Why speak?

(Psalms 60:6)  “God has spoken in his holiness:”

Yesterday’s post seemed to create some stirs and it may have appeared to some that my blog is purely based on academia and not a personal living relationship with my great Saviour the Lord Jesus. As I have said many times in the past, if it had not been for my great Saviour’s patience with me throughout my life, I would be in some gutter begging bread. My life has been filled with so many foolish choices and yet He has never given up on me. Having said that, there is a time when we as Christians need to put off childish things and become men in Christ; “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” (Corinthians 13:11)   

What are my reasons for writing this blog, it was never about standing up to get noticed? I use to pen to a dairy on a daily basis or there about. But looking down at the pages was a little scary, as I am rather untidy and my spelling is not up to scratch, so even I battle to make out what I had just penned. Then I came across BlogSpot with grammar and spell check, what was I to do? It was a no brainer!

What and why then do I blog?

The what! Is whatever question I need an answer for, I either think on something or I see someone making a comment about biblical truths, I either agree or disagree and then I make it my business to search out the scriptures? Why do I do this? Because I need to find the answers for my life! We are dealing with eternal issues and if we get it wrong it will be tragic. And yes sometimes it gets very personal, it could never be any other way, as relationships are personal. Christianity is intimate; it is the greatest of love affairs. Our daily lives are filled with mystery, jubilation and even heartache at times, we have a great High Priest that is not only capable but willingly sympathizes with all of God’s children, praise His name!  

I then post these blogs in the hope that others may also find answers to their lives and deepen their relationship with the Lord Jesus. At times even my own emotions look to fight the answers I find in the Holy Scriptures, but I have learnt and am still learning that when I ignore those findings they are to my own detriment. Therefore emotions are vital but if they second guess the word of God, we need to seek out grace so that they may be trained in alignment to the Word of God.

It is all about locking hands as Christians so that we can by God’s Spirit and through God’s Word extinguish the fiery darts of the devil, he is a roaring lion that goes about seeking to devour those who stand upon the truth of God’s Word and he does this by challenging God’s Word.

I hope this helps you understand what and why I post these blogs.

Finally it must never be about our opinions if they are contrary to God’s Word. How will that ever help us? It won’t! We need to be fashioned and skilled by it! What then is my greatest concern in these last days? I would have to say the warning that the Apostle Paul give Timothy; “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2Timothy 4:3-4) - I believe this verse has begun to gain momentum. How would we have known to be on the lookout for this error if we did not go to the Holy Scripture to help us understand? We have been told! It is now up to us to put on the armour of God to help us stand in defence against this error, pay attention to it and it will be well with our souls; ignore its warning at our own peril. It is all about holding and clinging to the never changing Word as our lives do depend upon it.

I leave you with this encouragement; “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” (Titus 1:9)

This then is why I blog and consider so many voice in our world today that comes against God’s Holy Word.

Signing off

Tyrone

  

Jesus wept!

(John 11:35)  “Jesus wept.”

It interests me to compare my emotional state this morning to how I felt yesterday. Yesterday as I sat typing out my blog I was at peace but today I feel a little more apprehensive. Why the difference? Today I would like to tackle the emotional state of a Christian and whether or not we should be sensitive to it or not? Should we act upon our emotions? It would be impossible to ignore them as if we were programmed with robot tendencies, so when we pretend to disregard our feeling as unimportant are we walking in obedience to Gods Word. At the end of the day it is about our obedience to God and His Word. Obedience is then our goal, on the other hand does emotion play any part in finding obedience?

Why this topic? - Amongst some reformed theologians I often tend to get the feeling that they like to go out of their way to make as if emotion plays no part in a Christians life, or at least shouldn’t. Comments like, “if you want a warm and fuzzy feeling get a dog”, or something similar. The implication means that we must never be led by our emotions as a Christian. In principle I do not share the same sentiment. Let me explain, but before I do, let me first lay a foundation as it is the correct balance I seek.

We know the Word of God is the final authority as God will never deny himself; He is the same yesterday, today and forever. We would all agree upon that truth! Regardless of how we would dissect different portions of scripture, every Christian would agree that the Bible is the final authority as it has been inspired by God the Holy Spirit and although men were used to pen its context, it could as well of being God penning the Words himself.

Why does the writer of Hebrews tell us that the Lord Jesus is touched with the feelings of our infirmities? “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize {identify or be touch with the similar feelings} with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

I would suggest that the Lords Jesus’ life here on earth was filled with emotion. It is part of a man’s makeup and no! it was not only after the fall that emotions played their part in actuality. How do we know this, the answer is obvious, the Lord Jesus was a man who knew no sin and yet he had emotional experiences.

Let us consider one of those recorded emotional experiences…

Lazarus was now dead and his family wept for him and then Jesus arrives on the scene and this is how it played out; “Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept.” (John 11:32-35) – Note; although Mary was extremely respectful as she approached the Lord Jesus (she fell at his feet, she bow to Him acknowledging his authority) it was her tears that the Lord noticed; her emotion had caught His attention. It so gripped Him that he also began to cry. Some have suggested that he cried because she lacked faith and there may be some truth to this but I believe it goes a lot deeper than this. He felt her pain! We see the compassion of our great Saviour towards those in misery and yet He was never overthrown by His emotion.

