Based on Romans 2:1
Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
The favourite part of the Bible to many people is Matthew 7:1-5 where Jesus is quoted saying "Judge not, that ye be not judged..." but why is this a favourite to so many? Because they don't like being judged for their sins. I've been written off as judgmental often enough when I pointed something out as wrong, you probably have too. I consider sodomy wrong, so am I a sodomite? I'll help you with that one, the answer is no. Never even been slightly inclined in that direction, nor do I find it particularly bothers me, I don't know much about it at all. But I don't want to know, the Bible says it's wrong, so I know it's wrong. So is the Bible wrong in saying that those who are judgmental are guilty of the same sin? What does the Bible mean in Romans 2:1? How does it relate to Jesus' admonition on judging? What about John 7:24 where Jesus commands us to judge; "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."?
Look closer at Matthew 7:1-5; verse 2 reads "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." Jesus is talking about how to judge, in this verse; judge in the way you want to be judged. So there is a kind of judgment that is ok, but it's different to the kind in verse 1. Also in verse 5 "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye." Jesus commands his followers to clear up their own sin before rebuking another. So the kind of judgment that involves rebuking is good when it is done without hypocrisy.
The wrong kind of judging is writing someone off and treating them horribly as if they are already condemned. They may deserve this, and so do you, but God has offered both of you forgiveness and a part of accepting that requires you to extend forgiveness to others. "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:15. Don't judge people this way, because you wouldn't want to be judged that way, I suppose we would call this prejudice.
The right kind of judging is comparing an action to God's law and judging if it is right. Then making known to people when they are breaking God's law by their actions and showing them how they can change. Doing this will almost certainly get you written off as judgmental, but those who label you this way are themselves breaking the command to "judge not".
What about Romans 2:1? Romans 1:29-32 lists every kind of sin you can imagine, and Romans 2:1 states: "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things." We all do the things in this list, not all of them, but some of them. If I write off someone who does one of these things I am implying I should be written off by God for doing another one of them.
Interestingly this passage follows closely the most famous Biblical condemnation of sodomy, and it so happens that of all sins, sodomy is the most often connected to the "judge not" passage. We need to practice judgment in condemning the sin and keeping people safe from the sinner, but we also need to faithfully show the sinner the way to salvation in as kind a way as possible.
With sodomy becoming a very contentious issue in society and the church pray for the wisdom and the charity to be an instrument in the hands of the Holy Spirit to do your part to rescue sodomites from the pit they have dug themselves into.
Tuesday 30 April 2013
Monday 29 April 2013
Romans 1:29-32 // This Could Be Yours
Based on Romans 1:29-32
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
The consequence of ignoring God - or not thinking about him often - is warped (wrong) thinking, because God is the standard of truth and right. Warped thinking leads to warped behaviour. Unrighteousness; behaving contrary to God's law. Fornication; sexual misbehaviour. Wickedness; attitudes contrary to God's law. Covetousness (lust); allowing yourself to continue wanting something you know you cannot have without breaking God's law. Maliciousness; doing evil for fun. Envy; harbouring thoughts that someone else is unfairly advantaged over you. Murder; wanting to kill someone, and especially succeeding. Debate; arguing for the sake of it. Deceit; manipulating through false information. Malignity; lacking good character. Whisperers; saying bad things about people behind their back. Backbiters; saying bad things about people to their face. Haters of God. Despiteful; insulting people. Proud. Boasters. Inventors of evil things; coming up with ideas of how to do evil. Disobedient to parents; refusing to be persuaded to do right by other people. Without understanding; refusing to understand the truth. Covenantbreakers; breaking promises. Without natural affection; hating family members. Implacable; refusing to forgive. Unmerciful; determined to get back at people.
We all know these things are bad and that the universe is better off without such traits, logically any person that refuses to relinquish such faults would need to die for a perfect universe. But how often do we enjoy watching other people doing these things that we condemn? On TV, in movies, in games, in books and even newspapers. We love to watch evil, and fill our minds with it. The list above is the result of turning the mind from the perfect character of Jesus to the things of the world/society. If you want to be evil, your way is clear. If you want to be holy, fill your mind with the only one who is holy, by reading his book, the Bible.
The character of Jesus is the opposite of these evil traits, but if you dwell on the evil your mind will become evil, even if you are trying to use it to discern the truth. Read the Bible, make friends of people who are faithful followers of Jesus, fill your life with as many positive influences as possible, and from this time and every day, plead with God to transform you to become like Jesus. God wants to give you this gift, he is just waiting for you to be ready.
Either could be yours, choose wisely.
