Coro Baptist Church: Recent Episodes
Daniel 7 is a little different. As we've journeyed through the first six chapters of Daniel, we've encountered a series of remarkable narratives. In each one, Daniel and his friends remain faithful to God before powerful foreign kings, often under the threat of severe consequences. At first glance these stories seem to be about Daniel and his friends—but it doesn't take long to realise they are ultimately about God. They reveal the Lord who reigns over every king, every kingdom, and every nation, no matter how powerful. Daniel 7 marks a dramatic shift. Instead of narrative we enter the world of apocalyptic literature filled with vivid imagery and powerful symbolism. Yet while the style changes the message does not. The God who ruled over Babylon in Chapters 1–6 is the same God who rules over all history. This vision lifts our eyes beyond the rise and fall of earthly empires to the day when every human kingdom will be judged and the everlasting kingdom will be openly given to the Son of Man. That is a message of profound hope, comfort, and confidence for God's people today. Join us on Sunday as we discover why.
"Don't be surprised that the world hates you." And when it does, "put not your trust in princes… in whom there is no salvation." In Daniel 6 we see these very things playing out in real life, all the way to the lions' den. Daniel doesn't fit in with the crowd and he is hated for it. But he doesn't allow this enmity to compromise his faith nor his devotion to the Lord. Instead, he puts his trust in the Lord who 'delivers and rescues.' This is our God! He who shut the mouths of lions in Daniel's day will one day shut every mouth when we stand before him. On that day the blood of Christ will speak for all who trust in the Lord, declaring us to be his! – righteous and blameless in his sight. He truly is the Lord who delivers and rescues.
In Daniel 5 we meet a new king, Belshazzar. Yet instead of learning from King Nebuchadnezzar's humbling in Daniel 4, he lifts himself up against the Lord of heaven (5:22-23). The writing was on the wall for King Belshazzar. Is the writing on the wall for us today? As we live in a world consumed by pride, and as we recognise this pride within our own hearts, where can we find hope?
When the Lord chooses to pursue us with his goodness and mercy not even the most stubborn or unlikely convert can escape the grace of God. It may surprise us to learn it sometimes takes the wielding of an axe to soften our hard hearts. But praise be to God that he does so in his severe mercy and lavish grace. As Nebuchadnezzar learns himself, and then teaches us, "all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble." Pray that our own hearts would be humbled to hear the Word this week.
Who do you worship? This is the question we face when reading Daniel Chapter 3, looking at Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and the two gods being worshipped between them. One god is made by a man and displays as much power as a man can. The other is able to save.
"There is a God!" This is King Nebuchadnezzar's first formal introduction to Yahweh – 'God of gods and Lord of kings' who 'reveals mysteries.' Have you met him? Do you know him? He certainly knows you. We will either be greatly comforted by this truth or completely terrified by it. Because in the end every earthly endeavour to make a name for ourselves will come to nothing and only the kingdom of God will remain. As he reveals himself to us in his Son, Jesus Christ, let's not reject the stone that all other kingdom builders have rejected. For it is only through faith in him that we are welcomed and adopted into his kingdom family forever.
John Owen contended in his book, published in 1683, "No man shall ever behold the glory of Christ by sight hereafter who does not in some measure behold it here by faith". He elaborated that our view of the glory of Christ by faith, however dim, is fit to thrive and widen as a river meets the sea, as we come to our end in this world. Such a widening or even a "recovery from decays" (Owen's words) is the purpose of this concluding study as we consider : (1) Glory beheld by faith, (2) Glorious Triune Love, (3) Rejoicing amidst sufferings in "Hope of the Glory of God", (4) The glory yet to be revealed to us, and (5) Christ in you, the hope of glory Colossians 1:26-27.
As we commence our preaching series through the Book of Daniel this week I encourage you to come prepared– prepared by having read the book itself; prepared by watching the helpful summary by The Bible Project; prepared by prayerful meditation and asking the Lord to show us his character and covenant faithfulness through this series; and therefore prepared to hear God speak to us. In the opening chapter we learn that in all Daniel had to face and accept in his exile in Babylon, knowing the favour of God, he resolved that he would not defile himself but would remain faithfully devoted to his Lord. May the Spirit and grace we have received in Christ evoke the same uncompromising resolution in our own hearts and lives.
Last study we considered the glory of Christ's Incarnation and Ministry which led to the Cross, which is central in John's Gospel. This study focuses on His Resurrection, Ascension and Session. We hope to see each of these as indispensable, powerful, and gloriously effective in fulfilling everything He planned since before time. Such includes the glorious defeat of death and the one with the power of death, and the glorious pouring out of the Spirit of Father and Son indwelling His global Church. Our eternal Word continues to speak gloriously through His Church. This same Son of Man in Heaven majestically reigns as King and sympathetically intercedes for us as our eternal High Priest. From heaven He continues to display the moral glory of God throughout the whole world to bring many sons to glory
We have come to the end of 2 Thessalonians. Throughout the letter, the church has been taught, corrected, encouraged and instructed in everything Paul believes they need for the Christian life. Yet, despite all this preparation, what lies ahead remains unknown. So Paul closes with a prayer that the Lord would give them a gift that would sustain them all the days of their lives. What is that gift? It is the gift of peace and the presence of the Lord. As we look to the future, with all its trials and blessings, what will hold us steady? What will keep us faithful to what we have been taught and have come to believe through seasons of anxiety, fear, guilt, loneliness, grief and suffering? It is the peace we have received from the Lord of Peace, Jesus Christ, and the abiding presence of God with us that will keep us. The peace that comes from Him, is found in Him and leads us to Him will guard our hearts and minds in every season, enabling us to stand firm until the day we see Him face to face.
In John's Gospel we see the glory of Christ in events and references that point to and lead to the Cross ... the focus and greatest manifestation of glory in His ministry. Whilst the crosses we put on and in our church buildings are symbols of cruel punishment and suffering, they paradoxically remind us of the time that God's greatest glory to Mankind is revealed and effected. How can that be so? We may fathom in-part the glories of incarnation, transfiguration, resurrection, ascension and subsequent Christ's rule and high priestly role. In this session we hope to catch glimpses of the unfathomably great glory of the Godhead that glows brightly from the Cross.
Anyone who has been involved with schooling over the past few decades will have heard the 'No hat, no play' rule designed to protect the children from sunburn and skin cancer. In our passage this week Paul gives a similar command in order to protect the church from an ongoing issue of idleness: If anyone is not willing to work, let them not eat. More than sheer laziness, idleness can quickly develop into more sinister problems and Paul gives some strong and clear instruction on how the church is to address the matter. As we consider these things in our own homes and church family please pray that God might "fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power" among us.
When we understand the magnitude of creation, how is it that God could care for us, let alone crown mankind with glory and honour? Or, is it only Jesus Christ who is crowned, for example in Hebrews 2? Or is it both, and what then would this mean? Psalm 8 also tells us that our Lord's enemies are defeated out of the mouths of babes and infants, and rules gloriously out of seemingly weak Man. Whilst we can't fathom this, it informs how we should expect to behold the glory of Jesus Christ's incarnation, miracles and the Cross, as well as His ascension and heavenly reign and rule. It also has great implications for how we live gloriously in His kingdom.
"…not all have faith… but the Lord is faithful." In the truth of this statement we discover our total dependence upon God. And, at the same time we find we can be absolutely confident in him. This confidence does not lead us to complacency, but to whole-hearted trust and prayer. Prayer, which is not in any way a sign of weakness but an act of faith in the One who is forever faithful. In the hearing of this word, may he 'direct our hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ,' so that we might have the same confidence as Paul in the Lord who is faithful.
What do we mean or understand when we sing songs or speak about God's glory? There are times that we are captivated and changed by things or people with success, fame, honour, courage or beauty - things or people that we may take to be glorious. God is glorious and jealous that we see and are captivated by His glory alone, and that we live gloriously in our glorious and glorified Jesus Christ. Such a beholding of His glory is the ongoing goal of these five studies, even if dimly as in a glass, and by faith. In study one we commence by observing some reasons why this is so important and a few Old Testament examples where God makes His glory known.
In last Sunday's passage we heard Paul calm the shaken minds of the Thessalonians concerning the Day of the Lord. They had heard, falsely, that Jesus had already come and gone, and they had missed him. Paul reminded them of his teaching concerning the future, of the events that have yet to take place before Jesus comes again– a rebellion, the rise of the lawless man empowered by Satan, and the ultimate victory of Christ, achieved with the breath of his mouth. Believing Paul's teaching, the Thessalonians would have no reason to fear missing Christ's return and would find hope in His ultimate victory. But… all this talk of the future, of the time between now and eternity, of false signs and wonders, of being given over to deception and condemnation, well, it raises some questions. How in the world is a believer to stand firm through all of that? What chance do we have of holding fast to the gospel when the whole world is convinced otherwise? This week, Paul gives us all we need to know and do to have stability in our Christian walk during our days upon this earth, come what may!
We come this week to what has been described as "the most obscure and difficult in the whole of the Pauline writings" (Leon Morris 1984). However, despite the many gaps and guesses in the thinking around this passage in 2 Thessalonians 2, it is in fact meant to be a word of great encouragement and hope to the church in Thessalonica, and therefore, to us. As daunting as the prospect of the revealing of 'the man of lawlessness' may be, he is brought to nothing by the appearing of Christ. Paul writes this passage, not to shake the church up but to settle it down; not to spook them into a panic but to comfort and stir their hearts in patient faith, steadfast hope and enduring love.
What would you look for in your own life to find evidence of God's righteous judgment? Or to give you confidence that you might be considered worthy of his kingdom? Does the thought of God's righteous judgment evoke fear in you, or give you relief? Take a moment to consider how these questions. And then read the opening chapter of 2 Thessalonians before Sunday (Yes, I do really mean it! – open up your bible and read Chapter 1 before Sunday), and consider how Paul would answer those questions. And then pray for our church family, as Paul does, that "our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Life is not the same today as it was yesterday or the day before. When we consider the struggles we faced in the past, some have remained the same, their persistent nature being the struggle, while others are gone and replaced with something new. Sin, the curse, the devil, they have more than one tool in their arsenal with which to attack the church. How are we to survive, let alone thrive, in these ever-changing conditions? Where can we find solid ground upon which to stand? As we begin the second letter of Paul to the Thessalonians, we can see that the church has changed. Even as the persecution they face has increased, and there are false teachers seeking to lead them astray, the church has grown. Their faith has flourished, their love increased, and their hope persisted. How? In the midst of all the changes, the "grace and peace of God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ" remains unchanged. God's grace and peace toward us is the solid ground upon which we stand. Come what may.
Paul prays that God would bless them with what he sees that only our God of peace can do for them and us, i.e. to sanctify us completely, blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ray, before going on leave, spoke from 1 Thes 3:11-13 – Blameless in Holiness, a parallel or bookend framing what we've heard whilst he's been away. Much of Paul's letter between these "bookends" has had to do with how we are to live up until the Day of the Lord, and what that day would be like. And, much of this is condensed within these two bookends. We will revisit what sanctification is, what God does in us by sanctifying us, and the encouragement we can take in the assurance of our sanctification. This has great implications for how the saints (the holies/us!) live and how we are to be children of light until He comes.
Brother and Sisters, continuing our series in 1 Thessalonians this week, Paul provides some final, but nonetheless needed, instruction to the church on the topic of congregational worship. Worship is a hot topic within many churches. Everyone has an opinion and a reason why it needs to change. However, many of the elements that make up our worship are not decided by mere preference but have been given to us by God himself. God tells us in the word the means by which he is best worshipped. Following God's instruction concerning his worship not only pleases him most, bringing the greatest amount of glory, but it is immensely beneficial to the faith and lives of those who follow him. The trouble is… his instructions to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, and test all prophecy appear all but impossible, especially when life is rarely sunshine and daisies alone. How then shall I worship God? Come on Sunday and find out.
What does it look like for us as the Church to genuinely love one another? How can we love with all the complexity, nuance, and wisdom it requires? These are important questions when we consider the ongoing failure to trust the Lord in all things in our own hearts. We could simply try harder, but that will only lead to pride in our perceived "success" or fear and sorrow in our failure. This kind of love cannot come from our own effort, but only as we are shaped and sustained in Christ, by the Spirit, through His word. We who are growing in our trust in Christ are those grafted into the vine, and His love begins to grow in us—in joy and sorrow, in comfort and in want—through one another, in rebuke, encouragement, and help, together as the Church. Ultimately, it is through Christ himself, by the Spirit, as we abide in him and in his Word. This alone turns duty into delight. This alone turns obligation into genuine love. And all of this will take place as we, the Church, simply look to Christ.
Imagine that you have just received a text message from your closest friend who lives in a distant country. In the message, they write "Great News! I am planning to travel to Australia to stay with you. I will arrive soon. PS. I cannot be contacted until I see you face to face". Great news indeed! You immediately set your mind to the tasks required to prepare for their arrival. Shampoo the carpet, vacuum the curtains, buy new (living) indoor plants, stock the pantry with Vegemite, etc. At some point, as you write your preparatory list, you ask yourself one very helpful piece of information. Can you guess what it is? When did they say they were going to arrive? What day? What hour? Without this knowledge, your task of preparation must change. But into what? The Church in Thessalonica hope in the return of Christ. It is something that has kept them afloat during the storm of persecution they have weathered. But they have questions and worries. The first question was addressed last week: "What happens to believers who die before Christ returns?" The second question is… "Will we be prepared for the day of the Lord?" This question becomes especially important when Paul's first words say that we will not know what day or hour the Lord will return. Join us on Sunday morning to find out how Paul instructs the Thessalonian Church, and us, as we wait for the glorious day of our Lord's return.
In a letter full of encouragement, Paul now seeks to encourage the Thessalonian believers by applying the truth of Jesus' death, resurrection and return to one of the more trying of experiences for believers; grieving the loss of a beloved sister or brother in the Lord. He wants them to know that all believers will be raised up to be forever with the Lord, whether they have died ('fallen asleep') before his return or not. Those believers who have died before Christ's return will not miss out! Grief with this hope is very different to grief without hope. The hope that Paul is referring to is all the more wonderful because it is firmly based, not on sentimentality or wishful thinking, but in what Jesus has already done for us in dying and rising again. How fitting that we look again at the sure basis of this hope on Easter Sunday. In receiving this word of encouragement to the Thessalonians for ourselves, let our prayer be that our crucified and risen Lord Jesus so grips our hearts that even in times of bereavement we are full of thanksgiving for the hope we have in him of one day all being together with him forever.
As we approach Good Friday, I want us to work out our salvation, as Paul says, with fear and trembling, by asking the question found in the title of the message. "In Whom Do I Trust?" In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus encounters some people who "trusted in themselves that they were righteous". Encountering this, Jesus tells a parable about two men, a Pharisee and a Tax Collector, who go into the temple to pray. The first is more righteous than all others, but it is the second, a sinner, who receives justification. The difference is a matter of whom they place their trust.
The passage before us on Sunday is all about love. Paul, for three chapters, had spoken of what had happened during his brief stay with the Thessalonians. He's talked about how much love they had for him and each other. Knowing God chose them, they continued to show great care and hospitality to one another and broadly to all believers throughout Greece. Paul was desperate, like a loving parent, to see and encourage them so that he could help them in areas where they lacked understanding and address any concerns they may have. What mercy God has shown to call them out of their pagan worship, setting them apart for His glory. Paul urges them to continue in the teaching he freely shared while he was with them; that God's will for them (and us) is that they would be holy. He has made us holy in Christ, given us the Holy Spirit, so that we, who have been sanctified, are in Christ, and we continue to learn who we are in Him. As those in Christ, we do not live like the unbelievers in lustful passion, but we are to love and continue in love. But how? It is through the loving grace of the Father and His enabling of us in the command to love one another. We don't love one another to remain holy; we are holy because of Jesus, and we trust the Father's provision of love for one another.
Looking for some direction in life? Or maybe some affection? Or perhaps you are struggling to live a holy life? Paul's prayer at the end of 1 Thessalonians 3 teaches us where it is we will find the help we are looking for – God! This is the will of God for you, your sanctification! But be assured, he doesn't leave us to our own devices to reach any great heights of holiness. Instead, he has reached down to us in his Son and made us his own holy and beloved children. And so, even as we are instructed how to walk and to please God, like Paul we can pray with confidence that "he may establish our hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints."
In a world where it is easy to be cynical about the shady motives of some Christian leaders and preachers it is refreshing to see how openly Paul expressed his love for those he ministered to. He was not afraid of being vulnerable by opening his heart to them. He was not trying to manipulate through guilt and yet was not afraid of expressing how his sense of joy in ministry was bound up with how they were travelling in the faith. Here there is much to learn about how we relate to others with an open heart in the transparency of the gospel.
Paul's confidence in the sovereign, electing love of God does not make him complacent or diminish his love or his prayers for the Thessalonian believers. Nor does it stop him acknowledging the very real and powerful opposition of the evil one. Instead, it spurs him on making him all the more eager to learn of their faith, even if this would come at great cost to himself. Such is the manner of the love of God at work in Paul. There is plenty enough both externally and within ourselves to tempt and hinder us from loving in this way. By the grace of God may we resist those opposing forces and, as the writer of Hebrews exhorts us, let us 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.
We resume our consideration of 1 Thessalonians 2 from verses 13-16. This is a pivotal passage that reminds the Thessalonians and us that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe. Paul also reminds his hearers that this is the Gospel of God, not the word of man to be taken lightly. And as our Lord warned in Luke 8, we ought to be careful how we listen to His Word. Just as the Church at Thessalonica did, may we be strengthened to hear and embrace the Word of God, to stand firm in the faith, imitating these early saints and ultimately our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul continues from last week's message by reminding the Thessalonians of his conduct and attitude while he was among them. As we listen to Paul's self-testimony, we see how radically different not only the gospel is, but also the people shaped by it. Paul describes himself as childlike in purity of motive, a nursing mother in love and care, and a father in example, encouragement, and instruction. His life reflects more than personal character; it reveals a distinct culture — the culture of the kingdom of God. This culture is not man-made. It is established by the King Himself — the righteous and joyful King of Psalm 45 — who calls with power, His people to share in His Kingdom and Glory.
For two reasons Paul is confident his work among the Thessalonians was not in vain. Firstly, there was visible evidence of the work of God in their lives. Secondly, and most significantly, they were chosen and loved by God, just as Paul, Silas and Timothy were. The first is the fruit and evidence of the second. For those in Christ, we too can just as sure and certain that our labours in life and faith are not in vain, for we too have been chosen and loved by God. Take a moment to look and see the work of God in your own life and give thanks to him for his grace and love towards you.
Paul was afraid for the young church he had been forced to leave in the city of Thessalonica. They were three weeks old and facing severe suffering for their choice to follow Christ. Paul's great concern, and the reason he sent Timothy to the people, was that in the midst of their trials they would have been tempted to abandon the faith. Wonder of wonders, that our passage this week is filled with Paul's thankfulness to God, that the young and seemingly ill-equipped church has not faded, but flourished in faith, love, and hope. Their faith became a model throughout the surrounding region and beyond. How can such a thing be possible? This church shouldn't have survived, let alone become a model to imitate. Human wisdom says this is very unlikely, if not impossible. The answer is they are a people chosen by a God who loves them. For this reason alone, the gospel they received was not simply words, but power, with the Holy Spirit, and conviction. What great power is bestowed upon those the Lord loves and has chosen? A power grounded in the reception and conviction of the word– power that results in a people of faith, love, and hope in Jesus, sharing in the glory of his suffering.
As we begin a new series in Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, we will hear how the church in Thessalonica had quite the rough and rushed beginning. This was no well-planned church plant or carefully executed evangelistic strategy. Those who brought the gospel to them were quite literally a 'band on the run'. But they were a band with a song to sing– with a purpose and a message. Wherever they went they proclaimed the gospel of Christ. And despite the rough and rushed introduction to Jesus the gospel they received gospel came "not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit with full conviction." Only the gospel of God could establish a church in such circumstances and produce the fruit that we will hear of in the coming weeks. May the same word and power of the gospel be at work in us today by the Holy Spirit and produce the same fruit and full conviction.
As we come to the end of the Letter of James, we are reminded personally to turn to God in both good times and bad. We are encouraged to do this together as well– to pray for one another, confess our sins to one another, and to draw one another back to God when we wander from the truth. This is a call for us to be 'Godward' in all our life. May we be not only hearers but doers of this word which is able to save our souls.
The Jews of the Diaspora to whom James is writing have endured hardship. We heard some of this last week as we read of the rich taking advantage of the workers in their fields, refusing to pay them. These hardships were enough to have the church wondering when the Lord would return and bring their difficulty to an end. 2000 years later, and the church of today is still asking that question, "When will the Lord return?" and longing for it to come true soon. The day of the Lord will be a wonderful day. All of creation will rejoice as the burden of the curse is brought to its final end, and all the promises of God are fulfilled. But the wait is long, the days are hard, and none of it is according to our timing. What are we to do? "Be patient and standfirm." This is the instruction James gives to the early church in their trying days, and it is just as applicable to us. James calls us to humbly submit our days to the Lord, long and trying as they may be. In the end, all things will be judged by Jesus. But we must be patient and standfirm in the faith if we are receive the compassion and mercy of the Lord, rather than his judgment.
