Seen and Unseen

The Gospel in a Few Minutes

2011-08-07T19:27:00.000-07:00

Is it possible to share the gospel in a few minutes?

I have seen a few recordings on You Tube, of the Gospel in a few minutes, by people who are noble and reliable.
As I am considering these forthright and genuine proclamation talks—I am thankful for them. But as yet, I am undecided about what they really convey. Is it the gospel? Can it ever be? Is it a snapshot of the gospel? Is it a truncated gospel?

I a reminded of Karl Barth's saying that 'no one ever heard the gospel from the lips of another person' — meaning that it is Christ Jesus himself who preaches to a person, and reveals himself to them. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the 'preaching of Christ'. That is, the Ascended Jesus preaching to a human heart, through 'the words' (the agency) of a person like me, or you.

I am also reminded of Geoffrey Bingham's comment that "John 3:16 is not the gospel in a nutshell! Only a nut would think that!"

So, I ask again, is it possible to share the gospel in a few minutes?

On the one had, there is a Word to speak, all the time, that bears witness to Jesus Crucified and Risen, and the grace of God, we know in him, by the Spirit. So lets speak of the good things we know.

However, what of this gospel, can it be summarised or located or identified?

I recall that C. H. Dodd tried to summarise all the elements of the "kerygma", the early Christian preaching. Others have discussed this, and found that, yes, there are common elements, in speeches and content, but, the 'magic words' - as such are unable to be isolated, (pinned down) amidst all of the unique relational talks with real people in real settings, Jews, Gentiles, unbelievers, and believers, pretenders and listeners.

So we note that:

A. Jesus, the centre of the gospel, came 'when the time had fully come' (Galatians 4:4).
B. And yet the gospel was declared to Abraham 'beforehand' (Galatians 3:8).
C. And it is stated, that there is 'an eternal gospel' (Revelation 14:6).

To gather these thoughts. I am thinking that the gospel, in a few minutes, would need to include some setting forth of:

1. Creation, its plan and purpose to Edenise the world
—and the tragic, irrational entrance of sin
2. Abraham and the Promise—God's Covenant of grace
3. Christ Jesus and the significance of his life, death, resurrection and current reign

I think that number 1 and 2 are often neglected a bit, so we have ...a baby without a cradle!

So, rather than just be critical, I might even have a try one Sunday, to pack "the gospel" into about 5 minutes—ready for uploading along with others of genuine heart and noble purpose, yet another attempt to unfold the gospel... on You Tube! Praying of course, that in it all, Jesus himself speaks!
Cheers. Trevor.

Enjoyment

2010-06-23T23:33:00.000-07:00

You really need to read Koheleth. Go to Ecclesiastes in the Bible, here is a sample:

18 ¶ This is what I have seen to be good: it is fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of the life God gives us; for this is our lot.
19 Likewise all to whom God gives wealth and possessions and whom he enables to enjoy them, and to accept their lot and find enjoyment in their toil--this is the gift of God.
20 For they will scarcely brood over the days of their lives, because God keeps them occupied with the joy of their hearts.

(Ecclesiastes 5:18-20)

Music and the Gospel

2008-10-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

MUSIC AND THE GOSPEL

The following quote is from P. T. Forsyth [numbers added]:
(1) There is at once a compelling grasp and a pervasive idea in great music, which lifts us, if we seek something more than mere amusement, into the vision which sees all things as working together for glory, good, and God.
(2) Music is a universal speech, not only in the sense of coming home to almost all hearts. In that sense it is true only of simple and homely music. But great music is universal in a deeper sense than the simple, as Christianity itself is. Its nature and destiny is universal. It sweeps over us with a wave of emotion, which is humane, universal, and submersive of our own petty egoism.
(3) It exists to purify and organise the selfish emotions, not simply to soothe them, excite them, or indulge them. It lifts us into a world of things which includes our little aches and joys, laps them in a diviner air, and resolves them into the tides and pulses of an eternal life.
(4) It raises us to our place, if but for an hour, in the universal order of things, and makes our years seem but moments in the eternal process. It is not then our personal welfare we think of, or our private enjoyment.
(5) Music, like Scripture and Nature, is of no private interpretation. We feel then that our passions and affections, however real, are but rills and streams in an infinite world of love, sympathy, and consummation. (Forsyth, Christ On Parnassus, p. 209-210).
(6) ‘…we have in a piece of great music the world’s order in miniature.’ (P. T. Forsyth, Christ on Parnassus, p. 212)

Adelaide Berean Church

2008-06-02T04:45:00.000-07:00

Our congregation - NWCC - is linked with the ADELAIDE BEREAN CHURCH. They are an Aboriginal Congregation, primarily. Formerly an AEF - Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship congregation. Their name is taken from Acts 17:10-11.

"The brethren at once sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and they, on their arrival, went to the synagogue of the Jews. The Jews at Berea were of a nobler disposition than those in Thessalonica, for they very readily received the Message, and day after day searched the Scriptures to see whether it was as Paul stated."

This congregation is of a noble disposition!

It is great to meet with them.
And you know what?

We are one in Christ, reconciled. What a great practical beginning to living as a reconciled people (after all that has happened in Australia, in these last 200 years).

