The love of a righteous man...

(1Corinthians 13:7)  “Believes all things...”

This morning I am thoughtful about the earth’s orbit and the suns association to it. I think about the prayers of a RIGHTEOUS MAN and what that entails with the inclusion of love as the ultimate banner. Maybe now you understand know active my brain can be at times. If I was too let my imagination run away from me, I could quite easily become a loose cannon under the heading “prophet of God”. Many kooks have lived out their lives misleading hundreds and sometimes even thousands have blindly followed. All that is needed is an influential Charismatic type of character, a believable topic, a person with charm, good-looking would help but not essential, with a thought they once had but now have become official in their reasoning as they believe they have the message for the hour. Many recipes for potential disaster, all around us and in fact it will only get worse as it becomes more of a problem. The Bible is clear on this!

Some facts on the earth’s orbit; “The Earth's radius is 6370 kilometres. The sun's radius is about 100 times greater. The earth orbits around the sun once per year. The orbit is slightly elliptical in shape, with the sun at one of the foci of the ellipse. The orbit defines a plane containing the sun. The average distance from Earth to the sun is about 149 million kilometres. The distance from Earth to the sun varies from about 147 million km (that is, from about 92 million to 95 million miles, or about +/- 1.4% from the mean distance). The earth rotates once per day (24 hours). The rotation defines an axis of rotation, the North Pole, the South Pole, and the equator. [Actually the earth rotates slightly more than once per solar day, because the earth moves a little bit in its orbit around the sun each day. As a result, any particular place to face the sun most directly again, the earth must rotate a little bit more than 360 degrees.] [Do you know how latitude and longitude are defined? During the course of a day, any particular location will move in a circle coinciding with its latitude circle; the local time of day (defined in terms of the position of the sun in the sky) is the same everywhere along a longitude line. At any moment the sun illuminates half of the earth. The boundary between the sunlit and unlit halves of the earth is called the circle of illumination or the terminator.” (The Department of Geosciences)

What is my point? It is rather simple, but concise; the perfect detail that God has established in the heavens is phenomenal, everything is in perfect harmony. Some of the lies that are thrown around by teachers about creation are only opinions, but they carry serious consequences as they oppose God himself. Why then have I used some of SFSU’s findings, because they are factual and not left to speculation? But when they begin to suppose this and that then I cannot and must not receive it. If I do, it could be to my own peril. Facts we welcome, but speculation must be treated with great caution. Prophets speak on behalf of God, they always have, but amongst then must be false prophets. The Bible is once again very clearly on this. 

How do I guard myself and my family from the lure of the false prophet?  It is rather simple; I only ever deal with the facts. I look to the finished work of the cross to establish the truth. I begin with an understanding that the canon of scripture is complete. The Bible has been written and nothing needs to be added and nothing needs to be taken away. How do I know that I am on the right path with my understanding? The very same bible that teachers me this truth, also teachers me to be on the lookout for that which is false; “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” (Hebrews 1:1-2) – And although He is now seated in heaven with God the Father, he has left us with the written Word, the Bible. These are the facts and this is my protection, God the Holy Spirit will guide us and lead us into all truth but He will never contradict Himself, which would be impossible. He will only ever confirm the Word. We have the facts at our fingertips, but sometimes our itching ears look to wants, contrary to sound doctrine, be warned if we lean on our itching ears we are in danger of hell and damnation. We must stand on the facts found in God’s Word, it is the only way we will ever be safe.

Just as the sun abides by God’s Word and does what He has willed it to do by a simple command. We must also find His will for our lives, how would it help us if all began to pray that the earth would change direction, it wouldn’t! As He has established His will in that regard! We must find the will of God for our lives! And we will only ever find it in His Word, which is the Lord Jesus, and we are never left clutching at straws, the answers are to be found in the Bible. For a righteous man to be effective, he must find the will of God for each and every circumstance or else he will be ineffective, we can prayer all night but if it is against the will of God how will that help us or those we pray for? It won't! We must make it our lifetime goal to find God’s will for our lives. The answers are only to be found seeking out the truth in and through the Bible. With that said; we also understand the importance of love, God’s teaching on love and not opinions. This now needs to be explored further. We will pick up where we left off yesterday; Matthew Henry our teacher...

“It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1Corinthians 13:6-7) 

IX. The matter of its joy and pleasure is here suggested: 1. Negatively: It rejoiceth not in iniquity. It takes no pleasure in doing injury or hurt to any. It thinks not evil of any, without very clear proof. It wishes ill to none, much less will it hurt or wrong any, and least of all make this matter of its delight, rejoice in doing harm and mischief. Nor will it rejoice at the faults and failings of others, and triumph over them, either out of pride or ill-will, because it will set off its own excellences or gratify its spite. The sins of others are rather the grief of a charitable spirit than its sport or delight; they will touch it to the quick, and stir all its compassion, but give it no entertainment. It is the very height of malice to take pleasure in the misery of a fellow-creature. And is not falling into sin the greatest calamity that can befall one? How inconsistent is it with Christian charity, to rejoice at such fall! 2. Affirmatively: It rejoiceth in the truth, is glad of the success of the gospel, commonly called the truth, by way of emphasis, in the New Testament; and rejoices to see men moulded into an evangelical temper by it, and made good. It takes no pleasure in their sins, but is highly delighted to see them do well, to approve themselves men of probity and integrity. It gives it much satisfaction to see truth and justice prevail among men, innocency cleared, and mutual faith and trust established, and to see piety and true religion flourish.