In our reading this week, James explores how easily the human heart drifts toward "substitute saviours"; the things we trust to give us security, identity, meaning and hope apart from God. He confronts those who allow reliance upon material treasures to eclipse obedience to God and love for neighbour. Their hoarded wealth, their unjust treatment of workers, and their self-indulgence reveal a deeper spiritual problem: misplaced trust. Jeremiah helps us to name these false saviours more clearly. Whether it is wisdom or pride, might or power, riches or possessions, or even our own performance, God warns us not to "boast" in them. They cannot save. They cannot satisfy. And they cannot endure the judgment of the Lord. Instead, God invites us to a better boast: "that we understand and know Him"; the One who exercises steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. True security is found not in what we hold, but in the God who holds us. The call is simple and searching: where are we placing our trust? Christ alone is the Saviour who forgives, frees, and fulfils. Everything else is a poor substitute.
As we head into the New Year, let's be wary of making plans without considering and submitting to the sovereign will of God. All our plans are contingent upon his will. To ignore or deny this, James tells us, is arrogant at best, and evil at the extreme. Yes, we can surely make our plans and live in the hope of them being fulfilled, but let's remember it is the Lord who determines our steps. In fact, truth be told, what he ultimately has in store for us is far better than any of the hopes or dreams we can come up with. Additional Bible References: Proverbs 29:18
Within the heart of every believer, there is a tooth-and-nail battle taking place between the desires of the spirit and the desires of the flesh. All too often Christians listen to the tempting, yet empty, promises of the world to satisfy the desires of the flesh. James likens this relationship with the world to being like a close friendship. But it is a friendship that leads to dissatisfaction, fights and quarrels, pride, and most significantly, enmity toward God. Rather than seeking to have the desires of the flesh tickled by friendship with the world, James encourages believers to humble themselves before God, submit to him, wash their hands and purify their hearts of sinful ways. It is when we are humble before God that we will find ourselves lifted up, having the desires of the spirit satisfied by God, as God is satisfied in us. Additional Bible References; 2 Samuel 11:26-27; 12:7-10
When you look at a Christmas nativity scene, what do you see lying in the manger? What do you see in the incarnation? Nothing less than the heart of God is revealed in the birth of his Son, Jesus Christ. It's often said, "Jesus is the reason for the season." But why? What's the reason for Jesus? What's the reason behind God's entire great plan of redemption? Love! For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son... His love for you is the reason behind the reason for the season. Believe and receive his love today.
There's nothing quite like a good tree that produces fruit that looks good and tastes good. James teaches us that wisdom is like that too– where it comes from determines both its form and its fruit. And the "wisdom from above" that James speaks of is demonstrated, not in knowledge or intellect, but by its conduct and character. True wisdom is shown by its works and its fruit! James wants his readers to know what this wisdom looks like, and to grow in it. He also warns us of a 'false wisdom' which has its own form and bears its own fruit too. O, how we need this wisdom from above in the church and in the world today. Where does it come from? It comes from above! From heaven. From God. And so again, we are drawn to prayer to ask Him who gives generously to all who ask in faith as we depend upon the Spirit of Christ who is our wisdom.
From the preaching of a sermon to the teaching of Sunday school, Coro is blessed to have many individuals capable of teaching and preaching among us. They each have the ability to speak God's word and guide others in maturity and wisdom. Wouldn't it be wonderful if even more people became teachers and preachers both within and outside of Coro? I think it would be... but before we start tapping shoulders and filling rosters, James gives us a warning. While teaching is a noble role, it is not to be given to just anyone. Instead, it should be reserved for those whose speech reflects a heart transformed into Christlikeness, evident in their self-control and consistency. For teachers of the word are judged more strictly than others because, by their words, they wield great power—capable of both building up and destroying the lives of those who listen. Let us take James' instructions to heart and be wary of those whom we listen to and place in positions of power in our lives. Not just those at Coro, but those we give ear to on YouTube, SermonAudio, podcasts and more.
Faith by itself is dead. Faith apart from works is useless. Faith apart from works is dead. So says James in the passage before us this week. Whilst the passage is unique in that it has drawn much attention and debate over the centuries, the message it contains is not unique at all– not to James, and not within the Letter of James. The gift of saving faith is always accompanied by works of faith– faith, "working through love" as Paul puts it in Galatians 5:6 for example; and being "doers of the word, not hearers only," as James puts it in James 1:22. Far from being a doctrinal disaster, this is simply the power and work of the 'implanted word' bearing God's intended fruit in our lives as it matures within us– as God gives the growth.
God has no favourites in his kingdom and therefore, we are not to have our own favourites in the church – his family here on earth. To show partiality, James teaches, not only goes against the royal law of love, but sets ourselves up to be "judges with evil thoughts" and "transgressors of the law." Where would any of us be if not for the gracious favour God has shown each and every one of his children, without distinction? Our own salvation depends entirely upon the mercy of God. And so, as those "under the law of liberty" who have received such mercy from God, we are to receive one another in similar fashion– not in judgment, but with mercy.
This week in our passage from James we encounter some clear yet rarely followed wisdom to the question, "How should I live in order to please the Lord?" Listen to the word of God, and do what it says. The world is full of advice givers trying to instruct and guide us on the best way to live. They tell us what they believe is most important—the what, where, when, how, and why of life. James joins the conversation, but instead of offering us people's thoughts and opinions, he points us to a higher source: the Word of God. James reminds us of the Word's vital role in guiding us to understand what God and the Lord Jesus Christ find pleasing, so we can live by it. There is no guesswork involved. However, it's not enough just to own a bible, is it? We must read it, listen to God's words, and follow what it says.
Don't be deceived! If every good and perfect gift comes from the Father, why would we doubt his goodness and grace when trials of various kinds come our way? And yet, this is the temptation we all face when our faith is tested. James helps us to remain steadfast under such trials by making us aware of the 'life-cycle' of temptation and sin which brings forth death, and by reminding us of the gracious unchangeable character of God who has brought us forth into new life by the word of truth. Please pray that we might hear and abide by that word of truth and so be kept from being deceived.
How wonderful it is to know that Jesus is not ashamed to call us his brothers and sisters (Hebrews 2:11-12, Mark 3:34-35). And yet, is it equally wonderful to hear James, the once unbelieving brother of Jesus, call himself a "bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ." This letter of James is written by a changed man– from unbelief to saving faith; sceptical brother to humble servant; from cynical hearer to faithful doer of the word. What has brought about this transformation? – "He gives more grace." Far from being an 'epistle of straw' (as Luther once described it), the Letter of James is filled with practical gospel substance. James expects the grace of God to bear fruit in the lives of those who have received it and so exhorts us to a living and active faith. As we sit under this word in the coming months, may we be "not hearers only, deceiving ourselves," but "doers of the word" of grace that we hear.
This week we commence a series on the letter of James. Ray will give a more in-depth introduction to the letter next week, while my sermon will focus on Chapter 1 verses 2-12. There James asks us, as his readers, to 'count it pure joy' when we encounter various trials. Is that reasonable? Is it even possible? Well, yes it is if we know that through trials God is maturing our faith so that we become steadfast. God is at work in us and will generously grant us the wisdom we need to endure each trial and remain firm in our trust in his goodness and sovereignty. Such trials may include poverty or wealth - both can test our faith - and James gives instruction on faith's response to both situations. When we are tested and remain steadfast in faith our love for the Lord deepens because we know he is the one who achieved this in us, such is his mercy and kindness to us in Christ Jesus. James reminds us that, as those who love God, we receive the promised 'Crown of Life', which, much more than the gift of immortality, is eternal life with the One we love. Could there be any greater blessing than that?!
As we come to the last of our 'Finishing Touches' this week, my hope and prayer is that by putting before us just one of the many images of our future hope found in the Scriptures we might be encouraged and equipped to persevere in faith, even with joy, as we face times of trial and affliction in this life. More than that, I pray the Lord might produce in us the good fruit that comes through suffering in faith – the fruit of perseverance, character and hope. This hope, and the confidence we have in it, does not come because of our perseverance, or lack thereof. It is not up to us to make our hope sure. Praise be to God! This hope does not disappoint or put us to shame because of God's love which has been poured into our hearts though the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
James exhorts us to be patient and not cave in when life throws us a curve ball. He provides some vivid examples of what it means to be steadfast in the light of Christ's coming, no matter what we face. We may struggle with the shock and despair that suffering brings and wonder what on earth God is doing. As with Job, the reason behind our suffering may be hidden from us, but we need not doubt the Lord's purpose nor His compassion and mercy even in the darkest of times. This is not an encouragement to passive resignation. It is an invitation to exercise active faith – a faith that is not closed off to the powerful action of believing prayer whereby even the sick may be healed.
1 Peter is a letter written to Christians spread across several regions. Folks who have been chosen, destined, and sanctified by the Father and Spirit to be obedient to Jesus. While many are aware of the blessing of such a calling from the Lord, the Apostle Peter knows that it comes with a cost. It is not for nothing that Peter refers to the church as Exiles, and spends a great deal of time in the letter addressing the suffering of the church. To call Jesus Lord and live accordingly results in the contempt of the world and various trials in life. How do we respond to such a foretelling of the future? It is easy for the believer to dwell on the difficulty and bleakness of such a hostile and isolating future. It is easy to be overcome with hopelessness, insecurity, and fear. It is also common not to know how to comfort brothers and sisters of the faith when they are faced with such bleak prospects. Peter addresses these very issues by offering believers a different way to look at their future. Not denying the seriousness of suffering, Peter would have the church set all their hope for the future on the grace of Jesus Christ, and the blessings he has bought and secured for us, to be revealed on the day of the Lord. Blessings that are a new birth to a living hope, an eternal inheritance of salvation kept for us in heaven, and a joy that endures every trial. Peter shows that on that final day when Christ appears, even our suffering will be revealed to have served a purpose, the testing and refining of faith, which results in the praise, glory, and honour of Christ.
Here the Apostle is giving a passage chock full of assurances for us the believers– assurances given under the backdrop of suffering in this life. We live in a sinful world, opposed to God, where the creation and we with it groan, even the Holy Spirit within us groans, as we await the final revealing of the glorified community. For this is not our home. We will be with God in the renewed creation, glorified like the Son. What is the way to glorification, it is suffering. As those who are joined to the Son, Jesus, we will all suffer too. And God will work all things out for good for those who love Him, a passage we know well and often quote. But do things always work out for "the best"? We know that they don't and know great pain in the midst of trial. To quote Ray "So what is the good that all things are working towards?" It is the being conformed to the image of the radiant Son of God, being prepared for an eternal weight of glory, of a type and manner that we cannot imagine. Is suffering the cost of glorification? No, but it is way.
After spending four months in our 'Lessons From Job' series, I wonder what we have learned. I do hope and pray we have learned something of God– his sovereignty, his justice, his love. What might we now say to a friend or loved one going through a difficult time? What comfort and counsel might we offer to those in deep anguish? I wonder what Job's three friends would tell their families when they return home after their time with Job? And especially after this final chapter in the story? They spoke wrongly of God, and yet still the Lord provides for them a path of restoration through sacrifice and intercession, just as he has for us in his Son. Even in this final 'lesson' there is much to learn.
This is the last of five studies on the topic Unstoppable Divine Blessings. Our primary focus is in the letter to the Ephesians 1:3-14 which begins, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. These blessings in Christ are revealed to have been planned before the foundation of the world and are many. These blessings are in Christ bring us to the place of seeking His kingdom over any other and cause us to praise Him for His glorious grace. The study concludes by highlighting the seven beatitudes contained in the Revelation of St John the Divine. The final beatitude describes those who have had their robes washed in the blood of the Lamb as blessed with the right to the tree of life and to enter the city by the gates where we joyful worship our triune God.
Behold Behemoth! Consider Leviathan! No matter how big and strong you might think you are; no matter how good and righteous, blameless and upright, or clever and wise you think you are, none of us are able to save ourselves. This is the lesson Job learns at the end of the Book of Job. The blameless and upright man repents, and puts himself in the dust and ashes. It is a lesson we all need to learn time and time again. We don't have an arm like God. He is God, and we are not. His arm alone is mighty and able to save. And in his love and his grace, he does just that! These things are "too wonderful for me, which I did not know." But now we do! What strength! What love! What grace! What a faithful covenant Father we have in the Lord God.
This is the fourth of five studies on the topic Unstoppable Divine Blessings, this time considering Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes which appear to be in tension with Old Covenant (Mosaic) prosperity blessings. The approach is to begin with Mosaic promises of blessings in their homeland that were conditional on heart obedience. We need to see Jesus Christ as the only obedient Israelite and who is deserving of such blessing yet became curse for His redeemed people. We can then consider His teaching on blessing that rouses in us what is needed to renew our hearts to love God as He leads us to the everlasting homeland.
Where is wisdom found? Job has been looking for the wisdom needed to place his suffering in the world. His search for wisdom has been in seeking an answer to the question of "why?" Not alone, Job's friends have sought to help him out with their own answers. Yet, wisdom has eluded Job. This week, God makes Himself known. Speaking to Job from within a whirlwind, God will reveal to Job that the wisdom he is seeking isn't found in knowing the "why" of his suffering, but "who" is sovereign over it. Intent on revealing Himself as sovereign creator and sustainer, God asks Job question after question, leading him from the foundation of the world to the life of a majestic eagle. Thus, Job will begin to grow in his wisdom, through a deepening fear of the Lord, seeing his own life, the times of blessing and suffering, as in the hands of an awesome God. Pray that, like Job, we might all bear witness to the immeasurable greatness of God's power, and in that knowledge have wisdom for all seasons of life.
This is the third of five studies on the topic of Unstoppable Divine Blessings. It focuses in on the blessings contained in the Aaronic High Priestly prayer, a familiar and often recited benedictory blessing. Do we understand what it means for the Lord to bless you by keeping you, to graciously make His face shine upon you, and for you to know peace with Him when He lifts His countenance upon you? God's plan to bless Israel, His firstborn son, is revealed through their redemption and covenant. The blessings brought through sacrificial atonement are highlighted in the Aaronic high priestly blessing. It is a prayer, given by God, that points to the efficacious prayer of our High Priest who always lives to make intercession for us.
Last week Wayne introduced us to the young, angry man who name is Elihu. His name means, 'He is my God' and he is intent on telling Job who his God is and how he acts towards us mere mortals. But sadly, Elihu does not truly know his God. In fact, he admits, "God is great, and we know him not… The Almighty – we cannot find him." Elihu knows only of a deity who is distant and indifferent to us. A God who has no regard at all for the proud. But why then does the Lord come and speak to Job? Why is he mindful of us? Why does visit and speak to us? Why does he come to be with us in his Son - Immanuel? All of this suggests, not a distant and indifferent God but one who longs to know us and to be known by us, one who loves us and draws near to those who draw near to him in faith. He is my God. I pray he is yours too.
This is the second of five studies on the topic Unstoppable Divine Blessing. This study focusses on the blessings given to Abraham and Israel and their spiritual significance for believers today. It highlights God's redemptive favour through the central blessing of relational presence, alongside the blessings of place (homeland), people (offspring/nationhood), purpose and protection. The promises to Abraham are received by faith. Those of faith in Abraham's seed, Jesus Christ, are the spiritual descendants of Abraham and the "Israel of God". Those in Christ are the recipients of the covenanted blessings in His new creation. In the now, and in the yet to come, they are fulfilled more gloriously in Christ than any alternative prosperity could hope for.
Chapter 32 introduces us to Elihu, a young man who burns with anger at Job and his three friends. He thinks he has the perfect wisdom to settle the argument between them and he is busting to have his say. And he certainly lets it rip! So does he have the irrefutable answer for Job's situation? Sadly, no. His passion and self-confidence do not guarantee wisdom. While Elihu says a few things differently to the others, he still shares the shortcomings of their strict justice/retributive view of God. Lacking a covenantal understanding of God, Elihu paints God as one who may save us from destruction by terrorising us in our dreams as we sleep or by inflicting us with immense pain. He also sees God as inaccessible and so rigid in his exercise of justice that he considers Job to be blasphemous in seeking an explanation from God for his suffering. This is a far cry from the true God revealed to us in the Son, who loved us, entered our world of suffering and gave his life for us. God does speak to us in our suffering, not to terrify us but to draw us into a deeper appreciation of his own suffering for us as the cost of his atonement for sin. So it is through suffering we come to know more of the love of the Triune God for us and are led to worship him.
Whilst God blesses all of creation to flourish, People are specifically blessed by God's Word spoken directly to them. They are blessed to flourish in this blessed Place; blessed with a wonderful Purpose to Edenize the world and, most importantly to obediently walk in His Presence. In the Fall (disobedience, distrust, sin, autonomy) Man chose death, barring the way into Eden … but God has an unstoppable plan to bless through His Word.
This week, Job offers up his final defence to his friends and God. He reveals that the greatest longing of his heart is a restored intimate friendship with God. This isn't just a prize in the eyes of Job; it is the most fantastic prize any person could ever desire, let alone have. A relationship of glory and enjoyment between God and a person. It is a longing to walk with God that humanity has had from creation and will one day have again. Like all great treasures though, it can only be acquired at great cost. The cost of extreme humility, unanswered prayer, unjust suffering, and perfect obedience. Job's story is a foreshadowing of Jesus'. Jesus' humility, unanswered prayers, unjust suffering, and perfect obedience, and his reward of the ultimate prize, intimate friendship and unity with God. For Job and us, the cost for this treasure has already been paid for by our Lord Jesus Christ, and given freely to us through grace and faith. Such a prize is ours already in Him. The humility, unanswered prayer, and unjust suffering we may experience as believers are God's work in making the sufferings of Christ complete in us. He is waking us up to the glorious prize of friendship with God that we can boldly claim in Jesus' perfect obedience, that we might rejoice more fully in it even today!
In our sinful depravity we may well deserve the moniker of "maggots" that Bildad attributes to us, but that is not how God treats us. We may well be small in comparison to his infinite majesty and might as Job argues but the Lord makes much of us, having made us in his image and likeness. More than that, he has made us for his glory and speaks to us as his own children, telling us mere "worms" where it is we can find true wisdom - wisdom which equates to a true knowledge of God himself, and therefore a true knowledge of ourselves. Do you know where to find this wisdom?
It doesn't always seem fair, does it? When you look around the world and see faithful believers in Christ struggling in life's circumstances, while those who deny God seem to succeed. The lives of those who cherish the things of this world can appear so full, right up to death. Compare this to the life of a believer, who, in the pit of their despair, can come to fear what plans the Lord has in store for them next, even as he brings them into his holiness. This week in Job 20-24, we will consider four things from the comments of Job and his friends Zophar and Eliphaz. First, the success of the wicked is temporary and ultimately ends in destruction. Second, suffering can lead to impatience with the timing of God's judgment of the wicked. Third, it is easy to judge a person's favour with God based on their circumstances. Fourth, a faithful person can become afraid of God's plans for their future.
Comfort has quickly turned into competition between Job and his three friends. They are all determined to stick to their guns which, whilst admirable, only serves to intensify their animosity for each other. In the midst of all this Job maintains his innocence and displays brief but bold glimpses of his only remaining hope. He has longed for a mediator (9:33). He now claims to have a 'witness' in heaven who will testify for him (16:19) and then declares, "I know that my Redeemer lives" (19:25). This side of the cross we may know more than Job, but only because we share the same hope and Redeemer, who has revealed himself to us in his Son, Jesus Christ. In this hope we are saved!
Despite having no mediator and knowing he has little chance of surviving an encounter with the Almighty, Job is determined to argue his case with God. He has had enough of the counsel of his friends'– 'worthless physicians' that they are. He wants to take his chances with God and speak to him, face to face! A little like life itself, it is not always easy to distinguish the wise counsel from the worthless in the book of Job. Even Job's knowledge of God seems to fluctuate between the two. And yet, one thing we can learn from these chapters is Job's deep longing to both speak to and hear from God. He wants the truth revealed – even if it costs him his life! What a gift it is we have in our Mediator, Jesus Christ, who not only argues our case on our behalf, but exchanges places with us so that we might indeed meet with God, face to face! He alone is the way, the truth and the life. An inexpressible gift indeed!
A VAST GOD – Job 9-10 Dear friends, Nat continues our 'Lessons From Job' this week and writes, "Last week, we heard Bildad provide wisdom to comfort Job by setting his feet on the solid ground of God's character. So we learnt that God is just, welcoming the blameless, and rejecting the wicked. Frustratingly, Bildad's understanding of God was limited to this one characteristic, and so it offered little in the way of comfort or wisdom. This week, we hear Job's reply. Job rejects Bildad's wisdom based on his personal experience of innocent suffering. To Job's mind, God is not 'justice' alone; he is 'vast in wisdom and power' alone. Job's wisdom, like Bildad's, is greatly perverted by this limited understanding of God. Despite these misunderstandings, Job reveals a deep desire to be in good standing with God and longs for a mediator to bridge the great divide between mere mortals and God. Job cannot comprehend such a mediator existing... can you?
In difficult seasons of life, the question we often find ourselves asking and seeking comfort in is... Why? This week, in Job 8, we learn what a bad answer to this question is through the wisdom of Bildad. Bildad has a simple answer... God is just. He punishes sinners and rewards the upright. This is why Job and his family have suffered. And it is how he can be restored. That's all there is to it. Bildad's answer would have been a good one... if he had continued and also explained God to be just, loving, merciful, gracious, forgiving, and faithful. With a wider understanding of who God is, there would have been room for Job to be the Innocent Sufferer we know him to be. Room for Job to be a man God delighted in, and had chosen to reveal his glory to. Sadly, Bildad's understanding of God as 'just' alone is too small. He has no real wisdom or comfort to offer Job in these trying days. May we learn from Bildad's mistakes when considering the "why?" of our suffering in the hands of a BIG God, gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.