A work of grace, is a work of grace - given by God, established in Calvary, wrought through forgiveness. Formed by the Spirit of God. Grace: Black and White - One in Christ.

"Why I Write" - Extracts from Andrew Lansdown

2008-05-19T05:36:00.000-07:00

Andrew Lansdown is one of Australia's very gifted poets, and writers:
From his article: 'Why I Write', the following are his eleven reasons:

1. Writing is a means of discovery. ...the work becomes something different from and more than I had imagined at the outset.
2. Writing is a means of clarification.
3. Writing is a means of paying attention and attributing worth.
4. Writing is a means of expressing praise and gratitude.
5. Writing is a means of keeping record.
6. Writing is a means of expressing interest and love.
7. Writing is a means of protest and protection.
8. Writing is a means of communication.
9. Writing is a means of exploring and enjoying language.
10. Writing is a means of achievement and satisfaction.
11. Writing is a means of satisfying a compulsion.

(These 11 are just the headlines. And good headlines at that. The details appear in his book: Andrew Lansdown, 'Abiding Things', Studio, 1996, p. 86-88.)

I too like writing, but have been busy writing theological teaching papers, of late, and have neglected a little enjoyable scribble, of thoughts, and insights. Have a try at writing! You may get a nice surprise!

Shallow View of Evil

2008-01-23T00:17:00.000-08:00

Our society has a shallow view of evil.
We know about Terrorists.
But we miss the human condition, and the present outworking of the curse on creation.
And we deny, or miss, or ignore, or laugh at - the action, in destruction, of 'the evil one'.

N.T. Wright says:

Firstly, we ignore evil when it doesn’t hit us in the face.
Second, we are surprised by evil when it does.
Third, we react in immature and dangerous ways as a result.

Let's come to terms with a more nuanced view!

Charlie Wilson's War

2008-01-22T22:47:00.000-08:00

My wife won some free tickets to see the movie "Charlie Wilson's War". Unfortunately we sat a bit too far towards the back, where the theatre got a tad hot, and I was quite uncomfortable - and sleepy. However, Tom Hanks played his roll well - a drinking, womanising, low morals, mover and shaker American congressman - the usual.

Charlie was a bit of a hero - in the way he gave short shrift to the fundamentalist 'Christian' who could no longer have his nativity scene in a public place... "... take it to the Baptist church a mile down the street - 'everybody lives!')

*** Note: Everyone laughs at the Yanks, because they think they are so, so wrong, and humanitarianism ideals are so, so, right). Post-modern mindset people naively think: "we can do it, if only more people, were without 'Christian' or other God-morals and god-values"].

Charlie Wilson managed to "win the war", by utilising his contacts, and his sharp political manoeuvring. A true story according to the intro. I fell asleep a couple of times - the start was a bit slow. But I think this is how it went (could have a detail or two wrong - sorry but):

Now, Charlie needfully socialised with the Moslem nations, Pakistan, Egypt and so on - and even Israel lent a hand. Funny socialising occasions! They chipped in billions to get the Communist Russians out of Afghanistan. They purchased and supplied these extra-fancy bazooka type anti-aircraft guns, so that the poor Afghan people, could drop the destuctive, horrifyingly good Russian helicopters out of the sky. They did it. And the Russians lost a real battle to invade, for the first time in a long while. (And it stopped that domino effect, for other nations... etc.)

The emotional, moving, part was when Charlie - the US congressman - agreed to sit down in the dirt and really feel the plight and pain, of the maimed kids, innocent victims of war.
The Russians, you see, were just carelessly slaughtering women, kids and men, from the safety of their unreachable sky transport. The innocent victims picked up bombs and were maimed. Sad. Very sad. Anyway, Charlie fixed it.

The Russians retreated. Communism (... now in decline, ) being defeated here, ... precipitated the eventual fall of the Berlin Wall! Ah Charlie!)

And the reason Charlie bothered to help the Afghanistan people?
Because he was asked to sit with the suffering ones? He was moved.
So were we. It appeals to our poor view of our own will, ... that we could somehow do it right, if we had the chance..
Yes, in it all, the 'dumb' Americans were managed to be portrayed as such.
Then came the twist.

The Afghans wanted money for a new school!
"No, was the reply - Why? - coz no one give a toss about them!"
Irony. Blame back on the dumb USA - again! (Always a good scapegoat for all other nations!)

Amidst all this was the yarn - wise advice of a Zen Master - a spiritual man: "We'll see".
The yarn:
A boy was bought a horse? Good hey? Reply: "We'll see".
He fell off and was paralysed? Bad hey? Reply: "We'll see".
War broke out in Vietnam and he did not have to go? Good hey? Reply: "We'll see".

As with the yarn, so with the politics and hopes in humanity for the Charlie Wilson's of the world to do more good...
Reply: "We'll see".

Now, for the few conclusions, I am drawing..
You see... one bloke left the movie thinking ... that was good, but...
Now we've got a bloody religious war (in Afghanistan).
Underlying message ... if only it was all left to sensible, left, liberal minded people, we could fix it.
Underlying message of movie ...shallow. Politics can fix some things, But mostly it comes down to "We'll see".
No conclusion. No hope. No destiny. Just more of the same. Up. Down. Defeat. Triumph. Politics - good. Politics - not so good. And one big "We'll see".