X. It beareth all things, it endureth all things, panta stegei, panta hupomenei. Some read the first, covers all things. So the original also signifies. Charity will cover a multitude of sins, 1Pe_4:8. It will draw a veil over them, as far as it can consistently with duty. It is not for blazing nor publishing the faults of a brother, till duty manifestly demands it. Necessity only can extort this from the charitable mind. Though such a man be free to tell his brother his faults in private, he is very unwilling to expose him by making them public. Thus we do by our own faults, and thus charity would teach us to do by the faults of others; not publish them to their shame and reproach, but cover them from public notice as long as we can, and be faithful to God and to others. Or, it beareth all things, - will pass by and put up with injuries, without indulging anger or cherishing revenge, will be patient upon provocation, and long patient, panta hupomenei - holds firm, though it be much shocked, and borne hard upon; sustains all manner of injury and ill usage, and bears up under it, such as curses, contumacies, slanders, prison, exile, bonds, torments, and death itself, for the sake of the injurious, and of others; and perseveres in this firmness. Note, What a fortitude and firmness fervent love will give the mind! What cannot a lover endure for the beloved and for his sake! How many slights and injuries will he put up with! How many hazards will he run and how many difficulties encounter!

XI. Charity believes and hopes well of others: Believeth all things; hopeth all things. Indeed charity does by no means destroy prudence, and, out of mere simplicity and silliness, believe every word, Pro_14:15. Wisdom may dwell with love, and charity be cautious. But it is apt to believe well of all, to entertain a good opinion of them when there is no appearance to the contrary; nay, to believe well when there may be some dark appearances, if the evidence of ill be not clear. All charity is full of candour, apt to make the best of every thing, and put on it the best face and appearance? it will judge well, and believe well, as far as it can with any reason, and will rather stretch its faith beyond appearances for the support of a kind opinion; but it will go into a bad one with the upmost reluctance, and fence against it as much as it fairly and honestly can. And when, in spite of inclination, it cannot believe well of others, it will yet hope well, and continue to hope as long as there is any ground for it. It will not presently conclude a case desperate, but wishes the amendment of the worst of men, and is very apt to hope for what it wishes. How well-natured and amiable a thing is Christian charity? How lovely a mind is that which is tinctured throughout with such benevolence, and has it diffused over its whole frame! Happy the man who has this heavenly fire glowing in his heart, flowing out of his mouth, and diffusing its warmth over all with whom he has to do! How lovely a thing would Christianity appear to the world, if those who profess it were more actuated and animated by this divine principle, and paid a due regard to a command on which its blessed author laid a chief stress! A new commandment give I to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another, Joh_13:34. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, Joh_13:35. Blessed Jesus! how few of thy professed disciples are to be distinguished and marked out by this characteristic!

Signing off

Tyrone

   

Love is patient and kind...

1Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient and kind...”

What do you think the Lord would prefer someone who earnestly tried or someone that was quick to give up?” A rather silly open-ended question, as there is many ways in which we could answer that. An ambiguous question which could possibly result with many varying opinions, but in fact mostly a lot of hot air, as we are often tempted to speculate and look for reasons to explore a thought, yet with bias before we start. If I was a hand on kind of guy, my motto would be God helps those who help themselves. If I was lazy and always looked for the easy way out, then I would lean on the finished work of Calvary, yet with predisposition!  It is part of our makeup we are devious in ourselves and by nature look to stretch God’s law/Grace to the limit where and when possible. I once again with great joy and with much thanksgiving thank God our Father for the Word of God and for God the Holy Spirit who takes what is written and guides all those who look to Him for direction. It must however start with the Word and it must without exception also end with it. As it is our safety zone! As soon as we step from its covering we are vulnerable to deception. Think of the games we played as children, I would play a game of “catches” but as long as I was in my den I could not be caught. It is no different to the way we take what has been written and apply it correctly to our lives. However we must be diligent to explore the text in order to stand firm on it and more importantly arise to what it teaches. While playing catches as a very young boy, even the safety zone came with rules; i.e. both feet needed to be in the demarcated area and if a foot was outside the zone I was no longer safe. It was nice to tease whoever was “On” with a foot out and then as they approached to quickly draw it back into safety. Nevertheless it was a risky tactic.

Now let us examine the way we think and reason as if our rational could be boxed; if only I could somehow twist my thoughts and somehow arrive at some elongated conclusion and yet be good with God. In other word push the boundaries and not be in breach of contract. We see this in our children; it is part of their character. What is? Pushing the limits! And yet we are no different in principle. How could we be, we all have fallen natures and ARE BORN SINNERS because of our forefathers original sin. Adam’s sin has fallen on all of mankind. We all need a Saviour, praise the name of Jesus as He is the only True Saviour who holds the keys to life and death. Remember whoever tells you otherwise are liars. Having now stated the obvious let us be on guard from our own worst enemies, SELF!

Whatever we may have believed to fall under the category of love, as this is now our subject and will continue to be for as long as it takes, let us look to the Word of God and mirror that truth against our lives, so that we may arrive at some solid conclusions.

Let us look at 1Corinthians 13:4-5 and once again we will use Matthew Henry’s findings...