Believers are not bullet-proof – they still bleed! When what feels like undeserved suffering comes our way, it is hard to bear the counsel of those who cannot tolerate our questioning of God's wisdom and ways. Job's disillusioned faith may seem too bleak compared to the one who knows Christ and the glory He has promised. The reality is that any of us can find ourselves in places so dark and desperate that for a season we lose sight of the reality of what we have in Christ.
How does one respond to Job's deep heart cry that we heard last week from Chapter 3? Breaking a weeklong silence, Eliphaz ventures to be the first of Job's three friends to speak. And like so much false teaching, much of what he says is true, but it's not the whole truth. He declares God's sovereignty and justice but not his covenant grace and faithfulness, and he therefore fails to comfort Job. May the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory, restore, confirm, strengthen and establish us in his covenant faithfulness in Jesus Christ.
Come and join us for a deep dive and discussion into the realm of Artificial Intelligence as we explore the opportunities and challenges it brings to the church. Can we, should we, and how might we engage with AI ethically, theologically and practically in life and ministry? James Foley, our guest speaker for this occasion, is the pastor of Salisbury Baptist Church where he loves to teach the Word of God and to equip others in ministry. He describes himself as a 'recovering mathematician' after studying Maths & Computer Science at Adelaide University and working for a maths textbook company for a couple of years. Since then he has studied theology at Moore College in Sydney, and worked in church & university ministry contexts. He is married to Rachelle, and they have three children. He enjoys classical music, games and puzzles, and can run further than he used to but would rather play table-tennis.
Come and join us for a deep dive and discussion into the realm of Artificial Intelligence as we explore the opportunities and challenges it brings to the church. Can we, should we, and how might we engage with AI ethically, theologically and practically in life and ministry? James Foley, our guest speaker for this occasion, is the pastor of Salisbury Baptist Church where he loves to teach the Word of God and to equip others in ministry. He describes himself as a 'recovering mathematician' after studying Maths & Computer Science at Adelaide University and working for a maths textbook company for a couple of years. Since then he has studied theology at Moore College in Sydney, and worked in church & university ministry contexts. He is married to Rachelle, and they have three children. He enjoys classical music, games and puzzles, and can run further than he used to but would rather play table-tennis.
Job 3 is one of the darkest chapters in all of scripture. In it we hear the heart cry of a man in deep, deep suffering and, unusually, it ends without even a word of hope. Yet Job is not suffering for any sin or action of his own, indeed he is called 'blameless and upright' by God Himself. As with every chapter in scripture, Job 3 is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. For those weeping now, I hope hearing Job's heart cry will be an unexpected source of comfort. For those not weeping currently, I hope we can learn something of what it might mean to weep with those who weep.
This week we will be introduced to Job's three loyal friends who come to show their sympathy and to comfort Job. They are stunned when they see their brother. He is unrecognisable to them– such is his anguish and affliction. After weeping and wailing loudly and expressing their own grief they fall into a week-long silence with their friend. Perhaps like us sometimes, they don't know what to say. Or perhaps, just being there with Job is enough to express their love and to comfort him with their quiet company. May the Lord teach us how to 'suffer well' in faith, and to know how to love those around us who are experiencing their own anguish and grief.
We turn this week to Job 2, where Job finds himself on the receiving end of a second round of testing from the hand of Satan. And yet still, astoundingly, Job continues to hold fast his integrity. Such is the work of the Spirit in those who fear God. Even as Job sits in ashes scraping his sores with a piece of broken pottery, the glory of God shines brightly out of this jar of clay.
Does Job fear God for nothing? We started the book of Job being introduced to the man himself. As far as men go, Job is a good man, blameless, upright, fearing the Lord, and turning from sin. Job is blessed by God with wealth, power, and a harmonious family (no small blessing for a family of twelve). But… what if Job had none of these blessings, would he still bless God's name? "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." The passage in Job seeks to stretch our understanding and worship of God into something bigger and fuller. It stretches us to see that God is worthy of our worship simply because he is the sovereign power over all creation. He is the giver and the taker.
We sometime sing "You give and take away. You give and take away. My heart will choose to say, 'Lord Blessed be your name.'" These words come from the lips of Job for whom they are not merely some theological cliché or theoretical belief, nor are they simply the emotive words of a worship song – they are his lived experience. Job's theology, his faith and his very soul are tested to the extreme and still he says, "Blessed be the name of the Lord." In our new 'Lessons From Job' preaching series commencing this Sunday, we will hear some brutally honest questions and statements from Job and his friends regarding God and his justice, especially when it comes to the matters of sin and suffering. This week we will learn that Job is both blameless and blessed, and yet he also knows the great need for sin to be atoned. This is something many in our own affluent (blessed?) society have forgotten. Job is a large book, and not an easy one to get our heads around. To help prepare our hearts and minds for the coming series can I encourage us all, young and old, to check out this short (11 minute) video from The Bible Project before this coming Sunday. It gives an excellent summary of the Book of Job. (Click HERE to watch the video! - or use the link below.) You will find it extremely helpful as we endeavour to learn some 'Lessons From Job'.
We continue in our short series from Genesis 3 as a prequel to the book of Job. God created us to be faithful and fruitful, and to find meaning and purpose in the work He intended for us. However, sin is the great disruptor causing friction, frustration and futility. We will explore three questions about work: 1. What was the original created purpose? 2. How has sin corrupted, but not destroyed, that purpose? 3. How does the Cross of Christ redeem the created purpose? Jesus has completed HIS work. God has raised HIS faithful worker from death. Therefore, we don't need to be authoritarian or weakly passive in our relationships. We don't need to use work to give ourselves an identity, and neither do we need to resent work as meaningless. Our certain hope for the future affects the way we live our lives now.
The mandate given to us by God at Creation has not been revoked because of sin, but it has surely been made more difficult to fulfil. Any fruitfulness now comes through pain and frustration– for both the woman and the man. They experience this together, but also in their own particular labours of life. As we will hear this week, the woman knows this pain and frustration particularly in motherhood and marriage. And yet, it is through this same pain and frustration that the promised 'offspring' of the woman is born. And, he will also be the True and Faithful Husband of his Bride, the church. As Paul reminds us in Romans 8– yes, creation has been subjected to futility, but in hope. Despite the pain and frustration we know in life, in Jesus Christ there is the sure hope of freedom, relief and glory beyond compare.
Have you ever loathed your life so much you wished you were never born? Have you ever cried out, "It's not fair!" Has God ever made your soul so bitter that you questioned his goodness and justice? These may sound like drastic questions– ungodly even to ask! And yet these are just some of the brutally honest questions raised in the Old Testament book of Job that we will be considering in a few weeks' time. Until then, we will be doing some 'Job Preparation' by spending three weeks in Genesis 3 looking at how God responds to Satan (this week), the woman, and the man after sin came into the world. In all of this, as Job declares, it is indeed good to know that 'our Redeemer lives'.
Matthew's gospel concludes with what has come to be known as 'The Great Commission'– where Jesus tells his disciples to, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… baptizing them… and teaching them." This commission is 'sandwiched' between the declaration of Jesus' authority over all things and the promise that he will be with us always, to the end of the age. As we go, wherever it is we are going, Jesus has given us all something to be about– making disciples. We do this because he is Lord, and knowing that he is with us always. Please pray that we might hear these words of Christ's afresh and respond to them in the obedience of faith.
"After three days, I will rise again". These words of Jesus ring in the ears of the priests and Pharisees. To their understanding, these words represent Jesus' last deception. Our passage starts in the historically unique time found between the crucifixion and resurrection, and faith is nowhere to be seen. Jesus' humiliating death on the cross has brought into question the entirety of his three years of ministry, the wonder of his miracles and the revelation of his teaching. The eleven disciples are broken, and the followers are in mourning. If Jesus remains dead, he will go down in history as a deceiver, faith will be useless, and all believers are most to be pitied. But what if… "He has been raised"?
On Good Friday we will hear Jesus cry out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" and will be reminded how he could not save himself, but had to be forsaken so that we might be saved, and never be forsaken.
We often sing, "Because the sinless Savior died my sinful soul is counted free, for God the Just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me." This week, as we draw near to the cross of Christ and hear of one notorious criminal and murderer being set free while Jesus is sentenced to death, we are given a glimpse into 'The Great Exchange' that takes place on the cross. For our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Hallelujah! What a Saviour! Please pray that we might know the wonder of those words and the work of his grace, 'for our sake…'.
Failure is something we would all prefer to avoid. And as for public failure… well, all the more so. And yet, Peter's three-fold denial of Jesus is recorded for all to hear and read. But what a lesson it is– for Peter, and for all who are willing to learn from it. A lesson which is in fact essential for us if we are to find our hope and strength in the unfailing love and all-sufficient grace of God rather than in our own faulty and insufficient selves. Please pray that we might be willing students in this lesson of love.
This week we read of the familiar scenes of Jesus' betrayal, arrest, and trial. For the regular joe, any one of these events would be enough to leave us spinning out of control, but not Jesus. Matthew, the gospel writer, displays a saviour who not only gave prophetic words regarding our redemption but also wilfully fulfils them through his own suffering.
We have often sung, "There in the garden of tears my heavy load He chose to bear. His heart with sorrow was torn, 'Yet not my will, but Yours,' He said." However we understand the mystery and anguish of our Lord in Gethsemane we can be sure of this– Jesus went to the cross willingly. The Son never sought to do anything but his Father's will. And his prayer in the Garden was not in any way contrary to that. The very act of prayer is the Father's will. And to pray, "your will be done," is not to acquiesce to God's will because we cannot bend it, but is in fact to "actively will God's will and aid it." (P. T. Forsyth) Willingly, Jesus did this for you and me in Gethsemane and all the way to Calvary.
This week, we read of Jesus confronting the disciples with a profound personal truth– that when left to their own devices, apart from Christ, they would not be the men they hoped they would be– that of faithful disciples who would never abandon their Lord. Instead, the personal strength in which they trust would quickly fail them, resulting in the abandonment of the one they love. Yet, while the disciples may fail when relying on themselves, their identity as disciples is not marred. For, to be a disciple is to be in unity in Jesus, and trust in his strength all the day long.
As the time of Jesus' arrest and death draws near, and knowing he has a traitor in his company, Jesus shares the Passover with his disciples and gives thanks to God. Breaks the bread and taking the cup, he tells his disciples it is his body, and his blood. In doing this Jesus establishes, not only a new custom for us to follow, but a new covenant. "Take, eat… and drink," Jesus says, "for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." O, how we need his forgiveness. O, how we need to feed on him.
Timing is everything. For the fifth and final time in this gospel, Matthew writes, "When Jesus had finished saying all these things." The time of Jesus teaching his disciples has come to a close. Now, until the end of Chapter 27, we will read and learn of the passion story of Matthew's gospel. This is the time when God will hand over His own Son to be crucified as a sacrificial lamb so that we might be set free to be His people and enter the promised land. Jesus' love in laying down His life inspires two different reactions: hatred in the form of plotting, self-gain, and betrayal, and beauty in the form of freely given, costly love.
Flying in the face of the world which tells us we are masters of our own destiny, Jesus makes it abundantly clear that we are not. In the 'parable' of The Sheep and the Goats it is not we who determine our fate but Jesus, the Son of Man. However, what we do or do not do in the days before he comes in glory will be remembered on that day. And on that day, I don't think I will mind in the slightest if Jesus calls me a little 'sheepish'. What about you?
What is it we are to be doing while we wait for Jesus' return? In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus teaches us what 'waiting well' looks like in practice. This is not a passive and inactive waiting, nor is it a mad rush to get things done and 'speed his coming'. Instead, 'waiting well' involves our active engagement in faithful and fruitful service of God. Faithless inactivity results in judgment. But those who 'wait well' look forward to their Master's return with eager expectation and receive his commendation, "Well done good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master."
Last week, as we returned to the gospel of Matthew, we heard Jesus teaching his disciples about the Day of the Lord. While they expected it to be soon, Jesus revealed that the day would be delayed and spoke of the signs believers would encounter before the illustrious day. This week, we read on as Jesus continues his teaching of the coming day. Now, rather than speaking of the signs of the times, he provides instruction on what the disciples and all believers must do as they wait out the days: "Keep watch" and "be ready". I pray that we receive this word as our Lord intended it. It is generous instruction in how we might wait out this long period well, eagerly looking forward to the day of his return while anticipating the need for enduring faith.
We recommence our series through Matthew's gospel this week with a passage which has caused much discussion and debate over the centuries. However, in answering the disciples' question regarding the destruction of the temple and his return at the end of the age, Jesus brings clarity to the situation, not confusion. And in turn, this clarity provides the courage and conviction needed when many others will be led astray, and their love grow cold. May the words of our Saviour, who will appear again in glory, bring the same clarity, courage and conviction to us so that we might live in faith and not in fear through our own days of tribulation.
Proverbs 3:13-35 urges all who read it to consider three truths before providing some very practical examples of how to love our neighbours: 1) Wisdom is way more valuable than material stuff! 2) Wisdom isn't just about human decisions and interactions but is actually what God used (and uses) to create (and sustain) our world. 3) Wisdom followed and valued puts Sleep Psychologists out of a job! The father writing Proverbs then finishes this section with some pretty confronting truths: seek and value wisdom, and God absolutely will bless you, but fail to find or value wisdom, and God will detest, curse and mock you (I said it was pretty confronting!). What a good thing it is that the Wise Son of Proverbs (Jesus!) not only forgives us when we treat wisdom with disdain but also gives us His Spirit, enabling us to find and value wisdom!
Once again, we hear the wisdom a father shares with his son before he heads out into the world. These words concern the keeping of wisdom in his innermost place, the character he has on display, and his attitude toward the Lord, who disciplines him with Love.
The world, as God's creation, operates according to his wisdom. Humanity, as sinners that rebel against the fear of the Lord, denies this wisdom and in doing so seeks to re-engineer creation. This is a mistake that leads only to one thing… unmitigated calamity. We are in desperate need of the wisdom of God in order to be victorious in life. But where can it be found? She is not hidden but stands in the streets calling out her wisdom to you, warning passers-by of their foolish plight. The only question we are left with is… will we heed her voice?
The world, as God's creation, operates according to his wisdom. Humanity, as sinners that rebel against the fear of the Lord, denies this wisdom and in doing so seeks to re-engineer creation. This is a mistake that leads only to one thing… unmitigated calamity. We are in desperate need of the wisdom of God in order to be victorious in life. But where can it be found? She is not hidden but stands in the streets calling out her wisdom to you, warning passers-by of their foolish plight. The only question we are left with is… will we heed her voice?
Can you remember a time when your parents sat you down at the table with the words, "We need to have a chat."? This week we commence a short 'holiday series' through the first three chapters of Proverbs which read a little like one of those conversations. The book teaches practical wisdom for living in a world which does not always present us with clear, black and white options. Warning us of the various seductive voices which seek to woo and entice us down foolish paths, Proverbs directs us, young and old to the voice of wisdom - wisdom which begins with the fear of the Lord. Ultimately, it leads us to Christ himself who "became to us wisdom from God." Only fools shun this teaching. So let's be wise and pray that the Lord might help us grow in wisdom.
On Christmas Day, at our 9:30am service, we will ponder the words of Mary in response to the promises of God made to her, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." May the Lord grant to each of us, by the Spirit, the same response of faith to his promises fulfilled in his Son.
What does the promise of a King, mean for us? Do we want a King? Do we need a King? Currently, in our culture, Kings and Kingship aren't in vogue, and may or may not figure much in our thinking. However, when we see Jesus, THE King, what HIS kingship looks like, we'll not only realize that we need THIS King, but that all our deepest longings find their fulfilment in the King of Kings, Jesus the Christ.
Advent points to more than the baby Jesus. It points to One born to show us how to live, and to die to atone for the sin of humanity. We will consider the sacrificial cultus initiated by God for the people of Israel and how this sacrificial system was but a shadow of things in the heavens. God promised the nation Israel He would not forsake them. Even in their continued disobedience He remained faithful. God redeems humanity through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, the perfect High Priest and sacrifice that the blood of bulls and sheep and goats could not be. Though Jesus was forsaken on the cross, His forsakenness removes the forsakenness of those of faith. Therefore, the old covenant is replaced by a newer and better covenant; not of outward signs but one written in our mind and on our heart.
Last week we heard of the curses resulting from our unbelief and disobedience, including our enemy of death, and of the promise of a Son of Eve, Jesus Christ, who would defeat our enemies. God now speaks a Gospel promise of blessing at a time when all people groups worshiped false gods and were enslaved in dark idolatry. God's history-changing promise to bless Abraham integrates (1) a Land, (2) a Line of descendants that would bless all nations, and (3) that the Lord would be their God: A nation saved from idols, made righteous through faith in the Lord God's promises, and freed to bless the Lord in the place He provides. Abraham's promised Seed is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ. In Him, the blessing to Abraham is eternally secured and fulfilled. God's promise flows out through the generations, extending as far as Abraham's Line in the Church at Coromandel Valley. Please pray that we hear, believe, live and share in God's Salvation mission to bless the nations.
This week marks the beginning of our Advent series, a time of preparation. For the next four Sundays we will be speaking on four different promises made by God in the Old Testament that find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. This Sunday we approach the promise of a Son who would bring victory. The enemy, death, has stalked humanity from the moment of sin, keeping us in bondage to fear. But from the moment we had an enemy we also had a promise of a Son of Eve that would defeat it, and set us free forever.
Earlier in Matthew's gospel we saw Jesus' compassion for the people such as when they were "like sheep without a shepherd." This week we see that same compassion expressed in a different way as he declares seven "woes" against the Pharisees and Scribes - the teachers (shepherds!) of the people who do not practice what they preach and put on a show of righteousness that is merely a façade. As they reject his truth and love, Jesus grieves over what must take place – the desolation of Jerusalem. And yet, there is a word of hope in the promise that they will one day see him again and cry out, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."
Jesus has had his turn answering the questions of the religious leaders of Jerusalem. One by one, the Herodians, the Sadducees, and the Pharisees have come to Jesus with questions designed to silence the false teacher from Galilee. One by one, this teacher from Galilee has prevailed over them in his wisdom and understanding of scripture. Now, Jesus takes a turn at asking them a question, "What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?" The leaders have sought to trap Jesus with questions regarding poll taxes, marriage in the resurrection, and God's commands. Not one of these questions comes close to the primary reason they cannot accept Jesus as the Christ. The leaders' understanding of the expected messiah is small and insufficient. With a single question, Jesus reveals this inadequacy. He is the Son of David and the Son of God. He is the Lord, and his reign shall be like nothing they ever expected… or can accept. By the end of the passage, the false leaders, not Jesus, are the ones silenced. While the man from Galilee continues to speak. What is your understanding of the messiah?Join us on Sunday as we hear from the Word of God concerning who he is and why it changes everything!
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And love your neighbour as yourself. How wonderful it would be if we lived according to these great commandments– simply in our own homes, let alone throughout the world. But where do we find love like this? Where is the source for us to love like this? John tells us, "This is love, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to the propitiation for our sins."In other words, "we love because he first loved us." Please pray that the love of God might be perfected in us as we love one another.
The Sadducees came to Jesus to confound Him with their question about the resurrection. They didn't believe in the resurrection or the afterlife, or heaven or angels at all. Despite their study of the books of Moses, The Torah, they didn't know the God who is. They could not see the nature of God, nor understand or have faith in His power. There is eternal life in God. Why? Because in Jesus, death is defeated, sin is judged and through Jesus, the Father has established an eternal family. We are hid in Christ by faith and this is a permanent reality whether we are here, present in our bodies, or in Glory, present with God.
Jesus has finished speaking three parables, revealing the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians and the condition of their faith. They are not pleased and will not take Jesus' words lying down. Set on removing Jesus, the leaders take turns attempting to trap Jesus in his own words. This week, the Herodians, along with the disciples of the Pharisees, pose the question, "Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?" Jesus' response leaves the people amazed. Join us on Sunday as we hear Jesus respond and discover how we are to live in relation to our government and God.
The Parable of the Wedding Feast tells us of the immensely generous character of God, who not only prepares and provides all that is necessary to host this feast for his Son, but is intent on having a 'wedding hall' full of guests. The parable also speaks of a variety of responses to the King's gracious invitation. Sadly, not everyone who hears the call of the gospel responds in faith. They are found unworthy to enter the kingdom. Others still, believing they can enter on the basis of their own righteousness, refuse to receive and wear the 'wedding garments' provided them by the king. And yet, the banquet hall is filled with those who have heard the call, "Everything is ready, so come!" By the grace of God, we are grateful to be among those who have been called and chosen by God. May our lives bear the fruit of his grace towards us in his Son.
The Lord is indeed merciful and gracious and slow to anger. In his divine forbearance he has passed over many former sins. But there will be a day when the time of his patience comes to an end. And on that day, those who have presumed upon the riches of his kindness and forbearance without coming to repentance and faith will realise the wrath they have been storing up for themselves. This is the message Jesus brings in the Parable of the Tenants to those who have seen the way of righteousness but refuse to change their minds and believe in him. "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes."
Authority and submission. These two words are so heavily laden with sorrowful experiences and resistance that we only dare whisper them in public spaces, if at all. It is all too easy to think of stories where authority has been used to tear down, control, and abuse others. Equally, it is easy to see a history of humanity bucking the control of authority for the sake of independence and perceived freedom. For these reasons, our culture in the West resists any authority or submission. Yet these are words and concepts we find in the Bible—words and concepts that describe the author and perfecter of life and our relationship to him. In our passage this week, we read of Jesus possessing an authority over and above all of humanity, an authority by which he can judge the world's submission to him and an authority he uses to lead, build up, and liberate people into the kingdom of God.
