1 John 1:9 has become the “Christian’s bar of soap” but very few have actually studied the verses before and after (as we should always do) to put the verse in context.
If you apply the antithesis rule to the verse, you will see it is obviously not for Christians….”If we DO NOT confess our sins, He is NOT faithful and just to FORGIVE our sins and to CLEANSE us from all UNRIGHTEOUSNESS”.
All our sins HAVE been forgiven past, present and future. As Christians we cannot ask Jesus Christ to do something He has already done.
John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Jesus HAS taken away our sins. The sin issue has been dealt with.
John was writing a letter to the elders/pastors who had mixed congregations of saved and lost. There were Gnostics in the congregations who believed that Jesus hadn't come in the flesh and was an apparition and that they were without sin – John was correcting them. He did that in 1 John 1:1 "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and our hands have handled, of the Word of life. He then explained in 1 John 1:8 that they were with sin “if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us”…… He then explained in 1:9 how to get saved. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness". He then followed up in verse 10 " if we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us".
This whole notion of Christians asking for forgiveness is incorrectly based on 1 John 1:9. There is not ONE verse in Scripture where this is commanded. Don't you think the writers of the New Covenant would have mentioned what a Christian should do after they had sinned? There is no mention of it because they understood the finished work of Christ on the cross. Jesus said "It is finished".
Read Hebrews and it becomes clear. God remembers our sins no more. The Holy Spirit doesn't convict believers of their sins - how can He when you read Hebrews 10:11-18
11 "And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15. Wherefore the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16. This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
Of course a Christian must acknowledge when he has sinned and agree with God that his actions are wrong but nowhere in Scripture is the believer told to confess his sins in order to be forgiven.
People equate the word "confession" with asking for forgiveness. Confession simply means to"agree with".
We often hear about “parental forgiveness” and “judicial forgiveness” as relating to “breaking of fellowship with God” when we sin. This is a man made teaching and is nowhere to be found in Scripture. 1 Cor. 1:9 (fancy that) says we have been brought into fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. We are brought into fellowship when we get saved – never to be broken.
We cannot go in and out of fellowship neither can we go in and out of light and darkness. Light in Scripture always refers to salvation and darkness always to a lost condition - every single time these words are used they refer to that -WITHOUT EXCEPTION.
How can we, by our actions make ourselves more acceptable to God? That’s works. We didn’t WORK to get our salvation and we can’t WORK to keep it.
The teaching that 1 John 1:9 is for Christians, keeps Christians in a state of confusion and does not allow them to “enter into the rest”.
What do they do about the sins they have forgotten about and don’t “confess”? They live in a constant state of worry – I used to do that. I would start my prayer time with “Lord, please forgive me for the sins I’ve committed knowingly and unknowingly…..”. That’s just not Scriptural. The Lord HAS forgiven our sins. Thinking like this is not believing in the finished work of the cross.
What I have found when sharing this with Christians is that they put forward all sorts of arguments/points, none of which are based on Scripture.
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Monday, September 25, 2017
Anxiety, Worry, Doubt, Fear
And which of you by being anxious can add a single
cubit to his life's span. Matt 6:27
Anxiety, worry, doubt, and fear! The worry list presented
by most is nearly endless and usually includes relation-
ships, personal responsibilities, children, finance, the
future, job security, health. These are indeed things for
which you are responsible; it is your job to see them
through. Now imagine you can step back, and examine
the worried, anxious you sitting in a chair. How would
you describe yourself at your worst moments? Very likely
you feel stupid, worthless, weak, angry, condemning and
like a failure and a liar. As you contemplate your weakness
and all that you must do, how do you feel? If with all your
responsibilities you are full of such weakness, how can
you be filled with joyful expectation? You must perform,
but you know your limitations and so you worry over the
outcome.
Now imagine that sitting in the chair next to you is another
person, Jesus. How would you describe Him? His eyes are
filled with compassion. The warmth of His countenance,
accompanied by His strength and confidence, is stirring.
His empty hands are held open; of course there is nothing
in them, for you have given Him nothing. Your powerful
Lord sits there inactive, resting, waiting, doing nothing.
The weak you seated in the chair is exhausted, because in
all your frailty you had attempted to push uphill a wheel-
barrow filled with all your cares. Within just a few short
feet you had given up, angry that those you trust had not
come to your aid.
The point is that the source of your anxiety and fear is trust-
ing a weak self. Do you see why you need Jesus? You were
not created to carry all the concerns of life; you were crea-
ted to be dependent. You cannot fly, and neither can you
carry anxiety. The only One Who can--Jesus--must carry
the anxiety of every person. But how can He carry what He
has not been given? Ps 46:10 is clear: "Cease striving and
know that I am God," or literally, get your hands off. Why
do you keep your hands on? There is only one reason: un-
belief. You cling to belief in your own ability to do a better
job than He would. Ps 46:10 goes on to say, "I will be
exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
"Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or
'What will we drink?' or 'with what shall we clothe our-
selves?' For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek;
for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these
things." Matt 6:31,32
Anxiety does not suit the disciple
Michael Wells from My Weakness for His Strength Vol 2
cubit to his life's span. Matt 6:27
Anxiety, worry, doubt, and fear! The worry list presented
by most is nearly endless and usually includes relation-
ships, personal responsibilities, children, finance, the
future, job security, health. These are indeed things for
which you are responsible; it is your job to see them
through. Now imagine you can step back, and examine
the worried, anxious you sitting in a chair. How would
you describe yourself at your worst moments? Very likely
you feel stupid, worthless, weak, angry, condemning and
like a failure and a liar. As you contemplate your weakness
and all that you must do, how do you feel? If with all your
responsibilities you are full of such weakness, how can
you be filled with joyful expectation? You must perform,
but you know your limitations and so you worry over the
outcome.