I say 'no'. I say, 'there is a cross'. There is a theodicy. There is a Sovereign hand. History, in itself is not our hope. Christ is. And he is. And he will. And he has. And he does. Reconciliation. That is the plan, the outworking of the cross. Redemption is the action, working up our futile answers. And "We'll see" is a futile conclusion - if that is all there is.

Not - "we'll see", but our God reigns, from the place of deepest suffering, to the place of greatest triumph. Christ is Risen.
It is his war! And he is Victor. And we are the objects of his grace. All races. Wow!

Into the sea

2008-01-14T12:56:00.000-08:00

(1) Crossing the Red Sea, was quite a moment, for the people of God.

"The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left" (Exodus 14:22).

Have you entered "the sea", the chaos, the impossible place to be?
Do you have faith? Do you trust God? Are you led by His Word, and Spirit?

Those who are called, and are resolved to follow the Lord, and to find in him, saving grace, know that the only place to be, is "into the sea", when this is the will of the Lord. His will is to reveal his saving power, to the nations - that all might put their trust in him.

To die, to enter "the sea", is a once only event for us all.
Facing death, as a person, who has already trusted the Lord, is a good place to be.
It is dry land. It is secure. It is leading into the promised land.

Baptism, rightly understood is the entry into 'the sea'. Baptism, is at once the funeral day, and the day of salvation.
Enter the waters of death, with in, and by the work of Christ, and you will know the security of venturing forth, on dry land.

"All were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea" (1 Corinthians 10:2).

(2) Living beyond the Red Sea is also quite 'a moment'; a calling - a holy calling, and a place of grace, and of judgments, within the salvation which has come. For, the new life comes with warnings, not to become idolaters - do 'not put Christ to the test'. 23,000 Israelites fell in a single day, for their sexual immorality. God was not pleased with most of them. "Dear friends, flee from the worship of idols.I speak as to sensible people. Judge for yourselves what I say" (1 Corinthians 10:15)

Much is to be learned from Israel, and her failings. Much. Cheers!

Thanks!

2007-11-25T12:36:00.000-08:00

"HEY THANKS!"
O Give Thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. O give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; (Psalm 136:1-3)

My parents taught me, when I was still a small child, to say: 'thank you!'

Giving thanks is a simple matter. It is a very simple word to say. It is a simple attitude to take - thankfulness. However, the refusal to give thanks lies at the the heart of the human problem; and so the way in which we live within the creation, and among other people.

Of the first couple - the man and woman - we learn that 'though they know God, they did not honour him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened (Romans 1:21).

The problem of 'not giving thanks' is a refusal to acknowledge dependency upon God; it is a sign of a lack of humility; it is a sign of pride; it is a symptom of losing the sense of life coming out of love, from God, and as gift.

On one occasion, Jesus healed 10 lepers. Guess how many came back to give thanks?

Answer: 1.

"And he was a Samaritan"

Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, were are they? Was none of then found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Get up and go your way; your faith has made you well." [see Luke 17:17-19].

The sort of faith that makes you well, is thankful faith. One can be healed, but remain faithless, and even - strangely enough - unthankful.

Jesus came into the world, to recreate human hearts, in the image and likeness of God - to redeem our hearts and our lives - renewing thankfulness - and giving us a true, better, more vital perspective, and outlook on life. Thanks does not come naturally to sinful human beings; indeed it is against the sinful nature; however it is also part of what it means to be human; so as we know, many non-Christians can express thankfulness. And that is good. But to express thankfulness to our Maker, involves a new orientation, towards the one unto whom all thanks and honour is due.

Thanks arises when we experience the renewal of life, and the forgiveness of our unthankfulness, and of all our anti-God, lack of true appreciation for all that God - the Father - is, in and through Christ and the Spirit. He redeems us, even while we are ungrateful enemies. As Father, he reworks our hearts, in the furnace, and new mould of the cross - until we see the stunning truth. The truth we see in Jesus, suffering for all, (without any appreciation of what he is doing), is the truth of God the very generous, very kind, very -in-control giver: 'O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!'

'Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you' (1Thessalonians 5:18).
.... now that is a most extraordinary verse. Is God, really that much in control?

Hope

2007-10-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hope.

God is Light. God is Love.

2007-09-18T03:15:00.000-07:00

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all (1John 1:5)

God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them (1John 4:16b).

There are two basic insights into the character and action of God, which form the basis of the entire life of faith – in Jesus Christ.
1. God is Light
2. God is Love

If we could grasp these two simple, yet profound theological insights - and live in them, life would be different.

All creation comes into being and flows from God’s love, as he says: ‘Let there be light!’ All of God’s redemption takes place as the action of gracious love, whenever the light of Christ shines in the darkness of a sinful human race. Evil and sin - sometimes called ‘darkness’ - are an intrusion. God’s light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.

The Darkness of evil will ultimately all be destroyed. It has been overcome. The fruit of True Love will remain. Love Builds Up.

Central to all of this is the deed of Jesus’ cross, where Light and Love combine to judge evil, and transform the whole creation. Our trouble as human beings begins and ends with our refusal to truly love, and to genuinely walk in the light. We need grace and forgiveness, and all the benefits of the gospel, if ever we are to change. Self-effort will never do. But your grace O Lord abounds!