As more and more people recognise who Jesus is - the Son of David, there is growing opposition from those who refuse to accept him as the Christ. Like the fig tree which Jesus curses, there are many who show signs of faith, but bear no fruit. They make a show of being religious, having an appearance of godliness, but deny its power. In contrast, Jesus teaches his disciples -if you have faith and do not doubt,- they will receive whatever they ask in prayer. Amidst this lesson in faith and fruitfulness, is an invitation to come before the Lord in prayer. And with that invitation is the promise, that -whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.- Please pray that we might be granted the wisdom to both understand what Jesus is saying here, and to respond in faith, without doubting.
Not everyone who is not blind can see. Two blind men saw what the seeing crowd could not see. They not only believed Jesus was the promised 'Son of David' but they believed He was like no other king the world had known - He cared- He was willing to touch their eyes that they might see and follow Him. - -Have we seen and believed in this humble King of love who came to His own city riding on a donkey - the One who came not to be served but to serve-- It's easy to be caught up in enthusiastic worship just as the crowds did but to be caught up in serving and loving as He served and loved - that is beyond us without us being taken up into His death and resurrection. He knew what it would take to bring us to that - something the crowds could never see.
You have likely heard the saying, -Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.- People have always vied for power and authority over one another. Sadly, even when intentions have begun nobly, over time, the self-serving nature of humanity has won over and resulted in poor leadership, immorality, and abuse. As slaves to sin, with only one exception, there has never been a person who truly used their authority to serve another. The exception is Christ. Jesus' use of authority is a perfect selfless service to God and humanity through his suffering, death, and resurrection. His actions are the power and pattern of authority in the kingdom of heaven that ransom us from slavery to sin. Only now, free from sin, can we follow our beloved Saviour in serving God and one another.
When Jesus was asked a question to test him regarding the law and divorce, he responded by speaking about marriage- marriage, from the beginning. In doing so, Jesus teaches us that before we even consider the notion of divorce we must first understand what marriage is. No piece of paper such a certificate of divorce can nullify the one flesh union that God himself has joined together. As the disciples did that day, I pray that we might recognise the deep profundity of what Jesus teaches us here, and receive it in faith.
The parable of The Labourers in the Vineyard before us this week from Matthew 20 is in fact a continuation from last week as Jesus explains the statement at the end of Chapter 19, -Many who are first will be last, and the last first.- Most of us expect a certain 'order of things' in life to be kept and maintained by the vast majority. And it is interesting, and somewhat revealing, to observe how we respond when such expectations are not met. Jesus teaches us that we should not presume we are entitled to anything in the Kingdom of Heaven. Instead, whether we are first in line, or last, we receive far more than any of us deserve. It is all gift- Such is the generosity and grace of our Lord and God.
In our passage, little children are brought to Jesus so that he might bless them, but the disciples again miss the point and turn the children away. Jesus shows us that salvation is for everyone, not limited to the rich and important.-We also read of a wealthy young man approaching Jesus to find out what 'good thing' he must do to get eternal life. But the only one who is good and can bring salvation was standing right before him- The young man kept the six relational commandments, but Jesus saw his heart and knew he served money, not God. In response, Jesus tells him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, saying that he might have treasure in heaven and follow him. The Young man was sad and fled because he had great wealth. Jesus shows us what is important and what is not to both the young man and the kingdom. -It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for the rich to enter the kingdom-. While Jesus' hyperbole reveals the impossibility of saving ourselves, 'with God all things are possible'.
We heard last week that believers have a position in the kingdom of heaven like that of beloved -little ones-. With the image of believers as children in mind and a desire to guard them, Jesus addresses the most significant threat his children face- the threat of sin. Jesus warns those who would lead believers to stumble, and he warns believers themselves of the severe seriousness of participating in sin. To sin is to wander away from God, like a sheep going astray, or as we see in our passage this week, a brother or sister leaving the family. -So, what happens when a -little one-, a sheep, a brother or sister sins-- Are they lost, doomed to wander-- This week, we see Jesus's heart forgive sin and reconcile the wandering family-the same heart he would see family have for one another.
Chapter 18 in Matthew lifts our eyes to life in the Kingdom of God and how those in the Kingdom are called to live and relate to each other. Jesus points us to the deep love of the Father for each of His children and reminds us of the need to show true humility, love and grace to others, even those whom we may not get along well with.-While this passage reveals our God's unbounded compassion and love for His flock, it is also a strong and severe warning against the danger of taking sin lightly. May we reflect on Jesus's words humbly as we examine our own hearts and lives.
We are all familiar with paying taxes. Few people would say it is a joyful experience, and most would avoid it if they were free to. -In this week's passage from Matthew 17, Jesus teaches Peter that, as a son of God, Peter is free not to pay the yearly temple tax but that he should anyway. -The question we might have is, what would drive a person like Peter, or even you and I, to do such a thing, to not make use of our rights as children of God and instead pay a tax that we are free from-- Paul gives us a clear answer in 1 Corinthians 9, -For the sake of the gospel.- -Join us as we spend more time examining the words and heart of this passage.
Coming down from the mountain where he was transfigured, Jesus finds a great crowd gathered around his remaining disciples. Those who need healing have come to receive it from Jesus' followers. But there is a problem. Despite Jesus having given them authority to heal and drive out spirits, the disciples are, to their surprise, powerless to help.--It is wonderful for a believer to be given kingdom work in this world-work like loving God and others more than ourselves, forgiving those who sin against us, and proclaiming the good news of Jesus to the world. Yet how often do we find ourselves, like the disciples, powerless to move such mighty mountains----This Sunday, we will read in Jesus' own words, as he prepares for his death and resurrection, that if you have even a minuscule grain of faith in God, -Nothing will be impossible for you.-
In the doubt and confusion brought about by the revelations given in Matthew 16, the transfiguration is, quite literally, a guiding light and glorious hope. The suffering and death foretold by Jesus are not the end of the road. He has already told them he would be raised on the third day and now, at the Transfiguration, they are shown more than a mere glimpse of the glory that awaits him. The suffering and death of the cross are not the end of the road at all, they are in fact the path to this glory- for Jesus, and for all who would follow him.
In Matthew 16-13-28 we have three well known passages containing a saving revelation, a strong rebuke, and the sure return of the Son of Man. It is not what we say, what we do, or why we do it, that determines how we will stand before him on the day of his appearing, it is who Jesus is. In fact, it is our answer to the question, -who do you say that I am--- that determines what we do and why we do it. And so, I ask that you pray with me that the Father of glory would open the eyes of our hearts and reveal the Son of the living God to us as he did for Peter that day- that we would know him and love him.
For other talks in this series go to sermonaudio.com-acts-Winter Word 2024- A gathering for Bible teaching given by local Adelaide pastors from different denominations who share a commitment to the Authority of the Scriptures, the centrality of the Gospel of Christ crucified, and the importance of sound expository preaching.
For other talks in this series go to sermonaudio.com-acts-Winter Word 2024- A gathering for Bible teaching given by local Adelaide pastors from different denominations who share a commitment to the Authority of the Scriptures, the centrality of the Gospel of Christ crucified, and the importance of sound expository preaching.
Nowadays, you don't have to spend long on the internet before finding yourself neck-deep in advertisements. Adverts, like signs, reveal some aspect of the product they are selling. Due to the number of adverts we are exposed to, we have become accustomed to ignoring them if what they reveal doesn't pique our interest, suit our desires, or meet our needs.- -Jesus himself was a sign. The miracles he performed and the words he spoke all revealed aspects of the kingdom of God that was dawning-a kingdom of compassion, where what is needed is provided in abundance.- -Many people like the sound of the kingdom of God and of eternity, but not always the version of it that Jesus reveals, not always the truth that he speaks. There is then a tendency to swipe or scroll on to the next advert or sign, looking for the Jesus, the kingdom, and the God that suits our preferences and the needs we perceive as most important. --The great threat Jesus warns his disciples of, and even the Pharisees and Sadducees, is this- only one sign reveals the kingdom of God. That sign is Jesus- Do not look for other signs that satisfy your preferences or perceived needs. Trust in Jesus- he will give you all you need, according to his wisdom, in abundance, but you must trust him and not swipe on.
It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.- In our age of rights and entitlement these words of Jesus to a needy Gentile woman confront us, hitting us right between the eyes. And yet, the woman to whom they are directed doesn't take offense. She doesn't even blink an eyelid at them. How is this so-- -When so many around her think too much of themselves and presume upon God, the Canaanite woman knows she deserves nothing from the Lord. And yet, in faith, she asks for his mercy. In great faith she asks for his help, even just a few crumbs from the banquet table of his grace. And Jesus acknowledges her faith, and grants her request. We see here, something of the humble heart and faith of the psalmist who sings, I'd rather be a door keeper than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
It has been said that the Holy Spirit is the most mysterious and misunderstood person of the Trinity. Whilst five studies alone cannot completely address the matter, I trust and pray they will help us grow in both our knowledge and love of the Spirit. Together with the Father and the Son, we will see how the Holy Spirit participates fully in every work of God as we consider his role in the works of Creation, Redemption, Christ, Holiness and Glory.
I teach my kids, like my parents taught me, and like their parents taught them, -to eat what is put in front of you- and don't complain.- Truth be told, our family is full of these rules for living. Rules turn traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. I find these traditions helpful in turning children into polite, well-mannered adults. At least, that is the hope. But the problem is- while my kids may appear better behaved than the neighbours', even godly in demeanour, what is the state of their hearts-- Matthew 15 finds Jesus showing us the true root of sin is found in the heart. While our traditions can make us look clean on the outside, we are far from clean on the inside, where it counts. Only Jesus can truly wash us clean of sin, inside and out, giving us a new heart so that we might follow him.
It has been said that the Holy Spirit is the most mysterious and misunderstood person of the Trinity. Whilst five studies alone cannot completely address the matter, I trust and pray they will help us grow in both our knowledge and love of the Spirit. Together with the Father and the Son, we will see how the Holy Spirit participates fully in every work of God as we consider his role in the works of Creation, Redemption, Christ, Holiness and Glory.
It has been said that the Holy Spirit is the most mysterious and misunderstood person of the Trinity. Whilst five studies alone cannot completely address the matter, I trust and pray they will help us grow in both our knowledge and love of the Spirit. Together with the Father and the Son, we will see how the Holy Spirit participates fully in every work of God as we consider his role in the works of Creation, Redemption, Christ, Holiness and Glory.
-Take heart,- says Jesus, -It is I. Don't be afraid.- And yet, like Peter who has faith enough to get out of the boat and join Jesus on the water, when faced with the wind and waves we lose sight of our Saviour and begin to sink. There is much in life which can cause doubts to rise in our hearts and our faith to diminish. And yet Christ is right there with us, ready and able to reach out his hand, take hold of us and raise us up once again. He gives us every reason to lift our eyes to him, and know where our help comes from.
It has been said that the Holy Spirit is the most mysterious and misunderstood person of the Trinity. Whilst five studies alone cannot completely address the matter, I trust and pray they will help us grow in both our knowledge and love of the Spirit. Together with the Father and the Son, we will see how the Holy Spirit participates fully in every work of God as we consider his role in the works of Creation, Redemption, Christ, Holiness and Glory.
The well-known event of the feeding of the five thousand could be considered the first ever church picnic. It is, however, more of a classroom scene than one of the fun and games one might expect at such a picnic. The compassion of Jesus, the teacher, is in stark contrast to the heart of the disciples- and so too is where they each look for the help and provision needed to feed the hungry sheep. In the end, -they all ate and were satisfied.- There was much learning going on in that desolate place. May we too be well taught and fed by the Word of God, and our souls satisfied in him alone.
It has been said that the Holy Spirit is the most mysterious and misunderstood person of the Trinity. Whilst five studies alone cannot completely address the matter, I trust and pray they will help us grow in both our knowledge and love of the Spirit. Together with the Father and the Son, we will see how the Holy Spirit participates fully in every work of God as we consider his role in the works of Creation, Redemption, Christ, Holiness and Glory.
'As Jesus' disciples we get to be about the good work of sharing the word of God with the world.'- -If you are anything like me, a statement like this will stir up a mixed response. The idea of sharing the word of God fills many people with a sense of duty, fear, and guilt rather than confidence and joy. The end result of such feelings is a stopping, even a fleeing from the good work. Does that ring true for you as well-- Why do we feel this way as followers of Jesus-- One reason is found in our passage in Matthew this week. Speaking the word of God can come with a heavy cost. The cost of rejection, even going so far as imprisonment and death - costs suffered by those who spoke God's word throughout history. But God doesn't want his people to stop the good work, and so he calls us who are faithful back. He does so, not with judgment ready but with gentle grace - a grace that is only afforded to us by Jesus.
We recommence our preaching series through The Gospel of Matthew this week, from Matthew 13-44-52. Here, Jesus teaches the supreme value of the Kingdom of Heaven, the sifting that will take place at the end of the age, and the responsibility of those to whom the secrets of the Kingdom have been revealed. This great -treasure- is given freely to us by the gracious King of the Kingdom, yet it requires all we have. As the old hymn reminds us, it -demands my soul, my life, my all.- But like those in the parables, those who recognise the supreme value of the great treasure of Christ, freely give all they have, with joy, in order to make it their own.
We have completed a wonderful journey through Philippians. One of the emphases of the letter is the call to contentment which is a foundation of rejoicing. Why is it such a struggle to live in contentment---The great narrative of Exodus is a constant reminder of who God is- who we are- and who we will become. With magnificent clarity the writings show us that the way of redemption is all of the LORD's initiative. How is it possible that the people of Israel failed to retain the truth of God's love and goodness towards His people-- How is it possible that we so easily forget God's love and goodness towards us---Grumbling arises from a belief that God is unjust and maybe even unloving. Grief caused by deep pain, suffering and loss is not the same as grumbling. The Father knows our pain and we are to seek His comfort.-Paul points out that we are to learn contentment and Christ will strengthen us in that endeavour. Ephesians 2 points to the solid unchanging source of our eternal security and contentment.
We will each have a picture in our minds of what a 'contented' life might look like, and what it would take for us to be truly at peace and content. But as Paul concludes his letter to the Philippians, he teaches us it is not our circumstances, but Christ, who is the secret of contentment. Whatever picture we may conjure up in our minds, even one of seemingly great discontent, Paul has learned how to be content in any and every circumstance. Please pray that we too might learn this 'secret'.
If you didn't pick up on Paul calling the church of Philippi to rejoice in the Lord the first time -2-18-, or the second -3-1-, this week we get two more reminders. According to Paul, rejoicing in the Lord is the ongoing practice of clinging to joy in the work and fruit of our salvation in Christ. That fruit is the nearness of the Lord to his people. Our rejoicing in the Lord leads to more than a good time on a Sunday morning- it is necessary for all Christians at all times and in every era. For joy in the Lord bears the fruit of gentleness and the peace of God, which equips us as representatives of the Lord in a troubled world while guarding us from any anxiety and worry we would suffer.
If you didn't pick up on Paul calling the church of Philippi to rejoice in the Lord the first time -2-18-, or the second -3-1-, this week we get two more reminders. According to Paul, rejoicing in the Lord is the ongoing practice of clinging to joy in the work and fruit of our salvation in Christ. That fruit is the nearness of the Lord to his people. Our rejoicing in the Lord leads to more than a good time on a Sunday morning- it is necessary for all Christians at all times and in every era. For joy in the Lord bears the fruit of gentleness and the peace of God, which equips us as representatives of the Lord in a troubled world while guarding us from any anxiety and worry we would suffer.
In the midst of this letter of confidence and joy in the Lord there is a matter among the Philippian saints which threatens to disrupt the unity of the church. Paul recognises the need to address the matter and entreats those involved to -agree in the Lord.- As the psalmist sings, -Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters dwell in unity.- And when we don't it is far from good and pleasant. But in his loving kindness the Lord has given his church all we need to be reconciled to one another, so that we can indeed, -agree in the Lord- and reflect the glory of God and live in the unity he has established for us in Christ.
As the old spiritual goes - -This world is not my home, I'm just a passin' through.- Paul puts it this way - -our citizenship is in heaven.- This truth determines both our hope of glory to come as we await a Saviour from heaven - Jesus Christ, and how we live in this world today - not with our minds set on earthly things but on Christ and the kingdom of God. Knowing where we are heading and truly belong enables us to -stand firm in the Lord- when sin and worldly pressures would have us do otherwise.
In last week's passage Paul declared his goal- -I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead-- - -In our passage this week, Paul is quick to point out that he hadn't yet achieved his goal. He none-the-less makes it clear that he was single minded in his pursuit of it. A pursuit, however, that was only made possible because he had first been called and kept by God. - -To steal a verse -17- from next week, dear brothers and sisters, let us pattern our lives after Paul's and, knowing that we are continually called and kept by God, let us press on in our pursuit of knowing Christ and then experiencing the resurrection from the dead-
This is the fifth of five studies from the letter to the Hebrews.-In 8-6 we are told that -the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises-, and follows this statement with promises contained in the prophecy of the new covenant in Jeremiah 31-31-34. -The superior nature of the way God has spoken through His Son, the creational rest in which we were created to live has been entered through Him, the Great High Priest who ever lives to incterce for us, and His once-for-all sacrifice that cleanses our conscience, all open up a way for all God's covenant promises to be wonderfully fulfilled in Jesus Christ. -In this study the relational promises of a new heart and an eternal hope are opened up for us to believe and live in- loving God, knowing God and dwelling eternally with Him who is our Hope..
More than most other days of the year, as Easter approaches, people will set their minds' eyes upon Jesus and the Cross. But what will they see-- Some will see him as unworthy of even their momentary attention, while others will see him as their Savior. -On Easter Sunday we will hear how Paul yearns for nothing other than -to know him and the power of his resurrection.- Everything else, he says, -I count as rubbish in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him.--Pray that we too may be shown afresh the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord this Easter.
More than most other days of the year, as Easter approaches, people will set their minds' eyes upon Jesus and the Cross. But what will they see-- Some will see him as unworthy of even their momentary attention, while others will see him as their Savior. On Good Friday morning we will hear what the Old Testament prophet Isaiah saw when he perceived Christ in a prophecy from the Lord.
This is the fourth of five studies from the letter to the Hebrews.-The writer observes that the first -Mosaic- covenant has been made obsolete by the new. Unlike the old covenant's most holy sacrifices performed annually on the Day of Atonement, Christ's once-for-all sacrifice did something perpetual and powerfully effective regarding removal of our sin - guilt, cleansing our conscience, and opening up service in the heavenly sanctuary.
As we continue our series through Philippians, this week we are reminded that Paul is not alone in his imprisonment. He has with him his fellow servant in the gospel and -true child in the faith,- Timothy. -I have no one like him,- says Paul. What a wonderful commendation- And yet, what a sad and sorry state of affairs that there is only one man Paul knows who seeks not his own interests but those of Jesus Christ, only one who is genuinely concerned for the welfare of others. Isn't this the very heart and mind Paul exhorts the whole church towards earlier in Philippians 2 - the mind -which is yours in Christ Jesus--- How we must pray that the Lord might raise up more men and women in the body of Christ who are like Timothy, who reflect the very character of Christ who abides in us. Pray that he might -work in us all, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.-
This is the third of five studies from the letter to the Hebrews.-Whilst fearing unbelief itself, we live holding fast to our confidence, boldly approaching the throne of Grace with a clear conscience because we have a High Priest.-They -we- are not left with a threat of judgement- all that they need to endure and enter God's rest is found in our great high priest. They aren't to focus inwards -trying harder- to work up faith, they are to focus on Jesus Christ. These passages in Hebrews do exactly that- they draw their attention to Jesus Christ, their great high priest - their confident hope.
'To live is Christ-' - Paul wrote these substantial words in Philippians 1-21, and even though we have progressed in our sermons to 2-14-18, we have not moved on from this precious topic. Paul continues to lay before the Philippians church and us just what it means to -live is Christ-, to live -worthy of the gospel-, and to -work out our salvation.- It means to live as Christ lived, for God and others, as children of God who shine like stars and cling to the word of life rather than the ways of a dark, crooked and warped world. A life given to God as a joyful sacrifice rather than one lived in vain.
This is the second of five studies from the letter to the Hebrews.-The writer reminds the readers that the Holy Spirit's exhortation written by David in Psalm 95 is current. The creational rest that began in Eden can be entered by an enduring faith in Christ. This rest remains by the grace of God, despite unbelief - disobedience at the fall, and despite unbelief in the desert that prevented entry to rest in the promised land. -Unbelief and disobedience are shown to be synonymous, deadly and a constant danger to fear. The Christian community, God's house, are instructed to exhort each other daily to remember and trust in God's promises. -Whilst fearing unbelief itself, we live holding fast to our confidence, boldly approaching the throne of Grace with a clear conscience because we have a High Priest.
