them and what it is that they want. This is a great encouragement to those who have the care of the churches, that the Lord Jesus has graven them upon the palms of his hands.

A good leader will always commend before he rebukes, but both are necessary to equip us to produce fruit; those good works that where pre-ordained before time began. (My thought)

II. The contents of the epistle, in which, as in most of those that follow, we have,

1. The commendation Christ gave this church, ministers and members, which he always brings in by declaring that he knows their works, and therefore both his commendation and reprehension are to be strictly regarded; for he does not in either speak at a venture: he knows what he says. Now the church of Ephesus is commended, (1.) For their diligence in duty: I know thy works, and thy labour, Rev_2:2. This may more immediately relate to the ministry of this church, which had been laborious and diligent. Dignity calls for duty. Those that are stars in Christ's hand had need to be always in motion, dispensing light to all about them. For my name's sake thou hast laboured, and hast not fainted, Rev_2:3. Christ keeps an account of every day's work, and every hour's work, his servants do for him, and their labour shall not be in vain in the Lord. (2.) For their patience in suffering: Thy labour and thy patience, Rev_2:2. It is not enough that we be diligent, but we must be patient, and endure hardness as good soldiers of Christ. Ministers must have and exercise great patience, and no Christian can be without it. There must be bearing patience, to endure the injuries of men and the rebukes of Providence; and there must be waiting patience, that, when they have done the will of God, they may receive the promise: Thou hast borne, and hast patience, Rev_2:3. We shall meet with such difficulties in our way and work as require patience to go on and finish well. (3.) For their zeal against what was evil: Thou canst not bear those that are evil, Rev_2:2. It consists very well with Christian patience not to dispense with sin, much less allow it; though we must show all meekness to men, yet we must show a just zeal against their sins. This their zeal was the more to be commended because it was according to knowledge, a discreet zeal upon a previous trial made of the pretences, practices, and tenets of evil men: Thou hast tried those that say they are apostles and are not, and hast found them liars. True zeal proceeds with discretion; none should be cast off till they be tried. Some had risen up in this church that pretended to be not ordinary ministers, but apostles; and their pretensions had been examined but found to be vain and false. Those that impartially search after truth may come to the knowledge of it.

2. The rebuke given to this church: Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, Rev_2:4. Those that have much good in them may have something much amiss in them, and our Lord Jesus, as an impartial Master and Judge, takes notice of both; though he first observes what is good, and is most ready to mention this, yet he also observes what is amiss, and will faithfully reprove them for it. The sin that Christ charged this church with was their decay and declension in holy love and zeal: Thou hast left thy first love; not left and forsaken the object of it, but lost the fervent degree of it that at first appeared. Observe, (1.) The first affections of men towards Christ, and holiness, and heaven, are usually lively and warm. God remembered the love of Israel's espousals, when she would follow him withersoever he went. (2.) These lively affections will abate and cool if great care be not taken, and diligence used, to preserve them in constant exercise. (3.) Christ is grieved and displeased with his people when he sees them grow remiss and cold towards him, and he will one way or other make them sensible that he does not take it well from them. 3. The advice and counsel given them from Christ: Remember therefore whence thou hast fallen, and repent, etc. (1.) Those that have lost their first love must remember whence they have fallen; they must compare their present with their former state, and consider how much better it was with them then than now, how much peace, strength, purity, and pleasure they have lost, by leaving their first love, - how much more comfortably they could lie down and sleep at night, - how much more cheerfully they could awake in the morning, - how much better they could bear afflictions, and how much more becomingly they could enjoy the favours of Providence, - how much easier the thoughts of death were to them, and how much stronger their desires and hopes of heaven. (2.) They must repent. They must be inwardly grieved and ashamed for their sinful declension; they must blame themselves, and shame themselves, for it, and humbly confess it in the sight of God, and judge and condemn themselves for it. (3.) They must return and do their first works. They must as it were begin again, go back step by step, till they come to the place where they took the first false step; they must endeavour to revive and recover their first zeal, tenderness, and seriousness, and must pray as earnestly, and watch as diligently, as they did when they first set out in the ways of God.