The apostle gives us in these verses some of the properties and effects of charity, both to describe and commend it, that we may know whether we have this grace and that if we have not we may fall in love with what is so exceedingly amiable, and not rest till we have obtained it. It is an excellent grace, and has a world of good properties belonging to it. As,

I. It is long suffering - makrothumei. It can endure evil, injury, and provocation, without being filled with resentment, indignation, or revenge. It makes the mind firm, gives it power over the angry passions, and furnishes it with a persevering patience, that shall rather wait and wish for the reformation of a brother than fly out in resentment of his conduct. It will put up with many slights and neglects from the person it loves, and wait long to see the kindly effects of such patience on him.

II. It is kind - chrēsteuetai. It is benign, bountiful; it is courteous and obliging. The law of kindness is in her lips; her heart is large, and her hand open. She is ready to show favours and to do good. She seeks to be useful; and not only seizes on opportunities of doing good, but searches for them. This is her general character. She is patient under injuries, and apt and inclined to do all the good offices in her power. And under these two generals all the particulars of the character may be reduced.

III. Charity suppresses envy: It envieth not; it is not grieved at the good of others; neither at their gifts nor at their good qualities, their honours not their estates. If we love our neighbour we shall be so far from envying his welfare, or being displeased with it, that we shall share in it and rejoice at it. His bliss and sanctification will be an addition to ours, instead of impairing or lessening it. This is the proper effect of kindness and benevolence: envy is the effect of ill-will. The prosperity of those to whom we wish well can never grieve us; and the mind which is bent on doing good to all can never with ill to any.

IV. Charity subdues pride and vain-glory; It vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, is not bloated with self-conceit, does not swell upon its acquisitions, nor arrogate to itself that honour, or power, or respect, which does not belong to it. It is not insolent, apt to despise others, or trample on them, or treat them with contempt and scorn. Those who are animated with a principle of true brotherly love will in honour prefer one another, Rom_12:10. They will do nothing out of a spirit of contention or vain-glory, but in lowliness of mind will esteem others better than themselves, Phi_2:3. True love will give us an esteem of our brethren, and raise our value for them; and this will limit our esteem of ourselves, and prevent the tumours of self-conceit and arrogance. These ill qualities can never grow out of tender affection for the brethren, nor a diffusive benevolence. The word rendered in our translation vaunteth itself bears other significations; nor is the proper meaning, as I can find, settled; but in every sense and meaning true charity stands in opposition to it. The Syriac renders it, non tumultuatur - does not raise tumults and disturbances. Charity calms the angry passions, instead of raising them. Others render it, Non perper et pervers agit - It does not act insidiously with any, seek to ensnare them, nor tease them with needless importunities and addresses. It is not froward, nor stubborn and untractable, nor apt to be cross and contradictory. Some understand it of dissembling and flattery, when a fair face is put on, and fine words are said, without any regard to truth, or intention of good. Charity abhors such falsehood and flattery. Nothing is commonly more pernicious, nor more apt to cross the purposes of true love and good will.

V. Charity is careful not to pass the bounds of decency; ouk aschēmonei - it behaveth not unseemly; it does nothing indecorous, nothing that in the common account of men is base or vile. It does nothing out of place or time; but behaves towards all men as becomes their rank and ours, with reverence and respect to superiors, with kindness and condescension to inferiors, with courtesy and good-will towards all men. It is not for breaking order, confounding ranks bringing all men on a level; but for keeping up the distinction God has made between men, and acting decently in its own station, and minding its own business, without taking upon it to mend, or censure, or despise, the conduct of others. Charity will do nothing that misbecomes it.

VI. Charity is an utter enemy to selfishness: Seeketh not its own, does not inordinately desire nor seek its own praise, or honour, or profit, or pleasure. Indeed self-love, in some degree, is natural to all men, enters into their very constitution. And a reasonable love of self is by our Saviour made the measure of our love to others, that charity which is here described, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The apostle does not mean that charity destroys all regard to self; he does not mean that the charitable man should never challenge what is his own, but utterly neglect himself and all his interests. Charity must then root up that principle which is wrought into our nature. But charity never seeks its own to the hurt of others, or with the neglect of others. It often neglects its own for the sake of others; prefers their welfare, and satisfaction, and advantage, to its own; and it ever prefers the weal of the public, of the community, whether civil or ecclesiastical, to its private advantage. It would not advance, nor aggrandize, nor enrich, nor gratify itself, at the cost and damage of the public.

VII. It tempers and restrains the passions. Ou paroxunetai - is not exasperated. It corrects a sharpness of temper, sweetens and softens the mind, so that it does not suddenly conceive, nor long continue, a vehement passion. Where the fire of love is kept in, the flames of wrath will not easily kindle, nor long keep burning. Charity will never be angry without a cause, and will endeavour to confine the passions within proper limits, that they may not exceed the measure that is just, either in degree or duration. Anger cannot rest in the bosom where love reigns. It is hard to be angry with those we love, but very easy to drop our resentments and be reconciled.

VIII. Charity thinks no evil. It cherishes no malice, nor gives way to revenge: so some understand it. It is not soon, nor long, angry; it is never mischievous, nor inclined to revenge; it does not suspect evil of others, ou logizetai to kakon - it does not reason out evil, charge guilt upon them by inference and innuendo, when nothing of this sort appears open. True love is not apt to be jealous and suspicious; it will hide faults that appear, and draw a veil over them, instead of hunting and raking out those that lie covered and concealed: it will never indulge suspicion without proofs, but will rather incline to darken and disbelieve evidence against the person it affects. It will hardly give into an ill opinion of another, and it will do it with regret and reluctance when the evidence cannot be resisted; hence it will never be forward to suspect ill, and reason itself into a bad opinion upon mere appearances, nor give way to suspicion without any. It will not make the worst construction of things, but put the best face that it can on circumstances that have no good appearance. (Matthew Henry)

Signing off

Tyrone

Does love require all?