What does it mean to -work out your own salvation--- It certainly doesn't mean we work for our salvation. Instead, in light of what has come beforehand - in light of the cross of Christ and his exaltation, we are to 'work out' what our salvation means for us today - what a cruciform life 'worthy of the gospel' looks like in practice. Before long we will realise -and probably have to learn time and time again-- that we can only live such a life because it is God who works in us, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. It is his grace and power which enable us to live such a life, in Christ. Thanks be to God-
This is the first of five studies from the letter to the Hebrews.-The writer exhorts the readers to hold fast to their faith in Jesus Christ and not drift back to the Old Covenant. This drift was happening because of cultural and physical opposition to the Gospel as well as lazy inattention. It is addressed by contrasting the finality and superiority of the New Covenant to what has come before as well as strong exhortations against going back leading to apostasy.-In these five studies we'll be focussing on passages that pick up five such contrasts- Superior Revelation, Priesthood, Sacrifice, Covenant and Kingdom.--In this first study the writer contrasts the way God has spoken in the past -revelation- to His superior and final Word by Son and exhorts us to pay closer attention to Him.
When the going gets tough- the church sticks together. -Aware they are about to be tested by conflict and opposition, Paul exhorts the Philippian believers to be in 'full accord and of one mind.' He knows their strength and unity will be threatened if they seek to look after themselves and their own personal interests in the face of the coming trials. And so, pointing them to the source of his own sure hope- - the example of Christ himself, who 'humbled himself' and became 'obedient to death, even death on a cross' Paul entreats the church to have the same mind. This is both the way of glory, and the way to glory.
For me to live is--- For me to die is----It is amazing how many different answers there are to these profound questions. Answers that, if true, reveal the heart's desire. A desire that gives purpose and reason in life and death, even in difficult circumstances. Sadly, many people in the world answer this question poorly, revealing inadequate desires and shallow purpose and reason for their lives, not to mention death. But, this is not the case for the Christian. For us, -to live is Christ, and to die is gain.--In Philippians 1-18b-30, Paul is in prison, and his future is uncertain-will he be released or killed-- Faced with an unclear future, Paul, quite astonishingly, rejoices. For him, -to live is Christ, and to die is gain.- His future, no matter the uncertainty of life or death, will result in the one whom he loves being exalted. For this reason, Paul rejoices and has confidence when others would fear.-Christ offers himself to us as he did to Paul. He is willing to be our answer to these important questions, to be our heart's great desire, giving us purpose and reason to rejoice, both in life and death.
What brings you joy in life-- And what robs you of joy---Despite his own predicament- under house arrest and unable to publicly proclaim the gospel, Paul rejoices. Why-- Because his own imprisonment has in fact served to advance the gospel. In fact, Christ is being proclaimed in places he would not likely have had access to if not for his arrest. Even those who are jealous and in competition with Paul give him reason to rejoice, because they are proclaiming Christ, and in that he rejoices.-May God grant us the same heart and joy as Paul and, whatever our circumstances, may there be good reason for us to rejoice as Christ is proclaimed in our day.
Paul's confidence that God would complete the work he began in the saints at Philippi does not move him to be complacent or passive. On the contrary, in that confidence, Paul is moved to pray for the Philippians and later to 'press on toward the goal' himself. How wonderful it is to be able to pray with such confidence rather than mere wishful thinking.
This week we will commence a preaching series through Paul's letter to the Philippian believers. Often described as Paul's 'letter of joy', we will hear how this same joy can be ours in Christ as it is grounded in the sure hope that -he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion-. Whilst we are all a 'work in progress', what joy and comfort it is to know that our heavenly Father never leaves a job undone.
This week, we continue our sermon series in Matthew as we look at the secrets of the kingdom given by Jesus through the parables. The parables of Wheat and weeds, mustard seed, and yeast. These parables tell us of our sovereign Lord's patient tolerance of sin for the sake of his children's glory and the method in which he wields his most significant power in this current age.
The Gospel of Matthew began telling us that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of David -the King of the kingdom-, the son of Abraham -a great nation of God's own people, through whom the nations would be blessed and came to His own to save them-. Jesus began His ministry by teaching, healing the sick and releasing those bound by the evil one. Rather than hearing and believing we have seen that the source of His power was mis-attributed and signs were requested, not to believe in Him, but to use against Him. --Chapter 13 of Matthew records a new phase in Jesus' ministry. Jesus speaks in parables to the crowds then separately teaches their hidden meanings to His sovereignly chosen twelve. He begins with the parable of the Sower, a Kingdom parable, teaching about the proclamation of the Word in the Kingdom. What He taught, why He spoke in parables, and what the parable means is laid out for us to read and hear. Please do---The twelve, and we, need to hear and understand the central importance of preaching and declaring the Gospel without resorting to worldly methods, nor seeking to measure effectiveness, efficiency or reception. Our Lord Jesus Christ remains the sower and the seed. He is the doer and we are His means. --We need not be discouraged by the various ways those who hear receive Him. Neither should we be cold or heartless in the knowledge of God's Sovereignty over Gospel reception. By the Spirit we see that we have been redeemed through our Redeemer's action of love- He speaks through the gracious Word of the Cross. It is in that Loving Spirit of the Father and Son that we proclaim the Gospel and believe the promise that there will be a wonderful harvest.
Have you ever heard someone say, -If only God would show me a miracle or a sign, then I would believe--- It's a relatively common thought expressed by non-believers. I have good news- Jesus uses miracles, signs, or wonders to prosper faith through the gospels, and he has given the world a sign that is greater and more sufficient than any other- a sign that shows how great he is. That sign is the sign of Jonah- his own resurrection. The sad news is that for a great number of people who say, -If only God...- this great sign will only prove them to be lovers of wickedness and idols who refuse to believe. They are people whose bodies are dens for unclean demons and whose -good deeds- in life surmount to room cleaning for those who occupy them. But for those who believe in Jesus and obey his word, he calls family.
Whilst questions abound concerning the matter of the 'unforgivable sin' the context should guide us in our conclusions. First of all, consider what grace there is that 'every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven'- Only then are we ready to consider the sin which will not be forgiven - rejecting the work and grace of God and attributing it to the evil one. Some may fear the very notion of an 'unforgivable sin', when in fact Jesus' teaching here should bring great comfort - by the Spirit of God he is able to bind the strong man and deliver us from kingdom of darkness. The very kingdom of God has come upon us indeed-
New Years Eve is a curious time. Some will think of the year that's gone and hope for better in the new year. Some will think of resolutions they will endeavor to bring about. And some will be resolved somewhat fatalistically that nothing will change even when the year does.-However, what we draw from the year gone, nor the year to come, is as important as what God says about who we are and where we are going.-In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Paul tells the Gentile Christians and us, who we are in God firstly- that we are holy and blameless before Him because of Christ, that we were far off but now we are near to God in Christ. We need to know who we are and why we are - children of God, before receiving the helpful and practical advice in the latter chapters about what it is to live as a child of God in the midst of a fallen world.-If I could encourage us as one year ends and another begins, to read the letter and be encouraged as the children of the loving Heavenly Father.
Simeon waited... and waited... and waited for the consolation of Israel, but then he saw a young Jesus and his waiting was over- he was at peace. We too wait for the consolation of this world. We wait to be comforted, to be saved. One day, Jesus will return, our waiting will come to an end, and the completion of his consolation of the world will be revealed.
We may think that Love is universally understood but there are vastly different interpretations. Many of these understandings make love tentative and conditional because they suggest that love is uncertain, must affirm all behaviours, yet paradoxically has to be deserved- This is not the way that God sees it- nor the way we should see it.-Psalm 143 is a deep conversation that David has with the LORD which helps us to understand the intensity and magnificence of His steadfast love. Knowing the LORD's great love, grace and mercy, and His gentle persistence in transforming His people - secures us and releases us to love abundantly.-Christmas is a celebration of Jesus, the One who comes in humility, full of grace and truth - who shows us the great love of the Triune God. The One who comes to pursue the broken and the hurting and the lost. To bring real hope, real peace, real joy and real love.--Truly He has taught us, and continues to teach us, to love one another-. This love will not be legalistic, nor reluctant- rather we will love well because we know we are loved well.
-No one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.- Into this exclusive knowledge and relationship Jesus invites us, -Come to me--. And with that wonderful invitation comes the glorious promise, --and I will give you rest for your souls.- This is the greatest Christmas of all - the Son of God and his revealing of the Father to us.
The angel who spoke to the shepherds at the birth of Jesus said that he bore -good news that will cause great joy for all the people.- What is it about Jesus, this child born in a manger, that generates such a response-- He has come to save and to reign. If you have time this week, read and reflect on the carol, -Joy to the World- by Isaac Watts as you prepare to hear a word of joy concerning the long-expected Jesus.
Peace is not a commodity to be bought -off-the-shelf- or a struggle to achieve through one's own wilfulness or meditation. Peace comes from the very nature of God and is given as a gift to those who come in faith to Him. Jesus gave His peace to His disciples, and we too, also as His disciples, can be recipients of this same peace. -The world is in constant conflict because of sin and expresses little real peace. Sometimes worldly peace raises its head and refreshes for the moment. But true, deep, long-lasting peace escapes those who have no relationship with God. But the peace we receive from Christ does not mean we will be absolved from trials and tribulation. The disciples found this to be so. What we do find though, is that in spite of the wiles of the world, we can have peace, even under persecution. This has been the witness of many martyrs over the centuries. The advent of peace is fully seen in the advent of Christ. Ponder then, what true peace looks like and how it takes root and action in our lives.
This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent - a season of waiting. Advent is a time of anticipation as we look forward to Christmas when we remember Christ's first coming, and a time of eager expectation as we wait patiently for his appearing. Advent is a season of hope- Against much opposition, and into a world where hope is so often battered and bruised, feeble and failing, Matthew reminds us that Jesus will not break the bruised reed or snuff out the smouldering wick. Justice will prevail, but not without mercy. Not by strength or by power, but by the Spirit. This is our hope.
Last week, Jesus invited us to come to him and receive rest for our souls. This week, as the Pharisees confront Jesus over Sabbath law, he will show us the root and reason for our invitation- we have a God who desires mercy, not sacrifice. Pray with me that you and I might know personally and profoundly the rest that comes from having a Lord rich in mercy for his people.
Upon reflecting on his past, a struggling writer wrote, -The quality of my work became the measure of my worth-. What a heavy way for this unknown writer to live. What a burden for him to carry upon his shoulders. Upon reflection of your life, would you say the same or something similar-- Does your heart murmur of your own measure and worth-- Living like this is exhausting for everyone. Wouldn't you like some rest for your soul-- A lighter load upon your shoulders. It sounds too good to be true. But Jesus says in our passage this week, -Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.- Let us come together on Sunday to be reminded and encouraged to trust the tender heart our saviour has for the weary and heavy laden. For in Jesus alone do we find rest for our souls.
In Jesus' day, the good news of the Kingdom of Heaven drew a whole range of responses- from- inquisitive to indifferent, from welcome reception to outright rejection. It is not dissimilar today. But whatever the response, this good news cannot be ignored. Jesus is -the one who is to come- as John the Baptist once asked of him, and his coming has changed history. Blessed indeed is the one who is not offended by him. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
Continuing in Matthew's gospel, even in the midst of wolves, Jesus tells his sheep not to be afraid. No threat, no persecution, not even death, can rival the protection and promises of God fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Take a moment to read the passage from Matthew 10 and note the great promises Jesus makes for all who receive him.
In Ezekiel 34, God reveals his dismay with the rulers of Israel. They have not shepherded the people of God well, taking advantage of them for their own profit. Moved by compassion for his people, God says, -I will be your shepherd-. I will seek, I will feed, and I will heal my sheep. In Matthew 9, what do we find but words that describe Jesus' ministry as one moved by compassion to seek, feed, and heal the sheep that have long been left without a shepherd- a ministry that he is eager to call the future apostles into as he equips and instructs them in how he will continue to shepherd his people through them in the days to come.
Matthew records for us in this passage at least 4 pictures of people in deep anguish desperately reaching out for help. These are people from different backgrounds, different socio-economic conditions, struggling with different, terrible trials, yet they all have this in common - they are all met and delivered from their trials by our incredibly compassionate Saviour.-The pictures point us from the physical realm to a deeper spiritual reality. Our spiritual symptoms may differ, but the underlying disease, the root of the problem is a heart corrupted by sin. And while the manifestation of sin and its soul-destroying ravages may differ in each of our lives, there is only one antidote to the vile venom of sin, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Son of David.-As the apostle Peter cried out before the Sanhedrin, -Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved-, we too, in our desperate need, must look to a gracious, compassionate Saviour for mercy in the midst of our soul's anguish.-
This passage bears witness to the powerful potency of the presence and message of Christ amongst the most despised people in Jewish society. The new wine of the Kingdom of God could not be contained by a calcified, rigid Judaism that trusted in its own righteousness and knew little of the overflowing mercy of God. Those who could not admit their need for Jesus but instead trusted in their own fancied goodness could not cope with the 'reckless mercy' that Jesus displayed to those they considered real 'sinners'. Jesus made it clear that He was creating a whole new structure that could handle the powerful potency of actually knowing and showing the astonishing mercy of God.
A weather phenomenon described in apocalyptic language. Demons inhabiting the bodies of men. People gravely ill. If these three things were shown in a movie trailer or described in the blurb of a book, I would likely not pick it up for fear of it haunting my dreams. Yet each of these occurrences is not only present in our scripture passage this week but a description of the powers present in our world. There is a reason the disciples are described as being afraid- how could they not be- Yet, the greatest power in all of creation isn't a storm, demons, ailments, or even sin, but Jesus. He, who has authority over all of creation, and came to overthrow the kingdom of darkness and save his people. What do we have to fear if we have Jesus--
In an age of 'influencers', 'likes' and 'followers' on social media today, it is somewhat refreshing -and confronting-- to hear the honesty of Jesus towards those who would choose to follow him. He makes no apologies, nor does he try to hide the 'fine print' in order to gain a greater following. We don't hear it very often today, but there is a cost to following Jesus, and an urgency to go with it if we are to hear Jesus correctly. In the end, it is all gain, but only as the 'surpassing worth of knowing Christ' is revealed to us. May this be the case among us as we hear his Word and he calls us to follow him this week.
Where is our satisfaction found in life-- Where do we go to rejoice-- There is no limit to the imagination when answering these questions. Even churches seem to have more than one answer. Yet whether it is the love of self or the love of vital theology concepts, the Bible says that all fall short compared to Jesus Christ. Jesus is the great lost love of the world. And in this series titled -Rejoicing in Christ- we will simply be spending time looking at him.
We recommence our series through Matthew's gospel this week, from Chapter 8. Having taught the crowds with the Sermon on the Mount, astonishing them with the authority of his teaching, we now see that authority at work as Jesus heals many in the ensuing chapters. This is not simply the work of someone with great power and authority, but one with great compassion. Jesus truly is the -man of sorrows- who -took our illnesses and bore our diseases.-
Where is our satisfaction found in life-- Where do we go to rejoice-- There is no limit to the imagination when answering these questions. Even churches seem to have more than one answer. Yet whether it is the love of self or the love of vital theology concepts, the Bible says that all fall short compared to Jesus Christ. Jesus is the great lost love of the world. And in this series titled -Rejoicing in Christ- we will simply be spending time looking at him.
We conclude our 'Glorious Humanity' series this week considering the wonder of our union with Christ. We have died with him, have been buried with him, raised with him, and- when he, who is our life appears, we too will appear with him in glory. In Christ, we are kept safe and secure, 'hidden with Christ in God.' Such is the wonder of 'Christ in you, the hope of glory.'
Where is our satisfaction found in life-- Where do we go to rejoice-- There is no limit to the imagination when answering these questions. Even churches seem to have more than one answer. Yet whether it is the love of self or the love of vital theology concepts, the Bible says that all fall short compared to Jesus Christ. Jesus is the great lost love of the world. And in this series titled -Rejoicing in Christ- we will simply be spending time looking at him.
Philippians 2-1-13 presses upon us the highest example possible - the self-humbling action of Christ who, though He shared the very glory and form of God, humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant in our flesh, becoming obedient to the point of a cursed death on a cross. It is this One whose humanity has been lifted to the highest place and given the name above every name. This model of humble service is not an impossible ideal but a Christ enabled and Spirit empowered reality of what the Father intends for each of our lives as we look to the interests of others before our own.
Where is our satisfaction found in life-- Where do we go to rejoice-- There is no limit to the imagination when answering these questions. Even churches seem to have more than one answer. Yet whether it is the love of self or the love of vital theology concepts, the Bible says that all fall short compared to Jesus Christ. Jesus is the great lost love of the world. And in this series titled -Rejoicing in Christ- we will simply be spending time looking at him.
This week we are looking at Hebrews 2-5-13. Our passage once again has us looking at Psalm 8, a psalm we are becoming familiar with, and wondering, 'Who will reign over the new world--' Though humanity has fallen far short of God's intended glory in the Garden of Eden, Jesus has not. Through humbling himself to be a man and suffering death on our behalf, he has become the perfect captain of our salvation. He is crowned now in glory and will reign in the new world-a glory and a reign that we share in grace and faith.
Where is our satisfaction found in life-- Where do we go to rejoice-- There is no limit to the imagination when answering these questions. Even churches seem to have more than one answer. Yet whether it is the love of self or the love of vital theology concepts, the Bible says that all fall short compared to Jesus Christ. Jesus is the great lost love of the world. And in this series titled -Rejoicing in Christ- we will simply be spending time looking at him.
Last week we heard how our glory restored in Christ reaches its peak in our worship of God. This week we will consider how the unity established among us in Christ is not broken or divided by the exercise of authority and submission but is in fact sustained and upheld. Just as it is within the Godhead, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, so it is to be with us, made in his image- loving and serving one another in willing obedience to God and according to his glorious design for humanity.
The progressive fading out of Christian values in our culture is not a new phenomenon. It may be new for us. It may cause us to grieve and even tempt us to despair, but this is not the first time in history that God's people have had to work out how to live in a culture which rejects the notion of God and refuses to live according to his Word. We have exchanged the glory and truth of God for a lie, and God is handing us over to the lusts of our hearts and our wayward ways. Rather than despair in this, Paul boldly declares the gospel, knowing it alone is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Only the greater exchange which took place at Calvary can restore humanity and transform our hearts so that we will again worship the one, true, living God.
In our series so far we have heard a story that has traversed from created glory to the corruption of sin. Yet, despite the devastation of humanity's sinful predicament, we are not without a future hope. A hope, not only of restored glory, but a greater glory than even Adam and Eve knew. This glory is found in being conformed to the image of Jesus- a glory which brings with it adoption, redeemed bodies, and freedom from corruption for the saints as well as all of creation.
What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them--- This is the question the psalmist wonders as he stares at the stars and moon. --Last week Ray began our new series called -Glorious Humanity- by following the rest of the psalm, showing that humanity has been crowned with glory. This week I will answer that question from another point of scripture. In Genesis 3 we read that the glory humanity has been crowned with has become corrupted by sin. Once described as good, and given good words in creation, Jesus calls unrepentant humanity and all of its works evil. So what hope does humanity have-- None in itself. Humanity hangs by a single thread over destruction. That thread is the mercy of God, as he patiently waits for us, and works in us, to place our faith in our only salvation- the death and resurrection of his own Son.
If we are ever to consider who we are, what it is to be human, and what we are to be about in this life we must first start with who God is and what he is about. Contrary to the humanism so prevalent in our present culture, we will only ever know our true identity and reach our full potential when we know the Lord - his character and purpose. And all this, will be to the praise of his glory, not ours. -- --This will be the thrust of a new preaching series titled -Glorious Humanity- commencing this week with Psalm 8, which among other things provides us with a wonderful framework for life and learning what it is to be human.
The sermon this week is from Mark 4-1-34 focussing on -the primacy of the word in our ministry and particularly to proclaiming the gospel.-
Together with those who sat at Jesus' feet when he first gave the Sermon on the Mount, we have heard all that Jesus said. But 'hearing' alone, he concludes at the end of his message, is not enough. The way of life in the kingdom of heaven is in hearing and doing all that Jesus has taught. This is the will of the Father, and only those who do his will enter the kingdom of heaven. So then... in the obedience of faith, let's choose life-
Over the last few weeks we have begun to hear Jesus' words to his disciples of what it means to live for God. We have read the words 'judge not' and 'ask and it will be given'. This week we read 'do to others', 'enter through the narrow gate', and 'beware false prophets'. Through these words we receive instruction in His way of life for the church - a way of loving sacrifice, hopeful difficulty, and discerning wariness.
The Bible tells us that when people glimpse the glory of God - fear and awe is the response. Yet, the God of all glory, is Father to His people. His glory makes Him trustworthy. Jesus brings us to His presence through His incarnation and His work of redemption. The Spirit's work is to draw people to Christ and show us truth. Wondrous Triune God of Glory and Grace-
Unanswered prayer must be one of the greatest concerns and conundrums of the Christian faith. It may even be the reason some have given for their rejection of God altogether. In Matthew 7, Jesus seems to give an open invitation to ask whatever we wish, with the promise that 'it will be given to you.' And yet, our experience tells us this is simply not the case. How then are we to understand Jesus' teaching here-- The answer, I believe, can be found in something real-estate agents often use in advertising, -Location- Location- Location-- -Join us for our Family Service this Sunday and, Lord willing, we will learn who it is we are to be asking, what we are to be seeking and where it is we are hoping to gain entrance by our knocking.
The Bible tells us that when people glimpse the glory of God - fear and awe is the response. Yet, the God of all glory, is Father to His people. His glory makes Him trustworthy. Jesus brings us to His presence through His incarnation and His work of redemption. The Spirit's work is to draw people to Christ and show us truth. Wondrous Triune God of Glory and Grace-
Upon opening a book on conflict resolution, it isn't surprising to discover chapters on the topic of judgment. The judgment of one another's actions and attitudes at work, home and church is commonplace and it often leads to conflict. However, it may surprise you to know that when Jesus says to his disciples -Judge not, that you be not judged,- he is not instructing them to stop judging. Instead, his words teach us how to judge one another well by examining the heart, rooting out hypocrisy and sin, and bearing one another's burdens with humility and love. --Join us on Sunday as we hear more of Jesus' words in Sermon on the Mount, instructing his followers how to live in Him.