His sentiment did not get him to lose focus on the issues at hand, He had come to do the will of His Father and that was to lay down his life for sinners. However along the way His life was filled with passion. What can we learn from His great example? Our lives should be filled with compassion for one another, we are instructed to weep with those that weep and to laugh with those that laugh etc. But we are never to lose focus on our task at hand and that is to present the gospel of our great Saviour to a lost and this dying generation.

My conclusion then is that God has given us emotion to emphasis with others for His name sake. Emotions help us to understand our need to call upon our great High Priest in time of need, it would be one thing if we were left alone to struggle with our fears but we now have a High Priest who has in all points been tempted as we are tempted and yet without sin. He has personally experienced everything we go through and on an emotional level, let us never forget His great sacrifice!

But beware of any emotion that looks to take you away from His counsel and His Word; they are traps and lures to deceive.

I say welcome emotion and let them lead us to Him as we seek to be succoured by our great King as He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities.

Signing off

Tyrone

    

The new has come!

(2Corinthians 5:17) “The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

It is that time again and spring is in the air, the clock has just barely passed 4am and I hear the birds twittering in the distance, a pleasant sound echoing through the still of the night. If I was asked to describe it in a word, what word would I cherry-pick? Tranquility, serenity or peacefulness, which all has similar meanings, would be high on the list. Apart from Senora’s (my Siberian husky) heavy breathing which in itself confirms life although death is prominent as she is nearing 15 and even with that noise included I am at peace, thank you Father God for moments like these.

The bible encourages us to exhort one another while it is call today; “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13)

It is important for us to take a stroll along the banks of God’s river, or to wade in the shallows of the stream, to sit still and listen to the sounds that filter through the Holy Scriptures. If we listen carefully we may just pick up a new fresh note, not that there is anything new to Scripture, but it may be new for us, it may help us find grace in time of need. It may give us sustenance just for “today” and so we have been encouraged to find strength to pursue our heavenly calling, chew off more than a day at a time and before long you will be caught up with the deceitfulness of sin. It has a way of impregnating our carnal natures. But we are no longer under its master, if we indeed have been born again and have Christ Spirit guiding us along the way; “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6) - Therefore we need to remind one another that we must set time aside to commune with our Lord and Saviour, without this fellowship we once again begin to walk as we once did when we groped in the dark.

The truth of the matter is that if we are new creatures in Christ then all things old have passed away whether we want to believe it or not. We have a new standing in Christ and this is what the Apostle Paul teachers; “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2Corinthians 5:17) – What I find intriguing is that he needed to teach this truth to the Corinthian Church, those who seem to struggle the most with their old carnal natures. Those who seemed to want to use grace as a licence to sin! I also once erred on that side of their error in understanding. It seemed too hard to have to walk as a sinless man, or so I was tricked to believe. Now if we say we are without sin we deceive ourselves. This is not what I am claiming, but now because of Christ’s perfect sacrifice and because of what He was able to utter while still nailed to the cross, “it is finished”, we all now are no longer viewed as sinners in that sense but saints, and children of God! The new has come and we must remind each other of this truth, we must exhort one another and so I now reassure you of this truth…

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2Corinthians 5:17-21)

Because of what He achieved on our behalf we have now been covered by His righteousness, let us therefore remember to find the joy of the Lord, to be thankful in all our trials and tribulations as they are working together for our own good. Let us be slow with anger as our God is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness, praise His glorious name! We all deserved death but instead of what should have been our punishment, hell and all its eternal torment, we have find life in and through our great risen King, the Lord Jesus Christ has saved our souls.

I would encourage you today to draw aside and to thank Him for all things that are now new. When we learn to focus on Him the trials of life will disappear into the distance, not that we shouldn’t be hard pressed any longer by the trials of life as they are very needful for our training up in righteousness but they will not have such a hold on us. We will eventually learn to be content wherever we find ourselves. I pray Father God that you would write these truths deep within our hearts and help us to walk as new creatures in Christ, for to this we have been called, if we indeed have Your Spirit.

Set time aside to wade in the streams of righteousness and it will be well with our souls!

Signing off

Tyrone

  

The call of God!

(2Timothy 1:9) “Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.”

The call of God is a mighty and special specific call; there can be no greater call!

I remember as a young boy sitting huddled in a group after soccer and cricket trails waiting for my name to be called out, and when I heard it I remember feeling the well of emotion stir as I thought, yep I’ve made it! All the hard work kicking the ball with my dad in the back garden had paid off. I was now reaping the rewards as I had been selected for the side. My name had been called! There was tenacity in the way I went about making sure that my name would be called.

In my final year at Greenside High, I recall my coach calling me over and saying to me that I would not be going to Craven Week trials (The Craven Week is an annual rugby tournament organised for the school boys of South Africa) as they had already picked their 8^th Man. I was not happy with the news and made it my goal to prove the selectors wrong. I think that was my coach’s intention from the outset. My opportunity eventually arrive, Sandown high was the opposition and all the Craven week selectors where line side, now was my chance, I took it with both arms and play arguably the best game of my life. I outplayed my opposite number and he was the selector’s choice, in fact he had made the side a year earlier. My name was call and I was invited to Craven Week trials.

