What is the final prayer of the Bible? Well, we read in Revelation 22:20 Jesus has just said: Yes, I am coming soon. The final prayer of the Bible then prays for the final words of Jesus to be answered: Amen. Come Lord Jesus (22.20b). That is the last prayer we read of in Scripture: Come Lord Jesus.
Before we look at how the prayer is answered, notice something that is often lacking in prayers today. Today we say Amen (so be it, it is truth) at the end of our prayers but the people of God must also learn to say Amen at the beginning of their prayers. In other words, they must take the words and promises of God, agree with them, believe in them, and then pray them back to God. That is why Amen in verse 20 is at the beginning of the prayer. Our prayers would then go something like this: Amen. Give me strength to stand in the midst of difficulty - and may I love you and give you glory. We start with God's Word and then believe in faith God will be found faithful and gracious.
If verse 20 is the final prayer of God's people, what happens in verse 21? Verse 21 is God's answer to the prayer of His people. The book of Revelation has been about the challenges and opposition God's people will face, all the while having the picture of the throne of the Lamb in the background. God reigns and rules. So, the final prayer is for Jesus to come and take them to glory and God's answer is: the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.
Absolutely amazing! What is God saying? My grace, my undeserved kindness will carry you all the days of your life and when I come, you will be with me. Why will you continue to serve God despite opposition? God's grace. Why will you not deny Jesus if you are truly saved? God's grace. Why will you love God more than the world? God's grace. Why will the beast of the sea and the earth and the dragon not have the final victory? God's grace. Why will God's Word and the gospel go throughout the nations? God's grace. Why will you banquet at the table of God? God's grace.
The final verse in the Bible is an answer to prayer. In this answer God reminds His people why they stand - all because of God's grace.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Dry Eyes
Revelation 21.4: He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Contrary to much of the teaching of North American churches, Jesus did not die to make us happy. Jesus died to glorify His Father through the salvation of God's chosen people. Jesus and the apostles are unmistakably clear that those who follow Jesus will suffer - their lives will be filled with tears.
That is why Revelation 21.4 is so instructive and encouraging to the believer. A believer's earthly life will be filled with tears - we ought to expect death and mourning and crying and pain - that is the inevitable result of the Fall. Our lives, especially Christians, will be filled with a unique pain as we watch rebellion all around us - and experience it within us.
If there are tears in your life, that is part of the life God has called you to live. He promises to sustain you, comfort and help you but not take away the tears. Not yet.
When we pass from this life the first act of God we read in the new heaven and earth will be He will wipe every tear from their eyes. It is comforting that God's knows our tears here on earth and when we enter glory, he stoops, wipes and ushers you into unimaginable glory and pleasure and delight - into the very dwelling of God.
In this life, we will find our eyes moist - as we suffer personally and as we weep with those who weep. But praise God one day all results of sin will be done away with and God will give us dry eyes for all eternity.
Contrary to much of the teaching of North American churches, Jesus did not die to make us happy. Jesus died to glorify His Father through the salvation of God's chosen people. Jesus and the apostles are unmistakably clear that those who follow Jesus will suffer - their lives will be filled with tears.
That is why Revelation 21.4 is so instructive and encouraging to the believer. A believer's earthly life will be filled with tears - we ought to expect death and mourning and crying and pain - that is the inevitable result of the Fall. Our lives, especially Christians, will be filled with a unique pain as we watch rebellion all around us - and experience it within us.
If there are tears in your life, that is part of the life God has called you to live. He promises to sustain you, comfort and help you but not take away the tears. Not yet.
When we pass from this life the first act of God we read in the new heaven and earth will be He will wipe every tear from their eyes. It is comforting that God's knows our tears here on earth and when we enter glory, he stoops, wipes and ushers you into unimaginable glory and pleasure and delight - into the very dwelling of God.
In this life, we will find our eyes moist - as we suffer personally and as we weep with those who weep. But praise God one day all results of sin will be done away with and God will give us dry eyes for all eternity.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Where To Begin Asking for Help?
Psalm 121:1-2: I lift my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Going through difficult times almost always causes us to look for answers - why is this taking place? And we think that once we have the answer, we will gain perspective and be able to live through our trial or difficulty.
Psalm 121 teaches us that before we look for answers, we need to ask a question. In other words, when you are suffering, begin with asking a question, not looking for an answer.
So what question should we ask? The psalmist is so simple and profound: where does my help come from? There it is - the question. How does that help?
First, when you ask that question, your eyes are lifted from your issues and troubles, which can be overwhelming. The psalmist lifted his eyes up to the hills - something bigger than his problems. God - the Maker of heaven and earth - is able to help. This puts our issues in proper perspective.
Second, the answer was found in an unexpected place: where instead of why. When we are grieving, we often begin with why - we want to know God's ways. The psalmist begins with where - he wants to know the person of God. That is a big difference. If you are to read through the Psalm, you will find his comfort in the person and promises of God: he who watches over you will not slumber or sleep, he will be your shade at your right hand, he will keep you from all harm.
We need to train our hearts and minds to ask the right questions when we are in need of help and we do so by asking where instead of why. And our hearts will find the Maker of heaven and earth, a person whose promises and strength we may find our rest.
Going through difficult times almost always causes us to look for answers - why is this taking place? And we think that once we have the answer, we will gain perspective and be able to live through our trial or difficulty.
Psalm 121 teaches us that before we look for answers, we need to ask a question. In other words, when you are suffering, begin with asking a question, not looking for an answer.