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
The consequence of ignoring God - or not thinking about him often - is warped (wrong) thinking, because God is the standard of truth and right. Warped thinking leads to warped behaviour. Unrighteousness; behaving contrary to God's law. Fornication; sexual misbehaviour. Wickedness; attitudes contrary to God's law. Covetousness (lust); allowing yourself to continue wanting something you know you cannot have without breaking God's law. Maliciousness; doing evil for fun. Envy; harbouring thoughts that someone else is unfairly advantaged over you. Murder; wanting to kill someone, and especially succeeding. Debate; arguing for the sake of it. Deceit; manipulating through false information. Malignity; lacking good character. Whisperers; saying bad things about people behind their back. Backbiters; saying bad things about people to their face. Haters of God. Despiteful; insulting people. Proud. Boasters. Inventors of evil things; coming up with ideas of how to do evil. Disobedient to parents; refusing to be persuaded to do right by other people. Without understanding; refusing to understand the truth. Covenantbreakers; breaking promises. Without natural affection; hating family members. Implacable; refusing to forgive. Unmerciful; determined to get back at people.
We all know these things are bad and that the universe is better off without such traits, logically any person that refuses to relinquish such faults would need to die for a perfect universe. But how often do we enjoy watching other people doing these things that we condemn? On TV, in movies, in games, in books and even newspapers. We love to watch evil, and fill our minds with it. The list above is the result of turning the mind from the perfect character of Jesus to the things of the world/society. If you want to be evil, your way is clear. If you want to be holy, fill your mind with the only one who is holy, by reading his book, the Bible.
The character of Jesus is the opposite of these evil traits, but if you dwell on the evil your mind will become evil, even if you are trying to use it to discern the truth. Read the Bible, make friends of people who are faithful followers of Jesus, fill your life with as many positive influences as possible, and from this time and every day, plead with God to transform you to become like Jesus. God wants to give you this gift, he is just waiting for you to be ready.
Either could be yours, choose wisely.
Sunday 28 April 2013
Romans 1:28 // Brainwashed!
Based on Romans 1:28
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
By worshipping visible things and rejecting the law of God, people become so warped in their thinking that there is nothing too low that they would not do it. God's people are no different when they prefer to give their attention to earthly things and ignore God's requirements.
We sin by doing things that are against God's law when in our minds we think that sin is the best way to fulfil our desires. We sin because our thinking is wrong, and God allows this to happen because we choose this when we do not spend time thinking about God. When we think about God - learn more about him from reading his word and think about what we have read about him - our minds are cleaned, our desire to sin is weakened and victory is the result. We are inclined not to retain God in our knowledge, so we must ask for the desire to think about Jesus, and if we ask and get to work doing it it will be given to us.
Even though God does not want us to have warped minds, he gives us freedom to choose, and if we do not want to think about him he will not force us. If you are interested to know more about God, read the Holy Bible and think about what you read. If you are worried you are not interested enough, pray for interest and get started, you may not feel anything, but Jesus has won you the privilege of supernatural power from the Holy Spirit, and your prayer will be answered.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
By worshipping visible things and rejecting the law of God, people become so warped in their thinking that there is nothing too low that they would not do it. God's people are no different when they prefer to give their attention to earthly things and ignore God's requirements.
We sin by doing things that are against God's law when in our minds we think that sin is the best way to fulfil our desires. We sin because our thinking is wrong, and God allows this to happen because we choose this when we do not spend time thinking about God. When we think about God - learn more about him from reading his word and think about what we have read about him - our minds are cleaned, our desire to sin is weakened and victory is the result. We are inclined not to retain God in our knowledge, so we must ask for the desire to think about Jesus, and if we ask and get to work doing it it will be given to us.
Even though God does not want us to have warped minds, he gives us freedom to choose, and if we do not want to think about him he will not force us. If you are interested to know more about God, read the Holy Bible and think about what you read. If you are worried you are not interested enough, pray for interest and get started, you may not feel anything, but Jesus has won you the privilege of supernatural power from the Holy Spirit, and your prayer will be answered.
Saturday 27 April 2013
Romans 1:26-27 // The Greatest Leader
Based on Romans 1:26-27
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
This is a controversial passage, because many in the church are debating about gender and sexuality. I believe that Satan has more to do with choosing subjects of church controversy than God, so I will leave the Bible to speak for itself on this matter and look at what is revealed about Jesus in this passage.
(Jesus is the part of the godhead that is revealed to us, even the few saints who ascended to heaven have not seen the Father. The Holy Spirit interacts with us today but he does not speak about himself but rather about Jesus.)