4. This good advice is enforced and urged, (1.) By a severe threatening, if it should be neglected: I will come unto thee quickly, and remove thy candlestick out of its place. If the presence of Christ's grace and Spirit be slighted, we may expect the presence of his displeasure. He will come in a way of judgment, and that suddenly and surprisingly, upon impenitent churches and sinners; he will unchurch them, take away his gospel, his ministers, and his ordinances from them, and what will the churches or the angels of the churches do when the gospel is removed? (2.) By an encouraging mention that is made of what was yet good among them: This thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate, Rev_2:6. “Though thou hast declined in thy love to what is good, yet thou retainest thy hatred to what is evil, especially to what is grossly so.” The Nicolaitans were a loose sect who sheltered themselves under the name of Christianity. They held hateful doctrines, and they were guilty of hateful deeds, hateful to Christ and to all true Christians; and it is mentioned to the praise of the church of Ephesus that they had a just zeal and abhorrence of those wicked doctrines and practices. An indifference of spirit between truth and error, good and evil, may be called charity and meekness, but it is not pleasing to Christ. Our Saviour subjoins this kind commendation to his severe threatening, to make the advice more effectual.

III. We have the conclusion of this epistle, in which, as in those that follow, we have,

1. A call to attention: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Observe, (1.) What is written in the scriptures is spoken by the Spirit of God. (2.) What is said to one church concerns all the churches, in every place and age. (3.) We can never employ our faculty of hearing better than in hearkening to the word of God: and we deserve to lose it if we do not employ it to this purpose. Those who will not hear the call of God now will wish at length they had never had a capacity of hearing any thing at all.

2. A promise of great mercy to those who overcome. The Christian life is a warfare against sin, Satan, the world, and the flesh. It is not enough that we engage in this warfare, but we must pursue it to the end, we must never yield to our spiritual enemies, but fight the good fight, till we gain the victory, as all persevering Christians shall do; and the warfare and victory shall have a glorious triumph and reward. That which is here promised to the victors is that they shall eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God. They shall have that perfection of holiness, and that confirmation therein, which Adam would have had if he had gone well through the course of his trial: he would then have eaten of the tree of life which was in the midst of paradise, and this would have been the sacrament of confirmation to him in his holy and happy state; so all who persevere in their Christian trial and warfare shall derive from Christ, as the tree of life, perfection and confirmation in holiness and happiness in the paradise of God; not in the earthly paradise, but the heavenly, Rev_22:1, Rev_22:2.” (Matthew Henry)

I see many reflections of myself through this text, I am guilty as charged, and may God help me to not only see but to act on it. Where do you stand?

Signing off

Tyrone

The Voice of our God!

(Revelation 3:19) “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.”

Yesterday morning left me feeling rather heavy as I realized more than ever that wherever an opportunity presents itself we love to speak and hold positions of authority, even if what we have to say is utter garbage, vain babblings seems to be the order of the day and I fear for the church. The presentation of the Gospel replaced with what is thought to have more power, man-centered psychology. Who do we think we are? Do we know better than our God on how we should appeal to people so that they may find salvation in and through His Son, the Lord Jesus?

How He tolerates mankind is almost beyond me, but then I remember my life and how I have failed Him and then my anger is quickly silenced. But my heart remains broken; the church is in trouble! What can we do to, what can I do?

It is a very simple solution; preach Christ and Him crucified; use the bible to present the message and not pop-psychology. It is the Word that will keep us on track, anything else will simply not do. And yes we do have God the Holy Spirit that leads us into all truth, but as I have said before and say again, He is God and will never go against the Word which is a reflection of Christ. Think of it like this; the Lord Jesus and all the works of His life stands in front of a mirror, the Bible is that mirror and that is where we find a true reflection. So when God the Holy Spirit sees His nail-scarred hands, those marred hands is what He will then show us; He will not use makeup to shroud it; that is what we do when we add or subtract from God’s Word. PLEASE FORGIVE US FATHER! Where do we get off as puny fallen men and woman believing we know better than God on how we should present the gospel? Paul through the Bible reminds us; “so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” (2Corinthians 2:11) – We must not be ignorant or overlook the ploy of our enemy and yesterday there was a clear indication of his influence in a church, why?