So what question should we ask? The psalmist is so simple and profound: where does my help come from? There it is - the question. How does that help?
First, when you ask that question, your eyes are lifted from your issues and troubles, which can be overwhelming. The psalmist lifted his eyes up to the hills - something bigger than his problems. God - the Maker of heaven and earth - is able to help. This puts our issues in proper perspective.
Second, the answer was found in an unexpected place: where instead of why. When we are grieving, we often begin with why - we want to know God's ways. The psalmist begins with where - he wants to know the person of God. That is a big difference. If you are to read through the Psalm, you will find his comfort in the person and promises of God: he who watches over you will not slumber or sleep, he will be your shade at your right hand, he will keep you from all harm.
We need to train our hearts and minds to ask the right questions when we are in need of help and we do so by asking where instead of why. And our hearts will find the Maker of heaven and earth, a person whose promises and strength we may find our rest.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Sin Slows Us Down
Psalm 1.1: Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
Richard D. Phillips writes: Did you notice the definite progression contained in these words? First the person is walking, then standing, before finally taking his seat as he settles into the sinful life he has chosen for himself. This is the slippery slope of sin, a progression that leads to a settled godliness. (Walking With God, 4)
He will go on to say: Furthermore, there is a progression in the nature of sin's influence. First, there is the counsel. This is advice and persuasion, the way sin begins with our minds coming under the influence of the world. Next it is a way. The ideas have taken root in the mind and now bear fruit in behaviour and habits. Then, lastly, we have the seat of scoffers. Now the man is seated in depravity, his character has been warped and he is at rest and at home in this way of sin. (5)
It is no wonder we read elsewhere in Scripture Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage (1 Corinthians 16.13). It takes courage to live for Jesus and avoid the path of sinners - courage when lived by faith - brings blessing: But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on hi law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. (Psalm 1.2-3)
Richard D. Phillips writes: Did you notice the definite progression contained in these words? First the person is walking, then standing, before finally taking his seat as he settles into the sinful life he has chosen for himself. This is the slippery slope of sin, a progression that leads to a settled godliness. (Walking With God, 4)
He will go on to say: Furthermore, there is a progression in the nature of sin's influence. First, there is the counsel. This is advice and persuasion, the way sin begins with our minds coming under the influence of the world. Next it is a way. The ideas have taken root in the mind and now bear fruit in behaviour and habits. Then, lastly, we have the seat of scoffers. Now the man is seated in depravity, his character has been warped and he is at rest and at home in this way of sin. (5)
It is no wonder we read elsewhere in Scripture Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage (1 Corinthians 16.13). It takes courage to live for Jesus and avoid the path of sinners - courage when lived by faith - brings blessing: But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on hi law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. (Psalm 1.2-3)
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Learning to Pray Big
In 2 Thessalonians 3.1-3 we have a request from Paul for the church to pray for him.
Finally brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. (1) Paul's first request: may God be glorified. Pray that the grace you have experienced may be experienced by others as the Lord's message spreads. Paul did not pray for safety or a good time - he prayed for God's glory to shine in darkness.
And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. (2) The reason for his prayer is the rebellion against God - there are wicked and evil men without faith. Pray that they may be delivered - kept safe to proclaim the Lord's message.
(This is great!) But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. (3) The problem with prayer today (and even my prayers) is that we focus so much time on the problem and forget the promise. Paul makes one statement: pray for us because ... and then - But - this is who God is (faithful) and this is what he will do (strengthen and protect you). Prayer is incomplete if all we do is ask - we must see who God is as well.
We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance (4-5) Amazing how quickly Paul says - pray for me - and then his prayer ends by praying for others. That is the way prayer works - the more we see God and the greater and more amazing and powerful he is - the bigger our prayers will be. It is like Paul saying - You pray for me and here is God and if this is God he will not only take care of me but he will take care of you.
Do you find it difficult to pray for others? Are your prayers always about your needs and your ministry? It is because your God is too small and you are not looking to His promises. When God is BIG and we are praying for His glory to explode, our prayers will turn outward and filled with confidence.
Finally brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. (1) Paul's first request: may God be glorified. Pray that the grace you have experienced may be experienced by others as the Lord's message spreads. Paul did not pray for safety or a good time - he prayed for God's glory to shine in darkness.
And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. (2) The reason for his prayer is the rebellion against God - there are wicked and evil men without faith. Pray that they may be delivered - kept safe to proclaim the Lord's message.
(This is great!) But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. (3) The problem with prayer today (and even my prayers) is that we focus so much time on the problem and forget the promise. Paul makes one statement: pray for us because ... and then - But - this is who God is (faithful) and this is what he will do (strengthen and protect you). Prayer is incomplete if all we do is ask - we must see who God is as well.
We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance (4-5) Amazing how quickly Paul says - pray for me - and then his prayer ends by praying for others. That is the way prayer works - the more we see God and the greater and more amazing and powerful he is - the bigger our prayers will be. It is like Paul saying - You pray for me and here is God and if this is God he will not only take care of me but he will take care of you.
Do you find it difficult to pray for others? Are your prayers always about your needs and your ministry? It is because your God is too small and you are not looking to His promises. When God is BIG and we are praying for His glory to explode, our prayers will turn outward and filled with confidence.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Love the Truth
2 Thessalonians 2.10: They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
What is interesting as Paul talks about those who are perishing is that he writes: they perish because they refused to love the truth He did not write: they perish because they refused to know the truth.