The previous verse says "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." It is for this cause that Jesus gives people up to vile affections. When people want to ignore Jesus and give the honour he deserves to his creations he is so humble that he allows them to do it, which leads people (in general) into completely upside-down thinking.
Even when people do things that are completely opposed to the way Jesus created them to live, he allows them to do these things and leaves them to face the consequences of behaving in a way utterly opposed to the way of life. Jesus is loving and gentle, he gives us freedom to choose, even when we ask, he will not take control of us. Jesus is a gentleman. Jesus is patient, he waits quietly for us to sober up as we begin to face the consequences of our actions, he knows we need to choose him to learn from him. Jesus is a teacher. Jesus is just, and will judge each one of us, he will not allow those who refuse to reform to get away with their evil, but he will not allow even one who comes to him to die permanently. Jesus is a judge and a redeemer.
Do you know anyone worth following more than Jesus? If not, you ought to read your Bible and start following the greatest leader and most selfless man this world has ever known.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
This is a controversial passage, because many in the church are debating about gender and sexuality. I believe that Satan has more to do with choosing subjects of church controversy than God, so I will leave the Bible to speak for itself on this matter and look at what is revealed about Jesus in this passage.
(Jesus is the part of the godhead that is revealed to us, even the few saints who ascended to heaven have not seen the Father. The Holy Spirit interacts with us today but he does not speak about himself but rather about Jesus.)
The previous verse says "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." It is for this cause that Jesus gives people up to vile affections. When people want to ignore Jesus and give the honour he deserves to his creations he is so humble that he allows them to do it, which leads people (in general) into completely upside-down thinking.
Even when people do things that are completely opposed to the way Jesus created them to live, he allows them to do these things and leaves them to face the consequences of behaving in a way utterly opposed to the way of life. Jesus is loving and gentle, he gives us freedom to choose, even when we ask, he will not take control of us. Jesus is a gentleman. Jesus is patient, he waits quietly for us to sober up as we begin to face the consequences of our actions, he knows we need to choose him to learn from him. Jesus is a teacher. Jesus is just, and will judge each one of us, he will not allow those who refuse to reform to get away with their evil, but he will not allow even one who comes to him to die permanently. Jesus is a judge and a redeemer.
Do you know anyone worth following more than Jesus? If not, you ought to read your Bible and start following the greatest leader and most selfless man this world has ever known.
Wednesday 17 April 2013
Romans 1:24-25 // Nature Worship Then And Now
Romans 1:24-25
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Because people have turned their attention to the things of creation and not glorified God, he allows them to live out their evil. As they follow their appetites, passions and desires without the restraint of sanctified powers of the mind they rush into unclean practices. These practices degrade them even more, making even their use of their bodies with other people become a source of their corruption. God gives us free will, and does not stop us from following sin. But that does not mean that sin is not damaging us, now is the time to turn from sin to Jesus.
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Those who are following their appetites, passions and desires without restraint quickly realise that the true God condemns their practices, which they know are wrong. So these people formulate systems of belief that replace God but do not condemn their own behaviour. These systems all have in common a false understanding of God's character, they are all connected to Satan's fundamental lie.
These new belief systems always lead to a veneration of created things and service to these things above the God that can only be appropriately worshipped and served. Ancient systems led to the veneration of animals, trees, stars, moon and sun; which were served by supporting priests of their cults. Modern systems venerate animals, trees, the universe, moon and sun; which are served by supporting activists and scientists who would be commendable if they were really protecting or understanding the creation but their dishonouring of the Creator leads to the fruitlessness of their worship and demonstrates the need to prioritise glorifying God. All of us honour the creation over the Creator before our conversion; it is true.
It is God who should be worshipped and served because he is the Creator, those who know him will bless him forever, and never get sick of it, because he is worthy. Do not forget service, the Christian life requires selfless service for Jesus, read about this service in the gospels. Do not forget worship, serving is not enough, we need to spend time in focussed attention on God. Glorify God with your body.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Because people have turned their attention to the things of creation and not glorified God, he allows them to live out their evil. As they follow their appetites, passions and desires without the restraint of sanctified powers of the mind they rush into unclean practices. These practices degrade them even more, making even their use of their bodies with other people become a source of their corruption. God gives us free will, and does not stop us from following sin. But that does not mean that sin is not damaging us, now is the time to turn from sin to Jesus.
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Those who are following their appetites, passions and desires without restraint quickly realise that the true God condemns their practices, which they know are wrong. So these people formulate systems of belief that replace God but do not condemn their own behaviour. These systems all have in common a false understanding of God's character, they are all connected to Satan's fundamental lie.