The Bible tells us that when people glimpse the glory of God - fear and awe is the response. Yet, the God of all glory, is Father to His people. His glory makes Him trustworthy. Jesus brings us to His presence through His incarnation and His work of redemption. The Spirit's work is to draw people to Christ and show us truth. Wondrous Triune God of Glory and Grace-
Jesus' warning against storing up wealth for ourselves on earth, and his encouragement not to be anxious may seem impractical in today's world and an unrealistic burden to live under. In fact, it may be far more practical and liberating than we could imagine. All the worry in the world cannot deliver us from the troubles of tomorrow. Only seeking first His kingdom and righteousness brings the assurance of our Father's faithful provision no matter what trials we face.
The Bible tells us that when people glimpse the glory of God - fear and awe is the response. Yet, the God of all glory, is Father to His people. His glory makes Him trustworthy. Jesus brings us to His presence through His incarnation and His work of redemption. The Spirit's work is to draw people to Christ and show us truth. Wondrous Triune God of Glory and Grace-
In teaching his followers The Lord's Prayer, Jesus not only instructs us in what to pray, but in the nature of the one to whom we pray and the reason why we are to pray in this way. It is to -Our Father- in heaven,- that we pray - to one who knows us completely and loves us like no other, and to one who is powerful above all and is able to give to us what he knows we need. This is why we can pray with confidence, and with his name, his kingdom and his will as the highest of our priorities, trusting that he will grant to us our daily needs as we ask him in faith. He is, after all, -Our Father- in heaven.-
The Bible tells us that when people glimpse the glory of God - fear and awe is the response. Yet, the God of all glory, is Father to His people. His glory makes Him trustworthy. Jesus brings us to His presence through His incarnation and His work of redemption. The Spirit's work is to draw people to Christ and show us truth. Wondrous Triune God of Glory and Grace
Having told his followers to 'let their light shine before others so that they may see their good works and give glory to God,' Jesus now warns them not to practise their righteousness in order to be seen. The glory is always to go to God, not to us. With the warning though, comes a great promise - 'your Father who sees in secret will reward you.' With such a wonderful promise, I wonder why it is we so often we find ourselves seeking the praise of men when the blessing of God our Father is far better than anything others can give us--
The covenants contained in the Bible not only provide us with a framework with which to understand the Scriptures, they reveal the very nature of God and his relationship with humanity, especially his chosen covenant people. There is nothing more secure and assuring than being in covenant relationship with God - we are his people and he will be our God.
If what we've heard till now seems hard, Jesus goes on further to show what it means for His disciples to show love, even at times when we are slighted, insulted, wrongly accused, hated and even persecuted.-This is a love that truly is other worldly. A radical love that is willing to give up its rights and sacrifice self. -A love that is indeed impossible for men and women by ourselves, but a love that, as Bob pointed out last week, can only proceed from a holy, loving God who is able and willing to fill us to overflowing in Christ.
The covenants contained in the Bible not only provide us with a framework with which to understand the Scriptures, they reveal the very nature of God and his relationship with humanity, especially his chosen covenant people. There is nothing more secure and assuring than being in covenant relationship with God - we are his people and he will be our God.
God is love. This is the best news. We see God's gracious and abounding love for the world, we see him loving the good and evil alike. Not that we are lovely or inherently lovable but that he has set his love upon us. He has decided to, and we see in Christ and the cross the extreme nature of this love - that he would be the redeeming God, but more than that, he has us call him Father, having made us His children.--Why do we love-- It is our nature to, and completely unnatural for us not to, because we are made in his image and he is love. Can we say in our distress, -Why don't you love me--- You bet we can. Holding onto our little store of love, jealousy guarding it and not letting any out, just in case we may run out.--But this is not how love works, His love is limitless and freely fills us constantly, as we love freely. Are we whole and right, blameless in His sight through Christ-- Is this our own doing, or has it come as a gift-- And is this a forever state of being-- Then we are free to love.
The covenants contained in the Bible not only provide us with a framework with which to understand the Scriptures, they reveal the very nature of God and his relationship with humanity, especially his chosen covenant people. There is nothing more secure and assuring than being in covenant relationship with God - we are his people and he will be our God.
This week we continue our series on Jesus' sermon on the mount with the third and fourth examples of righteous living, that of divorce and oaths. We are not ignorant of Australia's general views on marriage and oaths. Much like the culture Jesus was speaking into, our understanding of these two examples has been altered from God's original intent. Even believers like us understand these topics through the coloured lenses of our own experiences. But, Jesus' words were given to correct the disciples understanding, not so they could live a perfect life, but so that he might shepherd us into a life rich with the beatitude blessings. To be poor of spirit, mourn, have mercy, all in the righteous gentle arms of Jesus. I realise this is not an easy topic for many. Please pray with me that we would come to church Sunday morning and attempt to remove the lenses of our own experiences, listen, and follow our Lord as he shepherds us into his own heart.
The covenants contained in the Bible not only provide us with a framework with which to understand the Scriptures, they reveal the very nature of God and his relationship with humanity, especially his chosen covenant people. There is nothing more secure and assuring than being in covenant relationship with God - we are his people and he will be our God.
Having told his disciples their righteousness needed to exceed that of the Scribes and the Pharisees, Jesus goes on to give six examples of what this righteousness looks like in practice- in normal everyday life. This week we look at the first two of these examples, concerning anger and lust. Jesus' teaching effectively charges us all with the sin of murder and adultery and it would easy to think there is no hope for any of us. Reminding ourselves of the Beatitudes at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount however, should remove any sense of despair. Go back and read them again and see what you think.
The covenants contained in the Bible not only provide us with a framework with which to understand the Scriptures, they reveal the very nature of God and his relationship with humanity, especially his chosen covenant people. There is nothing more secure and assuring than being in covenant relationship with God - we are his people and he will be our God.
Unless our righteousness exceeds that of the Scribes and the Pharisees, we will never enter the kingdom of heaven. At a minimum, this statement of Jesus' should make us sit up and pay attention. How can anyone fulfil such a requirement-- What hope do we have-- And there's no -cheating- allowed by relaxing any of God's commandments. Our only hope is Jesus Christ, who has come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets- every last detail of them. What a gracious gift this is- that in Him, we should become the very righteousness of God- Praise the Lord-
Last week we heard about a way of life pleasing to the Father- The Beatitudes. This way was, and is, perfectly and beautifully lived by Jesus. So perfectly fitted was Jesus to this way of life, it would be more accurate to say the Beatitudes are a description of him. Then we heard that through our union with Jesus we have been blessed with his way of life so that we might follow in his footsteps. This week we see how Jesus' way of living was one of salt and light to the world. And, as with the Beatitudes, we are invited to participate in Christ's salt and light work of bringing glory to God through our good works on earth.
We return this week to our series through Matthew's gospel, picking it up from the beginning of Chapter 5 where we find what are commonly known as The Beatitudes. It is significant that Jesus opens his Sermon on the Mount with these words of blessing. Here we learn something of the nature of God's kingdom and the character of kingdom children. It is upon these that he smiles and promises great reward. How good it is to be on the receiving end of God's blessing and grace.
We will hear what it means for Jesus to be the -resurrection and the life- through the story of Lazarus in John 11-1-45
This Good Friday we will hear what it is that makes Jesus the -Good Shepherd- - namely, he lays his life down for the sheep.
In our final Sunday in our Name above all Names series, our gaze is taken behind the veil of history, where we see an unexpected sight. A lamb amidst the throne of God, and even more strange, this lamb looks like it should be dead, but it is somehow standing alive. We see our Lord Jesus the Christ as the only one worthy to bring history to its right culmination and conclusion and worthy of all honour and praise.
This title is by far the bleakest one we have come to. It speaks of the suffering of Jesus at the hands of men, and the will of the Father, of him being despised, rejected, smitten, and afflicted. So great was his suffering that despite these descriptions its depths are almost entirely unknowable to us. Yet, at the same time, in Christ's suffering we find our salvation, comfort during our own suffering, and the encouragement and assurance of glory to come. Pray that we might grow in the knowledge and understanding of the mystery of Jesus' love for us seen in his suffering.
Jesus Christ is the -Son of Man.- But what does that title mean-- What does it tell us of nature, person and work of Jesus-- It says far more than simply Jesus was a man. In fact, it speaks as much, or more, of his divinity - that he is God- He is one portrayed in Daniel's vision who was given dominion and glory above all others. And we are told he is the one who came to seek and save the lost. Yet, from his own lips we hear the Son of Man declare that he must suffer and die and be raised to life. This is how he exercises his power and defeats his enemies. This is how he saves lost and helpless sinners. This is how he is given the name above all names.
Long has Israel waited for the prophesied King. The King who would bring peace, safety, victory, and unity to the people, ruling with righteousness and justice forever. From the days of David, the people have waited. Finally, he is here- The scene in Luke 19 of Jesus' arrival to Jerusalem shows the people celebrating Jesus as that long-awaited King- Yet amidst all the waving palm branches, laid-out cloaks, and shouting of -Hosanna-, the King weeps for the people. Why-- Because the people want a king who will go from strength to strength to strength, while Jesus will be a king of the cross. Furthermore, his people will not be a people of strength as the world knows it, but a people that take up their cross to follow him. Jesus knows their hearts and anticipates their rejection of the true King and his reign. Yet, rejected though he may be, he is the true King and proceeds to the cross to conquer death and make a way for his people to live.
We continue our 'Name Above All Names' series this week, considering Jesus as our Great High Priest. Whilst we are encouraged to approach the throne of grace with confidence and have been granted access to the Father, it is only -since we have a great high priest- and -through him- that we could ever come before the living and holy Lord God. Because of Jesus' finished work and his ongoing priestly ministry at the Father's right hand we can indeed -draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.- What a holy wonder and joy this is-
Our sinful nature makes us ignorant- ignorant to both the nature of our deadly predicament in sin and to the redeeming grace of God. We need someone to speak to us what we do not know and show us what we cannot see. To this end, God has sent his prophets. And in these last days, he has sent his Son, Jesus Christ. As the True Prophet, Jesus not only speaks to us or shows us the truth of God, he saves us to the utmost. It is not by bread alone, but by this Word- the living, incarnate Word of God that we live.
The writer of Hebrews urges us to 'Consider Jesus,' and we will be doing just that in our next series, 'Name Above All Names'. This week we consider how Jesus is 'The Seed of the Woman' promised in Genesis 3-15. There, in the Garden, a long-lasting enmity is foretold which will ultimately end in a fatal blow against the Serpent- his head will be crushed. Such is the power of this 'seed', but it is a power which comes only by that seed falling to the ground and dying. In the continual clash of the kingdoms today and the daily groaning of our own lives we live by faith in the sure hope of this finished work of Christ.
This Sunday, we hear the third and last of our three-part series in Ephesians 1-3-14. Over the last few weeks, we have been -1- called to be in God's presence, -2- predestined as sons, -3- redeemed through blood, -4- forgiven, and -5- made aware of Jesus' glorious return. If Paul stopped here, and this was all God gave his people, we would indeed be rich. But this series isn't called richly blessed, it's called overwhelmingly blessed. God continues to bless. This week, we read of an inheritance waiting for us in heaven. An inheritance so great it impacts our present lives to praise God. Furthermore, we have been guaranteed that inheritance through the reception of the Holy Spirit.--Continue to give time to reading and meditating upon 1 Ephesians 1-3-14, praying that the Lord may open our eyes to His Glory and our hearts to praise.
This Sunday, we hear the second of our three-part series in Ephesians 1-3-14. Last week we praised God for calling and predestining us to be his holy and blameless sons. This week we praise God that he has made our calling more than a wishful hope but a reality. We have been redeemed and forgiven in our unity with Christ and the giving of his blood. Furthermore, we are blessed with insight into the plans and purposes of God. The blessed unity we share with Christ will one day come to completion. On that day, we will join with all of heaven and earth in the glorified and triumphant Christ.
For the next three weeks, I will preach on one sentence that spans twelve verses, found at the beginning of Ephesians. In this passage Paul is listing, to those in Ephesus, seven spiritual blessings that God has poured out upon his people through their unity with Jesus. Blessings that so overwhelm Paul that he cannot help but praise the Father's glorious grace towards us. This week we will spend time in verses 3-6, where we see the eternal and life-changing nature of God's blessings to us, from before we were born and well into our future.
The rejection of Jesus in Nazareth and his withdrawal to Galilee brings about the fulfilment of Isaiah's words, -the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light.- God doesn't wait for us to come to him, or even to meet him halfway. He comes to us, even to the deepest and darkest places of our lives, in order to shine the light of his glory and grace. He comes to us with saving grace and calls us to himself saying, -Follow me,- - follow me and see the kingdom of heaven at work here on earth. Surely this is an offer too good to refuse.
Following his baptism, Jesus is led into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil. The writer of Hebrews tells us that because Jesus suffered and resisted the temptations of the evil one, he is able to help us when we are tempted. Furthermore, by not taking any -short-cut- to the glory offered him by the devil, relying instead upon the promises of his Father, Jesus not only secured his inheritance from the Father, he has secured ours with him.
John the Baptist has been preparing the way, proclaiming to the people, -Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is near,- baptising them with -water for repentance.- Then out of the crowd comes the man whom John is not -worthy to carry his sandals,- and he wants to be baptised by John. Jesus, the King of the soon-to-arrive Kingdom of Heaven, the son of God, the Messiah- desires to be baptised in waters of repentance- Why-- Jesus says it is necessary -to fulfil all righteousness.- What does this mean-- And why does it result in the heavens rolling back, the Spirit descending, and the Father speaking, -This is my son, the beloved, in whom I am well pleased--- Find out on Sunday when we listen to God's word together.
We don't hear the call to repent very much these days. I wonder why-- Maybe we don't think our sin is all that serious. And yet, as Luther nailed to a chapel door over 500 years ago now, -When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, said -repent,- he meant that the entire life of believers should be one of repentance.- After all, this is how the way of the Lord is prepared- through the preaching of the kingdom of heaven and the command for all people everywhere to repent. By the grace of God, may we reach the kind of repentance the Lord in his patience longs for us to reach.
For many the magic of Christmas is short lived. For the coming of Christ to have the deepest impact on our lives we need to dig deeper into the mystery of His coming. What is it that lay behind the great condescension of the One who was in the 'very form of God'-- He not only stepped into human history as one of us, but stooped even lower to serve and redeem.-In all this he not only showed us the rich glory of what our humanity was made for but also the very heart of God.-His deepest glory was revealed in serving us in this astonishing manner and His deepest joy is to see the image of this humble, serving Son take shape in us-
We are all familiar with the narrative of Jesus' childhood that follows from the wise men's visit. Joseph and the family's flight to Egypt, Herod's murder of children and infants in Bethlehem, and the family's return from Egypt to Nazareth. My experience is that this part of Jesus' story has seldom garnered much attention. The passage occupies little more than passing comments at the end of the Christmas story. But the rhythm of Jesus' fulfilment of the prophecy in Matthew's first chapter only continues to increase. Even as a child, Jesus satisfies, completes, and fulfils the word and will of the Father. He is God's firstborn son, called out from a kingdom of darkness. He is an end to weeping for those lost to sin without hope. And he fully embodies the despised and rejected. All of this we will see in these short verses.
The story of the magi -wise men- seeking the one 'born king of the Jews' is a remarkable witness to the surprising action of God. Their discerning faith, their diligent search, their heartfelt joy and their costly adoring worship all bear witness to the God of surprises. Familiarity with the story can render it boringly predictable- 'Of course wise men from the east came to worship the baby Jesus- Why wouldn't they--' In this way this amazing event is reduced to 'a Christmas decoration' rather than a moving, unexpected authentication of the arrival of the King of all kings - the One who was rightly perceived as a threat by the political and religious powers but not in the way they imagined-
The genealogy Matthew gives for Jesus in the opening verses of his Gospel lays the foundation for showing how it is that Jesus, the most unlikely of candidates, should be recognized as the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham. The problem is, in v16 Matthew is almost at pains to point out that Joseph, King David's descendant, is not Jesus' father. In v18-25 Matthew explains not only how it is that Jesus can legitimately be called the son of David, but also how he comes to be called both Jesus -Yahweh saves- and Immanuel -God with us-.
This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent and we will be commencing a series through Matthew's Gospel starting with the birth narrative of Jesus. The genealogy, or family-tree, which opens Matthew's gospel shows us how the birth of Jesus is the fulfilment of God's covenant promises made centuries earlier - to David and to Abraham. These promises are fulfilled despite some pretty messy family situations which threaten to thwart God's purposes. However, what we learn is that God uses these sinful, broken and messy families to fulfil his purposes. Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more as the Father brings many sons and daughters to glory through his Son, Jesus Christ.
We will conclude our series through 1 Samuel this coming Sunday by considering the death of Saul. Sadly, Saul died as he lived - more in the fear of shame than in the fear of the Lord. And yet, he is honoured in the end by those who remember the salvation the Lord worked through him. He was after all, the Lord's anointed. We too can honour and rejoice in the Lord's Anointed - Christ our King - who has worked salvation for us and whose perfect love casts out fear.
Christians are God's beloved family. This enables us to hear how the rest of our life is meant to work out. We no longer need to be defined by how the world sees our home or work place. We can love, submit, obey, encourage or be enthusiastic-all as the occasion requires. Our life is being shaped by the living Christ, not by the world.
I imagine for most of us, in any one day, there are a whole bundle of factors which determine our thoughts, actions and reactions in life. It will be really worthwhile to stop for a moment to consider just what it is that presently rules in our hearts. And it will be all the more worthwhile to hear the word this week and take it to heart- to 'let the peace of Christ' be the ruling factor and presence in our lives. May the Word of Christ dwell in us richly as we gather together as God's chosen, holy and beloved children.
In this passage Paul gives the true way of overcoming the indulgence of the flesh. He points us to our identity as those who have been raised with Christ. He shows us that Christ is our life and our glorious destiny. Focusing on things above is the way to overcome the things of this earth. -It involves a deliberate and continuing process of putting on everything that belongs to our new self in Christ and a relentless killing off anything that belongs to our old life. As we daily 'put off' and 'put on' we show in the way we live the truth and power of being united to Christ. Here is the power to change. Here is the way to be God's holy and beloved people.
Freedom is great to have but hard to make. We need to be set free-by what Christ does on his cross-not by the schemes we dream up. If we're forgiven, and cleansed, we have a clear conscience. And because Christ took us with him when he died, even our remaining nasty side has a new master. Here is authentic freedom, and the seeds of a new world.
There are many obvious temptations and dangers which threaten to draw us away from Christ. We are clearly told to resist and flee such things. But often it is more subtle, and sometimes even seemingly positive, hazards which steer us off course. The warning and instruction we hear from Paul this week is not to let anyone judge or disqualify us, but to hold fast to Christ. Any nourishment, unity and growth we need comes graciously from him, and we should turn to no-one and nothing else for these.
Talking about love without a message of Christ on his cross is like imagining a wheel without a hub. There's nothing to keep it in place. On the cross, love is demonstrated, but also created. Someone had to deal with the fear that keeps us superficial, and Christ has done it-
Our desire for peace is urgent. But our attempts at securing it can themselves lead to discord. Nothing can make peace if it does not bring us to God. We can't afford to be squeamish about this-we need the spilling of Christ's blood, to bring us to God. Without this, we may ourselves 'spill blood'.
The apostle Paul was a man on a mission. God had chosen him to fully declare the mystery of God that had been hidden for ages. At the very heart of this open secret was the rich and glorious truth of 'Christ in you, the hope of glory.' Paul gladly suffered and toiled to bring everyone to full maturity 'in Christ.'-Every fibre of Paul's being was concentrated on this all-consuming ministry of teaching and warning - he knew how easily the Colossian believers could be scammed through 'plausible arguments' into trading the rich treasure of wisdom and knowledge found in Christ for the worthless wisdom of this world.
The death of Jesus has no parallel. It is the worst thing humanity has done. But then, it is God himself doing what is right. He reveals what must happen to sin, but, without any compromise, declares those who trust his Son to be righteous. There's nothing better than this. And nothing more necessary.
This week in Colossians 1-15-23 we are reminded of something the world has largely forgotten - that Jesus Christ is the supreme Lord of all. We are not the centre of the universe, he is- Everything was made through him and for him. This flies in the face of so much of what the world teaches us today. But what relief and joy it is to know that in Christ, and under his lordship, can we know what it is to be fully human and be at peace with God.
Everyone wants to be right, but it's a hard and vicious battle we make for ourselves. It's more important to know that God is right. This is what he reveals when his Son dies. If we believe what God does for us there, we are called righteous and can live in God getting things right.
This week we commence a series through Paul's letter to the Colossians. I encourage you to take the time to read through the letter in preparation, and each week throughout the series. -The letter begins with an insight into what Paul prays for the Colossian believers - what he gives thanks to God for, and what he asks God for on their behalf. These are no small matters Paul raises here. That is because we have no small God. These are kingdom prayers- regarding eternal matters- which are worked out in the most practical ways as we walk in faith, hope and love. -May our own prayers and daily walk be filled with the knowledge of God's will, be worthy of the Lord and fully pleasing to him.