(Mark 12:44) “But she out of her poverty has put in everything she had...”

Before I continue blogging this morn, maybe I should explain how I get to the point on what I pen. It is a thought or an idea that I have read or seen somewhere that now in embryo form sparks a seed in my brain, which I then explore. But even if it is a documentary of the like that gets me to explore a little deeper, my thoughts need to be confirmed by the Word of God and that is what I look to achieve. It is not what was yesterday telephonically suggested that I hear an audible voice from heaven. Faith comes from hearing and hearing the word of God. I may read someone’s blog or see something and then with that information I then explore what I now consider, whatever that may be. We must also remember that God the Holy Spirit will bring to our remembrance what we have already absorbed and without His assistance I would be lost. Without exception I am also looking for His direction.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26)

In a nutshell, I look to find what would be the Lord Jesus’ take be on a particular topic, I often use far more gifted men to help me understand a particular subject. In fact at times I would rather use Spurgeon’s teaching or Henry’s commentary and quote it directly as it would be more readily receive by many. And yet I would not refer to their explanation if I did not concur. I hope this now puts to rest any further questions some may have had on the subject.

Let us now pick up from Yesterday. What is this more excellent way that Paul speaks about? And let’s use the Apostle John to draw a parley from his teaching.  I noticed yesterday while penning the account between Peter and John, that although the author was John himself he never makes reference to himself by name, he refers to the “beloved disciple” and through this simple gesture he teaches love. Let me explain. Paul teaches us what love is in Corinthians chapter 13 and a point that is made is this, “love does not envy or boast”, John had it within his power to refer to himself as the beloved disciple by name but chooses not too. He would not boast in that privilege although he could of. This shows us a reason why he is referred to as the beloved disciple, or if you like the disciple of love.

Let us now see Matthew Henry’s take on Corinthians chapter 13:1-3...

Here the apostle shows what more excellent way he meant, or had in view, in the close of the former chapter, namely, charity, or, as it is commonly elsewhere rendered, love - agapē: not what is meant by charity in our common use of the word, which most men understand of alms - giving, but love in its fullest and most extensive meaning, true love to God and man, a benevolent disposition of mind towards our fellow-christians, growing out of sincere and fervent devotion to God. This living principle of all duty and obedience is the more excellent way of which the apostle speaks, preferable to all gifts. Nay, without this the most glorious gifts are nothing, of no account to us, of no esteem in the sight of God. He specifies, 1. The gift of tongues: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal, 1Co_13:1. Could a man speak all the languages on earth, and that with the greatest propriety, elegance, and fluency, could he talk like an angel, and yet be without charity, it would be all empty noise, mere unharmonious and useless sound, that would neither profit nor delight. It is not talking freely, nor finely, nor learnedly, of the things of God, that will save ourselves, or profit others, if we are destitute of holy love. It is the charitable heart, not the voluble tongue, that is acceptable with God. The apostle specifies first this gift because hereupon the Corinthians seemed chiefly to value themselves and despise their brethren. 2. Prophecy, and the understanding of mysteries, and all knowledge. This without charity is as nothing, 1Co_13:2. Had a man ever so clear an understanding of the prophecies and types under the old dispensation, ever so accurate a knowledge of the doctrines of Christianity, nay, and this by inspiration, from the infallible dictates and illumination of the Spirit of God, without charity he would be nothing; all this would stand him in no stead. Note, A clear and deep head is of no signification, without a benevolent and charitable heart. It is not great knowledge that God sets a value upon, but true and hearty devotion and love. 3. Miraculous faith, the faith of miracles, or the faith by which persons were enabled to work miracles: Had I all faith (the utmost degree of this kind of faith), that I could remove mountains (or say to them, “Go hence into the midst of the sea,” and have my command obeyed, Mar_11:23), and had no charity, I am nothing. The most wonder-working faith, to which nothing is in a manner impossible, is itself nothing without charity. Moving mountains is a great achievement in the account of men; but one dram of charity is, in God's account, of much greater worth than all the faith of this sort in the world. Those may do many wondrous works in Christ's name whom yet he will disown, and bid depart from him, as workers of iniquity, Mat_7:22, Mat_7:23. Saving faith is ever in conjunction with charity, but the faith of miracles may be without it. 4. The outward acts of charity: Bestowing his goods to feed the poor, 1Co_13:3. Should all a man has be laid out in this manner, if he had no charity, it would profit him nothing. There may be an open and lavish hand, where there is no liberal and charitable heart. The external act of giving alms may proceed from a very ill principle. Vain-glorious ostentation, or a proud conceit of merit, may put a man to large expense this way who has no true love to God nor men. Our doing good to others will do none to us, if it be not well done, namely, from a principle of devotion and charity, love to God, and good-will to men. Note, If we leave charity out of religion, the most costly services will be of no avail to us. If we give away all we have, while we withhold the heart from God, it will not profit. 5. Even sufferings, and even those of the most grievous kind: If we give our bodies to be burnt, without charity, it profiteth nothing, 1Co_13:3. Should we sacrifice our lives for the faith of the gospel, and be burnt to death in maintenance of its truth, this will stand us in no stead without charity, unless we be animated to these sufferings by a principle of true devotion to God, and sincere love to his church and people, and good-will to mankind. The outward carriage may be plausible, when the invisible principle is very bad. Some men have thrown themselves into the fire to procure a name and reputation among men. It is possible that the very same principle may have worked up some to resolution enough to die for their religion who never heartily believed and embraced it. But vindicating religion at the cost of our lives will profit nothing if we feel not the power of it; and true charity is the very heart and spirit of religion. If we feel none of its sacred heat in our hearts, it will profit nothing, though we be burnt to ashes for the truth. Note, The most grievous sufferings, the most costly sacrifices, will not recommend us to God, if we do not love the brethren; should we give our own bodies to be burnt, it would not profit us. How strange a way of recommending themselves to God are those got into who hope to do it by burning others, by murdering, and massacring, and tormenting their fellow-christians, or by any injurious usage of them! My soul, enter not thou into their secrets. If I cannot hope to recommend myself to God by giving my own body to be burnt while I have no charity, I will never hope to do it by burning or maltreating others, in open defiance to all charity. (Mathew Henry)