Why would God allow this to happen in His house? He is sovereign and nothing ever happens without His permission, never ever! Instinctively I am taken to the book of Revelation and the warnings to the churches; God must test the hearts of His people and His judgments must start with His people. How do I know that? Well it is God through His Word that teachers me! “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1Peter 4:17) 

“He tells them that the time had come when judgment must begin at the house of God. The usual method of Providence has been this: When God brings great calamities and sore judgments upon whole nations, he generally begins with his own people, Isa_10:12; Jer_25:29; Eze_9:6. “Such a time of universal calamity is now at hand, which was foretold by our Saviour, Mat_24:9, Mat_24:10. This renders all the foregoing exhortations to patience necessary for you. And you have two considerations to support you.” [1.] “That these judgments will but begin with you that are God's house and family, and will soon be over: your trials and corrections will not last long.” [2.] “Your troubles will be but light and short, in comparison of what shall befall the wicked world, your own countrymen the Jews, and the infidels and idolatrous people among whom you live: What shall the end be of those who obey not the gospel of God?” Learn, First, The best of God's servants, his own household, have so much amiss in them as renders it fit and necessary that God should sometimes correct and punish them with his judgments: Judgment begins at the house of God. Secondly, Those who are the family of God have their worst things in this life. Their worst condition is tolerable, and will soon be over. Thirdly, Such persons or societies of men as disobey the gospel of God are not of his church and household, though possibly they may make the loudest pretensions. The apostle distinguishes the disobedient from the house of God. Fourthly, The sufferings of good people in this life are demonstrations of the unspeakable torments that are coming upon the disobedient and unbelieving: What shall the end be of those that obey not the gospel? Who can express or say how dreadful their end will be?” (Matthew Henry)

IT HAS BEGUN! We need to sit up and take note, it is time for all who believe to forget their goals of worldly aspirations, we need now like never before to lay down our lives for the kingdom of God. Troubled times are on the horizon as judgment now has begun amongst professing Christian churches. And yes this has not just started today, it has been in existence for some time, but it is now even closer than it was before.

As individuals we now need to examine our hearts; it would be good for us to heed the voice of our Saviour in and through the book of Revelation and the letters to the churches. And then we need to examine ourselves against the churches we attend; what they are preaching and how they compare with these letters. It is imperative that we get it right as our lives do depend upon it. It is only those who endure unto the end that will be saved! “It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” (Hebrews 12:7) 

This is a serious rebuke and we need to address it as such! May God help us for we are in trouble if we do not heed these warnings!

"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. "'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.'” (Revelation 2:1-7) 

"And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. "'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'" (Revelation 3:14-22)

It must all begin with our personal relationship with our Saviour and we must in conjunction use the Word of God to “trim our sails”. I earnestly pray heavenly Father God that you would gives us ears to hear, Amen!

Signing off

Tyrone    

Fellowship!

(1Corinthians 1:17) “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”

Malcolm said…

“Just an illustration of what I believe is vital in studying the Word. Take this verse for example, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." (1 Cor 1:9) We could dissect and analyse each word, considering its context etc. but really.... we need to be having fellowship with His Son, which is an ongoing experience. The Bible is therefore not an end in itself, but a means to an end.”

I find it healthy that as believers may engage with one another and deliberate around the Word and our great Saviour’s influence in our lives. To most who read this blog you would have noticed the importance I often place on God’s Word and the need for us to understand it in context. I probably make mention on this topic more than any other.

