Jerusalem, Jerusalem...

A friend was recently in the Holy land and took this beautiful picture of Jerusalem (presumably from the Mount of Olives). 

 

 The first thing that flashed to my mind (aside from the beauty of the scene) was Jesus words in Matthew 23:

 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Matthew 23:37-39)

This past year I have spent a significant amount of time studying eschatology and inevitably when that subject is broached the question is raised: What future is there for ethnic Israel, for the Jews, the descendents of Jacob? 

Though that time in study and through time spent in consideration of the future for national Israel there is one verse that has stuck in my mind throughout my readings.

Isaiah 8:17 - “I will wait for the Lord who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob.  I will put my trust in him”.

The verse from Isaiah was written in the context of judgement due to the behaviour of King Ahaz who rejected faith in God for his own plans (2 Kings 16).  Instead of relying on the word of the prophet that God would deliver Israel Ahaz made an alliance with Assyria to overcome his foes.  Instead of winning the battle by faith in God Ahaz attempted to win the battle through his own works, even allying himself to a pagan king.  In response God promised that he would use Assyria as an instrument to punish the nation of Israel (Isaiah 8:6-10).

In the midst of this judgement a prophesy about Christ is announced ‘The Lord… will be a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall and for the people of Jerusalem a trap and a snare’ (v.14).  We know that the stone is the Lord Jesus Christ, both Peter and Paul preached this in 2 Peter:7-9 and Romans 9:33 respectively.

Faith versus works, this is the story of the ages.  Paul goes into great detail over the story’s typification as illustrated in the Jews in Romans 9: “…the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.” (v. 30, 31)

Jesus prophesy has come true; Your house is left to you desolate’.  Though the image of Jerusalem is beautiful you cannot help but notice the prominence of the Dome of the Rock.  If you read 2 Kings 16 it is interesting that Ahaz actually copied the altar of the pagan god of Assyria, set it up in the temple and gave offerings on it.  Today the temple of another pagan god sits in the same spot; it is hard to see this as anything but God’s judgement on a people who rejected their Messiah.  

But, as in Isaiah, even in the midst of judgement there is hope, and a future of blessing.

“I will wait for the Lord who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob.  I will put my trust in him” (Isaiah 8:17)

The hardening of national Israel has resulted in blessing to the nations as we the gentiles are ingrafted with believing Jews into true Israel of God (Galatians 6:16).  And a greater blessing is still to come “If their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!”(Romans 11:12).

God is gathering the nations and blessing the world as the gospel is preached to the farthest reaches of the planet.  But one day ‘when the full number of the Gentiles has come’ (v.25) Israel will turn back to the Lord and what a blessing that will bring!  “If their (national Israel’s) transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!” (v.12)

When the Jews turn to Christ their Messiah by God’s grace there will be even greater riches for the Gentiles!  Sounds to me like a great revival.  Consider how the Gospel was spreading rapidly through the Roman world as Paul wrote his letter.  Consider that when Israel turns to the Lord the blessing will be even greater!

We ought to pray for the Jews, we ought to pray for Jerusalem.  When revival comes to Israel what a blessing will come to the world.  The Bible teaches that “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him” (Psalm 22:27) this includes the Jews, the nation of Israel.  It will come to pass only by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ so let us pray earnestly to that end and with the prophet Isaiah say together with hope:

“I will wait for the Lord who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob.  I will put my trust in him” (Isaiah 8:17)

Kingdom Devotional

I had the privelidge of doing a devotional for our church's youth group on Wednesday.  I decided to do a study on the Kingdom of God.  Since I spent the time to write it out I figured why not post it here for anyone to read.  So here it is -

Who can tell me what event of significant importance took place on July 22, 2013?

It was the birth of the Royal baby; known as Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge.  Born into, position, prestige and power through his INHERITANCE.