A chasm separates those who know the truth and those who love the truth. To know is not to love the truth. What sustains believers as they are presented by every sort of evil (2.10)? They will love the truth.
This must be the prayer of our hearts: Lord, do not just fill my brain with Bible knowledge but give me a great love for the truth so I will stand alone for you.
When you go to church this Sunday, may I humbly suggest that you pray before your pastor preaches - God, give me a love for the truth so that I may stand firm and bring you glory.
What is interesting as Paul talks about those who are perishing is that he writes: they perish because they refused to love the truth He did not write: they perish because they refused to know the truth.
A chasm separates those who know the truth and those who love the truth. To know is not to love the truth. What sustains believers as they are presented by every sort of evil (2.10)? They will love the truth.
This must be the prayer of our hearts: Lord, do not just fill my brain with Bible knowledge but give me a great love for the truth so I will stand alone for you.
When you go to church this Sunday, may I humbly suggest that you pray before your pastor preaches - God, give me a love for the truth so that I may stand firm and bring you glory.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
A True "Coming Out"
Revelation 18:4-5: Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes.
The apostle John is warning believers to come out of the world so they will not fall under God's wrath. The question is how? What practical steps can we take to come out of the world - while still living in the world? 2 Peter 3:11 asks the same question: Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? Peter teaches us four practical steps so that we may come out and not share in the world's sins.
1. You ought to live holy and godly lives (3.11): the general direction of your life is to be set apart and patterned after Jesus Christ.
2. Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him (3.14): our life direction and passion, our efforts will be towards godliness and peace - not with the world - but with God. We will seek to be God pleasers not man pleasers.
3. Be on your guard (3.17): fundamentally, we need to know we are in a battle. John Owens writes: If sin be subtle, watchful, strong, and always at work in the business of killing our souls, and we be slothful, negligent, foolish, in proceeding to the ruin thereof, can we expect a comfortable event? There is not a day but sin foils or is foiled, prevails or is prevailed on; and it will be so whilst we live in this world. (Vol 6, p. 11) A good lesson - most battles of coming out are lost because we do not even know we are in a battle. Peter's words are wise: be on your guard - be able to recognize the enemy and then know the power of the Lord - He is gracious.
4. Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: pick up God's Word and grow in holiness, godliness, peace, and grace. Knowledge apart from grace is harsh; grace apart from knowledge is foolishness; but knowledge and grace together is growth so we may be strong enough by God's Spirit to come out and stand for God in a world against Him.
The apostle John is warning believers to come out of the world so they will not fall under God's wrath. The question is how? What practical steps can we take to come out of the world - while still living in the world? 2 Peter 3:11 asks the same question: Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? Peter teaches us four practical steps so that we may come out and not share in the world's sins.
1. You ought to live holy and godly lives (3.11): the general direction of your life is to be set apart and patterned after Jesus Christ.
2. Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him (3.14): our life direction and passion, our efforts will be towards godliness and peace - not with the world - but with God. We will seek to be God pleasers not man pleasers.
3. Be on your guard (3.17): fundamentally, we need to know we are in a battle. John Owens writes: If sin be subtle, watchful, strong, and always at work in the business of killing our souls, and we be slothful, negligent, foolish, in proceeding to the ruin thereof, can we expect a comfortable event? There is not a day but sin foils or is foiled, prevails or is prevailed on; and it will be so whilst we live in this world. (Vol 6, p. 11) A good lesson - most battles of coming out are lost because we do not even know we are in a battle. Peter's words are wise: be on your guard - be able to recognize the enemy and then know the power of the Lord - He is gracious.
4. Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: pick up God's Word and grow in holiness, godliness, peace, and grace. Knowledge apart from grace is harsh; grace apart from knowledge is foolishness; but knowledge and grace together is growth so we may be strong enough by God's Spirit to come out and stand for God in a world against Him.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Be Quiet and the Fire Will Go Down
Proverbs 26:20: Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.
If I do not add wood to my fire then I will have no fire and on the other hand, if I want fire, I add wood. Simple lesson.
Simple, however, when applied to wood. The Word of God teaches us the damage of gossip - of slandering or killing another person's character with your words. If you want a quarrel to continue, continue to talk ill about the person - more wood - more fire. If you want a quarrel to end, be quiet. Stop talking. Or say something positive and upbuilding about the person.
How many quarrels would die in a marriage or between parents and children, in church or in workplaces if someone stood up and shut up. And the quarrel would die - it would shrivel up.
C.H. Spurgeon writes in John Ploughman's Talks: An open mouth shows an empty head. If the chest had gold or silver in it, it would not always stand wide open. Talking comes by nature, but it needs a good deal of training to learn to be quiet; yet regard for truth should put a bit into every honest man's mouth and a bridle upon every good woman's tongue. (48-49)
Wise words. Stop placing wood on the fire and the quarrel dies out.
If I do not add wood to my fire then I will have no fire and on the other hand, if I want fire, I add wood. Simple lesson.
Simple, however, when applied to wood. The Word of God teaches us the damage of gossip - of slandering or killing another person's character with your words. If you want a quarrel to continue, continue to talk ill about the person - more wood - more fire. If you want a quarrel to end, be quiet. Stop talking. Or say something positive and upbuilding about the person.
How many quarrels would die in a marriage or between parents and children, in church or in workplaces if someone stood up and shut up. And the quarrel would die - it would shrivel up.