O Father, Son and Spirit, God of Light and Love, you cleanse us from all our darkness, fill our souls with Your Light and Love, and cause us to share the glory of Christ- all through the ministry of Jesus Christ. Open our lives Lord to the wonder of your gift – “grace, heaped upon grace”. Cause our walk of faith, to be a joyful one, in the light. Strengthen us to engage in the battle, where darkness seemingly abounds.

Belonging To God

2007-09-18T03:04:00.000-07:00

“I must stay at your house today” (Jesus to Zacchaeus) - Luke 19:5
He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha cum” which means, “Little girl, get up!” (Jesus to Jairus daughter) – Mark 6:41

The call of Jesus upon our lives can be heard at any age. Baby John (the Baptiser) leaped for joy while he was still in his mother’s womb. Even before his birth he was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:15, 44). The same Holy Spirit moves in us today.

The disciples of Jesus often misunderstood what he was about. On one occasion they spoke sternly to the parents who were bringing little children to Jesus in order that he might touch them. What were the disciples thinking? The Kingdom of God belonged to these little children, but the adult disciples were preventing them from drawing near.

What was, and is, Jesus on about? Serious religion? Adults only? Difficult theology?

The story of Zacchaeus up in a tree, and being called by Jesus, is a favourite with children, all over the world. Similarly, the story of a dying 12-year-old girl – Jairus daughter - being restored to health by Jesus often deeply stirs the hearts of young children.

Be assured, that as the Living Jesus is proclaimed, he is himself speaking to the hearts of children, youth and adults. What a sad indictment, when church activity becomes suitable for adults only. Conversely, how lovely is youthfulness, blessed in Jesus Christ!

O Father, stir us anew to appreciate the simple yet profound working of the Spirit of Jesus in every person, in every secret heart.

Take; eat; this is my body!

2007-09-18T03:02:00.000-07:00

While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” (Matthew 26:26)

There was a man in England, by the name of John Wesley; he was rescued from a house fire; and subsequently recognised that he had been saved–and so described himself in biblical terms as:
“…a brand plucked from the fire?” (Zechariah 3:2).

It was said of John Wesley that everywhere he went there was either a riot, or a revival. People either came gladly to Christ, or reacted strongly to his message and got quite angry.

He knew that the message he spoke was important to every person, for: “the power of the Cross reaches into every nook and cranny of history and of creational living” (Geoff Bingham).

What was it that happened in the cross of Christ?
What was it that God did there that changed all things?
Christ Jesus bore our sins in his own body on the cross.
The godly man, died for - the ungodly – us!
While we were still his enemies, Christ died for us.
O what love, that he should become sin for us!
O what love that he should release us from the grip of guilt!
O what love that he should defeat Satan and all evil powers!
O what love that he shoud reconcile us to God and each other!
O what love to suffer such extreme horror, to win forgiveness!
He suffered, not for his own sins, but poured out blood for mine.
For you and for me, he cried out: “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?”
He was utterly forsaken – that we might be saved, fully included.
Bread broken, and wine poured out, tells of his life’s work for all.

O Jesus, come, by your Holy Spirit, into my life, so that I may know the Father’s love as you do, and live in true freedom. Amen.

The Absolute Evil: Guilt

2007-09-18T02:58:00.000-07:00

"Guilt alone is the absolute evil, the absolutely terrible and unbearable, the simply irrevocable loss. Compared to guilt all else that may be terrible in the world is very slight indeed. If one weighs guilt against all other suffering in the world, unhappy love which makes life a hell, life-long hard labour in the mines of Siberia, continuous suffering from cancer without any hope but the prospect of a painful death, softening of the brain leading to madness, epilepsy with increasing stupefaction - the guilt will easily outweigh all the other evils in the scale. And if on the other hand we think of all that the world offers by way of good things, then all the riches, power and happiness of the world cannot balance and replace the damage caused by one guilty act".

These words are taken from a book, by Karl Heim (Jesus the World’s Perfecter)

The Word of the Cross

2007-09-18T02:53:00.000-07:00

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1Corinthians 1:18)

The Scriptures are the Written Word. Christ is the Living Word. The Word of the Cross - is the Preached Word.

You will have noticed that not every preached message is about the cross of Jesus Christ. But you may not have realised that the cross of Jesus Christ, is, rightly understood, about every sermon. It is indeed about, central to, and therefore, in some way, related to, every matter in heaven and on earth, from start to finish. Or as Buzz Light Year once said: ‘to infinity, and beyond!’

It is an amazing thing to realise that “the power of the Cross reaches into every nook and cranny of history and of creational living” (Geoff Bingham).

Have we underestimated the power of the cross? Yes.

In every case, in every life, in every situation, we have not fully counted on the power of the cross. It is God’s central deed in history, to heal and redeem, to judge and to reconcile, to save and to damn. The Cross is the Father’s mighty deed to plan, the Son’s delight and joy to embrace, and the Holy Spirit’s task to assist with, to open up, to shine upon, to draw people into, and to minister effectively to every person, and circumstance in all creation. God has acted in love and grace. We must respond to the Word of the cross; we must have faith; we must receive the blessing of God, the grace which flows from the cross. Have you?