Now imagine that sitting in the chair next to you is another
person, Jesus. How would you describe Him? His eyes are
filled with compassion. The warmth of His countenance,
accompanied by His strength and confidence, is stirring.
His empty hands are held open; of course there is nothing
in them, for you have given Him nothing. Your powerful
Lord sits there inactive, resting, waiting, doing nothing.
The weak you seated in the chair is exhausted, because in
all your frailty you had attempted to push uphill a wheel-
barrow filled with all your cares. Within just a few short
feet you had given up, angry that those you trust had not
come to your aid.
The point is that the source of your anxiety and fear is trust-
ing a weak self. Do you see why you need Jesus? You were
not created to carry all the concerns of life; you were crea-
ted to be dependent. You cannot fly, and neither can you
carry anxiety. The only One Who can--Jesus--must carry
the anxiety of every person. But how can He carry what He
has not been given? Ps 46:10 is clear: "Cease striving and
know that I am God," or literally, get your hands off. Why
do you keep your hands on? There is only one reason: un-
belief. You cling to belief in your own ability to do a better
job than He would. Ps 46:10 goes on to say, "I will be
exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
"Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or
'What will we drink?' or 'with what shall we clothe our-
selves?' For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek;
for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these
things." Matt 6:31,32
Anxiety does not suit the disciple
Michael Wells from My Weakness for His Strength Vol 2
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Set Your Mind on Things Above
The Bible teaches to set your mind on things above. Psychology today and through the past few centuries, through propaganda and the media, has found its way right into our modern day way of thinking, and is responsible for many misconceptions regarding human emotions and the way we interpret them.
Psychology tells us that we are only a victim of our circumstances, and they put it in the following order, where the one impacts the one next in line to it:
Circumstances –> Emotions –> Thoughts –> Deeds
In other words, we are just victims of our circumstances. We can clearly see from the above pattern that when things are going bad, it upsets our emotions, which leads to thoughts of anxiety, depression, stress, etc. and this then leads to addictive behaviour patterns like eating disorders, pornography, alcoholism, bad self image, and even in some cases suicide, because these emotions eventually have to vent in some form or another! This is also the reason why millions of people across the world, struggling with some form of sin, say: “I was created this way. I can’t help it.” People think they will not be held accountable for their thoughts.
We Control Our Thoughts
Just like our deeds, we CAN control our thoughts (Yes we can!!) and make them obedient to Christ. These destructive patterns of sin and perversion are simply the result of a person embracing, indulging and persisting in lustful thoughts year after year. They often wonder why they feel so regularly “tempted” by the devil, whilst in fact the devil is only standing on the side lines, watching them destroy their own lives!
Think about this: You can’t go anywhere and do anything in your physical body if you have not been there in your mind first.
This is simply a key to helping us see where our thoughts fit into the process, and help us understand how it works. It is also to expose the lie of modern day psychology, that we are just victims of circumstance. The Bible talks about this:
Col 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. (NKJV)
The above psychological pattern is definitely not in line with the Word of God, which tells us that things are actually lined up as follows:
Thoughts –> Emotions –> Deeds –> Circumstances
Everything begins with our thoughts.
Rom 12: 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (NKJV)
And also:
2 Cor 10: 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
When you set your mind on things above, when we meditate upon His word, His goodness, His grace towards us and His promises, our emotions will begin to change. We will see that we are fellow heirs with Christ (Eph 3:6) and partakers of the glory of God (1 Pet 5), not created to keep begging for scraps from the table, but to live life in abundance! Our emotions will have a reaction on the things we do, and as we start living a life of worship, a life that makes room for the presence of God, praising God continually for His goodness and provision, seeking first the Kingdom, our circumstances will supernaturally begin to change! (Matt 6:33)
And it all begins with this: What are your thoughts occupied with? We are required to be faithful stewards of our thoughts, just as much as with the things we do. When you set your mind on things above, the impossible starts invading your world!
“The devil wants to rob you of your peace because agitated people rarely hear the Voice of God. In a time of opportunity, the word is “distraction” on the devil’s agenda, whereas God’s agenda is laser-like focus – I was born and raised for this time!”
Rob Rufus (City Church International – Hong Kong)
Let us not be robbed of our destiny, a life full of the glory of our King! Let’s set our minds on the things of God, and most of all, on the Father Himself!
Col 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (NKJV)
Psychology tells us that we are only a victim of our circumstances, and they put it in the following order, where the one impacts the one next in line to it:
Circumstances –> Emotions –> Thoughts –> Deeds
In other words, we are just victims of our circumstances. We can clearly see from the above pattern that when things are going bad, it upsets our emotions, which leads to thoughts of anxiety, depression, stress, etc. and this then leads to addictive behaviour patterns like eating disorders, pornography, alcoholism, bad self image, and even in some cases suicide, because these emotions eventually have to vent in some form or another! This is also the reason why millions of people across the world, struggling with some form of sin, say: “I was created this way. I can’t help it.” People think they will not be held accountable for their thoughts.