In the past I have struggled with many biblical conflicts between the Pentecostal and Reformed teachings. I come out of a “Bible only” type of mentality; I was told that the only book I should read was the bible. It is by far the greatest book ever written and the most needed book for our lives. If I was allowed only one book it would obviously without the slightest hesitation have to be the Bible. But if gifted theologians wrote books around the Bible teaching us deeper truths, would that not be beneficial? Of course it would! The danger we as young believers face is that just like a babies put everything to their mouths. There are also those that pose under the “Banner of Scripture”, but they are false teachers and these types of authors must obviously be avoided. If we are in doubt about a book whether it is a palatable or not, then obviously, the sound advice would be to put it one side and stay with the Bible. But if those around with a keener eye for error, the watchmen amongst us recommend a sound book, of course we should read it. The purpose of it all is so that we can become more like our Saviour.

I now have a more balanced view to what I once had on reading other books. I use this example as this must be what we strive for (always under the banner of grace), we must look for helpful answers that aid in getting us home. Like every vocation and even schools all have text books expounding their theory. We must understand the theory before we will achieve in the subject. Get the theory wrong and the result will be incorrect. Everything hinges on understanding the theory. Most would agree with this conclusion!

This is the reason we are given so many warning through scripture; not to be lead away by strange doctrines. “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8)

 

The onslaught of the enemy has and will continue to press home, hoping to get believers to walk in doubt and unbelief. Weakening them to a point of hopelessness! We know that Christ has overcome and He will see us through unto the end, He will get us home! Of that I have no doubt! This is why we must learn to place our dependency upon Him and not mere theory. That does not mean that the enemy will not continue to lure us with his lies. He will and he must continue as he is the father of lies, as it is part of his character, he cannot be something he is not.

So then the Bible is a manual for life for all who believe. It is imperative that we understand the correct theory behind it. But what would the theory help if it was all in vain. Imagine a lumberjack receiving the highest accolades in his field. And he then decides to move abroad to a country that has banned all tree-felling. How would his theory now help him survive, it wouldn’t!  Now hear me carefully… How would it help to be the most astute bible scholar if we did not understand the importance of the cross and our Saviours’ accomplishments on our behalf? It could be all in vain!

This is where I believe Malcolm has made a very valid point, we must fall in love with our Saviour before we start chipping away at doctrine. It would be very difficult to separate them, but without a correct understanding of the work of the cross in our lives we remain in our trespasses and our sins, which in turn is doctrine. You cannot have one without the other! Without trying to confuse us, what I am saying is that everything in our lives must first spring from our relationship with Christ. We must lay everything in our lives at His feet. And so, I agree that the “Bible is a means to an end”, it is there to instruct and help us develop a relationship with Him. If we begin to dissect doctrine to the exclusion of what Christ achieve on Calvary then we have missed the mark. This is why I believe Paul is bold with this statement; “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” (1Corinthians 1:17)

We have here,

I. The manner in which Paul preached the gospel, and the cross of Christ: Not with the wisdom of words (1Co_1:17), the enticing words of man's wisdom (1Co_2:4), the flourish of oratory, or the accuracies of philosophical language, upon which the Greeks so much prided themselves, and which seem to have been the peculiar recommendations of some of the heads of the faction in this church that most opposed this apostle. He did not preach the gospel in this manner, lest the cross of Christ should be of no effect, lest the success should be ascribed to the force of art, and not of truth; not to the plain doctrine of a crucified Jesus, but to the powerful oratory of those who spread it, and hereby the honour of the cross be diminished or eclipsed. Paul had been bred up himself in Jewish learning at the feet of Gamaliel, but in preaching the cross of Christ he laid his learning aside. He preached a crucified Jesus in plain language, and told the people that that Jesus who was crucified at Jerusalem was the Son of God and Saviour of men, and that all who would be saved must repent of their sins, and believe in him, and submit to his government and laws. This truth needed no artificial dress; it shone out with the greatest majesty in its own light, and prevailed in the world by its divine authority, and the demonstration of the Spirit, without any human helps. The plain preaching of a crucified Jesus was more powerful than all the oratory and philosophy of the heathen world.