Position

-Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge, the third in line to the throne was born at St. Mary’s hospital in London, he was named for former kings and relatives,

-Third in line to the throne of England after the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge. (Prince Charles and  his son William)

-He stands in a long line of royalty.  If he ascends to the throne he will be the 43^rd King of England since William the Conqueror in 1066.     

Prestige

-Heir to the Crown Jewels, valued at over 40 million dollars 

-Heir to 13 fully furnished royal palaces including Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and St. James Place and over 20 other palaces and castles which unoccupied. 

-Likely to be waited on hand and foot, no cooking meals or making the bed.  

Power

-Heir the Commonwealth, would be head of state of England, Scotland, Wales, North Ireland, Canada, Australia, India, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, Papua New Guinea and others…  

-At one time the British Empire encompassed over 60+ countries.  Companies with royal charters would bring diamonds, rubies, spices, linens, furs, and all sorts of other goods from the farthest parts of the world to the King or Queen of England.

The king receives his position, his prestige; his power which put all together could perhaps be called his ‘Kingdom’ through his inheritance, that is, because of the family that he was born into. 

But I want to turn the subject here and highlight the fact for everyone that in Christ we are inheritors of an even greater Kingdom.  If we are born again we are co-heirs with Christ of the Kingdom of God.  The fact that we are co-heirs with Christ is clearly spoken of in the New Testament in Romans 8 and again in Galatians 3:

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Romans 8:14-17)

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith…  (Galatians 3:26)

What is the nature of the Kingdom of God? 

 

1. There is a future aspect; when Christ returns the Kingdom will be consummated, that is, brought to complete fulfillment. 

You can read about this in many places in scripture.  For example; Revelation chapter 19 gives us a picture of Christ returning with the armies of heaven to overthrow those on earth who ultimately refuse to give him allegiance.  At that time God will judge every person according to what they have done.  To those who are born again he will say - ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’ (Matthew 25:34)

When Christ returns we will reign with him. 

Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with him  (2 Timothy 2:11,12)

In Revelation John gets a glimpse into the throne-room of God and he has this amazing vision where 24 elders and 4 living creatures are playing harps and they sing this song -

“You are worthy to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
    and with your blood you purchased for God
    persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.

You have made them to be a Kingdom and priests to serve our God,
    and they will reign on the earth.”  (Revelation 5:9,10)

 

2. There is also a present aspect, Jesus is currently reigning in heaven at God's right hand as all dominion power and authorities are progressively placed under His feet.  Just like we learned during our study of the Apostle's creed; 'Jesus ascended into heaven where he sits at the right hand of the Father'

“Sit at my right hand
    until I make your enemies
    a footstool for your feet.”

The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying,
    “Rule in the midst of your enemies!”  (Psalm 110:1-2, quoted in Hebrews 1:12)

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the Kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.

(1 Cor. 15:20-25)

Even now we are born again into God's Kingdom.  At the present time, right now, you are part of an incredible Kingdom that cannot be shaken.

Therefore, since we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)

This is present tense.  Right now we are born again into God's Kingdom.  At the present time, you are part of an incredible Kingdom that cannot be shaken.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood (he is talking about Jesus!), and has made us to be a Kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. (Revlation 1:5-6)

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)

3. Unlike all earthly Kingdoms, Jesus Kingdom will be forever, eternal, unending.

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. ¹⁴ He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his Kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. (Daniel 7:13-14)

Kingdoms of the earth fall and rise. 

Look at the world; the Egyptian pyramids (a tourist attraction), the Greek Parthenon is still standing, but is mostly rubble.  The Roman empire was probably the largest most powerful empire our world has known…  where is it today?

Even the British Empire, of which young Prince George is an heir:  The British monarch once ruled over 60 countries, but now it is much fewer.  In reality, though they enjoy many privileges, the present monarchy serve only as figureheads and there are many who would disband the monarchy all together because of cost.