We Control Our Thoughts
Just like our deeds, we CAN control our thoughts (Yes we can!!) and make them obedient to Christ. These destructive patterns of sin and perversion are simply the result of a person embracing, indulging and persisting in lustful thoughts year after year. They often wonder why they feel so regularly “tempted” by the devil, whilst in fact the devil is only standing on the side lines, watching them destroy their own lives!
Think about this: You can’t go anywhere and do anything in your physical body if you have not been there in your mind first.
This is simply a key to helping us see where our thoughts fit into the process, and help us understand how it works. It is also to expose the lie of modern day psychology, that we are just victims of circumstance. The Bible talks about this:
Col 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. (NKJV)
The above psychological pattern is definitely not in line with the Word of God, which tells us that things are actually lined up as follows:
Thoughts –> Emotions –> Deeds –> Circumstances
Everything begins with our thoughts.
Rom 12: 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (NKJV)
And also:
2 Cor 10: 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
When you set your mind on things above, when we meditate upon His word, His goodness, His grace towards us and His promises, our emotions will begin to change. We will see that we are fellow heirs with Christ (Eph 3:6) and partakers of the glory of God (1 Pet 5), not created to keep begging for scraps from the table, but to live life in abundance! Our emotions will have a reaction on the things we do, and as we start living a life of worship, a life that makes room for the presence of God, praising God continually for His goodness and provision, seeking first the Kingdom, our circumstances will supernaturally begin to change! (Matt 6:33)
And it all begins with this: What are your thoughts occupied with? We are required to be faithful stewards of our thoughts, just as much as with the things we do. When you set your mind on things above, the impossible starts invading your world!
“The devil wants to rob you of your peace because agitated people rarely hear the Voice of God. In a time of opportunity, the word is “distraction” on the devil’s agenda, whereas God’s agenda is laser-like focus – I was born and raised for this time!”
Rob Rufus (City Church International – Hong Kong)
Let us not be robbed of our destiny, a life full of the glory of our King! Let’s set our minds on the things of God, and most of all, on the Father Himself!
Col 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (NKJV)
Ministry of Death
Paul calls the law "the ministry of death" and "the ministry of condemnation" in chapter 3 of 2 Corinthians. I imagine that was truly a difficult thing for the Jews of his day, who had been under the law as a people for centuries, to grasp and accept. But with those words so plainly written in the New Testament scriptures, it really shouldn't be all that difficult of a thing for today's church, who have never been under God's law, even for a second, to grasp and accept.
But yet it is one of the essential truths that remains largely resisted and unaccepted in the church today. Why is this? Much of the church has sadly accepted a mixture gospel of law and grace - which is really no gospel at all - and so passages such as 2 Cor 3 don't compute. Those passages don't fit into their "gospel."
Nevertheless, it remains the truth. The law was the ministry of death and condemnation, and guilt and bondage, and was for the Jews only. Gentiles were never under the law, and the church of Christ has never and will never be under the law. We've got something far better than the ministry of death. We've got the ministry of life in the Spirit, under which there is no death or condemnation - only life, joy and peace in the Spirit!
But yet it is one of the essential truths that remains largely resisted and unaccepted in the church today. Why is this? Much of the church has sadly accepted a mixture gospel of law and grace - which is really no gospel at all - and so passages such as 2 Cor 3 don't compute. Those passages don't fit into their "gospel."
Nevertheless, it remains the truth. The law was the ministry of death and condemnation, and guilt and bondage, and was for the Jews only. Gentiles were never under the law, and the church of Christ has never and will never be under the law. We've got something far better than the ministry of death. We've got the ministry of life in the Spirit, under which there is no death or condemnation - only life, joy and peace in the Spirit!
Grace Revolution
You can either believe what the Apostle Paul says about the law, or you can choose to ignore it and entirely miss what Christianity/the New Covenant is all about. It's up to you.
-----
"What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, *UNTIL* the Seed should come to whom the promise was made..." (Gal 3:19)
2 Cor 3:7-11
7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones [What was written and engraved on stones? - The Ten Commandments], was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was *passing away,* 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit [The New Covenant] not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation [The Ten Commandments] had glory, the ministry of righteousness [The New Covenant] exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had *no glory* in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is *passing away* [the ministry of death and condemnation] was glorious, what remains [The New Covenant] is much more glorious.
"Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be *SHUT,* and all the world may become *GUILTY* before God." (Rom 3:19)
"For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to *BONDAGE,* which is Hagar..." (Gal 4:24)
"because the law brings about *WRATH;* for where there is no law there is no transgression." (Rom 4:15)
"For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be *JUDGED* by the law..." (Rom 2:12)
"And the Law came in that the transgression might *INCREASE;* but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more..." (Rom 5:20)
"The sting of death is sin, and the *POWER OF SIN* is the law..." (1 Cor 15:56)
-----
Remember it's not I who am saying these things, but the scriptures themselves. The above verses are a sample of the verses that tell us the reason the law was given, and what happened through the law. All of these verses show the reason why the law was "against us" and "contrary to us," and therefore had to be "wiped out," "taken out of the way" and "nailed to the cross."