These new belief systems always lead to a veneration of created things and service to these things above the God that can only be appropriately worshipped and served. Ancient systems led to the veneration of animals, trees, stars, moon and sun; which were served by supporting priests of their cults. Modern systems venerate animals, trees, the universe, moon and sun; which are served by supporting activists and scientists who would be commendable if they were really protecting or understanding the creation but their dishonouring of the Creator leads to the fruitlessness of their worship and demonstrates the need to prioritise glorifying God. All of us honour the creation over the Creator before our conversion; it is true.
It is God who should be worshipped and served because he is the Creator, those who know him will bless him forever, and never get sick of it, because he is worthy. Do not forget service, the Christian life requires selfless service for Jesus, read about this service in the gospels. Do not forget worship, serving is not enough, we need to spend time in focussed attention on God. Glorify God with your body.
Tuesday 16 April 2013
Romans 1:22-23 // The Isms
Based on Romans 1:22-23
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
The ancients seem like fools to us, bowing down to their statues (using their imagination too) and giving them food. But in their day this was considered wise and appropriate, and was important to function in society. Today we have different idols, and they are just as important to our lives, as we try to look smart by becoming fools. This can apply to so many people; empiricist biology professors, rationalist marxist revolutionaries, pragmatist capitalist businessmen or the idealistic liberal activist. But I am really thinking of the Doctor of Divinity. I have never met one, I am not talking about a specific person. But those who have received a liberal arts education in theology of any brand do not seem to be profited by it. Most learn to depend on the authority of experts to form their opinion and cannot understand why others have the arrogance to read the Bible for themselves. Any scholar that opens the door for textual criticism and doubts about the Bible is becoming a fool in order to seem smart. Oh, it is so tempting to seem smart, it is tempting to study theology, but any education that builds my pride and tears down my faith is a foolish education. But at what cost do I burn the idol of liberal education? I will need to serve God in places I do not like, filling roles I do not like. Do you see how God can surely lead us by the principles of his word?
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
The power and goodness of God who does not compromise with evil has been changed, as people willingly compromise to liberalism, materialism and scepticism in order to function in society. People are remaking God in their own image, I've done it and you probably have too. Our imaginations are so limited, I thought about it once, I was into imagining things different from reality but I realised that I could not imagine anything totally original, it always had some kernel of precedent in reality. I have repented of my vain imagination and try to stay in reality now. So the ancients made God into a host of animals which represented various traits these animals had, this is hardly different from our modern isms, which give people a sense of meaning and a way to understand the world. But any of these that are based on our own thinking and our observations of the creation - not based on genuine revelation from God - are idolatry. Follow God's counsel and spend time reading it, so your world view will be based on the truth of the creator himself.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
The ancients seem like fools to us, bowing down to their statues (using their imagination too) and giving them food. But in their day this was considered wise and appropriate, and was important to function in society. Today we have different idols, and they are just as important to our lives, as we try to look smart by becoming fools. This can apply to so many people; empiricist biology professors, rationalist marxist revolutionaries, pragmatist capitalist businessmen or the idealistic liberal activist. But I am really thinking of the Doctor of Divinity. I have never met one, I am not talking about a specific person. But those who have received a liberal arts education in theology of any brand do not seem to be profited by it. Most learn to depend on the authority of experts to form their opinion and cannot understand why others have the arrogance to read the Bible for themselves. Any scholar that opens the door for textual criticism and doubts about the Bible is becoming a fool in order to seem smart. Oh, it is so tempting to seem smart, it is tempting to study theology, but any education that builds my pride and tears down my faith is a foolish education. But at what cost do I burn the idol of liberal education? I will need to serve God in places I do not like, filling roles I do not like. Do you see how God can surely lead us by the principles of his word?
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
The power and goodness of God who does not compromise with evil has been changed, as people willingly compromise to liberalism, materialism and scepticism in order to function in society. People are remaking God in their own image, I've done it and you probably have too. Our imaginations are so limited, I thought about it once, I was into imagining things different from reality but I realised that I could not imagine anything totally original, it always had some kernel of precedent in reality. I have repented of my vain imagination and try to stay in reality now. So the ancients made God into a host of animals which represented various traits these animals had, this is hardly different from our modern isms, which give people a sense of meaning and a way to understand the world. But any of these that are based on our own thinking and our observations of the creation - not based on genuine revelation from God - are idolatry. Follow God's counsel and spend time reading it, so your world view will be based on the truth of the creator himself.