C.H. Spurgeon writes in John Ploughman's Talks: An open mouth shows an empty head. If the chest had gold or silver in it, it would not always stand wide open. Talking comes by nature, but it needs a good deal of training to learn to be quiet; yet regard for truth should put a bit into every honest man's mouth and a bridle upon every good woman's tongue. (48-49)
Wise words. Stop placing wood on the fire and the quarrel dies out.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me - Mark 10.47
Jesus was coming out of Jericho, surrounded by a massive crowd, and he was on his way to Jerusalem. Along the way, in the dust and the busyness of the moment, a lone voice rises: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. SSSHHHH - quiet - he doesn't have time - he won't hear you - there is no reason for him to hear you or stop - don't you know who this is - Jesus - be quiet for the last time.
But the lone voice cries out: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.
I love the next series of actions by Jesus: Jesus stops - he calls the man to him - he asks the man what he can do - he listens - and he heals the man of his blindness.
Simple words the world does not understand - they need mercy - I need mercy. And here is the amazing good news of the Bible - Jesus stops and listens to the cry.
Sometimes all we can cry for is mercy in the mess of life. What does Jesus do? He stops - listens - and acts.
Jesus was coming out of Jericho, surrounded by a massive crowd, and he was on his way to Jerusalem. Along the way, in the dust and the busyness of the moment, a lone voice rises: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. SSSHHHH - quiet - he doesn't have time - he won't hear you - there is no reason for him to hear you or stop - don't you know who this is - Jesus - be quiet for the last time.
But the lone voice cries out: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.
I love the next series of actions by Jesus: Jesus stops - he calls the man to him - he asks the man what he can do - he listens - and he heals the man of his blindness.
Simple words the world does not understand - they need mercy - I need mercy. And here is the amazing good news of the Bible - Jesus stops and listens to the cry.
Sometimes all we can cry for is mercy in the mess of life. What does Jesus do? He stops - listens - and acts.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Finding Life In the Ministry
1 Thessalonians 3.8: For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.
A sufferer is writing to those who are suffering - Paul to the people in Thessalonica. People who are suffering (Paul in this instance for his love for the Lord Jesus) can find it hard to find hope and life. That is why Paul's statement is so interesting as to where he finds "life" as a "pastor"- the people of God - despite the suffering, opposition and persecution they continue to stand firm in the Lord. They have not wavered, they have not denied the faith, they have not gone the easy route - they are standing firm, looking to the Lord for their strength.
Pastor's today are told to find their "life" in all sorts of areas - successful churches, powerful sermons, influential character and many other things. But that can easily become discouraging because churches are not always "successful", sermons at times barely squeak out, and our character is ignored or has so many flaws left, we seriously doubt any influence at all.
That is why I love Paul's words and they become my prayer: God - may I find life in the people you have given me - may I find life when they are standing firm. May that be my purpose, my joy, my passion and my life.
The beauty is it takes our eyes off our ministry and success or lack of success and places them on true life - God's glory as it shines in the light of the people. What is Paul saying when he says they are standing firm? He is saying they love God more than the world; they love the glory of God more than the goodness of the world.
And that is life - life for a pastor - purpose for a pastor - and the prayer of the pastor - May my people love you more and more so they stand firm in the the Lord against all the opposition and suffering. May you grant them a love for God that is above all else in this world.
A sufferer is writing to those who are suffering - Paul to the people in Thessalonica. People who are suffering (Paul in this instance for his love for the Lord Jesus) can find it hard to find hope and life. That is why Paul's statement is so interesting as to where he finds "life" as a "pastor"- the people of God - despite the suffering, opposition and persecution they continue to stand firm in the Lord. They have not wavered, they have not denied the faith, they have not gone the easy route - they are standing firm, looking to the Lord for their strength.
Pastor's today are told to find their "life" in all sorts of areas - successful churches, powerful sermons, influential character and many other things. But that can easily become discouraging because churches are not always "successful", sermons at times barely squeak out, and our character is ignored or has so many flaws left, we seriously doubt any influence at all.
That is why I love Paul's words and they become my prayer: God - may I find life in the people you have given me - may I find life when they are standing firm. May that be my purpose, my joy, my passion and my life.
The beauty is it takes our eyes off our ministry and success or lack of success and places them on true life - God's glory as it shines in the light of the people. What is Paul saying when he says they are standing firm? He is saying they love God more than the world; they love the glory of God more than the goodness of the world.
And that is life - life for a pastor - purpose for a pastor - and the prayer of the pastor - May my people love you more and more so they stand firm in the the Lord against all the opposition and suffering. May you grant them a love for God that is above all else in this world.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
A "Vanishing Moment"
1 Peter 1.24-25: All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.
I am not old enough to have "senior" moments - although I seem to get them way too often. This past week, I believe I had what I will term a "vanishing moment" - which can happen at any age. We attended two funerals, one of a 7 year old girl who died in a car accident and the other of an 80 year old man whose body just gave out. Within the past two weeks, we celebrated the birthdays of two of my children - both a year older (I know that was an obvious statement - but I said it for m y benefit!!). And added in the mix, we remembered God's goodness to our church as we celebrated 15 years.
The moment hit - not like being hit by a train - but like a slow moving train passing by you as you wait for it to pass. The moment just dawns on you - vanishing. Years going by, lives taken, children growing. Vanishing - I am slowly vanishing.
And that is where 1 Peter is so important - God's word does not vanish and it would be utter foolishness to live apart from or let go of God's Word.