-----
"And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having *wiped out* the handwriting of requirements that was *against us,* which was *contrary to us.* And He has *taken it out of the way,* having *nailed it to the cross.*" (Col 2:13-14)
-----
And all of these verses show us why the law was "the enmity," and "the middle wall of separation" that had to be "broken down" and "abolished in His flesh" in order for Jews and Gentiles to be reconciled into one Body - one NEW man - through the cross:
-----
"For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having *ABOLISHED* in His flesh the *ENMITY,* that is, *THE LAW OF COMMANDMENTS* contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity." (Eph 2:14-16)
-----
Again, these are not my words. They are the very words of scripture. They show us that the law had very specific purposes. For those of us who are in Christ, we don't live by the law. We instead live by the new ministry - the ministry of the Spirit - in which Christ Himself dwells in us. He Himself is our life and righteousness. We live through Him and in Him, and He in us, apart from law.
-----
"What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, *UNTIL* the Seed should come to whom the promise was made..." (Gal 3:19)
2 Cor 3:7-11
7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones [What was written and engraved on stones? - The Ten Commandments], was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was *passing away,* 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit [The New Covenant] not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation [The Ten Commandments] had glory, the ministry of righteousness [The New Covenant] exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had *no glory* in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is *passing away* [the ministry of death and condemnation] was glorious, what remains [The New Covenant] is much more glorious.
"Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be *SHUT,* and all the world may become *GUILTY* before God." (Rom 3:19)
"For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to *BONDAGE,* which is Hagar..." (Gal 4:24)
"because the law brings about *WRATH;* for where there is no law there is no transgression." (Rom 4:15)
"For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be *JUDGED* by the law..." (Rom 2:12)
"And the Law came in that the transgression might *INCREASE;* but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more..." (Rom 5:20)
"The sting of death is sin, and the *POWER OF SIN* is the law..." (1 Cor 15:56)
-----
Remember it's not I who am saying these things, but the scriptures themselves. The above verses are a sample of the verses that tell us the reason the law was given, and what happened through the law. All of these verses show the reason why the law was "against us" and "contrary to us," and therefore had to be "wiped out," "taken out of the way" and "nailed to the cross."
-----
"And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having *wiped out* the handwriting of requirements that was *against us,* which was *contrary to us.* And He has *taken it out of the way,* having *nailed it to the cross.*" (Col 2:13-14)
-----
And all of these verses show us why the law was "the enmity," and "the middle wall of separation" that had to be "broken down" and "abolished in His flesh" in order for Jews and Gentiles to be reconciled into one Body - one NEW man - through the cross:
-----
"For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having *ABOLISHED* in His flesh the *ENMITY,* that is, *THE LAW OF COMMANDMENTS* contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity." (Eph 2:14-16)
-----
Again, these are not my words. They are the very words of scripture. They show us that the law had very specific purposes. For those of us who are in Christ, we don't live by the law. We instead live by the new ministry - the ministry of the Spirit - in which Christ Himself dwells in us. He Himself is our life and righteousness. We live through Him and in Him, and He in us, apart from law.
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Incarnation and Atonement
Here’s what Torrance writes about the Incarnation, Atonement, and what that means in regard to what it means to be human vis-à-vis God:
God loves you so utterly and completely that he has given himself for you in Jesus Christ his beloved Son, and has thereby pledged his very being as God for your salvation. In Jesus Christ God has actualised his unconditional love for you in your human nature in such a once for all way, that he cannot go back upon it without undoing the Incarnation and the Cross and thereby denying himself. Jesus Christ died for you precisely because you are sinful and utterly unworthy of him, and has thereby already made you his own before and apart from your ever believing in him. He has bound you to himself by his love in a way that he will never let you go, for even if you refuse him and damn yourself in hell his love will never cease. Therefore, repent and believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.
God loves you so utterly and completely that he has given himself for you in Jesus Christ his beloved Son, and has thereby pledged his very being as God for your salvation. In Jesus Christ God has actualised his unconditional love for you in your human nature in such a once for all way, that he cannot go back upon it without undoing the Incarnation and the Cross and thereby denying himself. Jesus Christ died for you precisely because you are sinful and utterly unworthy of him, and has thereby already made you his own before and apart from your ever believing in him. He has bound you to himself by his love in a way that he will never let you go, for even if you refuse him and damn yourself in hell his love will never cease. Therefore, repent and believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.
Adversity
In this world you will have tribulation; but be of
good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33
God does not give us overcoming life--He gives us
life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds
our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no
strength. God never gives us strength for tomorrow,
or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the
moment. A saint can "be of good cheer" even when
seemingly defeated by adversaries, because victory
is absurdly impossible to everyone, except God.
Oswald Chambers
As we wait for His coming, God wants us
to lean on Him and receive His strength moment
by moment. We are to exchange 'our weakness for
His strength.' God does not 'help those who help
themselves,' but instead is delighted when we lean
on Him. I love this verse, "Who is coming up from
the wilderness leaning on her beloved?' SS 8:5.
Surely we often walk in dry places and, for me, I
cannot make it on my own...
good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33
God does not give us overcoming life--He gives us
life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds
our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no
strength. God never gives us strength for tomorrow,
or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the
moment. A saint can "be of good cheer" even when
seemingly defeated by adversaries, because victory
is absurdly impossible to everyone, except God.
Oswald Chambers
As we wait for His coming, God wants us
to lean on Him and receive His strength moment
by moment. We are to exchange 'our weakness for
His strength.' God does not 'help those who help
themselves,' but instead is delighted when we lean
on Him. I love this verse, "Who is coming up from
the wilderness leaning on her beloved?' SS 8:5.