Compare this to Jesus Kingdom.  Before Mary gave birth to Jesus the angel foretold about Jesus that:

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his Kingdom will never end.”  (Luke 1:33)

4. The Kingdom commission.  In ancient world a King would give a charter or commission to a group of people, or to a company and charge them to go trade, do business, and 'subdue' a part of the world for the sake of the empire, and to bring a portion of the wealth back to the King.   

Jesus has charged us with a royal commission as well, he entrusted it to his disciples before he left and we are the heirs of this commission -

 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

5. Characteristics of the Kingdom of God.  In contrast to Prince George;

Position: accepted by God standing in a state of grace, love, forgiveness and blessing. 

Prestige is replaced by service.  Whoever would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven will be a servant of all, the wise men are ones who prove it by their good life and by "deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom".  The most prestigious are the ones who most serve.  We are to follow Jesus example; 'For the Son of man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.'

Power: In the Kingdom of God is full of God's power.  The spirit of God gives us power, love and self discipline (2 Tim 1:7).  The Kingdom of God is a matter of righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17-19).

Why does all this matter? 

Let me tell you a personal story - when I was finishing high-school I was 18 or so I was really torn up over whether I should be baptized or not.  I was a Christian, and I went to church and youth group and I enjoyed it, but the world was attractive to me.  I like church and youth retreats, but I also liked parties, girls and just going along with the typical worldly things that most high-school people are about.  

Even though I knew I should really commit my life to Christ through the act of baptism I was having a really hard time doing it.  It was the night before the baptismal service and I still hadn't decided for sure if I was going to do it.   

We decided to rent a movie, 'A Knight's Tale' with Heath Ledger.  It's not an amazing movie, but it spoke to me.  It is about William Thatcher a young man who (if I remember the plot correctly) pretends he is of royal blood so that he can compete in jousting competitions.  He is really good at it and has lot of character, people follow him and support him, but in the end it is found out that he isn't royalty.  His father (who he never knew) is discovered to be just a no-account bum who deserted him as a child.  Suddenly this 'hero' is brought to nothing; he can't compete in the jousts anymore.  

 But… in the end the real prince, who has heard of his character declares him to be royalty so that he can compete and win.  The price says this line - 

'He may appear to be of humble origins, but my personal historians have discovered that he is descendent from an ancient royal line. This is my word and as such is beyond contestation.'

It seems almost silly, the movie wasn’t that amazing, but this line really got to me as I was watching it.  It made me remember that as Christian's we are part of the most ancient and most royal line.  Being called by Christ to be born again and follow him is something special, in fact beyond special, it is incomprehensible.  We may appear to be of humble origins, but we belong to an incredible and powerful eternal Kingdom greater than anything this world will ever know.

For me it was consideration of the Kingdom of God that led me to resolve to be baptized (I did get baptized the next day) and to truly desire to serve Christ completely with my life.  I pray that each one of you will get this vision of the Kingdom of God.

God’s Kingdom has a future aspect; Christ will return and consummate the Kingdom and we will reign with him on a new heaven and new earth.  But, Christ is also reigning in heaven right now, all dominion power and authority has been given to him by God and is presently being placed under his feet as the gospel is carried over the entire world, as disciples are being made and as people are being taught to obey Jesus.  

Christ is the great king, and we are his brothers and sisters through adoption, co-heirs of an inheritance that can never spoil or fade.  We are part of the Kingdom that will never be shaken. 

Everything in this world, every earthly Kingdom, government, country, every power; they will all pass away, but Jesus dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his Kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
 
This is more than a movie, this is the greatest story ever told.  This is the reality of life, history, the universe and everything.  Jesus Christ must reign - you can do no better with your life than seeking God's Kingdom and making his Kingdom, his righteousness, and his royal commission your number one priority.  

The next time you hear about the royal family (Prince George will surely be in the news more than once as he grows older!) I want you each to remember; ‘I am part of an even greater royal family and an even greater Kingdom; my father is God, my king is Jesus’.