Monday 15 April 2013
Romans 1:21 // Rescued from Idolatry
Based on Romans 1:21
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
There is something about giving God the credit he deserves. At some time we all know God at least a little, and we know he deserves to be glorified by obedience and praise. But we fail of these and are not grateful for the life and blessings that God has created for us. This seems to happen from the beginning of our lives, I have no recollection of ever really wanting to glorify God before my conversion, despite growing up in a wonderful Christian family. Those who do not grow up with an understanding of Jehovah God should seek to give glory and be thankful to whatever god they know of, and in doing this sincerely they will unknowingly take steps toward the truth.
But those of us who do not glorify and thank a higher being begin to replace an objective god with a subjective one. We make gods in our own image and worship them, this is all part of a diseased imagination. Though I did not bow down to statues, I honoured the gods of my imagination - vain glory, power, violence and romance which are all ancient idols - with countless hours of vain thoughts, books, games, drawing and writing. In many respects this idolatry did revolve around images, but because I did not physically bow to them I made no connection. I wonder if the pagans actually think there is life in their idols, or whether they are just using them to help them imagine, if this is so then paganism is still the top religion. Time is the only resource that we have real control over, and I devoted it to my vain idols; my deep thoughts, attitudes and motives were steadily descending into total darkness.
But my life turned around because I learned how the Bible can benefit my life in a pragmatic sense. So I began to read it, and I began to be interested in it for it's own stories. Eventually the Bible led me to turn to God in the deepest problems in my life, I converted, and God has been healing my life ever since, he has been rescuing me from idolatry.
Jesus saves from idolatry.
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
There is something about giving God the credit he deserves. At some time we all know God at least a little, and we know he deserves to be glorified by obedience and praise. But we fail of these and are not grateful for the life and blessings that God has created for us. This seems to happen from the beginning of our lives, I have no recollection of ever really wanting to glorify God before my conversion, despite growing up in a wonderful Christian family. Those who do not grow up with an understanding of Jehovah God should seek to give glory and be thankful to whatever god they know of, and in doing this sincerely they will unknowingly take steps toward the truth.
But those of us who do not glorify and thank a higher being begin to replace an objective god with a subjective one. We make gods in our own image and worship them, this is all part of a diseased imagination. Though I did not bow down to statues, I honoured the gods of my imagination - vain glory, power, violence and romance which are all ancient idols - with countless hours of vain thoughts, books, games, drawing and writing. In many respects this idolatry did revolve around images, but because I did not physically bow to them I made no connection. I wonder if the pagans actually think there is life in their idols, or whether they are just using them to help them imagine, if this is so then paganism is still the top religion. Time is the only resource that we have real control over, and I devoted it to my vain idols; my deep thoughts, attitudes and motives were steadily descending into total darkness.
But my life turned around because I learned how the Bible can benefit my life in a pragmatic sense. So I began to read it, and I began to be interested in it for it's own stories. Eventually the Bible led me to turn to God in the deepest problems in my life, I converted, and God has been healing my life ever since, he has been rescuing me from idolatry.
Jesus saves from idolatry.
Saturday 13 April 2013
Romans 1:18-20 // Everybody Knows...
Based on Romans 1:18-20
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Have you noticed that the atheist war cry "we don't need God to be good" is getting stronger? It is true that even without believing in God or the gospel people can do good things. That is precisely why they are without excuse when they do evil.
There are certain abstract ideas which though invisible are universally recognised. These are the essence of Jehovah's eternal power and Godhead. It is not certain to me how these are manifested in people, but I will attempt an opinion. Jehovah's eternal power is what keeps the universe together and holds back evils (both personal and impersonal) from destroying sinners. Why do people make to themselves superheroes/gods? I suspect we recognise our need for the eternal power of God in our lives and if we don't know him we will try to fill that need some other way. With so many debates on the nature of the Godhead it seems curious to think that this is a self-evident truth. But "God is love" and "God is spirit" it seems to be that everyone wants a God that is super-natural and on their side. Everyone wants a perfect all-powerful father, and only Jehovah can fill that need.
As our knowledge of nature increases, we grow in our appreciation of God's power, intelligence and love/care. What power did it take to create stars beyond numbering in a universe beyond measurement? What intelligence did it take to make a self-replicating system of life that carries vast information in minuscule scrolls. What care did it take to provide the young of all creatures with a disarming beauty that is often their only defence in their helplessness? Or the care of the Creator in building in to his creatures coping mechanisms for change, mechanisms which have largely been stretched to breaking point in this sin-sick world.
Not only does nature bear empirical witness to the power and nature of God but the Holy Spirit of God has been active in every person pointing out the truth about God in his creation. This witness can be accepted or rejected, and those who accept it may not know much about the gospel plan, but it is by faith we are saved, and they can learn this knowledge in the future.