Surely we often walk in dry places and, for me, I
cannot make it on my own...
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
It Gets Crowded On The Throne
Come and see what God has done, how awesome His works in man’s behalf.--Psalm 66:5
“The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). Nicodemus, a teacher of Israel, did not understand what Jesus was saying, because, like so many of us, he was conditioned to think that the work of God is always done by man, as if God is so small that He needs the help of man. In essence, Nicodemus believed, “God takes care of those who take care of themselves,” being accustomed to thinking that people came into the kingdom through effort, strain, teaching, watching their every move, endless conversation, right training, and persuasive argument. In his mind, men did not change so easily as through God’s working out a conversion by something as natural as birth. Nicodemus, a teacher of Israel, had crowded God right off the throne and was not a relaxed man!
Today, it seems so many things are needed to bring about conversion: a new church building, a special service with music perfectly calculated to move the unbeliever, youth discussion groups, psychological counseling, and exegetical preaching. Yes, with all of these surely God will be manipulated to move and bring conversions; the pews will fill and children will no longer experiment with drugs. It is getting more and more crowded on the throne.
The conversion that He brings is not to a system but to spiritual truth; it places concepts
in our being, not in our minds. His conversion is His work and comes only through the
power of the Spirit. There is room for only One on the throne.
When is the last time you looked at life as a system, and not as spiritual truth? As a life, and not as a Life? Big difference.
Are we seeing concepts in our being, not in our minds? Do we recognize God’s work comes only through the power of Holy Spirit? Our answers line up with one side or the other in Michael’s illustrations.
I think we should ask ourselves some really difficult questions about whether we have been “conditioned” and have become “accustomed” to thinking in the worldly realm or the spiritual realm.
I love the terms “spiritual truth,” “born of the Spirit,” and “power of the Spirit.” These keep me focused on Who is on the throne.
- Mike Wells
“The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). Nicodemus, a teacher of Israel, did not understand what Jesus was saying, because, like so many of us, he was conditioned to think that the work of God is always done by man, as if God is so small that He needs the help of man. In essence, Nicodemus believed, “God takes care of those who take care of themselves,” being accustomed to thinking that people came into the kingdom through effort, strain, teaching, watching their every move, endless conversation, right training, and persuasive argument. In his mind, men did not change so easily as through God’s working out a conversion by something as natural as birth. Nicodemus, a teacher of Israel, had crowded God right off the throne and was not a relaxed man!
Today, it seems so many things are needed to bring about conversion: a new church building, a special service with music perfectly calculated to move the unbeliever, youth discussion groups, psychological counseling, and exegetical preaching. Yes, with all of these surely God will be manipulated to move and bring conversions; the pews will fill and children will no longer experiment with drugs. It is getting more and more crowded on the throne.
The conversion that He brings is not to a system but to spiritual truth; it places concepts
in our being, not in our minds. His conversion is His work and comes only through the
power of the Spirit. There is room for only One on the throne.
When is the last time you looked at life as a system, and not as spiritual truth? As a life, and not as a Life? Big difference.
Are we seeing concepts in our being, not in our minds? Do we recognize God’s work comes only through the power of Holy Spirit? Our answers line up with one side or the other in Michael’s illustrations.
I think we should ask ourselves some really difficult questions about whether we have been “conditioned” and have become “accustomed” to thinking in the worldly realm or the spiritual realm.
I love the terms “spiritual truth,” “born of the Spirit,” and “power of the Spirit.” These keep me focused on Who is on the throne.
- Mike Wells
Sunday, September 10, 2017
How to Grieve like a Christian
This life is full of loss and full of grief. Though there are times we experience great swells of joy, we also experience deep depths of sorrow. No sorrow is deeper than the sorrow of loss. At such times it is important to consider how Christians grieve. Christ has Lordship over all of life, even grief. The gospel informs all we do, including our grieving. When dealing with the loss of a fellow believer, it is a privilege to grieve in a distinctly Christian way—to grieve in one way instead of being left to grieve in another way.
What is that way? How do Christians grieve? Paul provides helpful instruction and begins with these words: “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
The first thing is this: Grieve! It’s good and right to grieve. We grieve genuinely and unapologetically. Death is tragic; death is sorrowful; it is good to grieve and this text gives us permission to do so. While it’s always important to ask “what does a text say?” it’s equally important to ask, “what does a text not say?” In this verse Paul could have said something like, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve.” He could have ended his sentence there are forbidden all grief. He could have been a good Stoic and insisted that Christians must not waste their time and emotional energy in crying. But no, he doesn’t say that. He doesn’t tell us we must not grieve at all. Rather, he tells us we must not grieve in a certain way. There is a way that Christians must grieve. What is that way?
Grieve hopefully. When Paul says, “you may not grieve as others do who have no hope” he is really saying something like, “we grieve, but not in the same way as all those other people who have no hope.” Or, “even though we do grieve, we grieve differently from those other hopeless people.” Again, we see there’s a distinctly Christian way to express grief. We must not grieve like unbelievers do. What is this Christian form of grieving? Christians experience grief but without despair, sorrow but without defeat, sadness but without hopelessness. It’s true sorrow and true hope. These things don’t cancel out one another. We feel the great weight of sorrow and the great thrill of hope. In moments of deep sadness, we feel both. But why? How? How is it that we can have hope?