Prayer: O Living God! O Active Christ! O Spirit of truth, reveal this grace to me, in me. In Jesus name, Amen.

Battle for the Mind

2007-08-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

"Man [male-female] is obviously made for thinking.
Therein lies all his dignity and his merit; and his whole duty is to think as he ought.
Now the order of thought is to begin with ourselves, and with our author and our end". (Blaise Pascal)

There is a battle going on for our minds. I guess you knew that.
'Do not eat the bread of a miser, Nor desire his delicacies; For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you'. (Proverbs 23:6-7 NKJV)

“As he thinks in his heart, so is he.” It is important to take some control of your thinking process. Runaway thinking can end up anywhere. We very easily begin thinking in patterns of unbelief – just conforming to this world. It is dead-end thinking - since Christ is Risen! Thinking is a titanic battle. But, it is always “in grace”.

Knowing and trusting God means having a new mindset. The evil world system – “selfish self-preservation” – is actually passing away. No longer distrustful of God, no longer bitter at the world, and no longer facing a bleak future, we are to live in joyful hope, amidst all the difficulties. We are to “put to death whatever in you is earthly”, not to put on a goody moral appearance, but because there is now a new way of thinking and living, namely - “in Christ”.

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. … Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry)… … You have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self…… Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness …love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
(Colossians 3:1-3, 5, 9, 14)

O Father, thank you for a new mindset – full of hope in Christ; we pray that your grace, will ever sustain us in this battle.

How to Relate to Evil

2007-08-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

The following is a part of an article, by John Piper, 2007. I have taken his work, and made it accessible here. The work can be found at 'Desiring God' Ministries.

How then should we relate to evil?

Eight things to do with evil. Four things never to do.

1. Expect evil. “Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12).
2. Endure evil. “Love bears all thing, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7; cf. Mark 13:13).
3. Give thanks for the refining effect of evil that comes against you. “Give thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20; cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Romans 5:3-5).
4. Hate evil. “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good” (Romans 12:9).
5. Pray for escape from evil. “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13).
6. Expose evil. “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).
7. Overcome evil with good. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
8. Resist evil. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

But, on the other hand:

1. Never despair that this evil world is out of God’s control. “[He] works all things according to the counsel of his will” (Ephesians 1:11).
2. Never give in to the sense that because of random evil life is absurd and meaningless. “How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! . . . For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever” (Romans 11:33, 36).
3. Never yield to the thought that God sins, or is ever unjust or unrighteous in the way he governs the universe. “The Lord is righteous in all his ways.” (Psalm 145:17).
4. Never doubt that God is totally for you in Christ. If you trust him with your life, you are in Christ. Never doubt that all the evil that befalls you—even if it takes your life—is God’s loving, purifying, saving, fatherly discipline. It is not an expression of his punishment in wrath. That fell on Jesus Christ our substitute. “The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” (Hebrews 12:6).
When we renounce the designs of the devil and trust the power and wisdom and goodness of God through Christ, we fulfill God’s purpose in letting Satan live. We glorify the infinitely superior worth of Jesus.

... thanks to John Piper for these points.
I trust they will encourage you also.

Hierophants Help Humanity

2007-05-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

Some blogs from earlier times: http://hierophantshelp.blogspot.com

The Issues of Life

2007-05-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Keep your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the issues of life.

Proverbs 4:23

We can take up all sorts of human activity. Be people of action. And of repute.
But if our hearts are not genuine (pure), then it will not amount to anything fruitful.

Out of the heart, the mouth speaks!

Things Anzac! ... Anzac Day 2007

2007-04-26T17:26:00.000-07:00

Once again, young Australians flocked to Gallipoli, the Kokoda Trail [or track], and to the Dawn Services across the nation.
Young people - seeking that moving moment, that special awareness of life, and death, and ... sacrifice.

"What is it with Anzac Day?" ask the talk-back hosts.
It is certainly a media feast. Much can be said. Much is said.
Emotions run high.
Solemnity finds a true place in our lives. At least for a day.

This is my third post now on similar topics:
1. Things Formal
2. Things Serious
3. Things Anzac!

But what is it about?
It is not 'glorifying war'. Somehow we need to remind ourselves of that.
It is not just the emotional workout - the catharsis.
No.

In my opinion, it is a genuine probing, a searching, about a matter, central to human life, which our culture has in many ways denied to, or hidden from, or ridiculed to - our young people. And others too.

On many of the Anzac Memorials we can find these words, written on plaques, or etched in stone:
'Greater love has no man that this, that he lay down his life for his friends'
(the women, in that old language, were considered to be included).

These are the words of Jesus.
Jesus' own life was a sacrifice.
He lay down his own life, for others, for the world of sinful humanity, (indeed, for the ultimate benefit of his enemies!)

The matter of sacrifice, rightly understood, should never be confined to 'priests, vestments, and ...religion'.
Sacrifice, rightly understood, is central to humanity. To true living.
Sacrifice - as revealed in Jesus life, is that toward which, Anzac Day is ... searching.
May the moments of next Anzac Day, and Remembrance Day, and so on, be occasions, for seeking and finding the true meaning, the full revelation of sacrifice. In this way, those hundreds of thousands of young deaths, in 1914-1918, will not be in vain. They will have pointed toward life - eternal. They will have been a Portent. A sign, of:
Things ImPortent:
1. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.
2. This is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me!