II. We have the different effects of this preaching: To those who perish it is foolishness, but to those who are saved it is the power of God. (Matthew Henry)

– The power of the gospel rests on what Christ has accomplished and not on how smart we may think we are. This however does not me we should not study, on the contrary! Because we now have a relationship with Christ and God our Father it is our duty to be astute. But we must be careful that we do not forget Calvary, we must enter into a “Father-son” relationship, it must be one of communication, and we must learn to engage with an “ABBA Father” type mentality as this is what Christ came to achieve on our behalf. We will only ever achieve this through raw knees and with many tears and not through mere words on paper. MAY WE NEVER FORGET CALVARY, AMEN!

Signing off

Tyrone  

Believe also in Me!

(John 14:1)  "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”

This is quite a statement and just as the Lord Jesus received opposition back then; we must expect the same to happen to us. We must be on guard as the day of the anti-christ now looms with more vigor than before. His day is soon approaching and for that to happen, preparation needs to take place.

Imagine a wedding without preparation, we couldn’t! I understand that his “day of rule” is part of a bigger picture and his preparation begun way back in the Garden of Eden. But there seems to be a much superior voice now making herself heard and although it has much to say on religion the underlying tone has the same pitch to it. Her message in not one of wisdom but trickery! What then does she have to say? It is simple and her voice propagates tolerance for all religions, One God across the board! In other words believe in who you like as it will always lead to the same God. LIES! That’s all it is, easy for most believers to see; but this message will be pressed harder and endevour to make inroads amongst Christians. We can and must have nothing to do with this universal movement. We must always remember that our faith hinges on our great Saviour and on Him alone. Without Christ we would remain dead in our trespasses and sins. I do realize that I am stating the obvious, but the reason I mention it is because I believe this will become a test for us as believers. Stand firm! We will possibly face hardships for it; however it will  be worth it all!

Our message is simple; without Christ every other religion is doomed for hell, salvation is only available in Him on His terms and under the tenet of scripture, no other way will do! He is not a prophet, but God who became a man (Jesus Christ the Lord), He lived without sin and then died for sinners and then on the third day He rose again so that all repenting sinners may go free. A Simple concise message, but we must present it with accuracy as many will come to distort the message.

We Live unto the Lord because He first loved us and for no other reason! We must understand the role we need to play as believers…

“If God had willed it, each of us might have entered heaven at the moment of conversion. It was not absolutely necessary for our preparation for immortality that we should tarry here. It is possible for a man to be taken to heaven, and to be found meet to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light, though he has but just believed in Jesus. It is true that our sanctification is a long and continued process, and we shall not be perfected till we lay aside our bodies and enter within the veil; but nevertheless, had the Lord so willed it, he might have changed us from imperfection to perfection, and have taken us to heaven at once. Why then are we here? Would God keep his children out of paradise a single moment longer than was necessary? Why is the army of the living God still on the battle-field when one charge might give them the victory? Why are his children still wandering hither and thither through a maze, when a solitary word from his lips would bring them into the centre of their hopes in heaven? The answer is-they are here that they may “live unto the Lord,” and may bring others to know his love. We remain on earth as sowers to scatter good seed; as ploughmen to break up the fallow ground; as heralds publishing salvation. We are here as the “salt of the earth,” to be a blessing to the world. We are here to glorify Christ in our daily life. We are here as workers for him, and as “workers together with him.” Let us see that our life answereth its end. Let us live earnest, useful, holy lives, to “the praise of the glory of his grace.” Meanwhile we long to be with him, and daily sing-

“My heart is with him on his throne,

And ill can brook delay;

Each moment listening for the voice,

‘Rise up, and come away.’”

(C.H.Spurgeon)

Signing off

Tyrone

We are His Workmanship...

(Ephesians 2: 10) “For we are his workmanship…”

Why after salvation, that glorious day when the switch to life was triggered and truth flashed before our eyes, the day we met our Saviour the Lord Jesus. Our encounters may have differed, but all were by grace through faith. Let us never forget how this happened! “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) 

I would like us to consider our purpose as individual and what is meant by these good works that God has prepare beforehand (before creation) for us to walk in: – “… And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come.” (Revelation 17:8) - In other words God in His brilliance has so amazingly scripted the outcome of His plan in such detail, that in fact He actual through wisdom preordained all things in and through His Son (our Saviour) before life began as we know it. This thought is far beyond the grasps of our vain imaginations, that without uncovering this truth through God Word, the Bible, we could never understand it. But now because we have His Spirit and with the help of God the Holy Spirit, who reveals all truth we are now able by faith and with sound reasoning to see and understand the beauty of God’s plan as it unfolds in our lives.