So this "vanishing" moment was a good reminder - my life is passing - the train is in many ways going way too fast. How am I living? Are my priorities straight? Am I carrying grudges or are there unnecessary divisions? Am I making the most of what God has given me for His kingdom?
Sadly, vanishing moments often turn into senior moments - I forget to live my life in the face of eternity. That is why, despite the joy and tears, this vanishing moment was a good time - a time to remember who I am, where I am going and how I am to get there.
I am not old enough to have "senior" moments - although I seem to get them way too often. This past week, I believe I had what I will term a "vanishing moment" - which can happen at any age. We attended two funerals, one of a 7 year old girl who died in a car accident and the other of an 80 year old man whose body just gave out. Within the past two weeks, we celebrated the birthdays of two of my children - both a year older (I know that was an obvious statement - but I said it for m y benefit!!). And added in the mix, we remembered God's goodness to our church as we celebrated 15 years.
The moment hit - not like being hit by a train - but like a slow moving train passing by you as you wait for it to pass. The moment just dawns on you - vanishing. Years going by, lives taken, children growing. Vanishing - I am slowly vanishing.
And that is where 1 Peter is so important - God's word does not vanish and it would be utter foolishness to live apart from or let go of God's Word.
So this "vanishing" moment was a good reminder - my life is passing - the train is in many ways going way too fast. How am I living? Are my priorities straight? Am I carrying grudges or are there unnecessary divisions? Am I making the most of what God has given me for His kingdom?
Sadly, vanishing moments often turn into senior moments - I forget to live my life in the face of eternity. That is why, despite the joy and tears, this vanishing moment was a good time - a time to remember who I am, where I am going and how I am to get there.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Thankful for a Menu
Yesterday I heard someone speak about God's work in China. During the break I talked with him and he told me that we would not believe the poverty in certain places. One story he relayed was of a family that owned one pair of pants - whoever needed to go out that day would wear them.
This morning for breakfast I had oatmeal, eggs and orange juice. After I showered, I chose a pair of pants, leaving the few others in the drawer - I also put on a sweater for the damp cold. I see my wife looking at cookbooks, planning a variety of tasty meals. When I go to a restaurant, I look at a menu - a variety of choices.
I am thankful for cookbooks and menus - a variety of choices to enjoy God's blessings. It also causes me to stop grumbling and remember - remember God's abundant goodness for all his blessings.
This morning for breakfast I had oatmeal, eggs and orange juice. After I showered, I chose a pair of pants, leaving the few others in the drawer - I also put on a sweater for the damp cold. I see my wife looking at cookbooks, planning a variety of tasty meals. When I go to a restaurant, I look at a menu - a variety of choices.
I am thankful for cookbooks and menus - a variety of choices to enjoy God's blessings. It also causes me to stop grumbling and remember - remember God's abundant goodness for all his blessings.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
When God Is Silent
We also respect God's silences as well as his sayings. We can trust him. The Bible does not say all we would like it to say. But it does say all that God wants to say and all that we need to know. (Letters To A Student, Drew, 60)
Psalm 46.10: Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46 is a tumultuous time in the life of the Psalmist - mountains falling, waves roaring and nations in an uproar. But in the midst of tumult and chaos, God calls for quiet, stillness. Quietness is achieved not by looking for answers but by looking to God. Know this one thing: God is God. Period. Double period.
We are called to simply know who God is - that He will exalt His name and we must simply trust. Quietly trust God's moving among the nations, in the midst of turmoil and emptiness.
Be still and know - not the intimate details of God's hidden will - but the revealed character of God. He alone brings peace and stillness as God's people are surrounded by troubles and disappointments.
Psalm 46.10: Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46 is a tumultuous time in the life of the Psalmist - mountains falling, waves roaring and nations in an uproar. But in the midst of tumult and chaos, God calls for quiet, stillness. Quietness is achieved not by looking for answers but by looking to God. Know this one thing: God is God. Period. Double period.
We are called to simply know who God is - that He will exalt His name and we must simply trust. Quietly trust God's moving among the nations, in the midst of turmoil and emptiness.
Be still and know - not the intimate details of God's hidden will - but the revealed character of God. He alone brings peace and stillness as God's people are surrounded by troubles and disappointments.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Forgive and Forget?
There are times when we forgive and forget - I do not mean forget that someone offended you but you forget to love them after you have forgiven them.
Biblical forgiveness is never just "not holding that sin against the person" and then not having anything to do with them any more or holding a grudge against them - just to show them that while you have forgiven them, you have not forgotten and you will bring a little retribution of your own.
We look at two passages - the first one describes God's forgiveness and the second of the forgiveness that is demanded of by the believer.
Psalm 103.1-5: Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Colossians 3.12-14: Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Psalm 103 describes God's forgiveness as not only "not holding our sins against us" but granting us benefits: healing diseases, redeeming, crowning you with love and compassion and satisfying your life with good things. Colossians 3 tells us that God's people are to be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient, putting on love - even to those who they must forgive.
What does Scripture teach us? Forgive and DO NOT FORGET - that is do not forget to satisfy the one who has offended you with good things, being kind and gentle and patient - above all loving them. This may take time but that is how radical Christian forgiveness is as we experience it from Jesus and read of it in His Word.
Biblical forgiveness is never just "not holding that sin against the person" and then not having anything to do with them any more or holding a grudge against them - just to show them that while you have forgiven them, you have not forgotten and you will bring a little retribution of your own.
We look at two passages - the first one describes God's forgiveness and the second of the forgiveness that is demanded of by the believer.