The crucifixion of Jesus is something that happens to him. But he insists it is the judgement of this world. We are all being summoned to meet our Maker. The awful truth about our situation is that we kill God's Son. But here is where we come to understand our true situation in God's world, and where we find our healing.
Weariness- is not a new concept to any of us. Yes, we get tired from the day-to-day tasks, like home maintenance, work, and other people. But we are also familiar with a weariness that permeates the soul. The weariness comes from burdening concerns that plague our minds. Concerns of personal value, success, acceptance, approval. The invitation of Jesus is clear -Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.- The rest Jesus offers is found in his relationship with the Father, his sonship. What is there to grow weary over when you are a dependent child of the -Lord of heaven and earth-, who is also -Gentle and lowly of heart-.
Habakkuk admits he feels wobbly at the terrible events that are coming. That kind of 'reality denying kind of faith' that smiles at the storm on the outside but is terrified on the inside helps no one. --Neither does the prophet give way to panic. He remembers how God has worked in the past. His prayer is 'Do it again Lord. In your holy judgments show your great mercy and love-'--So even when everything falls and fails around us, we can rejoice in the Lord, the God of our salvation. We may feel weak but God is our strength. We may feel a little wobbly at the knees but we should not lose balance for God makes our feet like the deer's-
'O Lord, how long-' There are times when we wonder why God is not acting in the time and way that we think He should act. Habakkuk was a prophet who was befuddled with God's apparent inaction in the face of needless injustice and suffering.-He was not a critical complainer from the side-line but a baffled believer who longed that God might answer his prayer. However, when God does reveal that He indeed is about something the prophet is thrown into even more turmoil. When the life of faith seems to 'throw us a curve ball' leaving us confused and despairing, the story of Habakkuk offers some strong and helpful medicine.
It's good to know there is more to our life than what we can see. Paul says we Christians live in 'the heavenlies'. In other words, we're not limited to 'the earthies'. The real world that God opens up to us has Jesus in total control. Satan still messes with this space-like he did in Eden, but it's where we receive Christ's blessings and where we can let these blessings flow out into the places God gives us to live.
We conclude our 'Light Overcoming Darkness' series this week by considering what it is for us to -walk in the light.- The Apostle John tells us this 'walk' has to do with truth, fellowship and forgiveness. We must heed the warnings that hatred and lies are indicators of darkness, not light. But we must also delight in the promise that 'if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' To walk in the light, is to walk by faith in the one who has overcome the darkness - not only the darkness of the world, but the sin and darkness of our own hearts. This is the truth which opens us the full fellowship we can enjoy with God, the 'Father of lights' and with one another. Let us walk then, as children of light.
When the story of Christ's birth is absorbed into a diverse cultural celebration of an otherwise secular society then the grand purpose of His birth is buried under a pile of coloured lights, tinsel and giant inflatable animals.-A sentimental view of Christmas may give momentary relief from the darkness of this present world but it cannot bring us to that revelation of what God has accomplished in Christ to shatter our darkness and liberate us into His marvellous light.
Are you weary- Heavy burdens weighing you down- Need some rest- Thirsty- Hungry- - for hope- for life- for comfort-- For communion-- Forgiveness---Come- Drink of the water of life. Come and adore him - the one who has come to bring us to God.-Come- Not because of your faithfulness, or your righteousness or holiness, but because of HIS- for you-
The light we have been hearing of through this Advent series has not only shone into the 'darkness and void' at creation, or into the 'gloom of anguish' of the nations. God has shone into the darkness of our own hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. We are in desperate need of this light--Many are blind to this light because of their unbelief. They fear the light and do not want the darkness of their own hearts exposed. But thanks be to God he has revealed himself to us in mercy and grace at the cross, that we might not lose heart and love to see his glory.
Just as a single lit candle can be seen from every corner of an otherwise darkened auditorium, so Jesus, the one whom John describes as having life and light in himself, has shone his light to all corners of this dark world. His is no flickering flame in danger of being blown out by any puff of wind, though. Jesus' light is eternal, unquenchable, unwavering and blinding in its glory- -Bombarded as we can sometimes feel by the sights, sounds, trials, temptations and uncertainties of this dark world, John's declaration that the darkness, despite its best efforts, could not, and has not, overcome Jesus' light is a great encouragement to us-
The world is a dark place. There is war, death, and oppression. But a Son has been promised, and with him will come the kingdom of light- a place where there is no darkness, no war, no death, no oppression. The people of the kingdom will be filled with joy and act as beacons of light to the world. And the prophesied Son who brought in this kingdom will be their king. He will be a king that rules with justice and righteousness forever. Jesus is this long-awaited Son and King of light. Peter urges us that while the world is presently dark, the knowledge of Jesus' identity and the coming kingdom is a shining lamp that will get us through to the new dawn.
In the centre of fallen human history, the light of God has appeared to destroy the kingdom of darkness. He was born into a world of great darkness and fear where sin and death reigned. The One who said 'Let there be light' in the beginning has demonstrated his absolute power through the weakness of a crucified messiah to turn our hearts from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.-The birth of Messiah spelt doom for the kingdom of darkness and breathed terror into every demonic power. As we follow the Son of God, we do not walk in darkness but have the light of life. We need not be overcome by the evil and terrors of this world because the true light is already shining, and the darkness is passing away. No matter how dark this world appears this is our confidence through Christ.
When in Rome- Paul didn't do what the Romans did. He -proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness- and without hindrance.- This is how the book of Acts concludes. Despite Paul's own chains, the gospel was not bound. And it still isn't bound today. As we conclude our series, I hope and pray the same gospel we have heard penetrate hard hearts and transcend cultural barriers in Acts, has penetrated our own hearts and brought 'times of refreshing' to our souls.
Come hear David Robertson speak on the theme of Hope from Romans 8, and two contemporary issues- The Re-Imaging of Humanity and the Apologetic of Evil.
How does one stand in the midst of a storm- In Acts 27 we hear a detailed report of Paul surviving a serious storm on the sea, one which ended with a shipwreck. How did Paul stand in the height of that storm- He knew God was with him. He knew he belonged to God. He listened to the word of God. And he obeyed God. Paul's testimony to those with him on that ship was -I have faith in God.- This was the anchor of his soul throughout those tumultuous weeks. It can be ours too.
Come hear David Robertson speak on the theme of Hope from Romans 8, and two contemporary issues- The Re-Imaging of Humanity and the Apologetic of Evil.
Come hear David Robertson speak on the theme of Hope from Romans 8, and two contemporary issues- The Re-Imaging of Humanity and the Apologetic of Evil.
Are you ready---Peter urges us in his first letter to always be ready to give reason for the hope that is in us. Many of us, I'm sure, are a little daunted at that prospect. Some of us are not sure what to say. Others are afraid of how we might be received, and what others might think of us. Other still, might feel our hope is waning and we need to be reminded of the reason for it. And yet, we are told to be prepared. Are we- -As we consider Acts 25 - 26 this week, where Paul defends the reason for his hope in Christ, I pray we might be reminded of the reason for our hope, and that we can be encouraged and equipped to respond to any who ask us to give reason for the hope that is in us.
Falsely accused Paul faces his first trial alone before a Roman governor. It is remarkable that he can 'cheerfully' give such a powerful and persuasive defence. Paul appears to have no fear of the threat that is hanging over his life. Instead, he sees this as another opportunity to bear witness to the truth, both publicly and later in personal conversation with Felix.--Unfazed by the injustice of it all, Paul's transparency and integrity is in stark contrast to the duplicity of those who incriminate and judge him. The authenticity of our faith is proven when it endures injustice cheerfully without caving in.
Come hear David Robertson speak on the theme of Hope from Romans 8, and two contemporary issues- The Re-Imaging of Humanity and the Apologetic of Evil.
How is it the man who calls himself the -chief of sinners- can claim to have a good conscience before God- And what is it about the resurrection of the dead that can cause such division among Paul's accusers, but gives Paul such confidence and hope- We too can receive a clean conscience and enjoy the same confidence and hope - such is the power of the gospel of Christ.
Come hear David Robertson speak on the theme of Hope from Romans 8, and two contemporary issues- The Re-Imaging of Humanity and the Apologetic of Evil.
This passage tells the remarkable story of how the apostle Paul was enabled to bear witness to an angry Jewish mob who had only moments before tried to kill him. Paul showed them he was once just like them. He too had been zealous for God - so much so that he persecuted Christians to death.-Paul never forgot what he had done. But the memory of his past sin did not disable him. Rather it reminded him that 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners' of whom he was the foremost. He had no doubt that if God could show him such mercy, then He could save anyone - even those who sought his life.
Despite the Holy Spirit warning him -in every city- that -prison and hardships- await him, Paul resolutely continues his journey towards and finally reaches Jerusalem in this week's passage. Here Paul meets with the leaders of the church in Jerusalem and is encouraged to pursue a course of action that will allay the concerns held by many new Jewish believers that he is encouraging Jews to stop being Jewish. Practicing what he preaches, namely that he is willing to be 'all things to all people' for the sake of the gospel, Paul agrees despite significant risk to himself and ends up severely beaten and in chains for his efforts. -Paul demonstrates that, so long as the integrity of the gospel is preserved, he is willing to go to significant lengths in order to maintain the unity of the early church. In an age where division between and within churches is rife, his example to us is both sobering and encouraging.
In Acts 20-17-38 we read of Paul giving a -farewell speech- to the Ephesian elders. By example, exhortation and warning, Paul imparts his God-given wisdom to these men so that they and the flock they serve might -fare well- in the days to come. It is no light matter to care for God's precious sheep. But neither the sheep nor the shepherds are able to do this on their own. Instead they -we-- are commended to God, our True Shepherd, and to the word of his grace - the green pasture we all need to feed upon and which is able to build us up in faith, hope and love.
Continuing our Acts series in 19-1-16, we find Paul leaving Ephesus and continuing his roundabout route to Jerusalem. He covers a great deal of distance and time in these verses, travelling through Macedonia and Greece only to end up back in Asia with the Ephesian elders two years later. Though we hear few details of this trip, we know that Paul takes every chance to encourage the churches he loves with the word and power of the gospel. All the while he is seemingly aware that he will not be passing this way ever again.
Jesus taught that we cannot serve both God and money. In the second half of Acts 19 we read of two contrasting responses to Christ and the Gospel. The first is a great revival evoking repentance among believers who had been practising and profiting from magic arts. The second is a great resistance, almost causing a riot by those who feared the loss of profits from their craft. The issue is not one of profits, but one of worship- not a matter of money, but of the heart. And the same issue is no less real today as it was in Paul's, but so too is the gospel no less the power of God to save. -May the Word of God and his loving kindness lead us to repentance and renew our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus as it did that day in Acts 19.
Many who have a deficient understanding of Christian faith may be ripe to receive the full gospel. Acts 18-18-19-10 provide examples of such people.--Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria, had come further in his understanding of Jesus than the twelve disciples of John the Baptist but both Apollos and the twelve only knew a baptism of repentance and not the baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus. They were all ignorant of what Jesus had accomplished in His death and resurrection and in the outpouring of the Spirit. Here were people ripe for the full gospel. All they needed was someone to tell them. Gently explaining 'the way of God more accurately' to those who have only half the gospel may produce a wonderful outcome-
If God can raise up a church in a city like Corinth, then we can be confident He can cause the gospel to bear fruit in our own day and culture. Like the apostle we may feel intimidated into silence by the forces at work in our culture. The powers of this world whether religious or political are all under His hand. If Christ is with us as He promised, then we should not fear but trust His enabling power to live and speak for Him.
Trusting something we can't see doesn't come naturally. Faith in God happens because he speaks to us. The world's atheism can affect us all so we need to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly. Only then will be able to extinguish the discouragements, the allurements and the scorn that Satan throws at us.
Our gospel seems weird or dangerous to many. But what we know of God makes us grieve for those who don't know him. Paul shows us what we can share with people who are sceptical but don't have anything certain to trust.
Continuing are series through the book of Acts, this week we come to Acts 17-1-15 where we hear how Paul 'turned the world upside down' with his preaching. That would be quite some feat- In reality, Luke tells us he simply explained from the Old Testament scriptures that the Christ must suffer and die and be raised from the dead. He then declared Jesus of Nazareth to be the Christ - King and Lord of all. But that 'simple' reasoning was -and is-- enough to turn everything on its head. --Jesus IS Lord- He IS the King of kings and Lord of lords - there is no other- That might turn some heads, it might even turn some people's worlds upside down. But truth be told, I reckon Christ and the gospel turn everything the 'right way up'-
What can enable badly beaten saints to pray boldly and sing with gay abandon behind bars-- What can take a person from the despair of wanting to end their life to a place where they are rejoicing and caring for the needs of others, in a matter of minutes--There is a profound release for a person who, through self-despair, discovers the simple joy of being saved by believing in Jesus Christ. Are we imprisoned in some way or other by circumstances beyond our control- God can restore a song to our hearts. Are our hearts imprisoned by fear and despair- God can deliver us- There is a great need in our day to be renewed with confidence in the power of Christ's gospel to set the captives free.
How can we negotiate the battle of this life without peace with God- But if we receive Christ's riches, we can travel through this world with the means to relate and a message of hope.
How do you make God laugh- - tell him your plans. -In the early stages of Paul's secondary missionary journey the Lord uses what looks to be division in the ranks to multiply the ministry and proclamation of the gospel. He also uses what seems to be a contradiction and hindrance in Paul's freedom in the gospel to show how we are indeed free - to love and serve Christ and his people and to promote the grace of Christ in any and every way possible. May the Lord speak to us and guide us in true wisdom as he did Paul in those days.
It's important to believe what God has done in Christ. It's also important to 'pick it up' and 'put it on'. There are new ways to think and relate, new possibilities to embrace. Satan lies in wait for lazy Christians who think they are impregnable. But Satan is foiled by those who let God complete in them what he has begun.
In Acts 15 we learn of the first ever Church Council meeting where the apostles and elders in Jerusalem consider the vitally important question- What must one do in order to be saved- Some were teaching that the Gentile believers needed to be circumcised and abide by the law of Moses in order to be saved. But Peter and the Council concluded that both Jew and Gentile -will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus- - nothing more and nothing less. --The question is a perennial one and the flesh constantly searches and strains to find a way it can contribute to or earn our salvation. Behind this lies the refusal to believe the grace of Christ is enough. Beloved, it really is enough- Christ alone is enough- This is what makes the grace of God so amazing- it truly saves wretches like you and me, brings us safe this far, and powerfully leads us all the way home to the Father.
Everyone experiences conflict of some kind. Christians know that the real battle is about relating to God. Opposition to this comes from Satan and his team. So, it's important to know the territory well and not get caught on just fighting people.
In Acts 14 this week we learn something of Paul's regular ministry practices when proclaiming the gospel- first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles- and always engaging his audience according to their context and culture. Many believe through this ministry, but much persecution takes place as well. Paul's own testimony is that this is all the work of God and is necessary for all who will enter the kingdom of God. May our testimony be the same, and may the Lord open wide a door of faith among those we share the gospel of grace with.
The apostolic church believed it was speaking the word of God. Acts 13 is all about the proclamation and spreading of the word of God. It tells how the Holy Spirit sent out Saul and Barnabas to proclaim the word of God where it had not been heard before. It tells us how the word continued to be spoken to Jews but increasingly proclaimed to Gentiles. It tells how the word of God was opposed and rejected by many but welcomed with joy by others who 'glorified the word of the Lord-' Acts makes it clear that the church finds its true purpose for being and its deepest joy when it is on the move with the word of God.
So far in Acts 1-11 we have seen Jesus witnessed to in Jerusalem, and then, with the help of persecution, throughout Judea and Samaria. Soon in chapter 13 Paul and Barnabas will begin taking the message of Jesus -to the ends of the earth- in their first missionary journey. But in between these two sections comes the interesting account in chapter 12 of Herod's persecution of the church, James' death, Peter's miraculous escape and then Herod's death at the hand of God. What is going on here- God is being shown to be sovereign in all things. He is shown to be at work in all circumstances ensuring that --the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers- -12-24-.
How slow was the church in the beginning to grasp how big God's plan of redemption was- The early church struggled to comprehend the reality that the gift of repentance would be granted to the Gentiles. Keeping up with the Spirit would mean a radical change in their whole understanding of what it meant to be God's chosen people.-They were in uncharted territory without any idea how big the Mission to the Gentiles would become. Those who still relied on their Jewishness rather than wholly on Christ were quick to oppose what they thought was a threat. What encouragement were men like Barnabas and Saul -Paul-, who didn't try to put out this new fire-front. Gladly recognizing the action of the grace of God in people very different from themselves they eagerly jumped on board with what the Spirit was doing.
The encounter between the apostle Peter and Cornelius, the Roman Centurion, is a pivotal moment in the story of Acts. The family and friends of Cornelius are the first Gentile converts to Christ- Up till that time it appears that the scattered Jewish Christians were only speaking the word of God to Jews.--Peter needed a firm 'push' to break through the barrier that had existed for centuries. That 'push' came in the form of a strange vision on an empty stomach and a Spirit prepared Centurion over 50 kilometres away. If Peter had any doubts about God's intention to include non-Jews in His Kingdom they were clearly blown away with this fresh move of the Spirit.
One moment a man is -breathing threats and murder- against the church, the next he has joined the church and is proclaiming Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of the living God. This is the story of Saul - Christ's chosen instrument. How can a person be transformed so radically and so thoroughly- The simple answer is- he met the risen Lord Jesus. -Paul's own testimony is that he received the mercy of God and the grace of Christ. The same mercy and grace have been lavished upon us, upon all whom God has called and chosen. This is our story as well. Be sure to meet with the merciful and gracious Lord today-
The surprising story of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch demonstrates the power of the gospel to spread in ever widening circles. Philip, led by the Spirit, arrived at just the moment when this Gentile convert to Judaism was struggling to understand Isaiah 53. --Whilst possibly more Jew than Gentile, this eunuch's baptism is an early indication of the Spirit's program to open the Kingdom to the full inclusion of Gentiles. We are left to imagine what might be the harvest of this man's witness in the years to come after he returns to his own country. Under the Spirit's leading we should not limit how God may use us in our day in the powerful action of His gospel.
One of the first parables Jesus told his disciples was that of the Sower, where seeds are sown on different kinds of soil with varying results. As we come to Acts 8 this week we hear this parable 'coming to life'. Persecution scatters the church far and wide, but those who leave Jerusalem continue to preach the word wherever they go. In Samaria there is much 'good soil' and the people there receive the word of God. However, just as the parable teaches, there is some rocky ground and thorns to contend with as well - in Simon the magician. One thing we can be sure of is that the Word of God always succeeds in the purpose for which God sends it.
The argument of Stephen's speech in Acts 7 is not easy to follow. Why is such a long, seemingly rambling retelling of Israel's history, included by Luke in his riveting account of the mission of the Spirit- Not many sermons lead to the death of the preacher. For this reason alone, Stephen's response to the accusations made before the Jewish council should be significant. What in Stephen's message created such rage resulting in the church's first martyr--What is the connection between Stephen's stoning and a young religious zealot named Saul who gave his approval to the execution- Why does a slavish devotion to the external form of religion rather than coming to the reality of Christ always involve a 'resisting of the Holy Spirit'-
In Acts 6 this week we learn there is no such thing as a 'small' or 'menial' task in the household of God. Those who serve in 'administrative' or 'functional' roles are still expected to be 'full of the Spirit and of wisdom.' What's more, as we see in the example of Stephen, they are just as much on the front-line when it comes to the gospel and those who oppose it. And whilst the level of persecution is about to increase a notch or three, the right and prayerful appointing of those who serve the church also results in an increase of the word of God and those who become obedient to the faith. May the same be true for us as we seek to be obedient to the Lord in life and faith.
How does a church recover from the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira which occurred as a result of their deceit- How does any church bounce back from such a scandal- Only by the grace of God. -In Acts 5-12-42 the 'recovery' is extraordinary- - -more than ever believers were added to the Lord.- And when opposition arrives, they rejoice that they -were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name.- Jesus promised his followers he would build his church, and nothing - not sin, nor Satan or sanction - will get in his way. Every other kingdom will topple and fall, but Christ's kingdom cannot be shaken. Therefore, as the writer of Hebrews urges us, let us be grateful- and offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
Great grace and fear of the Lord play an essential role in our relationship with God. In our passage -Acts 4-32-5-11-, Luke shows us that while grace gives us great liberty, it does not provide us with license- God's holy nature has not changed. It is fear of the Lord that instructs us how to live a grace-filled life.
To some degree or another we all battle with fears and doubts and a lack of confidence. When the apostles were threatened and felt they needed greater courage to speak the word of God, they prayed. And we learn that God answered their prayer, not by giving them a 'top up' of boldness from heaven, but by granting them the sure and certain conviction that He was sovereign in all things. They could not but speak of what they had seen and heard - the risen Lord Jesus. -May the Lord grant to us the same confidence, conviction and courage to live life in him, and to boldly give reason for the hope within us. There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.