Remember the account to the widow and her copper coins, the Lord spoke of her as a charitable woman by her action and she is still remembered today. A woman with very little success in the scheme of worldly recognition, but with God highly commended. This must be our objectives to find favour from God and not to win people opinion polls. This was her heart in the matter; “And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."” (Mark 12:41-44) 

Signing off

Tyrone

The Way of LOVE!

(1Corinthians 13:1) If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

Here is a verse that has much said about it, but when we sift through the “gibberish” (straw) and we look for that which is digestible our Spirits will only ever be nourished when we settle on the verse’s focus, love!

This verse is packed with controversy amongst so many different denominations (religious groupings) and yet it seems as if Paul wants the Corinthian church to move off the topic and onto a greater theme, this is why he ends chapter 12 like this; “And I will show you a still more excellent way.” Everything in our lives must hinge on LOVE, if we are to be effective in Christ and for Christ. I know how some of your minds have now already run off in opposite directions as some resist the possibility of the wrong application with this thought as others welcomes it with a licence (do whatever we like) type of mentality.

Love does not equal compromise to God’s Word nor does it equal legalism in applying the law! What then does it really mean? As we know the love of many will begin to grow cold, this is a factual statement from the Lord Jesus and it will come to fruition: - “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12)

We must all except that our exposition must spring from common ground if we wish to be beneficiaries in our application to loving one another, false application to love is not true love. Our foundation must be the Word of God; it must be the Lord Jesus Christ himself. If we all agree with this as our starting point I trust we will learn to love God and love one another with a sincerity that may not have been part of our arsenal in times past.

But before we explore this topic which may take many posts, I would like to explain my thinking; or rather what got me thinking about the seriousness of this topic. Besides scripture being full on instruction to love one another, my mind has been taken back to an incident some two thousand years ago, an encounter between Peter and John, both Apostles. Peter the hands on in your face kind of guy, the one who walked on water, it seemed that there was nothing he would not venture to do with the Lord Jesus in his immediate vicinity. He even cut off a centurion’s ear when they came to arrest the Lord. John on the other hand was always around but somewhat in the shadows of Peter, and yet He was known as the beloved discipline, the one whom the Lord loved. In fact he leaned his head on the breast of the Lord Jesus at supper and heard His heartbeat. It was a place reserved for him. He was also the only Apostle never to be martyred, he live out his life on the isle of Patmos. It was there that he wrote the book of Revelation.

Let us set the scene; hope had now diminished as the Lord had been crucified and all the disciples were despondent, they had gone back to the old ways, they had gone back fishing. It was now the third time after the Lord’s resurrection that He now revealed himself to the disciples by way of the sea. They were fishing and had caught nothing and Jesus said to them,” "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon (reference to the old man) Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. There Peter launches himself into the water and he is the first to make it to shore to welcome his Saviour. The others arrived in the boat with their haul in tow. The Lord then said, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." And again it is Peter who rushed over to haul in the net; I can picture this burly fisherman needing no help as he heaved in the busting net. A man amongst men! Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. It was now time for Peter’s next lesson as we also should learn from it. When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon (his name prior to God’s call on his life), son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." His instruction was to forget those things that we should have all left behind by now and get on with the call of the Lord in our lives. Look how the Lord now emphasis His point; - He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. He then gives Peter an explanation for His instruction; “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go." (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) -The Lord was making reference to Peter’s upcoming death that he would have to endure for his faith). - {He was crucified at Rome under Nero and Crucified up-side-down at his request because he did consider himself worthy to be crucified like Jesus.}

And after saying this he said to him, "Follow me." What follows is rather familiar; Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had been reclining at table close to him and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!"

Why did the Lord not single out John the beloved disciple? Apart from the obvious we can only speculate, and I would not want to venture into any categorical statements speaking on behalf of the Lord as it would not be a wise thing to do. However I will pose some questions. Do you think love had anything to do with it, or the state of the beloved disciple heart? I personally think it did! But be that as it may, Paul shows us a more excellent way, the way of love. What we now need to do is explore this way as it will be to our benefit. Lord willing we will look into the subject over the next few posts, so until then...

Signing off

Tyrone

  

      

Resolved!

(Psalms 15:1)  “Who shall dwell on your holy hill?”

Revolution, truth and resolution what do they have in common? This is what I would like to try and bring together this morning. But before I do this I need to unpack the definition of each word as I understand them, and then try and somehow tie them together for the purpose of my post. I am rather serious about these areas in my life and look to rectify them with significance.

Revolution (noun) could be use to explain an overthrow of government, it could be a major change (a drastic change in ideas or practice), or a wheel could do one complete circular movement around a fixed point.