Psalm 103.1-5: Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Colossians 3.12-14: Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Psalm 103 describes God's forgiveness as not only "not holding our sins against us" but granting us benefits: healing diseases, redeeming, crowning you with love and compassion and satisfying your life with good things. Colossians 3 tells us that God's people are to be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient, putting on love - even to those who they must forgive.
What does Scripture teach us? Forgive and DO NOT FORGET - that is do not forget to satisfy the one who has offended you with good things, being kind and gentle and patient - above all loving them. This may take time but that is how radical Christian forgiveness is as we experience it from Jesus and read of it in His Word.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
An Essential Part of the Gospel
Revelation 14.6: Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth - to every nation, tribe, language and people.
Revelation 12-14 make up one vision which begins with the war of the dragon on the child Jesus and then the church and ends with the "new song" of victory that the people of God will sing in glory. After a description of the war which Satan will wage on the earth, especially against the church (Revelation 13) and a word of encouragement for the people of God (Revelation 14.1-5), John now sees an angel who would proclaim the eternal gospel.
We may ask - how did the proclamation of the gospel sound? What was said? Verse 7 the first angel said: Fear God and give him glory ... worship him. In verse 8 the second angel tells of the fallen Babylon - the kingdom described in Revelation 12-13, Satan's kingdom, will fall.
Most striking is verses 9-11 which speak of a warning of the coming judgment for those who have the mark of the beast. We read the angel talking about unbelievers: He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image or for anyone who receives the mark of his name.
3 points:
1. Part of the proclamation of the gospel is understanding the wrath that sinners are under and will experience if they do not fear God, give him glory and worship him through Jesus Christ alone. The gospel is incomplete without the mention of sin and wrath. While God is love, He is also angry and will punish willful sin and rebellion.
2. God's anger and wrath must be seen in the context of the wrath and anger of Satan and sinners alike against God. Revelation 12-13 make this clear. God does not judge a neutral people - they have the mark of the beast and seek to willingly follow Satan - and not worship the rightful Creator and King. God is angry and will punish a people who seek to rebel and hate God. God is righteous and just.
3. In saying all this, verses 6-11 are a warning to those who are still alive. In other words, Jesus gives opportunity to repent. We must, with compassion, humility, and love call sinners to repentance. How awful eternal hell is for the unbeliever. Our hearts need to be softened once again to the plight of the unbeliever and his/her rebellion towards God and when softened, we will seek to proclaim and warn and plead the whole gospel - Christ is the only answer.
Revelation 12-14 make up one vision which begins with the war of the dragon on the child Jesus and then the church and ends with the "new song" of victory that the people of God will sing in glory. After a description of the war which Satan will wage on the earth, especially against the church (Revelation 13) and a word of encouragement for the people of God (Revelation 14.1-5), John now sees an angel who would proclaim the eternal gospel.
We may ask - how did the proclamation of the gospel sound? What was said? Verse 7 the first angel said: Fear God and give him glory ... worship him. In verse 8 the second angel tells of the fallen Babylon - the kingdom described in Revelation 12-13, Satan's kingdom, will fall.
Most striking is verses 9-11 which speak of a warning of the coming judgment for those who have the mark of the beast. We read the angel talking about unbelievers: He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image or for anyone who receives the mark of his name.
3 points:
1. Part of the proclamation of the gospel is understanding the wrath that sinners are under and will experience if they do not fear God, give him glory and worship him through Jesus Christ alone. The gospel is incomplete without the mention of sin and wrath. While God is love, He is also angry and will punish willful sin and rebellion.
2. God's anger and wrath must be seen in the context of the wrath and anger of Satan and sinners alike against God. Revelation 12-13 make this clear. God does not judge a neutral people - they have the mark of the beast and seek to willingly follow Satan - and not worship the rightful Creator and King. God is angry and will punish a people who seek to rebel and hate God. God is righteous and just.
3. In saying all this, verses 6-11 are a warning to those who are still alive. In other words, Jesus gives opportunity to repent. We must, with compassion, humility, and love call sinners to repentance. How awful eternal hell is for the unbeliever. Our hearts need to be softened once again to the plight of the unbeliever and his/her rebellion towards God and when softened, we will seek to proclaim and warn and plead the whole gospel - Christ is the only answer.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Is Remarriage Biblical?
Remarriage can be a controversial subject in the church with views ranging from no remarriage while the former spouse lives to remarriage not being an issue at all. This past Sunday, we looked at Mark 10 and 1 Corinthians 7 and talked about remarriage. Here is where I stand.
1 Corinthians 7.8-40 is divided up into 4 groups: unmarried and widows, Christian marriages, missed marriages (a Christian to a non Christian) and virgins. This becomes very important to understanding the text.
Unmarried and widows: Paul teaches us that it is better not to marry (this will be explained in more detail in verses 25-40) but if they are unable to control themselves, they ought to marry. The question is who are the unmarried Paul is referring to in these verses? I hold while they may include virgins (never married), it must also include those who have once before been married. Paul deals specifically with virgins later in verses 25-40. So, the other category of unmarried would have to include those who were previously married. Those virgins, previously married and widows have allowance of remarriage. As well, unmarried is a broad term that would include those previously married.
Christian marriages (verses 10-11): Paul says if two Christians are married, they must remain married. If trouble enters the marriage and one wants a divorce, there are two options: reconciliation or separation with no possibility of remarriage. In other words, if two Christians are married - you have all the tools you need in Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit to work out your marriage and reconcile. If you cannot reconcile, you cannot remarry. Therefore, the Christian is not able to say This marriage is not working out - I will go and marry that person. Marriage is for life with no possibility of remarriage if separated as long as the other former spouse lives.