Forgive me for the apparent self-pat on the back, but my point will be evident. All I longed for all my life was to have my name called, to be recognised and be noticed. I am not sure that I was different to any other young boy, we all have a similar drives and that is to achieve. We all long to have our name called!

But could there ever be a higher call than that from almighty God, the only true God, the creator of the heavens and the earth? Never ever! The Apostle Paul embraced this call with all his might; “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, “called” (invited, that is more accurately appointed, specifically called by name) to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.” (Romans 1:1) – How did this happen? An audible voice boomed from heaven, this is all he needed to hear, to have his name called, meant the world to him. Here was a man that seemed to be possessed with bringing down the Christian faith with all his might and vigour, he seemed oblivious to the error of his ways, until God called him by name. Look at his life and then one understands what it meant to him; “Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.” (2Corinthians 11:24-28)   

I want us to ponder our lives and the call that we too have received if in fact we have indeed been called by Jehovah God. Have our eyes been open to the kingdom of heaven, are we born again, do we have the Spirit of God living within us? If this is true, then your name has been called by the great I AM, wow what a thought! Nevertheless it is true! Am I even more excited to hear His call than I was as a young boy waiting to have my name called after trials. At first many year ago, twenty two back I recollect the excitement that grip my soul, I may not have understood it like I now understand it but my zeal was far more real back then, forgive me Father! When the light switch was triggered and I finally had come to my senses, life now made perfect sense, heaven was real and I was going to let people know about it. The Lord Jesus Christ had died for my sins and He had forgiven me, wow! How was I to remain silent? It was not possible! I had heard my name called, not just by my soccer coach, but by God Himself, I weep even now as this reality resonates.

Where did I go wrong is my next question? I look at all the scars that I bear in my body from so many bad choices. There are so many false hopes and lies in this world with snares and traps on every corner just waiting to trip up the believer. And yes they do play their part in our lives along the way, but God who is rich in mercy is faithful to His call and will remain faithful to the very end, praise His majestic name! The Lord Jesus is the great Shepherd and He will not lose even one of his sheep, do you believe this? – “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day." (John 6:39-40) – Therefore I am persuaded that if God has called you by name, I do not speak about a general call, what I mean by this, is the Lord Jesus has died for the whosoever and the call has gone out to all, but only those who repent and believe and have be specifically called, they will never be lost!

And if you disagree with me then you do not believe the text quoted above. We serve a great God and the gates of hell will never prevail against Him, which would be impossible, it will never happen! Do not believe the lie if it be that you doubt His ability to get you home. Now with that in mind let us never forget what it cost our Lord and Saviour, He was crucified so that we could hear this awesome call from God, without His sacrifice there would be no call and because of it He is now not only own God but also our Father. No greater privileged is available to those who have been called, so the next time we think to complain, may we remember what it cost our King so that we could go free.

I am thankful Lord Jesus my Lord and Saviour for what you accomplished on Calvary and so long as you give me voice, I will declare this truth when and wherever the opportunity presents itself. I pray that the zeal I once had would be rekindled so that your name would be praise, that you would be high and lifted up, for you alone are worthy of all praise! Father God thank you for calling out my name, I could never repay you, except that I now no longer belong to myself, help me understand this with even more clarity than before.

Signing off

Tyrone  

  

Faith comes from hearing!

(Romans 10:13-17) “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Christianity is not a surreal (dreamlike) reality but rather actuality; we are pressed daily by various considerations that need to be acted upon. Our minds cannot remain neutral on the more serious issues we face on a daily basis. In South Africa we have an informative TV show and for the most part it is an informative news show that exposes us to some cruel realities, crime in South Africa and the like are often wonderfully exposed. However last night “Carte Blanche” aggressively put in a punt for the evolution polls and those weak in faith would be rocked by it. If fact I love the fact that questions like these present themselves with such aggression, it helps us question where we stand and what we really believe.

Last night they endeavored to persuade their viewers that they had have found another missing link to mankind’s evolution. This find came from the Human Cradle of Mankind and now with modern technology they are able to backdate it to almost 2 million years ago, or so they say! Now the bible on the other hand teachers that we all come from Adam and that is roughly about 6000 years ago. Historically through the genealogy of the bible this has been documented. Now which one is true? Are we descendants of the ape family which can be traced back some two million years or are we the dependence of Adam and Eve; more accurately we are from the lineage of Ham, Sham or Japheth, the sons of Noah. Those who survived the great flood!

Two days ago I addressed the never changing Word of God and how it would stand the test of time. These other voices oppose the Word of God trying to disprove the Bible. Once again we see that God is never caught off guard and this is what the Apostle Paul teachers; “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1Corinthians 1:18-25)

What then has God chosen to use as His pivotal trigger to help mankind have their eyes opened to His wisdom? It is nothing other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, without His Spirit we remain as men that grope in the dark and we clutch at straws. Here again is proof on display, we see the scientists of the world making radical claims about our origin and the world as a rule says, wow! Everything about wisdom and life hinges on the work of the cross. Without this understanding we remain blind to the truth of God and our origin.