The reason we have hope is that Christians grieve temporarily. We grieve genuinely but hopefully because we grieve temporarily. Our grief will come to an end. Paul proves this by pointing back in time, then pointing forward: “For since we believe that [in the past] Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will [in the future] bring with him those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thessalonians 4:14). Paul anchors future hope in past reality. He first points back in time to the historical events of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus truly died and truly returned to life and his resurrection is a promise, a proof, and a down payment that we, too, will return to life. What happened to him will happen to us. If it wasn’t for Jesus we’d have no hope! But Jesus rose so we have the greatest hope!
Having pointed back, Paul points forward. “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” He goes from the past to the future. He points forward to the time when Christ will return. He points forward to the time when the great promise will be fulfilled. At that time those who are dead and those who are alive will be reunited. They will be united to Jesus and live together forever. Here is how the passage continues: “The dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” Our hope for the future is that we will be with the Lord. We will be with the Lord together and forever. Those who have gone before and those who remain will be reunited in the presence of Jesus Christ.
While our loved ones have left us, they have not ceased to be. They’ve simply gone on ahead. Because Jesus rose again, they will rise again. Because Jesus conquered death, they will conquer death. Because Jesus lives, they live. And so we grieve. We grieve in times of loss and our grief may last many days, weeks, or years. The pain is real, the sorrow is real, so the grief is real. But we grieve hopefully because we are convinced we grieve temporarily. No wonder, then, Paul concludes in this way: “Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
What is that way? How do Christians grieve? Paul provides helpful instruction and begins with these words: “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
The first thing is this: Grieve! It’s good and right to grieve. We grieve genuinely and unapologetically. Death is tragic; death is sorrowful; it is good to grieve and this text gives us permission to do so. While it’s always important to ask “what does a text say?” it’s equally important to ask, “what does a text not say?” In this verse Paul could have said something like, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve.” He could have ended his sentence there are forbidden all grief. He could have been a good Stoic and insisted that Christians must not waste their time and emotional energy in crying. But no, he doesn’t say that. He doesn’t tell us we must not grieve at all. Rather, he tells us we must not grieve in a certain way. There is a way that Christians must grieve. What is that way?
Grieve hopefully. When Paul says, “you may not grieve as others do who have no hope” he is really saying something like, “we grieve, but not in the same way as all those other people who have no hope.” Or, “even though we do grieve, we grieve differently from those other hopeless people.” Again, we see there’s a distinctly Christian way to express grief. We must not grieve like unbelievers do. What is this Christian form of grieving? Christians experience grief but without despair, sorrow but without defeat, sadness but without hopelessness. It’s true sorrow and true hope. These things don’t cancel out one another. We feel the great weight of sorrow and the great thrill of hope. In moments of deep sadness, we feel both. But why? How? How is it that we can have hope?
The reason we have hope is that Christians grieve temporarily. We grieve genuinely but hopefully because we grieve temporarily. Our grief will come to an end. Paul proves this by pointing back in time, then pointing forward: “For since we believe that [in the past] Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will [in the future] bring with him those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thessalonians 4:14). Paul anchors future hope in past reality. He first points back in time to the historical events of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus truly died and truly returned to life and his resurrection is a promise, a proof, and a down payment that we, too, will return to life. What happened to him will happen to us. If it wasn’t for Jesus we’d have no hope! But Jesus rose so we have the greatest hope!
Having pointed back, Paul points forward. “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” He goes from the past to the future. He points forward to the time when Christ will return. He points forward to the time when the great promise will be fulfilled. At that time those who are dead and those who are alive will be reunited. They will be united to Jesus and live together forever. Here is how the passage continues: “The dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” Our hope for the future is that we will be with the Lord. We will be with the Lord together and forever. Those who have gone before and those who remain will be reunited in the presence of Jesus Christ.
While our loved ones have left us, they have not ceased to be. They’ve simply gone on ahead. Because Jesus rose again, they will rise again. Because Jesus conquered death, they will conquer death. Because Jesus lives, they live. And so we grieve. We grieve in times of loss and our grief may last many days, weeks, or years. The pain is real, the sorrow is real, so the grief is real. But we grieve hopefully because we are convinced we grieve temporarily. No wonder, then, Paul concludes in this way: “Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
Silence
I called to Him but he did not answer. SS 5:6
Once the Lord has given great faith, He has been known
to test it with long delays. He has allowed His servants'
voice to echo in their ears, as if their preyers were re-
bounding from a contemptuous sky. Believers have
knocked at the heavenly gate, but it has remain immov-
able, as though its hinges had rusted. And like Jeremiah,
they have cried,
'You have covered yourself with a cloud so that no
prayer can get through.' Lam 3:44
True saints of God have endured lengthy times of patient
waiting with no reply, not because their prayers were
prayed without intensity, nor because God did not accept
their pleas. They were required to wait because it pleased
Him who is sovereign and who gives 'according to his
good purpose' Phil 2:13. And if it pleases Him to cause
our patience to be exercised, should He not do as He
desires with His own?
No prayer is ever lost, or any prayer ever breathed in vain.
There is no such thing as a prayer unanswered or unnoticed
by God, and some things we see as refusals or denials are
simply delays. Horatius Bonar
So, do you have prayers whose answers seem lost and
perhaps the prayers forgotten. When I get discouraged I
think of Eve who lost her first and second born and never
saw the promise of the Savior. I think of Job who did not
understand what was behind his suffering. How about
Abraham who waited 25 years for the fulfillment of the
promised one. Surely he cried to God in the night!