Truth means actual facts, not what people believe. The actual facts or information about something, rather than what people think, expect, or make up.

Resolution could mean a process of resolving; a firm decision to do something; determination; or a formal expression of the consensus at a meeting, arrived at after discussion and usually as the result of a vote.

I suppose two factors got me thinking like this last night, the one was the news of “Bin Laden’s death” and the other a documentary “John Lennon vs USA”. They both were radical in their cause; they were revolutionists, one for peace and the other for war. They both had an objective. But what I would like to hone in on is this, their examples! They stood for major change (a drastic change in ideas or practice). I am not for one minute agreeing with their cause that is not my point, all I want to highlight is their commitment to their struggle.

Now with that settled I want to draw truth into the equation. Bin Laden did not stand for truth as he opposed all that is true; which is the Lord Jesus Christ; “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) – There may be many topics of discussion that would seem to exclude this truth e.g. the wall is white, while others may say no its true colour is off white, be that as it may, our ability to see colour is because of the Creator, He was the catalyst used by God the Father to create all things and point in case He equipped us with sight and the ability to differentiate between colours. Therefore He is the truth and all of truth hinges on Him. Those who say we have evolved through any other means are liars and therefore do not stand for truth. John Lennon was big on exposing the truth, but his understanding of truth was a lie. Why? Because it was a straw man he presented and not the actual truth. The moral concept of peace is good in itself, but how will that help us in eternity if his revolution does not point us to Christ who is the truth. We get so involved with the concept of that which seems moral and good, yet we must be on guard against anything false.

Resolution, a firm decision to do something is what he stood for, he had resolved to propagate peace and not war and he fought for it with vigour. Yet so many Christians lack his determination.

I publicly announce and I implore other to stand with me from this day forth to make a resolution to stand for truth with the same indignation as these revolutionists. Whenever and wherever a liar is propagated to stand up and declare the truth regardless of the outcome. If someone propagates any other way whereby a man may be saved, we must not to remain silent in order to keep the peace, but to openly oppose them to their faces even if we are despised for it.

Having said this, it will only ever be the goodness of God that will lead a man to repentance. But faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God which is the only truth. This is why the Apostle Paul has this to say; “Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, "That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged." (Romans 3:4) – We (born again believers) now have true insight to all that is true and if we do not declare truth with honesty and total commitment where will that leave those who believe so many lies? Hopeless, lost and an eternal death sentence in hell.

Now a balance is needed to this train of thought so that we do not burden ourselves with more failure which in turn will only leave us feeling condemned and it is C.H.Spurgeon who once again helps us to get the correct perspective...

   

“I have found, in my own spiritual life, that the more rules I lay down for myself, the more sins I commit. The habit of regular morning and evening prayer is one which is indispensable to a believer's life, but the prescribing of the length of prayer, and the constrained remembrance of so many persons and subjects, may gender unto bondage, and strangle prayer rather than assist it.

To say I will humble myself at such a time, and rejoice at such another season, is nearly as much an affectation as when the preacher wrote in the margin of his sermon, "Cry here," "Smile here." Why, if the man preached from his heart, he would be sure to cry in the right place, and to smile at a suitable moment; and when the spiritual life is sound, it produces prayer at the right time, and humiliation of soul and sacred joy spring forth spontaneously, apart from rules and vows.

The kind of religion which makes itself to order by the Almanack, and turns out its emotions like bricks from a machine, weeping on Good Friday, and rejoicing two days afterwards, measuring its motions by the moon, is too artificial to be worthy of my imitation.

Self-examination is a very great blessing, but I have known self-examination carried on in a most unbelieving, legal, and self-righteous manner; in fact, I have so carried it on myself. Time was when I used to think a vast deal more of marks, and signs, and evidences, for my own comfort, than I do now, for I find that I cannot be a match for the devil when I begin dealing in these things. I am obliged to go day by day with this cry,—

"I, the chief of sinners am,
But Jesus died for me."

While I can believe the promise of God, because it is His promise, and because He is my God, and while I can trust my Saviour because He is God, and therefore mighty to save, all goes well with me; but I do find, when I begin questioning myself about this and that perplexity, thus taking my eye off Christ, that all the virtue of my life seems oozing out at every pore.

Any practice that detracts from faith is an evil practice, but especially that kind of self-examination which would take us away from the cross-foot, proceeds in a wrong direction.”  (C.H.Spurgeon) – “Taken from Pyromaniacs blog.”

I now make a public declaration that by the grace of God from this day forth I will resolve to always wherever possible stand for truth like never before. To God be the glory from now and forever more, Amen!

Signing off

Tyrone

LIFE!

(Philippians 4:3) “...whose names are in the book of life.”

LIFE! What a beautiful ring it leaves on the ear, it kind of gets us up and on the go, with a sparkle in one’s eye. It is a characteristic that distinguishes objects that have signalling and self-sustaining processes (i. e., living organisms) from those that do not, death its antonym.

This morning I would like us to consider some of life’s advantages over death’s doom...