We can often enter a debate about many things that captivate our minds as men, but unless we preach the cross we will continue to beat our chests in vain. Always look to preach the cross when encountering any consideration no matter what that topic may be. If not we have missed the mark and we will not help those who grope in the dark as they clutch  straws. Paul puts it like this; “For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their craftiness," and again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile." (1Corinthians 3:19-20)

Last night after much deliberation one of the scientists said something like this; this new find now proves that evolution is a little more complicated than we first thought. Go figure! But before we begin to gloat may we remember that there was a time that we also groped in the dark and if it had not been for the message of the gospel and the grace of God we would still be blind men leading one another into a ditch.

It is now our responsibility to declare the truth about Christ sacrifice to all and sundry. This now needs to be the banner of truth that we carry with us and on a daily basis;  For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16) – Therefore let us remember the responsibility that has now been placed on each of us; “For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?" So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:13-17)

The only way someone will be saved is if they respond to the audible message of the gospel, therefore we need to preach this message of hope. “So faith come from hearing, and hearing from the word of Christ.” Let us not lose focus of this truth because many voices try their best to get us to forget the importance of this simple instruction to preach Christ and Him crucified!

Signing off

Tyrone   

   

But the righteous shall live by his faith!

(Habakkuk 2:4) “… but the righteous shall live by his faith.”

We must always remember to take consolation in the fact that God is not like us, He never changes, and He is not volatile! At times we flippantly promise to do something only to go back on our word. God has none of these characteristics as He is perfect. We must learn that the universe is at His pleasure or disposal where and when He chooses. Both the natural and the spiritual realm are subject to His rule. If only we could see the warfare in the heavens, if our eyes could be opened to the spiritual realm as a natural man, it would solidify the reality of how serious a topic this is. “Fear God and keep His commandments.”

And yet lives through the existence of mankind have proved this impossible. Outside of the Lord Jesus Christ all have failed, He alone was free from sin, praise His name! Mahatma Gandhi, the Dali lama, Mohammed, all of the popes and anyone else you would chose to include in the list have all fallen short of my Saviour achievements, they all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. They will be found guilty of sin on judgment day, unless along the way, they fell to their knees denouncing their false faith and repented of their sin by acknowledged that it was the Lord Jesus Christ who died on their behalf and paid the price they should have paid; He was judged by His holy Father, the only true living God, on our behalf not for His sin as He knew no sin, He never succumbed to sins temptation and yet He died for our sin, may this truth resonate deep within our understanding; the love of God on display for all to see, reject this open invitation at your own peril.

But when and if embraced it is like the sweetest honey in the desert rock, the realization that this almighty God who has it in His power to summon fire from the heavens or to flood the earth as He did in the days of Noah, the very same God I am now  able to address as my Father. This is one awesome privilege! And only because of my great Saviour Obedience, bless His majestic name now and forever more! All hail King Jesus!

Why where those in Hebrew chapter 11 prepared to lose their lives and live in the desert or in caves without any of the leeks and garlic of Egypt. The answer is obvious, they believed in our risen King although they could not see heaven with their natural eyes, it was by faith they believe the promises of God. It was so real to their understanding that they proved it by the way they lived. Look to any of the examples penned in this chapter, as they all speak of sincere faith by their actions. It is not merely lip service. What then can we learn from them? There is much we could and should learn from these valiant warriors of God. They all have an overshadowing common denominator, “Faith”! They believed God! Will we believe God? We must not rely on our circumstance, whether we are rich or poor has no bearing on our eternal outcome, all must believe the Word of God and in faith embrace its teaching as there is nothing else that will stand the test of time.

Some were vertically sawn in half, while others excluded themselves from the fashions of the world and wondered the desert sheepskins and I am persuaded that their attire was not branded “Armani” or the like. Just common people saved by an awesome God who was thankful for the call upon their lives, are we? Can we share the sentiments of the Apostle Paul; have we learnt to be content wherever we find ourselves. Does it really matter what comforts we have in this life? Paul reassures us that this should have no bearing on our daily living. In fact it hinders our growth in the Lord. How so one may ask? If we look for anything above food and raiment, then we walk straight into the trap of “the love of money” and it will lead us down a slippery road.

But in order for us to embrace this glorious hope, heaven with all of God’s blessings we must firstly understand that God Himself has called us, then saved us and that He will lead us home. Once this is truly understood, the rest will take care of itself. This is what all those in Hebrews 11 believed. That does not mean that at times they lacked faith, we know that Abraham tried to speed up the promise of God under Sarah’s unction and had a child with Hagar, who was not the seed that would be blessed by God.

Yet no mention is made of this in this stanza; “By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised.” (Hebrews 11:11) – In spite of our mistakes alone the way God is faithful to His call, praise His name. It has nothing to do the self-righteous. Rahab the harlot, Samson the womaniser had their faults, nevertheless these people are mentioned. In fact their faith was of such strength and character, that God the Holy Spirit chose to mention them by name.