Via antithesis.com - Amusing Ourselves to Death

I had the amazing experience this week of discovering something that I never thought I would find again.  In perusing the internet for some articles I wanted to reference I discovered that some fine individual had web-archived one of my all-time favourite websites!  I cannot tell you how excited I was (and still am) as I am now able to re-read some great articles that were integral in my spiritual formation around ~10-12 years ago.

The website was called 'Antithesis', and it was truly a voice for the revival of reformed theology in the early 2000s.  This was before there were popular 'Reformission Revs', and before it was cool to be 'Young Restless and Reformed'.  The website was created by a certain Rob Schlapffer, though I was never able to determine who he was or where he was from.  The form of the site was an internet magazine (e-zine), with a feature article each month, usually adapted from a popular book or speech by a well-known Christian author/speaker.

(http://web.archive.org/web/20010721153315/http://antithesis.com/)

Since life is very busy, and since there are many articles from the site that are worth sharing; for the next several months I think I will post links to some of the excellent archived articles from the site along with highlights from the text.

It was difficult to choose the first one, but I decided to go with 'Amusing Ourselves to Death' by  Neil Postman.  Though the article does not come from an explicitly Christian perspective I believe there are numerous truths which Christians should ponder as we contemplate  the media and it's influence on our lives.

The article can be found here -->  Amusing Ourselves to Death 

Some highlights:

"Twenty years ago, the question, “Does television shape culture or merely reflect it?” held considerable interest for many scholars and social critics. The question has largely disappeared as television has gradually become our culture."

"When a television show is in process, it is very nearly impermissible to say, “Let me think about that” or “I don't know” or “What do you mean when you say ... ” or “From what sources does your information come?" "

"In courtrooms, classrooms, operating rooms, board rooms, churches and even airplanes, Americans no longer talk to each other, they entertain each other. They do not exchange ideas; they exchange images. They do not argue with propositions; they argue with good looks, celebrities and commercials."


"I should go so far as to say that embedded in the surrealistic frame of a television news show is a theory of anti-communication, featuring a type of discourse that abandons logic, reason, sequence and rules of contradiction....  ...the result of all this is that Americans are the best entertained and quite likely the least well informed people in the Western world."

Faithful God: Scripture in Worship

Read a great article this week on: "The Primacy of the Word in Worship"
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgcworship/2013/06/06/the-primacy-of-the-word-in-worship/

Also found a great song that really exemplifies this.  The song is Faithful God by Shai Linne.  I know the music style may not be for everyone, but this song is pure worship.  I suggest putting it on repeat until the truth in this song gets really deep and really impacts your heart showing you the reality of God's incredible FAITHFULNESS!

Every line of this entire song is backed up by scripture.  I took the time to find references for each line to show why this song is powerful.  It is powerful because it speaks God's truth.

 

Psalm 71:22 “I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel.

First off, praising God for his faithfulness is Biblical!

The lyrics are below, the actual words are in bold type, the scriptures are the smaller text.  

Look them up and let God's truth impact you!

Faithful God

By: Shai Linne

Who is like You?

“Who among the gods
    is like you, Lord?
Who is like you—
    majestic in holiness,
awesome in glory,
    working wonders?” – Exodus 15:11

You’re the Faithful One!

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” – Deuteronomy 7:9

Lord, You saved us when you gave your Son!

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time” – 2 Timothy 1:9

And You keep us so we will not fall!

“Now to the one who is able to keep you from falling, and to cause you to stand, rejoicing, without blemish before his glorious presence, to the only God our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time, and now, and for all eternity. Amen.” – Jude 24

You’re faithful, God!