The healing of a crippled beggar does not point to the miraculous power or the superior godliness of the apostles but to simple faith in the name of Christ. This healing is compelling evidence that the Jesus they had killed had been raised and glorified. Having suffered, just as the prophets had foretold, He now has the authority and power to restore not only this man's lame feet but in fact the whole creation. -What a joy to proclaim the God who blots out the sins of those who believe in the Name of His dear Son so that times of refreshing may come from His presence- This is more than intellectual assent to a doctrine - it is obedient faith in the living risen and glorified Christ who restores the most unlikely and the most unworthy to showcase God's glory and grace.-
On the day of Pentecost, through the sheer miracle of God's grace, a dynamic, Spirit filled, unified, teachable, generous, worshipping and praying community is born. This awe filled community of redeemed -Christ-crucifying- sinners are participating in the very life of the Father and the Son by the Spirit even as Jesus had prayed. --There is no other explanation for the spontaneous rich koinonia -fellowship- and oneness that the first believers enjoyed and that had such an impact on their wider community. Here is a word to shake a sleeping church awake to its true life and calling. No clever techniques, programs or conferences on evangelism but the surpassing power of a crucified and risen Messiah and the coming of the Spirit to bring the dead to life and launch them into God's mission.
The sudden change in tone from the end of Romans 8 to the beginning of Romans 9 -from absolute assurance to deep anguish-, together with the seeming shift in topic, cause some to suggest Chapters 9-11 don't fit with the rest of Paul's letter. Perhaps even, it was a 'spare sermon' Paul had in his back pocket and used to fill out the letter a little more -as if it needed filling out--. On the contrary though, these chapters are an intrinsic part of the Romans and fit perfectly with the theme of God's righteousness revealed in the gospel, particularly pertaining to his dealings with Israel and the nations. What's more, the beginning of Chapter 9 reveals a very personal side of the author in what is commonly considered a book of solid Christian gospel doctrine. Far from going on a tangent or slipping in an extra sermon, Paul continues to declare the righteousness of God in his unfailing word, his mercy and sovereign purpose of election, culminating in one of the great doxologies of the New Testament at the end of Romans 11.
On Easter Sunday the resurrection is proof positive that God has overcome our sin in Christ forever. As Lord He has destroyed our guilt in a single day and raised with Him we are now justified forever. Death could not hold Him because He died to sin once for all. --As the sinless, blameless Son of God He alone could overcome the judgement and death that would have destroyed us forever.The outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost and ongoing action of the Holy Spirit down through history whom He promised He would send is the ongoing witness of His resurrection Lordship .
On the first Good Friday God decisively and completely dealt with the sin of the world. The one who had never sinned bore the full brunt of God's judgement on our sin and defilement. He became sin for us. He bore our shame and disgrace. He tasted death in all its horror. --All this He did to show the love of God by exchanging our sin for His righteousness. We should not underestimate the power of what God was doing in Christ to reconcile the world to Himself. This is no small gospel but the very power and wisdom of God for the salvation of anyone who believes-
The sudden change in tone from the end of Romans 8 to the beginning of Romans 9 -from absolute assurance to deep anguish-, together with the seeming shift in topic, cause some to suggest Chapters 9-11 don't fit with the rest of Paul's letter. Perhaps even, it was a 'spare sermon' Paul had in his back pocket and used to fill out the letter a little more -as if it needed filling out--. On the contrary though, these chapters are an intrinsic part of the Romans and fit perfectly with the theme of God's righteousness revealed in the gospel, particularly pertaining to his dealings with Israel and the nations. What's more, the beginning of Chapter 9 reveals a very personal side of the author in what is commonly considered a book of solid Christian gospel doctrine. Far from going on a tangent or slipping in an extra sermon, Paul continues to declare the righteousness of God in his unfailing word, his mercy and sovereign purpose of election, culminating in one of the great doxologies of the New Testament at the end of Romans 11.
What does it take to live a life that is real- It's easy enough to skate through life and persuade ourselves that we are doing well. But Paul says we need to be strengthened by Christ and all he as done-so that we can stand and live truly.
The strange miracle of what happened on the day of Pentecost fifty days after Christ's resurrection and 10 days after His ascension tells us that only thorough the enabling power of the Spirit was the gospel effectively proclaimed. This is no less true for today.-The fulfilling of Christ's mission to the world can only be accomplished by the enabling power of the Spirit of God. Taking such an anointing for granted or failing to go on being filled with the Spirit will leave us powerless to bear witness to Christ's saving Lordship.
The sudden change in tone from the end of Romans 8 to the beginning of Romans 9 -from absolute assurance to deep anguish-, together with the seeming shift in topic, cause some to suggest Chapters 9-11 don't fit with the rest of Paul's letter. Perhaps even, it was a 'spare sermon' Paul had in his back pocket and used to fill out the letter a little more -as if it needed filling out--. On the contrary though, these chapters are an intrinsic part of the Romans and fit perfectly with the theme of God's righteousness revealed in the gospel, particularly pertaining to his dealings with Israel and the nations. What's more, the beginning of Chapter 9 reveals a very personal side of the author in what is commonly considered a book of solid Christian gospel doctrine. Far from going on a tangent or slipping in an extra sermon, Paul continues to declare the righteousness of God in his unfailing word, his mercy and sovereign purpose of election, culminating in one of the great doxologies of the New Testament at the end of Romans 11.
In the second half of Acts 1 we hear of the choosing of Matthias to replace Judas among the disciples. This is no mere 'replacement' - a substitute coming off the bench and onto the field. Through Scripture and prayer the apostles are confident the Lord has paved the way and chosen Matthias for this office. Even as they are waiting in Jerusalem for the promised gift of the Spirit, the Lord is with them and directing salvation history - just as he is with us today.
The sudden change in tone from the end of Romans 8 to the beginning of Romans 9 -from absolute assurance to deep anguish-, together with the seeming shift in topic, cause some to suggest Chapters 9-11 don't fit with the rest of Paul's letter. Perhaps even, it was a 'spare sermon' Paul had in his back pocket and used to fill out the letter a little more -as if it needed filling out--. On the contrary though, these chapters are an intrinsic part of the Romans and fit perfectly with the theme of God's righteousness revealed in the gospel, particularly pertaining to his dealings with Israel and the nations. What's more, the beginning of Chapter 9 reveals a very personal side of the author in what is commonly considered a book of solid Christian gospel doctrine. Far from going on a tangent or slipping in an extra sermon, Paul continues to declare the righteousness of God in his unfailing word, his mercy and sovereign purpose of election, culminating in one of the great doxologies of the New Testament at the end of Romans 11.
We begin a new series through the book of Acts this week, where we will hear how the Lord Jesus builds his church by the power of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles and all who believe. It is as they receive the Spirit that the followers of Christ bear witness about him to any and all who will listen - beginning in Jerusalem and spreading to all the nations. Oh, that we might be able to say in our own day, as Luke does in Acts - -the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.-
The sudden change in tone from the end of Romans 8 to the beginning of Romans 9 -from absolute assurance to deep anguish-, together with the seeming shift in topic, cause some to suggest Chapters 9-11 don't fit with the rest of Paul's letter. Perhaps even, it was a 'spare sermon' Paul had in his back pocket and used to fill out the letter a little more -as if it needed filling out--. On the contrary though, these chapters are an intrinsic part of the Romans and fit perfectly with the theme of God's righteousness revealed in the gospel, particularly pertaining to his dealings with Israel and the nations. What's more, the beginning of Chapter 9 reveals a very personal side of the author in what is commonly considered a book of solid Christian gospel doctrine. Far from going on a tangent or slipping in an extra sermon, Paul continues to declare the righteousness of God in his unfailing word, his mercy and sovereign purpose of election, culminating in one of the great doxologies of the New Testament at the end of Romans 11.
It's been good to think about wisdom for the past several Sundays. Now, James tells us to ask for wisdom. We ask because it's hard seeing things from God's point of view in tough times. We want things resolved. But God wants us 'wised up'. What's important here is to count on God being good. Otherwise, we'll just wobble-like the world does-because it doesn't believe God exists, or that he does anything.
Who gets to say what's right and wrong about marriage and sex- It depends on who you think is in charge. God has told us why and how he made us as man and woman and what it's all for. The world writes a different narrative.----But, whoever decides what marriage is, there are rules that apply. The trouble with the world's rules about sex and marriage is that there's no redemption. Who can clean up the mess we make- You need to be God to answer that question.
We continue our 'Wisdom From Above' series this week but will turn to 1 Corinthians1-18-31 where Paul tells us that Christ himself is both the power of God and the wisdom of God. Jesus fulfils all that James teaches regarding the 'wisdom from above.' There is no greater wisdom or power than what took place in the cross of Christ. It is there on Calvary, where the greatest act of love took place, that an eternal harvest of righteousness is sown in peace. This sounds weak and foolish to those without faith, but -to those who are being saved it is the power of God.-
The Lord shows what is important to him by what he commands us to do. He is 'the Father'-of Israel, of Jesus, of all who trust in his Son. So the way we relate to one another begins at home. This is not just because we are born there but because every other relationship is shaped by how we regard our parents. We need to honour them so as to receive all that God has to give us.
In a day when people confuse information with truth the need for true wisdom has never been greater. How do we recognize whether our thinking, speaking and acting is being transformed by the wisdom of God or whether it is simply being conformed to the wisdom of this fallen world- In James 3-17-18 we are given a clear description of the kind of wisdom that comes from God. Worldly wisdom creates more problems than it solves. Only God's wisdom shows the way to true peace with the promise of a rich harvest of righteousness.
The Lord insists that we regulate our time. What he has in mind is not efficiency but worship. If you have to work all the time -or work at playing- you can't appreciate that it's God who keeps things going and brings them to their goal. Israel's Sabbath points to this restfulness. Christ brings it to us. It's too good to miss-
There has been a war waging since the dawn of time and the battle-field ranges from the heavenly places to our very own hearts. I am certain we know it all too well. One way the Scriptures describe the opponents of this conflict is 'wisdom from above' and that which is 'not the wisdom that comes down from above.' One is from heaven, of the Spirit and divine, whilst the other is 'earthly, unspiritual and demonic.' We should never diminish the seriousness of this battle. However, by faith we can stand in confidence that through the cross of Christ, God has and will destroy the wisdom of the wise, for to those who are being saved, the word of the cross is the power of God.
Christ fulfils the ten commandments so we can live in their wisdom and not their condemnation. But how much we need their warning not to use our tongues overmuch- We need a full heart-a heart full of Christ-so that our words display his fullness rather than our own bluster.
We will be spending the next few weeks in James 3-13-18 as we consider what James describes as 'wisdom from above.' In our days of having access to so much data and information at just the flick of a button or tap of a screen, and with so many 'voices,' 'teachers' and 'influencers' in our lives, not to mention all the 'fake-news,' we really do need wisdom to discern what is good and godly. James teaches us what true wisdom looks like, where it comes from, and what it produces. He also teaches us, should we find ourselves lacking in wisdom, how to attain it -simply by asking God in faith. As Solomon entreats us, -let us make our ears attentive to wisdom and seek it like silver- for then we will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.-
Can anything represent God- We would probably say 'No' but the matter is not simple. We love to be in control and this means having earthly and visible things to work on. Idols are not just a problem for the superstitious- God directs us to love him with all our heart, and not to put something between him and us.
Is there ever a place for asking God to avenge our enemies- Often psalms of lament include the cry for God to bring calamity on the wicked who have been treacherous to either the psalmist or to those who are vulnerable and defenceless. How can we reconcile these 'imprecatory' psalms with Christ's command to love our enemies- -Are these prayers merely an expression of an unworthy desire for personal vengeance and therefore examples of how not to pray- Or are they a justifiable longing that God might bring judgment upon those who show contempt for God's mercy and who think they can get away with cruel evil and injustice with impunity. These psalms may have more relevance than we first imagined to those who have borne the brutality of evil first-hand and who are wrestling with their pain before God.
Who can tell us what is right and wrong- Is there any authority that can have the last word- These are questions for people without God. But for those who know that God has come among us, in kindness, and with power to save, the question is a 'no brainer'. Who else would would we want to tell us how to live- Who else would know-
How are we to lament injustice- And what good does it do- From acts of racism to playground bullying, injustices play a lively role in our world. Only last Sunday, we heard an update regarding abortion laws. These sinful acts leave us desiring justice for the innocent yet wondering when it will come.--Through Psalm 94, we hear the psalmist's song of lament to the Lord in a time of injustice. It is a psalm that will teach us how to worship God with songs of lament that cry in sorrow, call for justice, rejoice in Jesus, and trust in a holy God.
Whether under attack from outside, or, as anyone who has lived through a church split will testify to, weakened by sin from within, there is frequently much to grieve over when we consider the state of the church, the people of God. -The writer of Psalm 74 knew what it was to grieve over the state of the people of God. Exiled and with the temple in ruins he rightly grieved for the nation of Israel but he also grieved deeply over Yahweh's ruined reputation amongst the nations. Thankfully his belief in God's sovereignty engaged with his grief and he was able to plead, with confidence, for God to act to rescue not only His people but also His reputation. -This pattern of grief, belief and pleading for God to act teaches us how we can -and should- respond when faced with griefs of our own.
There are times when we feel that we do not deserve the suffering that has come upon us. We may even feel that God Himself has 'hung us out to dry'. What is going on when faithful believers appear to be abandoned by God- When the God we have known and faithfully trusted in suddenly disappears off the battlefield, leaving us to suffer the pain and shame of defeat, where do we go with our despair---Psalm 44 teaches us to take our complaint to God - to pour out our anguish to the very One who we feel has left us defenceless before our foes. We are encouraged to boldly cry out to the only One who can save and redeem us. Jesus, our great high priest, perfectly understands our grief who -in the days of his flesh, - offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death-- With sorrow and tears we too must entrust ourselves to the One who judges justly and like Christ prove the faithfulness of His love-
Psalm 130 raises two matters which are ever diminishing in awareness today- the desperate plight of fallen humanity in our sin and depravity- and the full assurance of forgiveness we can have with the Lord. Lamenting our sin as the psalmist does here need not leave us in a pit of despair. Instead, it can lift us up to place of sure and steady hope in God with whom there is full redemption. May we be lifted up to that God-given place of assurance as we are encouraged to lament our own sin this week.
Is there room in our faith for bringing our doubts and our pain to God- Have we discovered the gift of lament by which we can express our deepest struggles to God in a way that is more than mere venting our feelings- Lamenting is how we bring our sorrows to God. For many believers it is a missing dimension of their relationship with God. Biblical laments give us permission to turn to God with our pain and wrestling. We need to learn how to lament well -it does not come naturally.
There are not many guarantees in life. And even less life-long guarantees. And yet God has told us his word will never fail - it shall succeed in the thing for which he sent it. Now there's a guarantee- You can take God's word for it- This Christmas morning, come and hear just what it is God sent his Son - the Word become flesh - to do. It's the best gift you will ever receive.
If our security is based on the predictableness of this present life, or on our capacity to solve our own problems, or on the prospect of good times ahead then we will have a very insecure security. The slightest whiff of another crisis will unsettle our peace.--We need to know the joy of being sure where we stand before the revelation of God's impending judgment and His unimaginable glory. We need an abundant hope based on eternal promises and divine expectations rather than on our own devices and delusions. God will bring to pass what seems impossible to us. Isaiah 66 gives us God's final game plan for the miraculous birth of His people fit for a renewed heaven and earth - a people enabled to declare His glory to the nations.
Mary wonders how she can become pregnant without a man, but says, 'Let it be so to me according to your word'. So simply-from her point of view-Christ is born as a holy child into a profane world.----Holiness is not primarily a behaviour. It is a relationship. And God has come near to us in our Saviour, Christ. We become God's holy children using Mary's words-'Let it be so to me-'. From then on, our life is not what we produce but what God does. And this is holy.
-Let me tell you a story-- is effectively how Isaiah introduces the passage before us this week -Isaiah 63-7-65-25-. We need a story bigger than the latest newsfeed or social media post.., bigger than our own lives.., to hold us today and to give us hope for tomorrow. Only the story of the steadfast love of the Lord can do that. Isaiah tells us this story, and with him I pray that, in his mercy, the Father might make the story of his steadfast love our story.
Christ was anointed to declare the year of the Lord's favour - the Day of His grace - good news to the poor, to the broken hearted and to the captives. He came to exchange our mourning for the oil of joy and our faint spirit for a garment of praise. He came to establish His eternal city of love and make it a praise in all the earth. Clothed in His blood-stained robe, marching in the greatness of His victory, He is mighty to save and mighty to defeat the evil of this world. We should not take such liberating grace for granted nor doubt Christ's present power.
The logic of grace is that God revives and restores those whom we least expect. The holy and eternal God who dwells in a high and holy place is the same God who comes to dwell with those who are deeply discouraged because of their sin - to revive their fainting hearts.-True revival is not simply a 'double shot' of His power and presence. It is the gracious revelation of His holy presence to a people who have known and deserved His judgments. It is fresh life coming to those who feel unable to change their ways. It is the comfort of knowing that God has released us from judgment and visited us with His compassion despite our stubborn ways-
Looking at Isaiah 52-13-55-13 we will see how -God's ways are not our ways.- We tend to use that phrase in a variety of different contexts, especially when we don't really understand what God is doing in our own circumstances, or why certain things are taking place. The truth of the matter is, God clearly explains -his ways- to us, and the phrase refers particularly to the forgiveness we receive as a result of the man of sorrows who was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. This is how God's ways are not our ways - he pardons sinners and has compassion on the wicked. Aren't you glad his ways are not our ways--
God's people in exile felt their sin was too great for there to be any hope of restoration. They were weary with their sense of fear and abandonment. They despaired of the future and were worn out with grief. --But there is One who is able to sustain with a word him who is weary- a word that can wake us up from the deep weariness of our shame- a word that commands us to stand and be strong. We too need to hear such comfort of our God. We too need to wake up and shake off our past and sing for joy at such good news of happiness. This is great news for those who feel unworthy and unredeemable-
There is much in the world that distracts us, seeking to take the position of God in our hearts and rob him of his glory. But God will not let this happen. He alone is God and he will not give his glory to another. In his holy and jealous love God exposes our idols for what they are - weak and impotent, unable to save. But in his mercy and grace, our Redeemer sets us free from the bondage of our idolatryand carries us to eternal salvation.
Knowing that God alone is God and there is no other is just as relevant for us as it was in Isaiah's day. The folly and unreality of idols needs to be exposed. In these chapters God mocks the idols that we are tempted to trust in. --Whilst the idols of our culture may be different than Israel's we too need to be convinced of their powerlessness to save compared to the sovereign power of the One who alone made all things and who alone can redeem.
We would all like a bit of comfort every now and then I'm sure. The trouble is, most sources of comfort only provide a brief moment of rest and relief. The Word of God, however, stands forever. And in Isaiah 40 he declares, -Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.- This tender word comes from the One who is mighty- he is the Creator of all things, he controls all things, and he conquers all his enemies. His same strong arm that rules over the nations gathers his lambs like a shepherd. Behold your God- He cares for you.
As we consider Isaiah 38 - 39 this week, most of us would believe Hezekiah to be a good king who sadly didn't finish all that well. And yet elsewhere God gives him a glowing report- better than any other king. Isaiah tells us the Lord does not judge as we judge. He does not judge by what he sees. Instead, we can be wonderfully encouraged to learn that God uses our prayers and even our pride, our faithfulness and even our failures, to bring about his sovereign purpose- a purpose which results in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
The world seems solid and very noticeable. But actually, it is always dealing with its own uncertainty. We, like Israel's king -in Isaiah 36-37- must weigh our future against the taunts made by God-deniers. We must learn when not to speak, how to pray, and where to find out what is real. And we must trust in God to vindicate himself in the real world.
Does God care about what happens in this world- Does He care enough to bring evil to judgment- Does He care enough to redeem those who cry out to Him- Our hearts can be overwhelmed with dread and anxiety when we believe that God is doing nothing.-Here is an encouraging word to those who feel weak at the knees, to those who have become apathetic in their faith. 'Be strong- fear not-' The vengeance of God may not seem like good news but without the certainty of God's coming wrath His redeeming holiness means nothing nor will there be that everlasting joy in the One who was struck by the Sword that should have struck us all-
Can we live without our sins being forgiven- Many try, but lose their true self and try to make a goodness of their own. Jesus tells us to ask God to forgive our sins. He links it with asking for daily bread. It's that basic. Jesus came to do just this. He has created a relationship with God in which we can live without guilt. He makes us clean by speaking God's words, 'Your sins are forgiven'.
As we continue our series through Isaiah this week we learn that God has an answer for all the sin, suffering, rebellion, doubts and fears we experience. Whether the enemy comes from within or without -and it is often both--, his answer remains the same - -Behold, a king will reign in righteousness.- This is our only hope and salvation- that the Lord reigns. He will bring justice. And with his justice, peace will come. -Judah was tempted to look elsewhere for its security and strength, just as we are. But they were warned and promised not to trust in worldly wisdom or strength but to turn to the Lord. -He will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom and knowledge.- Why would we want to look anywhere else-
Living as a Christian is a joyous life. And this is not because we are always succeeding but because God is maintaining his relationship or covenant with us. Our living under him as our Father involves us knowing that we are sinners, acknowledging this-in general and in particular-and receiving his continuing forgiveness. Jesus has taught us to pray this way. And he has taught us to live this way in our relationships with others.
There were those in Isaiah's day that no longer wanted to hear about the judgements of the 'Holy One of Israel'. They wanted a 'smooth word' from the preacher to suit their own desires. But such a word would not bring true rest and security. --God loves us too much to leave us sheltering in our ever failing delusions. He is about breaking up the false securities of this world in order for our faith to be established on a sure foundation. His judgements are not a monotony of vengeance- indiscriminate and random, but purposeful, wise, full of his mercy and always with a view to a rich and glorious harvest.--'Whoever believes will not be in haste' -rushing around in an anxious panic- but will know the rest and security that God has promised to those who trust in Him.