Regardless how you may have fallen in the past, if God has saved you and you have His Spirit, you are covered by the blood of the lamb and you indeed are a son of God, Know this that He will never leave nor forsake you even if you have been unruly at times. He is the greatest of all Fathers and His love can be measured, just look at the length He went too to get you confessing Him as the only true God. He sent His only begotten Son to die in your place, my place! Rahab and Samson understood this, do you? Do we? Faith believes God and the frailty of sin and the flesh is no match for true faith.

We now as sons have this privilege, we can cry “Abba Father”, the Lord Jesus has opened this door for us and let no one lie to you and convince you otherwise as they look to appropriate legalism as a form of justification, we will never be justified within ourselves by what we do or do not do. We are justified by what Christ achieved on Calvary and nothing else, praise His name! We must believe God for this truth; “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) 

We believe that He exists and we know that our reward will be an eternity in heaven with Him. What then if we find we struggle so often with the issues of life? Should we let them rob us of our hope in Him? Absolutely not! Even if we are battered by the wind and the trials of life leave us feeling rather bruised, we must cling to our hope by faith. This is then our consolation if we skirt with borderline decisions on what we should be doing as a child of God, know this that God our Father will address those issues in our lives; always remember this encouragement as I speak from a platform of experience and I hope it will encourage you to press on regardless of your struggles;-

“In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." 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? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.” (Hebrews 12:4-8)

Signing off

Tyrone

The never-changing Word of God!

(Matthew 24:35) “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

This morning I was asked by a pop up on my computer if I wanted to update my anti-virus software, we all know this needs doing if we are to keep unwanted bugs at bay. Technology is a slippery customer and it is almost impossible to keep ones finger on the pulse. But ignore its progression at your own peril. We clearly see that the ways of this world are not like the ways of our God. This is what the bible teachers; “For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their craftiness." (1Corinthians 3:19) 

Here we see a continuous attempt by the anti-virus companies to update their software so that they may keep the hackers at bay; it always has to change. There is no constant safe-guard. It is not so with God! He is the same yesterday, today and forever! He has no need to upgrade his character or His Word, He is who He is and He is perfect, praise His name!

His Word will endure forever, apparent Christian movement feel they need to progressively change with the times, they are wrong! All this proves is that they are carnally minded. Even and earth will pass away but there is one constant rule that our great God will abide by; “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” It is not subject to the craftiness of men or for the matter the ploy of the devil. It is undefeatable and it needs no upgrade. It is nothing like the wisdom of this world.

Having said that, this is exactly where the battle rages. There has and will always be an attack on God’s Word but it is the only constant that will stand the test of time. We need to cling to its instruction with all our might. We need to stick to its plain sense. There is no need to confuse our understanding, believe it we must, as our life does depend upon it.

The Lord Jesus is the Word of life and no other deceit or ploy from man will ever change this truth. No other religion or philosophy has any part in God’s reckoning when it comes to His beloved Son, our great saviour. It is a simple truth but an imperative fact we need to cling to with both hands and more. Let us never forget what it cost the Lord to take away our sin. Praise the name of Jesus now and forever more! We owe Him at the very least our loyalty to His Word! And let us remember that is never changes, it is our safe-guard for this life and the life to come!

With this mind-set we need to embrace the Word of God, we need to lay hold of the Lord Jesus who is the gift of life…

“And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.”

- Mark_3:13

“Here was sovereignty. Impatient spirits may fret and fume, because they are not called to the highest places in the ministry; but reader be it thine to rejoice that Jesus calleth whom he wills. If he shall leave me to be a doorkeeper in his house, I will cheerfully bless him for his grace in permitting me to do anything in his service. The call of Christ’s servants comes from above. Jesus stands on the mountain, evermore above the world in holiness, earnestness, love and power. Those whom he calls must go up the mountain to him, they must seek to rise to his level by living in constant communion with him. They may not be able to mount to classic honours, or attain scholastic eminence, but they must like Moses go up into the mount of God and have familiar intercourse with the unseen God, or they will never be fitted to proclaim the gospel of peace. Jesus went apart to hold high fellowship with the Father, and we must enter into the same divine companionship if we would bless our fellowmen. No wonder that the apostles were clothed with power when they came down fresh from the mountain where Jesus was. This morning we must endeavour to ascend the mount of communion, that there we may be ordained to the lifework for which we are set apart. Let us not see the face of man to-day till we have seen Jesus. Time spent with him is laid out at blessed interest. We too shall cast out devils and work wonders if we go down into the world girded with that divine energy which Christ alone can give. It is of no use going to the Lord’s battle till we are armed with heavenly weapons. We must see Jesus, this is essential. At the mercy-seat we will linger till he shall manifest himself unto us as he doth not unto the world, and until we can truthfully say, “We were with him in the Holy Mount.”” (C.H.Spurgeon)

Signing off

Tyrone

My Conclusion!

(Romans 9:21)  “Has the potter no right over the clay.”

What then is the conclusion to my understanding on what we have considered over the last three days? On the surface it seems confusing at first glance and many seemed to have battled to come to grips with its truth as I believe many still do. However it is not complicated when thoroughly examined. Having said all of that, everything about our actuality hinges on the grace of God. We breathe fresh air that keeps our lungs functioning as they should, and it is God who has given us both the air to breathe as well as the mechanics wherewith to accomplish the task.