So, you see, we are not alone in this walk of faith!
Once the Lord has given great faith, He has been known
to test it with long delays. He has allowed His servants'
voice to echo in their ears, as if their preyers were re-
bounding from a contemptuous sky. Believers have
knocked at the heavenly gate, but it has remain immov-
able, as though its hinges had rusted. And like Jeremiah,
they have cried,
'You have covered yourself with a cloud so that no
prayer can get through.' Lam 3:44
True saints of God have endured lengthy times of patient
waiting with no reply, not because their prayers were
prayed without intensity, nor because God did not accept
their pleas. They were required to wait because it pleased
Him who is sovereign and who gives 'according to his
good purpose' Phil 2:13. And if it pleases Him to cause
our patience to be exercised, should He not do as He
desires with His own?
No prayer is ever lost, or any prayer ever breathed in vain.
There is no such thing as a prayer unanswered or unnoticed
by God, and some things we see as refusals or denials are
simply delays. Horatius Bonar
So, do you have prayers whose answers seem lost and
perhaps the prayers forgotten. When I get discouraged I
think of Eve who lost her first and second born and never
saw the promise of the Savior. I think of Job who did not
understand what was behind his suffering. How about
Abraham who waited 25 years for the fulfillment of the
promised one. Surely he cried to God in the night!
So, you see, we are not alone in this walk of faith!
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Mr Fixit
Recently I travelled downtown to do some shopping when I met a young lady who began to share with me some of the difficulties that she was facing within her family, church and work.
After listening to some of her issues I then proceeded to remind her of her identity in Christ as well as quoting other Scriptures.
When I arrived home I began to reflect on my response to her issues. I became very disturbed about my response. Although what I had spoken to her was biblically true, I nevertheless felt that it wasn’t helpful.
As I meditated upon the situation, I asked myself why it was that I had to fix her situation and make her happy? Why is it that in the face of other people’s difficulties we have to be the Saviour and feel we must fix their situation?
Naturally we want people to be happy and to be stress less. But it’s quite possible that we may be working against the purposes of God in their life by putting some scriptural band-aid over their situation.
I also asked myself what would have been a better response?
I think I should have responded in a kind and empathetic way by asking, “What do you think God might be doing in your situation?” And, “What is it that you are learning in your relationship with God through these difficulties?”
Rather than my trying to fix their situation, these sorts of questions help them to see that God is at work in their lives even in the midst of tribulation, and that they can benefit by their faith and trust being strengthened, and their personal relationship with God being cemented, as He continues to conform them to the image of His Son.
I guess what I am trying to say is that it’s not what I can do or say that’s important, but it’s our own personal relationship with our heavenly Father that will get us through each and every difficult time. Others can stand with us and encourage us, but in the final analysis, it is my trust, my faith, in my heavenly Father that counts in the end. Having said that however, it really is important to realise that it’s His grip on me that will carry me through each and every situation, rather than my grip on Him.
After listening to some of her issues I then proceeded to remind her of her identity in Christ as well as quoting other Scriptures.
When I arrived home I began to reflect on my response to her issues. I became very disturbed about my response. Although what I had spoken to her was biblically true, I nevertheless felt that it wasn’t helpful.
As I meditated upon the situation, I asked myself why it was that I had to fix her situation and make her happy? Why is it that in the face of other people’s difficulties we have to be the Saviour and feel we must fix their situation?
Naturally we want people to be happy and to be stress less. But it’s quite possible that we may be working against the purposes of God in their life by putting some scriptural band-aid over their situation.
I also asked myself what would have been a better response?
I think I should have responded in a kind and empathetic way by asking, “What do you think God might be doing in your situation?” And, “What is it that you are learning in your relationship with God through these difficulties?”
Rather than my trying to fix their situation, these sorts of questions help them to see that God is at work in their lives even in the midst of tribulation, and that they can benefit by their faith and trust being strengthened, and their personal relationship with God being cemented, as He continues to conform them to the image of His Son.
I guess what I am trying to say is that it’s not what I can do or say that’s important, but it’s our own personal relationship with our heavenly Father that will get us through each and every difficult time. Others can stand with us and encourage us, but in the final analysis, it is my trust, my faith, in my heavenly Father that counts in the end. Having said that however, it really is important to realise that it’s His grip on me that will carry me through each and every situation, rather than my grip on Him.
- Roger O. L. Hart
Obsessions
Life is full of choices, isn’t it? And depending on our focus, we Christians can make wise choices or destructive choices. Maybe we ought to start a recap of what we focus on…by which “direction” our chooser is taking us!
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.--Philippians 4:8
Imagine that the place you are presently sitting as you read this article represents your whole life. Everything in the room holds some aspect of your past, present, and future. Now pick up the most insignificant object that you see, such as a pencil, a coin, or a saltshaker, and slowly move it toward your eye. Keep moving it until this insignificant object blocks out half of your world. Something that is really of no great consequence to the rest of us has become of paramount importance to you. In fact, you will have great difficulty living the rest of the day with half of your vision blocked. This is exactly what the enemy does to believers. He picks something from our past, present, or future and has us obsessing on it until we believe that there is nothing we can do in life until this one thing is resolved. Some obsess so long that they eventually begin to listen to the voice of the enemy telling them that this one thing is so consuming that the only option is suicide! Obsession is wrong in two fundamental ways. First, Matthew 5:36: "You cannot make one hair white or black.” That is, you cannot control the past, present, or future. Second, regret over the past is for unbelievers. It vexes me greatly when I see believers wallow over some stupid mistake in the past. We have a God, He takes our sins, and the proof that He cleanses us from them is the very fact that we are distressed when we think about the past. Therefore, He is to be our daily focus.