From the outset we must conclude that creations drive all hinges on this word “life” as we all look to live and avoid death, from the smallest to greatest of all of God’s creatures. But what I find rather intriguing as I ponder this is that both have their role to play in God’s economy. Both equally needed or are they? How would we value life if we never understood death? Do we remember in the beginning when God created Adam the custodian over creation; “The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." (Genesis 2:15-17) – Death is introduced for the first time, but I wonder if the concept was ever conceptualised by Adam prior to his disobedience, I somehow doubt it. The reason I say this, if he had understood the meaning of death and what that entailed, why then did he not eat from the tree of life? It was never forbidden! With that now in mind the understanding of death’s sentence now quickens mankind and all living organisms to fight for survival. We then must therefore conclude that death helps all fight for life. Nevertheless with the introduction of death arrives the “knowledge of good and evil”! (“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die”). I love to consider thoughts like these as they magnify the brilliance of God as His ingenious unfolds. When we reason with our carnal minds we will undoubtedly miss His luminosity: - “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33)

Without Adam’s sin we would never have understood the need for life and yet with it came death and disobedience, can you see a glimpse of God’s brilliance? His plan set in motion for the long haul, establishing son-ship for eternity.

Yet with death a new commandment was bellowed from the heavens, no longer were they entitled to eat from the tree of life: - “He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.” (Genesis 3:24)

From that day forth mankind has been fighting for life. The law came through Moses and stringent rules were introduced to a people that God had signalled out as His own, His promise to father Abraham. The Israelites were forced to follow a set of regulations in order to live, yet through time all it proved was that it was an impossible task. Why then was it implemented? I believe the Apostle Paul explains it well, he has much to say on the subject, but the jist of his teaching is this; the law was introduced amongst other things to teach us that we needed a Saviour to give us life as the law proved that we were sinners and needed help to bridge the gap between man and a Holy God. “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster {(pahee-dag-o-gos) - by implication an instructor, our tutor} to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (Galatians 3:24) 

With many philosophies on life and its origin, there is only one hope for mankind and that is in and through the life giver Himself, the Lord Jesus! He has now made a way for all who would call upon His name. He lived on earth without sin and then He died a cruel death for sin and on the third day He rose again, proving His authenticity. Do you believe in His resurrection?

LIFE can and will only ever be found in Him! Look where you may but all it will produce is death. So in order to find life we must come in and through the Life-Giver, the Lord Jesus Christ as no one else has the power to grant life. Praise His name and magnify God the Father for providing a way for sinful man to find LIFE.

This is now my excitement, I now have a spring in my step, sure life has many challenges and with it may come many failures, but without Christ I would be without hope, yet now I have a hope that shines bright and sure. I owe my life to Him. Where do you stand? How I love the simplicity of the gospel, I once sang a song and I now sing it again; “whosoever will to the Lord may come, He’ll not turn one away.” Praise the amazing achievement of this great Saviour, honour and glory belongs to Him and Him alone. He will not share His glory with another, why should He? As He alone has the keys to life as He has conquered death. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. (Romans 6:9) 

I implore you to come, call upon the name of Jesus and find LIFE. No wonder Paul has this to say; “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (1Corinthians 2:2)

Did you know that every knee will bow to Him, even those who think that there is no need to pay Him homage! Yes ever person ever born will confess Jesus as Lord, as He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. “By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: 'To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.'” (Isaiah 45:23)

Signing off

Tyrone

  

 

         

What do we do with our Faculties?

(Mark 5:31) “'Who touched me?'"

Having a look at my own heart and the heart of others when it comes to “gathering” information, there are many ways we can achieve this. But it is always through our senses and at first glance we may be tempted to categorise the importance of our senses, but all have their role to play. Our physical faculties by which a person obtains information about the physical world and now also used to obtain spiritual information for those who believe.

Let us imagine the importance each faculty has in our lives; but before we explore this, let us consider honestly why and what we use our senses for. It is self-examination and needn’t go any further than to be honest with ourselves, as we know God sees all!

We have five God given senses; sight, taste, touch, hearing and smell. Which of these do we use the most and what do we use them for; is it to understand God deeper and abide in His will or are we quick to run to evil with them?

By now we should clearly understand that we are in one of two camps, we either are in God’s army and have His spirit, we have been born of the flesh, a natural child birth and then born of the Spirit, born again through repentance. Or we are still blind to our sin and regardless of religion or tradition we have had only one birth, our natural birth and therefore still dead in our trespasses and sins and can only ever use our sense for evil even if what we do the world judges it to be good, in God’s eyes it is evil and therefore will only produce death. I do not wish to be side-tracked explaining this as we have often discussed this exact topic in recent posts. Although there is a lot in scripture that proves this point, I will give just a verse to back it up; “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” (Romans 7:18) – Therefore without my soul being quicken (made alive through spiritual birth) I am bound by sin and even my conscience although it at times looks to be good will hopelessly fail.

Until I am in God’s army I will not be able to even reason out what we will now discuss: But to this day the LORD has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear. (Deuteronomy 29:4) 

The natural man despises the law of God as it proves that we are sinners but the inner man delights in the law of God. Yet there is a constant war between my mind and my Spirit, it is this warfare I want us to look at in relation to our senses.

How then do they play a part in our lives? All five of them can now be used to produce life or death. Let us use some examples...

We have eyes to see because we have His spirit, through our born again encounter but that does not necessarily mean we use them correctly; "Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, who have eyes to see, but see not, who have ears to hear, but hear not, for they are a rebellious house.” (Ezekiel 12:2) – So it is possible to have spiritual insight but through rebellion to spend our God given gift on sin rather than on what is righteous. This is a serious indictment, but nevertheless possible. It is not a pleasant thought but a needful one.