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness!” – Lamentations 3:22,23

We’re so thankful we can call you Friend
(Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6)
You redeemed us and made us whole again
(Luke 1:68, 1 Peter 1:18)
You’re the only one we know to call
(Psalm 18:3)
You’re so faithful, God  
(1 Cor. 1:9)

You are faithful, never changing

“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed." - Malachi 3:6

From age to age, you remain the same and

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8

Your steadfast love endures forever

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
for His steadfast love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1

Verse 1

Father God we come now before You
We were made to bow down and adore You
We’re filled with thankfulness because of Your faithfulness
To Your Word and we’ve found that it’s all true (Psalm 33:4) 
To Your face, Lord, we turn in amazement (2 Cor. 3:18)
In Your grace, You determined to save men (2 Timothy 1:9)
From sin’s consequence because of Your promises (2 Peter 1:4)
In Jesus Christ, which are “yes” and they’re “amen” (2 Cor. 1:20)
When Adam sinned, You provided a covering (Genesis 3:21)
You heard Israel cry in their suffering (Exodus 3:7)
You brought them out of the land with Your powerful hand (Exodus 13:3)
Lord, You’re truly the God of the covenant (Genesis 17:7, Luke 22:20)
Even though You dropped clues, they were missing it
(Romans 9:30-32)
From here, we can see the true significance
All Your acts of might were shadows and types
To point ahead to a future deliverance (Hebrews!)
From the things You say, You don’t budge (Lamentations 3:37)
You’re faithful to save and You’re faithful to judge (Psalm 96:13)
The God who is just is not one of us (Isaiah 55:8)
The faithful God is the God we can trust (Psalm 111:7)
We can’t trust us, on You we rely (Psalm 20:7)
Everything we need, Lord, You will supply (Phil 4:19)
Even when we’re faithless, You remain faithful
You cannot deny Yourself (2 Timothy 2:11-13)

Verse 2

Lord, thanks for Your grace and Your favour (2 Cor. 6:2)
Your faithfulness we’ve tasted and savored (1 Peter 2:3)
Your love and care for us is most clear to us
when we’re beholding the face of the Savior (Hebrews 1:3, Col 1:15)
The Human race as a whole was infected (Romans 5:12)
But for those You have chosen, elected
You made a promise and it was accomplished when (Romans 8:29,30)
The chief cornerstone was rejected (1 Peter 2:7)
We see Him dying on the cross for our evil (1 John 2:2)
Where He appeared to be soft and feeble (Phil 2:7)
In actuality, He holds the galaxies
in His hands- He’s exalted and regal  
(Col. 1:17, Heb 1:3, Psalm 8:3, Psalm 147:4, Heb. 7:26)
When we believed, You were faithful to save us (Romans 10:9)
And that means You’ll be faithful to change us
(1 Thes. 5:24, Phil 1:6)
And the Spirit of Jesus will keep us ’til
You make us holy and blameless (Jude 24)
From the things You say, You don’t budge (Lamentations 3:37)
You’re faithful to save and You’re faithful to judge (Psalm 96:13)
The God who is just is not one of us (Isaiah 55:8)
The faithful God is the God we can trust (Psalm 111:7)
We can’t trust us, on You we rely (Psalm 20:7)
Everything we need, Lord, You will supply (Phil 4:19)
Even when we’re faithless, You remain faithful
You cannot deny Yourself (2 Timothy 2:11-13)

The Bible in 300 Words...

The Bible in 300 Words

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2012/08/page/4/

Was inspired by this post on The Gospel Coalition, the story of the Bible summarized in 300 words. I decided to try creating my own summary...  it went a little over, but I decided to leave it as is, enjoy!

                                                                        

God creates the universe out of nothing; mankind is made in God’s image and placed on earth to be God’s representative, ruling over the creation with faithful-love and justice.

Mankind spurns role as God’s representative, decides to live autonomously, result is man’s willful separation from God, sin enters the world.

Sin becomes so pervasive that God destroys the world through a flood.  Noah and his family are saved and make a new start, but mankind continues in sin.

God calls Abraham.  Abraham believes God and does what is asked.  God makes a covenant with Abraham, swearing by Himself that from Abraham he will make a great nation.

Abraham’s descendents (Israel) become enslaved in Egypt.  God raises up the prophet Moses and through mighty acts delivers Israel from oppression.