Things Serious

2007-04-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

At a wedding I recently conducted, the groom - Sam - asked me if I could use his Full Christian Name - Samuel - throughout the service. 'OK, No worres' - I readily agreed. 'Very glad to do so'. Although, a couple of times during the message, as I spoke in a personal direct manner to him, and his bride, I did use the shorter, more common name [which we usually use].

He and his wife both enjoy some of the finer pleasures in life.

But Sam is generally, not really a "stickler for formality". Indeed, he is somewhat casual, as are most Aussie country lads. But on this occasion - he was taking the whole matter seriously.

In the wedding service we say: "Marriage is a way of life which all people should honour; it is not to be entered into lightly or selfishly, but responsibly and in the love of God".

The couple also conclude their vows, saying: 'This is my solemn vow'.

So, "lightly" is out, on this occasion.
It really is great, when people take great and serious matters - seriously. This is especially so for marriage.

Strangely - and unfortunately - many people today are taking the lighter things [sport, entertainment, vacations, blogging] soooo... seriously, but they are taking the more serious matters [marriage, Christ, faith, worship] so lightly and casually.

Solemnity. Seriousness. And now, all the fun and joy of married life. Good on you Sam! All the best, Ellen.

Things Formal

2007-03-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I attended a memorable 21st birthday. Mostly, it was an informal gathering, with food brought around the crowded house - inside and out; people talking, meeting, laughing, and casually sharing life together. But then, it came time for a few speeches. Not many, and not for long, but just a few. The people hushed; the father talked about his dear daughter; the mother added a few things; as did a sister, much in jest and good fun; then came the response from the delightful 21 year old daughter. In particular she thanked her parents, rather movingly, for introducing her to Jesus: the best thing they could ever have done. It was profound; sweet; genuine; moving; a lifetime wrapped up into a few sentences; a person or two called out and joked, about a few other funny matters; then, simply, the formalities concluded with the cutting of the cake; and then sharing it around; this part of the day, made the day.

Yes, the formalities, though brief, were wonderful; essential really; they made the day!

In a world, which has become increasingly casual, I for one, am glad that there are still formalities.

It is possible, even in our casual forms of Christianity, to pray and worship the Father, our God, alone, in a formal manner; with speech which is not merely chit chat, with a friend (there are many times for that). There is a time for every matter under heaven; just as i have spoken in my 'best English' to a well educated more senior doctor, or dentist, with a degree of care, and choosing words wisely, so too, I recently prayed alone, in words well chosen, and even slightly formal; it was a liberating and dignifying experience;

Some Sunday morning services, could do with a little less liturgy and formality, I shall agree. But many more, could do with a degree of - for want of a better word - formality. I may mean seriousness, or solemnity, or clarity of thought, or holiness of speech, or 'our best English'; but whatever, come what may, I am sure that to lift our sense of grandeur and wonder, and high praise the the Most High God, who has come so near to us in Jesus Christ, we would do well to speak in terms which are dignified, and perhaps at times, slightly formal. This does enrich life and worship.

I came to this revelation, regarding formality, while reading Psalm 116:14 "I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people". This is a section of Psalms (113-118) which constitute the 'Egyptian Hallel" and were used in connection with the great festivals. Praise the Lord, for rich, genuine liturgy, and formality, filled with the presence of the Living Christ, enlivened by the most Holy Spirit.

Two Broadcasters

2007-03-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

Today, I heard a radio report. One of those little human interest catalogues, or birthday's. In particular, they were saying that it was the birthday (24th March) of:

(1) the famous Canadian environmentalist, Dr. David Suzuki and of
(2) the influential English Media personality and broadcaster Malcolm Muggeridge.

Two men of influence.

Voted one the the 10 greatest Canadians, David Suzuki has given us fascinating insights, and urgent warnings concerning the world in which we live. His contribution to the wisdom and life of the human race is immeasurable.

He said: "We have both a sense of the importance of the wilderness and space in our culture and an attitude that it is limitless and therefore we needn't worry." Wikipedia notes: "He concludes with a call for a major "perceptual shift" in our relationship with nature and the wild". Crucial, I'm sure.

And yet, does he, ulitmately hold an accurate view of the true nature of things? Is the world in the hands of a faithful Creator? What does he think of Christ?

Malcolm Muggeridge was at one time an avowed atheist, and critic of the Christian faith. However, something happened which changed his perspective, entirely. He met the Risen, living Christ - Jesus of Nazareth, now Lord of the universe. This gave him a far more hopeful view of things. Since he came to see things as they really are.

"I can say that I never knew what joy was like until I gave up pursuing happiness, or cared to live until I chose to die. For these two discoveries I am beholden to Jesus".

He held an understanding which had come to him beyond sight, He had been encountered by the living Christ. The world was genuinely under a guiding, redeeming hand, not merely bound to self-destruction. This biblical understanding does of course take account of that event known as "the fall".