Those who suppress the truth because they wish to remain in unrighteousness, doing whatever they want right now are displeasing God. The wrath of God is revealed from the sky against those who do evil. What is revealed from the sky? Light, and very little else at the moment. The main thing that is revealed from heaven in the Bible is Jesus at the end of this age. He will come to bring judgment on evildoers. There have been times when Jesus has sent judgement from heaven early for various reasons, this has been in the form of fire on in the form of death. At the present all we have in the sky is lights and silence. Evil men have no way to contact anything outside our solar system, we are in prison on this planet. Perhaps the silence of heaven is an expression of the wrath of Jesus against evil. When Jesus restores this world to its former glory, there will be communication between earth and heaven once more.
You do not need to be a Christian to do good, or to know that there is evil in this world and that humanity is fast approaching self-annihlation. But if you suppress the truth about Jesus you are without hope, all you can look forward to is divine capital punishment. Allow yourself to hear the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ, allow your desires to be purified so you stop wanting evil things. Do not delay, Jesus is your only hope.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Have you noticed that the atheist war cry "we don't need God to be good" is getting stronger? It is true that even without believing in God or the gospel people can do good things. That is precisely why they are without excuse when they do evil.
There are certain abstract ideas which though invisible are universally recognised. These are the essence of Jehovah's eternal power and Godhead. It is not certain to me how these are manifested in people, but I will attempt an opinion. Jehovah's eternal power is what keeps the universe together and holds back evils (both personal and impersonal) from destroying sinners. Why do people make to themselves superheroes/gods? I suspect we recognise our need for the eternal power of God in our lives and if we don't know him we will try to fill that need some other way. With so many debates on the nature of the Godhead it seems curious to think that this is a self-evident truth. But "God is love" and "God is spirit" it seems to be that everyone wants a God that is super-natural and on their side. Everyone wants a perfect all-powerful father, and only Jehovah can fill that need.
As our knowledge of nature increases, we grow in our appreciation of God's power, intelligence and love/care. What power did it take to create stars beyond numbering in a universe beyond measurement? What intelligence did it take to make a self-replicating system of life that carries vast information in minuscule scrolls. What care did it take to provide the young of all creatures with a disarming beauty that is often their only defence in their helplessness? Or the care of the Creator in building in to his creatures coping mechanisms for change, mechanisms which have largely been stretched to breaking point in this sin-sick world.
Not only does nature bear empirical witness to the power and nature of God but the Holy Spirit of God has been active in every person pointing out the truth about God in his creation. This witness can be accepted or rejected, and those who accept it may not know much about the gospel plan, but it is by faith we are saved, and they can learn this knowledge in the future.
Those who suppress the truth because they wish to remain in unrighteousness, doing whatever they want right now are displeasing God. The wrath of God is revealed from the sky against those who do evil. What is revealed from the sky? Light, and very little else at the moment. The main thing that is revealed from heaven in the Bible is Jesus at the end of this age. He will come to bring judgment on evildoers. There have been times when Jesus has sent judgement from heaven early for various reasons, this has been in the form of fire on in the form of death. At the present all we have in the sky is lights and silence. Evil men have no way to contact anything outside our solar system, we are in prison on this planet. Perhaps the silence of heaven is an expression of the wrath of Jesus against evil. When Jesus restores this world to its former glory, there will be communication between earth and heaven once more.
You do not need to be a Christian to do good, or to know that there is evil in this world and that humanity is fast approaching self-annihlation. But if you suppress the truth about Jesus you are without hope, all you can look forward to is divine capital punishment. Allow yourself to hear the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ, allow your desires to be purified so you stop wanting evil things. Do not delay, Jesus is your only hope.
Thursday 11 April 2013
Romans 1:14-17 // Debtors or Prison
Based on Romans 1:14-17
14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
How is Paul a debtor to them? A debtor owes something that he must repay. Paul owes it to all Gentiles to preach the gospel to them, including those at Rome. Why does he owe it to them?
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
The gospel was given to Jews like Paul but it was not given for only them. Paul knew that the Jews that believed the gospel had a responsibility to preach it to the Gentiles. In this way Paul says he is a debtor to the Romans.
The gospel was given for Gentiles as well as Jews because in the gospel is the power of God that saves everyone that believes it, no matter their background. What is the gospel? It can be preached so it must consist of information, but it can also be demonstrated, so it must also be personal. It includes the cross of Jesus, which was considered utterly shameful. But Paul is not ashamed of the gospel because this information lived out has power to save every person that believes it. Save them from what?