Some see the kingdom of God while others do not, some see and are yet are suborn and selfish (me) as sin has left its mark. We need to be broken down more severely than others. But it is God who is rich in mercy who decided (wills) on how things play out. He is nevertheless righteous and we see clearly from scripture that He has chosen to abide by his character and His rules and by that I mean if we end up “dull of hearing” then our hearing will be stifled, we will suffer loss. Remember Samson he lost both his eyes and David lost the son he fasted for. For every action there is a reaction, never forget that it is God who is in control and in effect determines the outcome. Think on it like this, a man sits with a clump of clay in his hand and as he kneads it preparing it for it purpose, along the way he finds a lump, what does he do with the unwanted contamination? He removes it and then begins to knead it again and then once it is free of lumps he may find air bubbles and so the process continues, until eventually the clump of clay is ready for use. Ultimately the clay is now ready but it is still the potter who decides its fate. A vessel of honour or dishonor! Or hath not the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? (Romans 9:21) – God has the final say and not man!

But Paul also teachers us this truth; “Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” (2Timothy 2:20-21) – The responsibility nevertheless remains with us to walk in obedience!

All I am saying is yes, we are responsible for all of our actions, these decisions remain with us and even the common law teaches us this principle; break the law and we will be subject to the governing authorities. But because we cannot physically see the spiritual world, when we reason, we often purpose our outcome with the carnal mind because this is where we live and breathe. But this type of reasoning is now no longer part of our arsenal, our spiritual armour. All it does is gets us into trouble as it endeavors to mislead us. Look at Samson and David! If and when someone continues in their habitual way contrary to scripture and struggle in an area we do not or visa-versa, where does this leave us and our understanding on how we should view what we now witness in others? Do we become conceited and accuse them and excuse ourselves? If so we have misunderstood the instruction from the Holy Scripture. I believe the Lord teaches us the answer to this question in His teaching prayer; “Father forgive us as we forgive those who trespass against us.” We must never forget this truth; “And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” (2Timothy 2:24-26) – Here we see it is God who has the final say!

The only way a person will change their error is if God has mercy on them. We say obviously He has already had mercy on us, well said! However life is a process and is there to teach us obedience. We are to pray for one another in sincerity, there must be a boast-less type of mentality when we see others erring from the text of scripture. With this rational we now apply this verse to our understanding and it makes perfect sense; “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)

Boasting is never allowed in a Christian’s life unless our boast is in Christ and His achievements, any other boast will get us into trouble and our fall will be just around the corner. Remember this verse; “God resist the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Now with this understanding and with an attitude fueled by the grace of God, we now must look for those good works that God has prepared for us to walk in. Grace is an empowering tool to help us overcome! I do not suggest that we now draw a treasure map and place it under our arms as we look to conquer no matter who gets in our way. Daily living in our locate assembly will achieve this goal. It is part of our Great God’s design. Nevertheless we must learn to be sensitive to the leading of God’s Spirit; we must look for opportunities to give to those in need.

A friend will encourage us to entertain strangers as they may be angels. But I say what of those we choose to ignore, it is clear from scripture, it is often those people when ignore is exactly the people we shouldn’t discount because if we do we have turned our back on the Lord Jesus himself. How so one may ask? – “Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Matthew 25:45)

In effect when we extend our hand to others in the name of the Lord, we lengthen our hand to the Lord Himself; this is what He taught us. Will we give it the attention it deserves? If not, then we are all mouth and no action as James concludes; “But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18)

I pray that God will continue to have mercy on all His children in this area of our lives.

Signing off

Tyrone  

   

  

Can faith lose its sting?

(James 2:17) “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Faith without works is dead! This is a clear instruction from the Apostle James and seeing that it is the separation from the goats and the sheep that we now look to understand, it is James that seals it for us, or should I say settles my understanding on the subject. Let me explain why!

It is clear as we have explored enough to conclude that the sheep, those on the Kings right will be blessed by the Lord’s Father, God himself prepared a kingdom for them from the foundation of the world. The goats, those on His left, will suffer a different fate, a very scary reality will set in for all of them, and they will be punished forever and ever. They will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life; “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Matthew 25:46)

The Lord Jesus spends a long time deliberating the difference between the two, the transformation in character and action is obvious. One is self-centred while the other puts their brethren before themselves. This in itself is how we are too invest our talent, the gift God has given us, we must look to use it wisely and by extending a hand of compassion to those in need, as it is our instruction.

The Lord Jesus in Matthew chapter 25 start with five wise and five foolish virgins, it then move onto the parable of the servant with their talents and then it peaks with God’s judgment. All of the examples speak of an application to either foolishness or to wisdom. Both the wise and the foolish have their role to play in the story.

I now want to bring us back to our understanding on Ephesians; “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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Obviously if we look to works as a boast then we have understood very little if anything, I will even go as far as to say is all we confirm is that we side with the goats. It is clear that because of Christ’s work and His perfect plan for the believers life, it will eventually free us up to lay down our lives for each other, it must work this peaceable fruit into our lives, for if it does not then we must take James’ warnings very seriously.