These “good works” that we now need to find for our lives is not always as clear as we would like them to be. The Apostle Paul teachers us that we need to work them out; “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function.” (Romans 12:1-4)

Then we must conclude that we all have our roles to play in and through God’s plan, but we must never forget that we need one another, God has so ordained it! “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function.” We all have our roles to play, and yes it must begin in our local church, but we are also part of the universal church, in other words all Christians are part of the same global body of Christ. We must be concerned for all the members of God’s army, all true Christians must lock hands and we must get involved and look out for each other. At times that may mean we may have to be “harsh in love” with one another. If we stray we need the truth from God’s Word to realign our footsteps. God has often chosen to use prophets to speak into the lives of His children. (And no I am not implying that I have prophetic gifts. God knows who we are and what we are!)

Let us look at a case in point; Remember the account of David and Bathsheba, David had sinned against God and had wronged one of his most valiant soldiers Uriah the Hittite. He slept with his wife and then had him killed in battle. Sin had blinded David to such an extent that he tried to push it aside, but it was only until Nathan approached the king that David feel to his knees in repentance. It took a hard word from the prophet to help David realize the severity of his sin and it worked in him repentance. This encounter was full of heartache, in fact David’s son died because of His sin. And yes God was merciful as He is a merciful God and forgave David; just as He has forgiven us more times than we can remember (I make reference to us sinning after salvation). These failures in our lives should be proof enough that we can never boast of our own achievements; “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

I suppose it is easier for me to understand than possibly some, that in me there is no good thing outside of His Spirit. The reason for this is I have failed more than most. I am under no delusion that I have somehow arrived. If it had not been for the saving grace and the mercy of God my Heavenly Father and the work of Calvary I would be as I have said before in some gutter somewhere begging bread.

We must never be fooled into thinking that once we find forgiveness as Christians that there won’t be consequences for our actions. Forgiveness is on offer if God so wills it. But God will not be mocked! All that simply means is He is righteous and always does what is right in His eyes. We often reason in unrighteousness and therefore are left asking this question, why?

Did David find forgiveness for his treacherous sin, we know he did! Where there circumstances to his sin? We also know there was!

This was the outcome…

“Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.'" David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD, the child who is born to you shall die." (2Samuel12:11-14) 

Why then do we feel it should be any different for us? Are we greater than those who have gone before us? Why then do so many of us grapple with the circumstance of our sin? And I will say it again so that there are no misunderstandings, not the forgiveness our sins as believers; we have that if we truly repent but the consequence in our lives after we have sinned is what I make reference too. We must accept them and find grace to press on. We need to understand the full council of God in our lives. We often spend so much time praying for things that go against the will of God. No matter how much David prayed and fasted for his son, it had been settled by Almighty God that he would die. Let us not waste time on the things we cannot change. May God help us to understand the difference between His will and our wants, so that His name will be glorified and so that we eventually learn to be helpful to one another in the body of Christ! May we never forget that it is only by grace through faith in and through the Lord Jesus that this will ever be achieved! Our first consideration must always be Him and Him alone, Amen!

Signing off

Tyrone

The Saviour of Sinners!

(1Timothy 1:15) “Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief:”

What would those around us do if we sang out of tune, would they not squelch their ears to its sound, or what do we do when our friends let us down and disappoint? Do we show resentment? Far too often I would suggest! If only we could learn to take on our great Kings nature and live with His attitude, how useful we would be to those around us. How magnificently our God’s name would be praise, it would be no different to the days of the plight of Israel as they fled slavery and now were about to posses the Promised Land.