Mixed marriages (a believer who is married to an unbeliever (presumably saved after marriage took place and the spouse remains unsaved) (verses 12-16): Paul tells the believer that if the unbeliever wants to remain married, do not divorce - stay in the marriage. That, I believe, is the essential meaning of the difficult verse 14 - do not leave your spouse because your relationship and your children are holy - they are set apart by God.
However, if your spouse leaves, do not stop him. Notice in these verses, Paul says that they are no longer bound and Paul nowhere gives the command that they are not allowed to remarry. The command not to remarry is made to two believers, not a believer who is married to an unbeliever who will leave. The Christian in this relationship, no longer bound to the unbeliever, is then free to remarry (verses 8-9).
Virgins (verses 25-40): what does Paul say to virgins? He says many things but two that I want to point out: 1. Paul says that a Christian virgin must marry another Christian (verse 39) and 2. when they get married, they are bound as long as he lives. In other words, we fall under the same category as 2 Christians getting married - there is no room for remarriage - they are bound for as long as they live. And if they do marry another, they commit adultery (see Jesus' words in Mark 10). So, the command not to remarry in the context of 1 Corinthians 7 falls under the specific headings of Christian marriages and two Christians virgins who will marry. It is here Paul speaks of the two commanded not to remarry.
(Incidentally, Paul's words not I but the Lord (verse 10) and I, not the Lord (verse 12) become important. Paul is not saying that his words are less important. He is saying that the Lord dealt with 2 Christians being married when he walked on the earth (the commit adultery if they remarry another) but he did not deal specifically with a Christian who is married to a non Christian.)
So, as a pastor, would I remarry a couple? I would not remarry a man(or woman) who is a Christian and has divorced his Christian wife. He must reconcile with his wife or remain unmarried. I would remarry a Christian who was married to a non Christian and the non Christian left her. If she found another Christian man, she is free to remarry as she is no longer bound to her non Christian husband. And when I do premarital counseling, I would emphasize to the two being married - they must both be Christian and when they do get married, they are bound for life.
Understanding that these are broad categories, we will need Biblical wisdom and love to deal with the specifics of relationships.
1 Corinthians 7.8-40 is divided up into 4 groups: unmarried and widows, Christian marriages, missed marriages (a Christian to a non Christian) and virgins. This becomes very important to understanding the text.
Unmarried and widows: Paul teaches us that it is better not to marry (this will be explained in more detail in verses 25-40) but if they are unable to control themselves, they ought to marry. The question is who are the unmarried Paul is referring to in these verses? I hold while they may include virgins (never married), it must also include those who have once before been married. Paul deals specifically with virgins later in verses 25-40. So, the other category of unmarried would have to include those who were previously married. Those virgins, previously married and widows have allowance of remarriage. As well, unmarried is a broad term that would include those previously married.
Christian marriages (verses 10-11): Paul says if two Christians are married, they must remain married. If trouble enters the marriage and one wants a divorce, there are two options: reconciliation or separation with no possibility of remarriage. In other words, if two Christians are married - you have all the tools you need in Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit to work out your marriage and reconcile. If you cannot reconcile, you cannot remarry. Therefore, the Christian is not able to say This marriage is not working out - I will go and marry that person. Marriage is for life with no possibility of remarriage if separated as long as the other former spouse lives.
Mixed marriages (a believer who is married to an unbeliever (presumably saved after marriage took place and the spouse remains unsaved) (verses 12-16): Paul tells the believer that if the unbeliever wants to remain married, do not divorce - stay in the marriage. That, I believe, is the essential meaning of the difficult verse 14 - do not leave your spouse because your relationship and your children are holy - they are set apart by God.
However, if your spouse leaves, do not stop him. Notice in these verses, Paul says that they are no longer bound and Paul nowhere gives the command that they are not allowed to remarry. The command not to remarry is made to two believers, not a believer who is married to an unbeliever who will leave. The Christian in this relationship, no longer bound to the unbeliever, is then free to remarry (verses 8-9).
Virgins (verses 25-40): what does Paul say to virgins? He says many things but two that I want to point out: 1. Paul says that a Christian virgin must marry another Christian (verse 39) and 2. when they get married, they are bound as long as he lives. In other words, we fall under the same category as 2 Christians getting married - there is no room for remarriage - they are bound for as long as they live. And if they do marry another, they commit adultery (see Jesus' words in Mark 10). So, the command not to remarry in the context of 1 Corinthians 7 falls under the specific headings of Christian marriages and two Christians virgins who will marry. It is here Paul speaks of the two commanded not to remarry.
(Incidentally, Paul's words not I but the Lord (verse 10) and I, not the Lord (verse 12) become important. Paul is not saying that his words are less important. He is saying that the Lord dealt with 2 Christians being married when he walked on the earth (the commit adultery if they remarry another) but he did not deal specifically with a Christian who is married to a non Christian.)
So, as a pastor, would I remarry a couple? I would not remarry a man(or woman) who is a Christian and has divorced his Christian wife. He must reconcile with his wife or remain unmarried. I would remarry a Christian who was married to a non Christian and the non Christian left her. If she found another Christian man, she is free to remarry as she is no longer bound to her non Christian husband. And when I do premarital counseling, I would emphasize to the two being married - they must both be Christian and when they do get married, they are bound for life.