However James lays a foundation to his epistle before he addresses the importance of “faith by works”, it seems to have something to do with his understanding on the power one receives in accomplishing God’s call upon one’s life. All have been saved by grace through faith and works will never justify our standing before God as we understand that it is only because of God’s grace that we may now walk in newness of life, following Christ’s example to lay down our lives for our brethren. What James teaches is that every true believer will learn to look at the trials of their lives, as helps, that will eventually strengthen them so that they will be of service to their brethren. This is undoubtedly the call God has place on His children’s lives. The Lord Jesus has paved the way and many since then have followed by example and not only with lip-service. There is an obvious different between the goat and the sheep; and this is what I see, one speaks of doing it while others get on and do it!

James puts it like this; “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works (Note; this proves true son-ship). You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"--and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (James 2:13-24) 

The complete picture of faith working together with works helps us differentiate between the goats and the sheep. And helps us examine our own hearts to see where we stand. I am found wanting, but God who is rich in mercy has opened my eyes to this lack in my life, not that I lack anything from Him, but the lack of my application in faith toward Him, forgive me Father! You have shown me what is required; help me I pray lay down my life for my brethren, whoever they may be and wherever they may be.

Lord willing tomorrow we will conclude on this subject.

Signing off

Tyrone

     

      

The coming King!

(Matthew 25:31)  "When the Son of Man comes in his glory.”

It would be good to stand back and receive some other input on our consideration on the separation and judgment of the goats and the sheep. Matthew Henry seems to be my obvious choice, let us look at his take on some of the scripture we looked at yesterday and then hopefully we can sum-up our responsibility to this topic.

I. The placing of the judge upon the judgment-seat (Mat_25:31); When the Son of man shall come. Observe here,

1. That there is a judgment to come, in which every man shall be sentenced to a state of everlasting happiness, or misery, in the world of recompence or retribution, according to what he did in this world of trial and probation, which is to be judged of by the rule of the everlasting gospel.

2. The administration of the judgment of the great day is committed to the Son of man; for by him God will judge the world (Act_17:31), and to him all judgment is committed, and therefore the judgment of that day, which is the centre of all. Here, as elsewhere, when the last judgment is spoken of, Christ is called the son of man, because he is to judge the sons of men (and, being himself of the same nature, he is the more unexceptionable); and because his wonderful condescension to take upon him our nature, and to become the son of man, will be recompensed by this exaltation in that day, and an honour put upon the human nature.

3. Christ's appearing to judge the world will be splendid and glorious. Agrippa and Bernice came to the judgment-seat with great pomp (Act_25:23); but that was (as the original word is) great fancy. Christ will come to the judgment-seat in real glory: the Sun of righteousness shall then shine in his meridian lustre, and the Prince of the kings of the earth shall show the riches of his glorious kingdom, and the honours of his excellent majesty; and all the world shall see what the saints only do now believe - that he is the brightness of his Father's glory. He shall come not only in the glory of his Father, but in his own glory, as mediator: his first coming was under a black cloud of obscurity; his second will be in a bright cloud of glory. The assurance Christ gave his disciples of his future glory, might help to take off the offence of the cross, and his approaching disgrace and suffering.

4. When Christ comes in his glory to judge the world, he will bring all his holy angels with him. This glorious person will have a glorious retinue, his holy myriads, who will be not only his attendants, but ministers of his justice; they shall come with him both for state and service. They must come to call the court (1Th_4:16), to gather the elect (Mat_24:31), to bundle the tares (Mat_13:40), to be witnesses of the saints' glory (Luk_12:8), and of sinners' misery, Rev_14:10.

5. He will then sit upon the throne of his glory. He is now set down with the Father upon his throne; and it is a throne of grace, to which we may come boldly; it is a throne of government, the throne of his father David; he is a priest upon that throne: but then he will sit upon the throne of glory, the throne of judgment. See Dan_7:9, Dan_7:10. Solomon's throne, though there was not its like in any kingdom, was but a dunghill to it. Christ, in the days of his flesh, was arraigned as a prisoner at the bar; but at his second coming, he will sit as a judge upon the bench.

II. The appearing of all the children of men before him (Mat_25:32); Before him shall be gathered all nations. Note, The judgment of the great day will be a general judgment. All must be summoned before Christ's tribunal; all of every age of the world, from the beginning to the end of time; all of every place on earth, even from the remotest corners of the world, most obscure, and distant from each other; all nations, all those nations of men that are made of one blood, to dwell on all the face of the earth.