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
The gospel looks like the just living by faith in the gospel. The just can be any person, and the gospel shows the righteousness of God so the gospel saves people from lacking God's righteousness. The unjust becomes just by faith in the words of the gospel and God's righteousness is demonstrated in the lives of people by a life of faith in the words of the gospel.
What does "faith to faith" mean? Similar to "strength to strength" it means when you are living the gospel life you have faith, so you live, and are saved, but you go from faith to greater faith and live by your greater faith. So when you live by the words of the gospel because of your faith in them, the result of this will be a growing faith. That is what it means to be "growing" spiritually.
The righteousness of God is an extreme goodness which is not illogical or unrealistic, it is 'extreme' though. Jesus showed us God's righteousness, and he was so good that he was even willing to die a painful death in the hope that people would be able to be saved. Jesus is not on earth now, but the Holy Spirit empowers people to reflect his righteousness by showing the same kind of sacrificial kindness. I've met a few of these people, have you met any?
If you act on the words of the gospel in a way that shows you believe them, you have received the gift of salvation and your faith is growing along with your victory over sin. If this is true for you then you are obligated to share your faith with others so they can share your great privileges.
I have long been a bit pitying of people who are passionate about the poor in developing countries. I have never met one who gave realistic ways that their ideals could actually become reality. They are quick to quote dubious statistics claiming that there are enough resources for everyone to share but none of them seem to have considered the enormity of the task of actually sharing global resources. At the very least, the majority of people on Earth would need to become a part of a fanatical cult with an invincible army just to get the job started. In the process of humanity enforcing goodness on the world much evil would need to be done. For a long time my cynicism was a combination of cold logic and selfishness, after all, I live in one of the world's most privileged countries (I even have internet, and so do you). But I have come to appreciate the desire of these people to do good, though I still think they are misguided. The closest sinful humans have brought us to world peace seems to be wars and revolutions, often started by optimistic idealists. Jesus' plan for world peace is for his servants to spread the gospel everywhere and then to return to bring justice and eternal peace. It is a mistake to think that we can bring justice to the world, only Jesus can do that, and don't wish it were fair already; if the world were just, you wouldn't be able to read this right now.
I should add that I have nothing against helping people in developing countries, this passage in Romans shows that we owe it to them to do so. But we should go ourselves and help people with the gospel and temporal aid together; the gospel is the only real cure for our problems.
14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
How is Paul a debtor to them? A debtor owes something that he must repay. Paul owes it to all Gentiles to preach the gospel to them, including those at Rome. Why does he owe it to them?
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
The gospel was given to Jews like Paul but it was not given for only them. Paul knew that the Jews that believed the gospel had a responsibility to preach it to the Gentiles. In this way Paul says he is a debtor to the Romans.
The gospel was given for Gentiles as well as Jews because in the gospel is the power of God that saves everyone that believes it, no matter their background. What is the gospel? It can be preached so it must consist of information, but it can also be demonstrated, so it must also be personal. It includes the cross of Jesus, which was considered utterly shameful. But Paul is not ashamed of the gospel because this information lived out has power to save every person that believes it. Save them from what?
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
The gospel looks like the just living by faith in the gospel. The just can be any person, and the gospel shows the righteousness of God so the gospel saves people from lacking God's righteousness. The unjust becomes just by faith in the words of the gospel and God's righteousness is demonstrated in the lives of people by a life of faith in the words of the gospel.
What does "faith to faith" mean? Similar to "strength to strength" it means when you are living the gospel life you have faith, so you live, and are saved, but you go from faith to greater faith and live by your greater faith. So when you live by the words of the gospel because of your faith in them, the result of this will be a growing faith. That is what it means to be "growing" spiritually.
The righteousness of God is an extreme goodness which is not illogical or unrealistic, it is 'extreme' though. Jesus showed us God's righteousness, and he was so good that he was even willing to die a painful death in the hope that people would be able to be saved. Jesus is not on earth now, but the Holy Spirit empowers people to reflect his righteousness by showing the same kind of sacrificial kindness. I've met a few of these people, have you met any?
If you act on the words of the gospel in a way that shows you believe them, you have received the gift of salvation and your faith is growing along with your victory over sin. If this is true for you then you are obligated to share your faith with others so they can share your great privileges.