Imagine that your mind is divided in half. One half of your mental energy goes to your mate, job, church, family, and hobby; the other half of your thought-life goes to your obsession. If you give up your obsession, what will you do with the vacuum? Philippians gives the secret: focus on Him! One thing I found that makes life enjoyable is to give myself to something bigger than myself each day. So while an obsession is bigger than the person who gives himself to it, God is indescribably bigger than the obsession. Satan wanted Jesus to worship him; the word used for worship is indicative of “giving attention to.” Jesus refused to give His attention to anything other than God. We will not worship an obsession.
- Mike Wells
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.--Philippians 4:8
Imagine that the place you are presently sitting as you read this article represents your whole life. Everything in the room holds some aspect of your past, present, and future. Now pick up the most insignificant object that you see, such as a pencil, a coin, or a saltshaker, and slowly move it toward your eye. Keep moving it until this insignificant object blocks out half of your world. Something that is really of no great consequence to the rest of us has become of paramount importance to you. In fact, you will have great difficulty living the rest of the day with half of your vision blocked. This is exactly what the enemy does to believers. He picks something from our past, present, or future and has us obsessing on it until we believe that there is nothing we can do in life until this one thing is resolved. Some obsess so long that they eventually begin to listen to the voice of the enemy telling them that this one thing is so consuming that the only option is suicide! Obsession is wrong in two fundamental ways. First, Matthew 5:36: "You cannot make one hair white or black.” That is, you cannot control the past, present, or future. Second, regret over the past is for unbelievers. It vexes me greatly when I see believers wallow over some stupid mistake in the past. We have a God, He takes our sins, and the proof that He cleanses us from them is the very fact that we are distressed when we think about the past. Therefore, He is to be our daily focus.
Imagine that your mind is divided in half. One half of your mental energy goes to your mate, job, church, family, and hobby; the other half of your thought-life goes to your obsession. If you give up your obsession, what will you do with the vacuum? Philippians gives the secret: focus on Him! One thing I found that makes life enjoyable is to give myself to something bigger than myself each day. So while an obsession is bigger than the person who gives himself to it, God is indescribably bigger than the obsession. Satan wanted Jesus to worship him; the word used for worship is indicative of “giving attention to.” Jesus refused to give His attention to anything other than God. We will not worship an obsession.
- Mike Wells
Friday, September 1, 2017
No Fear in Love
Fear is a destructive spirit. But, as God’s people, we have a different Spirit to empower us when any temptation to “fall” captive to worries and fears surfaces (2 Timothy 1:7). Michael gives us one of the most beautiful verses in God’s Word on this issue. Let Holy Spirit bring peace to your heart as you read this day’s writing.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. --I John 4:18
Alex Mathew in India tells of a friend he had, Michael Francis, who had a career and a family when he contracted leprosy. Once his disease had been cured, he stood in front of the hospital filled with fear. Would his family come and pick him up? They did not. He said he had faced his worst fear, the fear that they would not come, and yet he stood. In Jesus, he still stood! From that day he was never afraid again. He sat homeless on a concrete slab in the streets and told Alex, "See this concrete that I sleep on? It is as soft as velvet. I have found it to be the Savior's lap."
What is your worst fear? Have you ever feared what you would do if you lost someone you love? Have you ever feared that the person you love might say to you, "I do not love you; I never loved you”? Have you feared that your inferiority, worthlessness, lack of acceptableness, and deficiency of love might be revealed? It is just fear. When it comes, do you know that if you have Jesus, fear will wash over you like a wave, and you, too, will still be standing? It is an amazing thing to be confronted at last with your worst fear and to find yourself still standing.You will find it a liberating experience, just as Michael Francis did, and you will be free in a new way, knowing there is nothing left to lose, and therefore, there is nothing to fear.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. --I John 4:18
Alex Mathew in India tells of a friend he had, Michael Francis, who had a career and a family when he contracted leprosy. Once his disease had been cured, he stood in front of the hospital filled with fear. Would his family come and pick him up? They did not. He said he had faced his worst fear, the fear that they would not come, and yet he stood. In Jesus, he still stood! From that day he was never afraid again. He sat homeless on a concrete slab in the streets and told Alex, "See this concrete that I sleep on? It is as soft as velvet. I have found it to be the Savior's lap."
What is your worst fear? Have you ever feared what you would do if you lost someone you love? Have you ever feared that the person you love might say to you, "I do not love you; I never loved you”? Have you feared that your inferiority, worthlessness, lack of acceptableness, and deficiency of love might be revealed? It is just fear. When it comes, do you know that if you have Jesus, fear will wash over you like a wave, and you, too, will still be standing? It is an amazing thing to be confronted at last with your worst fear and to find yourself still standing.You will find it a liberating experience, just as Michael Francis did, and you will be free in a new way, knowing there is nothing left to lose, and therefore, there is nothing to fear.
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