God leads Israel to Sinai, where he reveals Himself and enters into covenant with them.  He gives Israel the Law by which they are to live in the Promised Land where they are to act as his representatives. 

Israel instead does evil and comes into judgement.  God raises up a great King (David) to deliver Israel from their enemies; they enjoy peace and prosperity for a time,  Israel’s heart is bent toward evil. Israel forsakes God’s law and does detestable things; their kings forget God.  Judgement comes to Israel, the land is plundered; they are exiled.

Amidst judgement, God’s prophets promise return.  They tell of a new covenant through which God will himself provide the power needed to fulfill their role. Israel returns, but suffers turmoil, God’s prophets fall silent, waiting.

In the fullness of time JESUS comes.

Jesus fulfils mankind’s true role, acts as the true Israel, and becomes the ultimate Davidic King.  In his death he bears the burden of God’s wrath against sinful mankind who have turned from him.  In his resurrection he brings new life to those who put their faith in Him.  God enacts a new covenant; those made clean through Jesus blood are brought near to God and given a new heart.

Anyone trusting in Jesus is empowered by God to fulfill their true purpose to act as his earthly representative. We can now display God’s faithful love and justice to the world.  Those who trust in Christ enter into the Kingdom of God and usher in the present church age in which the elect spread God’s love and message of salvation through Christ to all people.  Once this task is completed Jesus will return as judge, assume his Kingly role, and create a new heaven and new earth in which righteousness dwells.

                                                                   

What will you do with Jesus? Trust him today to save yourself from God’s wrath.  Your willful disobedience of God and your desire to live apart from him and his purposes separates you from the ultimate source of life and love.  As a result of your sin God is storing up wrath for you at the day of judgement.  The remedy for our sin is Jesus, if you by faith believe in his sacrificial death and resurrection and you will be born again into an eternal living hope. 

Repent and believe the good news.

Just Let Them Think You're Stupid...

Just Let Them Think You're Stupid: Choosing Humility

Linked to this excellent article today off the TGC website and had to share it.  Be humble, be teachable, two things I was taught over and over again growing up...  excellent advice and I wish I started to heed it sooner and was able to heed it more regularly.

Some memorable quotes:

"What if, when someone began to tell you something you already knew, you didn’t counter with a demonstration? What if you allowed them to teach you, trusting that they may have more to say about it than you know?"

"...it does us no harm to accept the seat of lowest honor at the table. From there, we have everything to gain."

The Bible has a lot to say about HUMILITY, let's take it to heart.

Were There Corruptions in the New Testament? 

 Presented By: Dan Wallace, Ph.D

I have recently been doing some study on the Bible, it's accuracy and how the various confessions of the reformation viewed the scriptures.  In doing so I have encountered the question: Is what we have actually today what the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20) led men to write?  Can we trust what we have in our hands today?  This video presents some of the evidence.

"An ounce of evidence is worth a pound of presumption"

The common story that we hear through popular books (such as The DaVinci Code) and through the media is that the narrative of the New Testament has been debunked by modern scholarship and that the church likely changed the stories later on to suit their desire for power.  In actual fact nothing could be further from the truth.  Taking these outrageous claims on face value is like presuming you know the details of the following news headline -

 "POLAR BEAR ATTACKS MAN" before actually looking at the EVIDENCE !!!

"The True Crisis of our Time"

Read the transcription of an amazing speech by Malcolm Muggeridge today entitled:

"THE TRUE CRISIS OF OUR TIME"

Audio is available here -->   AUDIO

.PDF version is available here --> TEXT

Amazing speech.  I would recommend that everyone take the time to listen to and read the whole thing.  I have included some highlights below.  

                                                                                     

"We look back on history, and what do we see? Empires rising and falling; revolutions and counter-revolutions succeeding one another; wealth accumulating and wealth dispersed; one nation dominant and then another. As Shakespeare's King Lear puts it, “the rise and fall of great ones that ebb and flow with the moon.” In one lifetime I've seen my fellow countrymen ruling over a quarter of the world, and the great majority of them convinced – in the words of what is still a favorite song – that God has made them mighty and will make them mightier yet.