He also said: "Every happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message".

The message, is that Christ lives, by his resurrection power, and therefore David Suzuki's world, is actually a different place than he knows.

It is amazing that such insight has been revealed to babaes and infants, and yet, the "wise" cannot perceive it. Strange.

What is the Image of God?

2007-03-23T05:24:00.000-07:00

“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Gen. 1:27)

What is the Image of God?

Is it a broad, general concept, or a more specific thing?
Does it refer uniquely to humanity as male-female?
Is it to do with being created to be like God in his deeds?
Is it something esoteric, hidden, and hard to define?
Does is mean being relational, as the triune God is relational?
Is it the capacity for thinking, and reasoning and moral choice?
Is it to do with dignity, goodness, integrity, uprightness?
Is it referring to having dominion, rulership and authority?
Is it about servanthood towards the rest of creation?
Does it refer to a quality or role given only to human beings?

Carl F.H. Henry has said: ‘The Bible does not define for us the precise content of the original imago’.

However, Colossians says that the eternal Christ is the Image of the Invisible God. Adam was thus, the image of The Image. Christ reigns over creation; Adam and Eve were created and blessed with a relational capacity to reign - together with, and under the triune God - to fulfil their vocation of heading up the creation, with the goal of sanctification and glorification.

O Jesus, You Reign! We struggle. With you, and through you, and under you, men & women shall reign in life (Rom. 5:17).
Help us to embrace this ‘dominion’ in life, as we receive your Grace, and your righteousness, O Lord.
QUOTES:
(1) The image of God in Man is irreducible, but reversible.
(J. A. Motyer).

(2) Everything that God is, Man is like that; but anything that God is, Man is none of that (eg. Creator-Father, Redeemer).
(G. C. Bingham)

"Created for Worship" by Noel Due (Quotable)

2007-03-23T05:21:00.000-07:00

Noel Due writes:

"While worship may arise as a response to the gracious action of God in redemption, for example, it actually belongs more fundamentally to the structure of human beings as sons of God. God the Creator is worthy of worship by virtue of his own being, irrespective of any gracious work on his part to redeem fallen humankind

(see Noel Due, Created for Worship, p. 45).

What is it about Camping?

2007-03-23T05:19:00.000-07:00

This year, our church camp was at 'Dzintari' at Normanville Heights. Nice spot.

Some people do not like camping. One can understand that. They find the strange bed, the walk to the loo, the flies, the mosquitoes and other creatures too disruptive to the peaceful routines and enjoyable comforts of modern life.

However, many others seem to love camping. What is it about camping? Is it the return to more earthy living – roughing it? (People say: ‘I’m getting more in touch with nature’.) Is it the opportunity for deepened thought, reflection and relaxation? Perhaps it is something even more profound than that, for: ‘the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground’ (Genesis 2:7a). We have a natural affinity with clay and dust.

(BTW - I notice even the latest ‘Omo’ washing detergent advertising campaign claims that a bit of dirt is good for you).

In John 1:14 we read that ‘The Word became flesh and lived among us’. The Greek says: ‘The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us’. The translator’s permit: ‘The Word became flesh and pitched his tent among us.’ (In the OT, the Tabernacle was a tent: the dwelling place of God with his people).

Our Church Camp at Normanville this weekend provides a fresh opportunity to draw near to God. For in Jesus, God has indeed pitched his tent among the human race.

May the Lord of Creation - be known in our midst. Amen.

Matter Really Matters!

2007-03-23T05:16:00.001-07:00

Gnosticism:

The word Gnostic is derived from the Greek word: gnosis, meaning knowledge. While it is essential to know Christ, the Gnostics wrongly taught that people are saved by special knowledge; not so! Most Gnostics rejected the Primary Old Testament teaching of Creation.

The New Testament churches had to correct this false teaching. This is also necessary to correct today. Like the early church, human beings – ever since the fall of Adam ane Eve - have an inbuilt tendency to take a distorted view of their Creator, and hence of the creation, and hence of the human body.

Greek thinking was wrong, when it taught that matter was evil, and that pure knowledge alone was good. Gnostics were quite wrong when they taught that Man was ‘a spark of divinity’ imprisoned in a body. People are not souls trapped in bodies.

Some people still think that ”spiritual” things matter, but “physical” things do not matter. The Christian message is that:

“Matter really matters!”

Jesus was raised as a Man – with flesh and blood. His resurrection body was not (as the hoax archaeological reports suggest) merely “spiritual”. Jesus said himself that he was not some sort of a ghost. No, Jesus rose as a true Man. This is a great affirmation of the goodness of the human body. This is also a great affirmation of the substantial goodness of the whole of the creation – seen and unseen.

The Creator is faithful to Creation.
His plan has not failed; it will not fail; creation will not fail.
Dear friends: Entrust yourselves to a faithful Creator!
(1Peter 4:19)

Creation Groans

2007-03-23T05:14:00.000-07:00

Do you sometimes groan, and sigh, and long for things to be different? The whole creation groans (Romans 8), as it awaits a more wonderful future (no more pain or death) – guaranteed by the resurrection of Jesus, and the faithfulness of God our Father-Creator. The Spirit works in our hearts, and in the world, to help us to anticipate, and to pray with deep sighs and eager longing, as we approach the coming day – when all things old, will be made new. Not everyone believes this!!
Amidst our daily routines, we
1. Bear witness to God’s Grand Picture – eg. ‘a child playing with snake’ - the promise of everlasting peace. We also:
2. Participate in the one mandate of God (Gen. 1:28) for creation: fruitfulness, multiplying, filling the earth, and subduing the elements. What a vocation!