Let us now get personal; what do we use our eyes for? Do we spend our time exposed to the filth that the Lord Jesus laid His life down for by dying on a cruel Roman cross? I confess too much of my attention is given to that which does not edify, may you forgive me Father, may you forgive all who are swift in running to evil, whether it be conscience or through a nonchalant type of apathy. We now have eyes that are able to read the Bible and find wisdom for our lives, let us focus on disciplining them to read the life giving Word. We have ears that at times are exposed to blasphemy through TV and Hollywood's influence that we accept as the norm, it should not to be expectable! Forgive us Father God! Our hands touch unclean things, I do not speak about pork and the like but I make reference too far more serious effects, alcohol to the point of drunkenness, of the fondling of the opposite sex outside of marriage. I agree that may not be the norm, but even the subtle sins in our lives, (although that is a perception of our own feeble minds); to God sin is sin and they all have serious consequences. We are inclined to always push the boundaries to their limits. Why? It is always to our own detriment! We have been warned about this throughout scripture and let us not think that we will receive preferential treatment if we turn a blind eye to God’s instruction. I could go on but the point is made and there is no need for that. Let us rather learn from the woman with the “issue of blood” to push through “the crowd” (the giants in our lives) and touch our Master’s garment. The accountability is on us to abide in the Word in order to get our great Saviour to sit up and take note of our commitment. God always rewards the faithful, every single time! Look at this woman; “And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, "If I touch even his garments, I will be made well." And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my garments?" And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, 'Who touched me?'" And he looked around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease." (Mark 5:25-34)  

I suppose that is why God has left us with choices, to test His people, whether they are serious about His call or not. May God help us find grace to glorify His name! How we need it! Let us remember that our senses are now to be used to equip us to glorify Him and usher others into the kingdom of God. We have ears that can now help us with faith; “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) – We therefore must expose them to sound doctrine; we must take in God’s Word through all of our faculties. I pray we would be honest with ourselves and rectify what needs doing.

Signing off

Tyrone     

Running the Race!

(1Corinthians 9:24) “So run that you may obtain it.”

 

It is 5.38am Sunday the 1^st of may 2011 as I sit with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cigar in the other, with my thoughts exploring many avenues all at the same time, as I try and bring them into some sort of rational. However, even though the activity between my ears is fast and furious, there is always a thought that calms the seas, I am thankful that the Lord Jesus has paid the price for my sin. As the wind blows from the east and we trim the sails a steady calm is now prominent as we find an assurance that is steadfast and sure and everything seems to fall back into place. Praise the glorious name of the One and Only, Jesus Christ the Lord, my Lord as His finished work reassure the weary traveller that the price has been paid and he needn’t any longer worry about the depletion of funds to cover the costs of his existing journey. No matter where you may be along the Celestial Road, you may just have begun or you may be nearing the end, nevertheless the wage has been settled. Accept it, believe it and then in faith plod on.

Along the way we will be presented with many tests, not a test of self sacrifice in that sense where we somehow achieve an objective and then therefore qualify as sons. This will happen; but it does not depend on own abilities; we are not saved because of what we do; we do what we do because we are save. You will never put a cart before the horse; in like manner we must always understand what it means to stand upon the Rock. As soon as we step off that Rock and look to pass the test, even if we somehow pass a particular test in our own strength, it will eventually amount to nothing. If I begin in the Spirit and then I try and find justification by my flesh, I have veered off course and will have to go back to the beginning and start again.

Let us liken our Christian walk to an obstacle course; the rules are simple; begin at the beginning, complete each and every obstruction without a mistake, but if a mistake is made; we then must go back to the start of that particular complication and do it over until we conquer; let’s say we have to walk across beam while negotiating our balance with the intention not to fall off and into the slurry below. If we fail we will now be full of mud (there will always be consequences to our sin) and then need to start the obstacle again, however, we are not disqualified even though our time has now been hindered.

The army taught us to work as a team, when we were given particular platoon challenges, it didn’t matter how fast an individual could complete the race, they clock stopped when the last person crossed the line. It was a lesson to look out for each other. We are our brother’s keepers, as Christians we must lock hands in unity and run this race, but we must also run in accordance with the race rules... “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” (1Corinthians 9:24) 

Here are some of those rules required to qualify for the race:-

1.     We must be enlisted soldiers; if you are not amongst that number then you may look for mobilization in and through the Lord Jesus only, you must be BORN AGAIN! If not then the rules of the race will be but Braille to you. You will see others competing, you may even through religion have a hard copy of the rules in your hand but never understand. – (John 3:3 & 3:5)

2.     

We must compete in accordance with the Word of God and not spend time and effort looking for loopholes like the attorney at law. This will only hinder our progress. Here is a typical example of one of those lures; we must not begin correctly and then lose our way in thinking that we are able to stand on our own abilities. It is the Lord Jesus who saved us and it is His finished work that will get us home. Our sole dependency for the duration of the race hinges upon Him. – (Galatians 3:2-3 & Hebrews 6: 1-2)      

3.    

Regardless of how many attempts we make along the way, as we struggle with certain obstacle more than others, there is no time or attempt limit, and only death will end the race. In fact the weaker we are the more we will find dependency upon the Lord Jesus and rely upon each other to get us through. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory;” - (Matthew 12:20)     

4.    We must not forget that it is a team race and we must be added to a local assembly of believers (a church) so we can also help others in their struggle. “To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”  - (Ephesians 4:12)

5.    Lastly there are other rules and helps that will be explained along the way. But never forget we need one another! We must lock hands in the trenches and find solace and strength in and through none other than our glorious Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) 

Signing off

Tyrone