I've heard a crazed Austrian announce the establishment of a German Reich that was to last for a thousand years; an Italian clown report that the calendar will begin again with his assumption of power; a murderous Georgian brigand in the Kremlin acclaimed by the intellectual elite as wiser than Solomon, more enlightened than Ashoka, more humane than Marcus Aurelius.

I've seen America wealthier than all the rest of the world put together; and with the superiority of weaponry that would have enabled Americans, had they so wished, to outdo an Alexander or a Julius Caesar in the range and scale of conquest.

All in one little lifetime – gone with the wind: England now part of an island off the coast of Europe, threatened with further dismemberment; Hitler and Mussolini seen as buffoons; Stalin a sinister name in the regime he helped to found and dominated totally for three decades; Americans haunted by fears of running out of the precious fluid that keeps their motorways roaring and the smog settling, by memories of a disastrous military campaign in Vietnam, and the windmills of Watergate.

Can this really be what life is about – this worldwide soap opera going on from century to century, from era to era, as old discarded sets and props litter the earth?"

                                                                                      

 "So the final conclusion would surely be that whereas other civilizations have been brought down by attacks of barbarians from without, ours had the unique distinction of training its own destroyers at its own educational institutions, and then providing them with facilities for propagating their destructive ideology far and wide, all at the public expense.

Thus did Western Man decide to abolish himself, creating his own boredom out of his own affluence, his own vulnerability out of his own strength, his own impotence out of his own erotomania, himself blowing the trumpet that brought the walls of his own city tumbling down, and having convinced himself that he was too numerous, labored with pill and scalpel and syringe to make himself fewer.

Until at last, having educated himself into imbecility, and polluted and drugged himself into stupefaction, he heeled over – a weary, battered old brontosaurus – and became extinct."

 

                                                                                     

 

"I wanted to conclude in this way: Christianity, I want to say, is indeed essentially a religion of hope. A new, stupendous hope, born of the Incarnation, and creating a tidal wave of creativity and joy to revivify a world as tired, bored, and decadent as ours… 

What then is this Christian hope, valid when first propounded and expounded some 2000 years ago; buoying up Western man through all vicissitudes and uncertainties of Christendom's 20 centuries; and available today – when it's more needed perhaps than ever before – as it will be available tomorrow and forever, whatever the circumstances, whoever the individual or individuals in question, and however inimical to it may be the shape of human society and the manner of the exercise of authority by those who rule over it?"

"The hope is simply that by identifying ourselves with the Incarnate God, by absorbing ourselves in His teaching, by living out the drama of His life with Him – including especially the Passion, that powerhouse of love and creativity – by living with and in Him we are suddenly caught up in the glory of God's love flooding the universe: every color brighter, every meaning clearer, every shape more shapely, every note more musical, every true word written and spoken more explicit; above all, every human face, all human companionship, each and every human encounter a family affair of brothers and sisters with all the categories – beautiful or plain, clever or slow-witted, sophisticated or simple – utterly irrelevant; and any who might be hobbling along with limbs or minds awry; any who might be afflicted particularly dear and cherished; the animals too, flying, prowling, burrowing, and all their diverse cries and grunts and bellowings; and the majestic hilltops and the gaunt rocks giving their blessed shade; and the rivers making their way to the lakes and the sea – all, all irradiated with this same new glory.

What other hope is there which could possibly compare with such a hope as this?"

If God is My Father, and you are my brother...

 

Lord break our hearts over what breaks yours, 

but never let us be discouraged.

"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the 

glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."

(Habakkuk 2:14)

'Speaking the Truth in Love'

In this internet age there are hundreds of blogs, numerous opinionated individuals and in general far too many people who believe they are most correct and who cannot humbly see the point of view of others.