Understanding that these are broad categories, we will need Biblical wisdom and love to deal with the specifics of relationships.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Caring For Others
Philippians 4.19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
This is a well known verse and is usually used when we run into personal difficulties. We take this promise and say - Thank you God that you will take care of my car bill, or my tuition or my health - thank you. And we should thank God that he will meet (or fill up) all our needs. We should thank God that it is according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus - in other words, we will be well supplied when in need because our God is a rich and gracious God.
But I think there is something more to this verse. The context tells of God supplying our needs especially when we are seeking to help others in their troubles. It is a verse which encourages us to look beyond ourselves and see that our God is so rich, he will give us what we need to minister to God's people in trouble.
In the context, we read Philippians 4.14-15: Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; ...
In other words, when does God promise to supply our needs? In our selfish nature, we turn that promise into God looking after us as we seek to look after ourselves. And while God will do this, God's Word is even deeper and more penetrating - God will supply our needs when we are looking at other's needs so we can help them when they are in trouble.
Am I able to say: it is good to share in the troubles of others - the cost - financial, emotional, spiritual, physical? Where will I get the strength, the wisdom, the words, the resources - where will I get what I need to help those in trouble? God's promise: And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
God will supply your needs - as you seek to help those in trouble.
This is a well known verse and is usually used when we run into personal difficulties. We take this promise and say - Thank you God that you will take care of my car bill, or my tuition or my health - thank you. And we should thank God that he will meet (or fill up) all our needs. We should thank God that it is according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus - in other words, we will be well supplied when in need because our God is a rich and gracious God.
But I think there is something more to this verse. The context tells of God supplying our needs especially when we are seeking to help others in their troubles. It is a verse which encourages us to look beyond ourselves and see that our God is so rich, he will give us what we need to minister to God's people in trouble.
In the context, we read Philippians 4.14-15: Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; ...
In other words, when does God promise to supply our needs? In our selfish nature, we turn that promise into God looking after us as we seek to look after ourselves. And while God will do this, God's Word is even deeper and more penetrating - God will supply our needs when we are looking at other's needs so we can help them when they are in trouble.
Am I able to say: it is good to share in the troubles of others - the cost - financial, emotional, spiritual, physical? Where will I get the strength, the wisdom, the words, the resources - where will I get what I need to help those in trouble? God's promise: And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
God will supply your needs - as you seek to help those in trouble.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Philippians 3.18-19: For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.
In the last posting, we saw Paul was going to send Timothy to the Philippians church because Timothy did not look to his own interest. While Paul loved and cared for the church, that did not stop him from "weeping" for the church's enemies.
As Paul surveys the world - their destiny, their gods, and their shame - he falls before God and weeps at their ruin, their short sightedness, and their hardness of heart.
And so Paul weeps.
He also weeps publicly before the church calling her to not envy or hate but weep. Weep because one day they will stand before the Almighty and see that their gods are silent and their shame is screaming out before a holy and just God.
How do we evangelize? How about putting down books on methods and techniques and how to say the right things exactly and getting down on our knees, asking God to break our hearts so we begin to weep for the lost. How about praying that God would fill us with such joy about his second coming (Philippians 3.20-21) that the gods of this age will slowly fade from our hearts.
In the last posting, we saw Paul was going to send Timothy to the Philippians church because Timothy did not look to his own interest. While Paul loved and cared for the church, that did not stop him from "weeping" for the church's enemies.
As Paul surveys the world - their destiny, their gods, and their shame - he falls before God and weeps at their ruin, their short sightedness, and their hardness of heart.
And so Paul weeps.
He also weeps publicly before the church calling her to not envy or hate but weep. Weep because one day they will stand before the Almighty and see that their gods are silent and their shame is screaming out before a holy and just God.
How do we evangelize? How about putting down books on methods and techniques and how to say the right things exactly and getting down on our knees, asking God to break our hearts so we begin to weep for the lost. How about praying that God would fill us with such joy about his second coming (Philippians 3.20-21) that the gods of this age will slowly fade from our hearts.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Looking Another Way
Philippians 2.20-21: I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Paul is writing about Timothy's love for the people of God. Two aspects of this verse are interesting. First, Timothy gave up his own interests and genuinely loved the people of God. The temptation is to look after ourselves - make sure we are provided for, cared for and loved. Look at me - my life and my issues. Timothy took a genuine interest in the Philippian's well-being.
Second, the interests of Jesus Christ is the welfare of His people. What a thought that Jesus cares for His people intimately. Today, if you are His child, Jesus is caring for you and he may be providing a Timothy in your life. If He is, thank Him and then thank your "Timothy".
This all leads to praise to God for His loving care and to a challenge - how will we spend our lives? Will it be as a Timothy - or will we look after our own needs?
Paul is writing about Timothy's love for the people of God. Two aspects of this verse are interesting. First, Timothy gave up his own interests and genuinely loved the people of God. The temptation is to look after ourselves - make sure we are provided for, cared for and loved. Look at me - my life and my issues. Timothy took a genuine interest in the Philippian's well-being.
Second, the interests of Jesus Christ is the welfare of His people. What a thought that Jesus cares for His people intimately. Today, if you are His child, Jesus is caring for you and he may be providing a Timothy in your life. If He is, thank Him and then thank your "Timothy".
This all leads to praise to God for His loving care and to a challenge - how will we spend our lives? Will it be as a Timothy - or will we look after our own needs?
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
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