III. The distinction that will then be made between the precious and the vile; He shall separate them one from another, as the tares and wheat are separated at the harvest, the good fish and the bad at the shore, the corn and chaff in the floor. Wicked and godly here dwell together in the same kingdoms, cities, churches, families, and are not certainly distinguishable one from another; such are the infirmities of saints, such the hypocrisies of sinners, and one event to both: but in that day they will be separated, and parted for ever; Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, Mal_3:18. They cannot separate themselves one from another in this world (1Co_5:10), nor can any one else separate them (Mat_13:29); but the Lord knows them that are his, and he can separate them. This separation will be so exact, that the most inconsiderable saints shall not be lost in the crowd of sinners, nor the most plausible sinner hid in the crowd of saints (Psa_1:5), but every one shall go to his own place. This is compared to a shepherd's dividing between the sheep and the goats; it is taken from Eze_34:17, Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle. Note, 1. Jesus Christ is the great Shepherd; he now feeds his flock like a shepherd, and will shortly distinguish between those that are his, and those that are not, as Laban divided his sheep from Jacob's, and set three days' journey between them, Gen_30:35, Gen_30:36. 2. The godly are like sheep - innocent, mild, patient, useful: the wicked are like goats, a baser kind of animal, unsavoury and unruly. The sheep and goats are here feeding all day in the same pasture, but will be coted at night in different folds. Being thus divided, he will set the sheep on his right hand, and the goats on his left, Mat_25:33. Christ puts honour upon the godly, as we show respect to those we set on our right hand; but the wicked shall rise to everlasting shame, Dan_12:2. It is not said that he shall put the rich on his right hand, and the poor on his left; the learned and noble on his right hand, and unlearned and despised on his left; but the godly on his right hand, and the wicked on his left. All other divisions and subdivisions will then be abolished; but the great distinction of men into saints and sinners, sanctified and unsanctified, will remain for ever, and men's eternal state will be determined by it. The wicked took up with left-handed blessings, riches and honour, and so shall their doom be.

The acknowledging of the saints to be the blessed of the Lord; Come, ye blessed of my Father. First, He pronounces them blessed; and his saying they are blessed, makes them so. The law curses them for their many discontinuances; but Christ having redeemed them from the curse of the law, and purchased a blessing for them, commands a blessing on them. Secondly, Blessed of his Father; reproached and cursed by the world, but blessed of God. As the Spirit glorifies the Son (Joh_16:14), so the Son glorifies the Father by referring the salvation of the saints to him as the First Cause; all our blessings in heavenly things flow to us from God, as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Eph_1:3. Thirdly, He calls them to come: this come is, in effect, “Welcome, ten thousand welcomes, to the blessings of my father; come to me, come to be for ever with me; you that followed me bearing the cross, now come along with me wearing the crown. The blessed of my Father are the beloved of my soul, that have been too long at a distance from me; come, now, come into my bosom, come into my arms, come into my dearest embraces!” O with what joy will this fill the hearts of the saints in that day! We now come boldly to the throne of grace, but we shall then come boldly to the throne of glory; and this word holds out the golden sceptre, with an assurance that our requests shall be granted to more than the half of the kingdom. Now the Spirit saith, Come, in the word; and the bride saith, Come, in prayer; and the result hereof is a sweet communion: but the perfection of bliss will be, when the King shall say, Come. (Matthew Henry)

This gives us some good insight cementing our understanding on the judgement which is yet to come and the separation of the goats and the sheep, but it is only the one side of our deliberation.

Until tomorrow then,

Signing off

Tyrone

The difference between the sheep and the goats!

(Matthew 25:33) “And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.”

If we continue to practice in any area of our lives, we will improve; we will become more skilled in that area. And so is it when we handle the “Word of Life”; the more we practice the better we become in application. If not we are doing something wrong. It is very hard to breakdown the bad habits in our lives. It is only when we handle the Holy Scriptures with sincerity and we lose any preconceived ideas about a certain subject that hinders our grow in Christ, we must let the Word of God speak and give God the Holy Spirit preeminence if we are to come out victors, as nothing else will suffice! This is a fundamental truth we must adopt if we are to grow in our great Saviour’s likeness.

What then is the true understanding on reconciling faith and works? Here are two portions of scripture that addresses my question with crystal clear instructions; the one speaks plainly about God’s unmerited favour, while the other basis its emphasis on works. And yet they both say the same thing, how? Let’s unpack it! I am somewhat embarrassed that in times past I seem to miss its clear instruction, but God who is rich in mercy is patient with His children, thank you Father! It is the Apostle James who brings the two together with crystal clear instruction.  

To give this deliberation any chance of clarity we will need a few posts…

“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)

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."” (Matthew 25:31-46)

The common denominated, the glue, is “good works”. Everything hinges on “good works”! Good works prove unmerited favour! What then are these good works?

Look at the portion of scripture that Paul reminds us about in Ephesians; “not a result of works, so that no one may boast”, but then he goes onto say; “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – In other words all of God’s children have been summoned because of what Christ achieved on Calvary to walk in “good works”.

When was this determined by God? “Beforehand”, long ago! in fact before we were ever born. Think on it like this as an author would sit down with a pen and write a script and then a casting agent would introduce possible candidates to fill the various roles. God did this in time past and yet it plays out in the now. The brilliance of God on show, praise His name! Those who now have the Spirit of God are the candidates that have been summoned by Him to learn the script (the Bible) as we prepare to act out our roles that God Himself has called us too. There will and must be “proof in the pudding”.

We will learn to lay down our lives for our brethren with a sincere heart; we will go without so that they will not. This will be the difference between the sheep and the goats; “'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

Will we resolve and look for those brethren in need of water or will we turn a blind eye to them, it is as simple as that!

Lord willing we will look at this in a lot more depth in the next few posts.

Signing off

Tyrone