The Zoo welcomes many amazing creatures: lions, seals, monkeys & …visitors. All remind us of the joy, delight, variety and splendour of creation! The Green Movement, urgently call people, nations, and communities to take immediate steps to correct environmental destruction. We should too.

However, the Christian church is not to panic. We have an even more urgent call to others: Yes - care for creation, but do so in hope; not anger. To care for creation was part of humanity’s mandate from the outset. The further battle humanity must contend with, is due to God’s ancient curse; the further battle Christians contend with is to witness to hope, assured in Christ.

Ever-Present Lord, guide us in our proclamation!

First Sign - in John's Gospel

2007-03-23T05:12:00.000-07:00

The first of Jesus signs, in Cana of Galilee, was to turn water into wine at a wedding. This sign revealed his glory.

The crucial Man had arrived - within the flow and rhythm of God’s plan – when the time had fully come. The eternal Word, who co-created the world, had now become truly human flesh – in the birth of Jesus. This man – we now see by faith – was the co-creator of the world. He could transform a wedding disaster into a generous triumph. This man – who has everything to do with creation – launched into his ministry by an act of kindness, which also signalled his power to engage dynamically with the whole fabric of creation. This signals to us the power of Jesus to make all things new. This signals to us the significance of Jesus for creation. This man at last, would prove to be - ‘very good’!

In the ‘very good’ of all creation, with man and woman on the 6th day (Gen. 1:31), we make 2 important points:
1. Human beings once knew total innocence. A situation we cannot fully imagine, but need to at least appreciate.
2. It was ‘Very Good’. The word ‘perfect’ is not quite suitable. Why? Well, humanity was yet untested. To grow as human beings, testing is part of the plan. Jesus too, was tested.
Father, help us appreciate the ‘very good’ of creation; help us even more to appreciate the ‘very wonderful’ of our Redeemer.

Creation

2007-02-16T17:13:00.000-08:00

For the next few weeks (Feb. 2007) our church is looking at, and listening to, the Creation account in Genesis 1.

Eugene Peterson has been a great help to me in dealing with the text. He says: "The most prominent feature of Genesis 1 is its rhythmic structure" (Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places). In reading the text aloud, something profound takes place. We are brought into the action, by faith. We are incorporated into the beat. We are called to keep in step with the Spirit. This is to be our way and flow of Life, in Christ. It is the mandate for all creation.

Genesis 1 should thus be read together with John 1, and Colossians 1:15-20.
Of God's Son, Jesus, the Christ, we read, amazingly: 'All things were created through him and for him'.
In hearing the Word of God, our Creator-Father, we are plunged into depths, which are full of sheer wonder.

Portent

2007-02-12T22:55:00.000-08:00

Portent:
1. a sign or indication of a future event, esp. a momentous or calamitous one; omen.
2. momentous of ominous significance: a cry of dire portent.
3. a miraculous occurrence; marvel. (thank you to 'The Collins English Dictionary'.

Acts 2:19 "And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist."

The days in which we are living, according to Scripture are the days of the Spirit of God being poured out upon "all flesh".
Whenever a person has faith, receives faith, receives Christ - something amazing takes place. They are a new creature, right here, amidst all that is dying and decaying.

This is a portent. An amazing sign to the human race, that another person has come richly into what life has ever been about - knowing God, being filled with the Spirit of God (no longer empty and aimless), and participating in hope, now, in Life.

Are you a Portent amidst your peers, your family, your community?
You really should be!
Cheers!

2007-02-12T05:10:00.000-08:00

The old King James Version of the Bible had a verse which read:
"The blessing of the Lord maketh rich, and toil addeth nothing to it".

Meaning, that where a person is blessed by the Lord, they are rich in Life (even if poor physically or financially etc.).
Toil, or good works, are fine things in themselves - but in terms of the Lord's blessing, they do not add anything to it.
The blessing stands, of itself.

Cheers!

Faith is ImPortent

2007-02-12T05:02:00.000-08:00

Hello. Human beings are made, created, formed - to have faith. It is an essential quality for our lives.

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Faith goes together with hope, and love.
Faith is a gift.
Faith receives all the benefits of God's kindness towards us, in Jesus Christ.
Faith is like trust.
Faith is based upon the fact, revealed to us, by faith, that God is a Faithful Creator, who can be trusted.
Faith is informed by the Spirit of God.
Faith is a miracle worked in our hearts, by God, in kindness.

A Portent is a sign, an amazing sign. Or a wonderful, wonder.

When people have faith, in God, something is imparted into, and thus imported into, their lives.
This faith - resting in the goodness, and merit of Christ, who deals once and for all with our sin and guilt - is sign of true life.

People of faith, whom I know, have a profound deep assurance about life, and the future.
Are you a person of faith? If not, seek the Living Christ Jesus.