 

As Christians, within the community of Jesus' church we are called to something different, something better:    "Speaking the truth in love"

 

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and

teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may
be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of
God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here
and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people
in their deceitful scheming. Instead, SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE, we will grow to
become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
(Ephesians 4:11-15)

 

If you write a Christian blog don't be mistaken; we are in fact acting as teachers.  In that case, as described in Ephesians 4:11, our role has been handed to us by Christ.  Our mandate is to "speak the truth in love".  The scriptures carry many warnings for those who would presume to be teachers. 

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know

that we who teach will be judged more strictly (James 3:1)
 

The reason I am writing this is that I love to read various Christian blogs; however recently I have found that the "love" portion of speaking the truth in love can be sorely lacking.  In the case of differences in opinion, instead of calmly discussing the issue, or presenting a positive case for our point of view I have seen people take the approach of mischaracterizing others views and raking individuals over the coals.   

In the Church this should not happen, but it does, and this saddens me. 

Some verses that came to mind as I thought about this -

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace,

along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything
to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone,
able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope
that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,
who has taken them captive to do his will. (2 Timothy 2:22-25)

  

But avoid foolish controversies... because these are unprofitable and useless.

Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that,
have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and
sinful; they are self-condemned.  (Titus 3:9-11)

  

These are convicting verses.  I know that I can be opinionated at times, and that I like to speak the ‘truth’.   I believe there is a place for healthy dialogue and discussion, but scripture clearly draws lines.   When we omit the ‘love’ portion of ‘speaking the truth in love’ we are sinning against the Lord who bought us.

 

I wanted to write this post as a reminder from Titus 3, to others and to myself:

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient,
to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and
considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.   At one time we too
were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and
pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.  
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us...”
(Titus 3:1-5)

 

We have been saved from malice and envy, from being hated and from hating one another.  We have been saved in order that we may be peaceable and considerate, and always gentle toward everyone.

 

I think this is part of the reason why I have been slow in getting this blog going, I know I am prone to being opinionated, I can be judgemental, and at times I forget to “always be gentle toward everyone”.  Humility is definitely something God has been teaching me lately, which always makes me think twice before posting anything. 

 

However in writing this I was encouraged form James 3:2 “We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.” 

 

No one is perfect.  We are all broken vessels who God can use to accomplish his purposes; however, let us not forget where we were, what we are saved to, and to stay humble at all times.  If we feel the need to ‘gently instruct’, let us ‘speak the truth in love’.

 

Further along in James 3 is a verse my brother pointed out several weeks ago that has been running through my mind daily:

 “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”  (James 3:13)

 

Teachers, Christian bloggers – be wise; you know what to do.

                                            
To all the radical Jesus followers: the world should hate you. 

Don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity towards God?
(James 4:4)

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.  If you belonged to the
world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world,
but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."
(John 15:18,19)

Why did the world hate Jesus so much? Jesus said: 
"it hates me because I testify that its works are evil."
(John 7:7)

We do no service to anyone by pretending sin is not a big deal.   

Let's treat sin with the same seriousness that Jesus did -

"if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away.  It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell."
(Matthew 5:30)
 
As a culture we have done away with the ideas of sin, guilt and shame; however, we each
have a conscience, and though it is suppressed in unrighteousness some will hear the
warning and be saved.

The truth of the matter is that outside of Christ:

"But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed." (Romans 2:5)

Sinners will give an account to him who is ready to Judge.

"For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living
in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.  They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living,  and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is  ready to judge the living and the dead."
(1 Peter 4:3-5)

Let us preach like Peter in Acts 2!

'With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with
them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”'
(Acts 2:40)

Loving others DOES NOT mean glossing over their sins.  It means pointing out the
absolute seriousness of sin against a Holy God who will judge the world in
righteousness and cast sinners into a fiery lake of burning sulphur.

It also means taking our own SINS very seriously, mortifying the flesh and
presenting our bodies to God as a living sacrifice, Holy and pleasing to him.