There came a day that God began to make good on His promise to Abraham, his seed was now in final preparation to receive their inheritance, the Promised Land! They approach a city, Jericho by name and there they sent spies to spy it out in preparation for battle. Yet the battle was not theirs but God’s! How we need to be reminded that it is the Lord Jesus that has overcome, we must learn to take our eyes off our own struggles and remember that it is His resurrection that we need to be reminded of daily. He who has begun a good work will see it through unto the end.

A harlot by the name of Rahab heard about Israel’s great victory over the Egyptians, news had somehow travel by the winds of the desert and she had heard about this great God. On hearing the news great fear fell upon her and she resolve that whatever the cost she needed to find favour from these people and their God, our God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

At the possibility of losing her life she hid the spies; “And it was told to the king of Jericho, "Behold, men of Israel have come here tonight to search out the land." Then the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, "Bring out the men who have come to you, who entered your house, for they have come to search out all the land." But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them… Before the men lay down, she came up to them on the roof and said to the men, "I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the LORD your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath. Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a sure sign that you will save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death." And the men said to her, "Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the LORD gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you." Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was built into the city wall, so that she lived in the wall. And she said to them, "Go into the hills, or the pursuers will encounter you, and hide there three days until the pursuers have returned. Then afterward you may go your way." The men said to her, "We will be guiltless with respect to this oath of yours that you have made us swear.” (Joshua 2:3-17) 

- What I love about this account is that this woman was a harlot, a sinner! There was no mistaking the fact and even the writer of Hebrews refers to her as Rahab the harlot. Each and every individual that has every lived must come to a place in their lives that they acknowledge that they are sinners and that they need a Saviour (somebody who rescues somebody or something from harm or danger). What then is the danger? Hell! Without Jesus Christ as our Saviour that is where we will all end up. There is no debate required when we look at the Bibles teaching on this subject. These are the facts; unless we repent and call upon the name of the Lord through repentance, seeking out His forgiveness for our sins we will be doomed in the life here after to a Godless eternity.

Here is another example of God’s brilliance as He shows mercy on whom He chooses and He has chosen to save sinners and not the self-righteous as they believe that they do not need a Saviour. Once again he will confine the “wise” (who are in fact fools) and silence them once and for all at the White Throne Judgment.

Mercy rest in His hands alone, no one else has the power to excuse the sinner but God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the only way we will be beneficiaries of that mercy is in and through the Lord Jesus. Accept His sacrifice and find life, reject it at your own peril!

Awhile back I posted that I had resolved to speak the truth even if it hurt. I have now declare the truth. I pray for all those who have not yet bowed the knee to the Lord Jesus that they would repent and call out to Him and find life. I too remember the day when I thought this to be “pie n the sky”. But God who was rich in mercy call out my name and quicken my spirit and I then found life. Father God please have mercy on all who are still grappling to come to terms with this truth, that salvation is only to be found in and through your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is only the sick that seek out a physician and He is the greatest of doctors, praise the name of Jesus! Let us be reminded of what He has achieved; He gave sight to the blind, He raised the dead to life again, He saved the harlot from certain death, He cleansed the leper, He cast out demons from a madman that was chained like an animal, He calmed the raging seas, He fed the poor and after all these acts of humanity he was beaten, whipped and then sent to die the cruelest of deaths, He was crucified on a hill, Golgotha by name. He bled and died for sinner so that they could go free. Do not be mistaken, reject the work of Calvary and you will not escape the wrath of God. He has given all; He laid down His life to make a way for sinners to repent of their sin. He alone has the keys to heaven and hell. Without His blood as our covering we will be found naked.

Growing up as a boy I idolized many different men as my hero’s but there is no one that will ever come close to the greatest of all heroes’, my Saviour the Lord Jesus. There is no one like Him! He is my HERO! How do you view Him?

Rahab believed the report and found safety, what will you do with the message of the Gospel I wonder? This offer is still on offer, but it will eventually run its course, the doors of heaven will be shut and then it will be too late. I urge you do not delay, for we do not know what tomorrow will hold.

 Signing off

Tyrone