I have long been a bit pitying of people who are passionate about the poor in developing countries. I have never met one who gave realistic ways that their ideals could actually become reality. They are quick to quote dubious statistics claiming that there are enough resources for everyone to share but none of them seem to have considered the enormity of the task of actually sharing global resources. At the very least, the majority of people on Earth would need to become a part of a fanatical cult with an invincible army just to get the job started. In the process of humanity enforcing goodness on the world much evil would need to be done. For a long time my cynicism was a combination of cold logic and selfishness, after all, I live in one of the world's most privileged countries (I even have internet, and so do you). But I have come to appreciate the desire of these people to do good, though I still think they are misguided. The closest sinful humans have brought us to world peace seems to be wars and revolutions, often started by optimistic idealists. Jesus' plan for world peace is for his servants to spread the gospel everywhere and then to return to bring justice and eternal peace. It is a mistake to think that we can bring justice to the world, only Jesus can do that, and don't wish it were fair already; if the world were just, you wouldn't be able to read this right now.
I should add that I have nothing against helping people in developing countries, this passage in Romans shows that we owe it to them to do so. But we should go ourselves and help people with the gospel and temporal aid together; the gospel is the only real cure for our problems.
Wednesday 10 April 2013
Romans 1:8-14 // The Teacher of the Gospel
Based on Romans 1:8-14
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
It is tactful to tell people about the encouragement that you derive from their real virtue, and Paul does this. I do not think Paul was being inaccurate when he described the way their faith was talked about throughout the world; but I do not think Paul would have meant to imply that they were being talked about in New Guinea. I think Paul and his readers would have understood this to mean "people everywhere are talking about your faith" which is figurative language that is not hard to understand at all. Passages that describe "all the world" more specifically with reference to far off nations etc should of course be taken literally, we need to preach the gospel to all the world for a witness to all nations.
9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
Paul serves God with his spirit, which could either be a reference to mystical use of personal inner power to make people believe the gospel or simply that he serves God with his life/breath/spirit in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible says nothing about using personal mystical powers to do anything, least of all to preach the gospel so Paul is just talking about his complete devotion to God in sharing the gospel of the Son. The Holy Spirit is essential in the preaching of the gospel, but he is neither possessed nor controlled by us, and nor did Paul claim to possess him; the Holy Spirit possesses us.
When he prays, Paul consistently mentions the believers in Rome with the prayer that he might be able to visit them to bring any spiritual benefit that they may need. Paul was a servant of God, so he did not need to pretend false modesty that he had nothing to teach to people whose faith was strong, but who were far from the reach of the regular teachers of the church. Without an understanding of truth that would only be learned from a gospel teacher, the Romans could not have been firmly grounded in the faith.
12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
I split that thought a bit awkwardly, because verse 12 clarifies verse 11. However what I wrote stands, Paul was not pretending that the Romans did not need to be taught, but interestingly he felt the need to clarify that he hoped the Romans would be a source of mutual encouragement to him. He does not say that he expects the Romans to teach him anything (although God can teach him while he teaches the Romans, but the Romans themselves might not teach him anything) but that he hopes to be encouraged by the faith of the Romans which is similar to his. I will mention verse 13 then finish that train of thought. In verse 13 Paul is almost apologetic that he has never visited the Romans, because of his (controversial) formal title of Apostle to the Gentiles which would require him to visit the Romans, although his real mission has been specifically to the Greeks. God can sometimes lead our thoughts and actions through the titles and responsibilities he places on us; it is right to make special effort to live up to our high calling, especially for those in church office.
Continuing the thought about verse 12; we can get more comfort from the society of those who know much less or much more about the Bible than us if we share their faith. I mean both in terms of beliefs and consecration. I can enjoy the company of very unlearned people who share my beliefs or my consecration much more than very learned people who share neither. Learning and knowledge are crucial, but faith and consecration are foundational (2 Pet 1:5); if you are believing and consecrated I will be happy to teach you what I know, and happy to learn what you know and we can get on great. But if you know a lot but are not believing or consecrated I really would rather not know what you know, because most likely it is not worth knowing, or at least not worth learning from you. For some reason the attitude and world view of the teacher comes out in the teaching, and in the process of consuming the knowledge I consume the attitude and world view.
When I drink polluted water it is not the water that killed me but the toxins in it, yet it would be said that I died from drinking that water. Even when the truth is being taught, a lack of faith or consecration on the part of the teacher will be transmitted to the learner. This is more dangerous in the Christian learning environment, but its effects must also be resisted in the secular school. Unbelief and licentiousness are engrained into the life of the unconverted teacher, and these will be transmitted to the student without exception. The student must come daily before the throne of God to plead for these toxins to be purged away by the blood of the lamb. Being influenced for corruption is not a sin, but it can lead to sin so practice a trust in God. Be careful how you put yourself in such danger.
In contrast, the teacher who has great faith and is fully consecrated and has great knowledge will establish the church wherever he goes. Learn from such a man. That Paul was like this is evidenced by the Waldenses who remained established for centuries after they had to separate from the Roman church and preserved the truth long enough to plant the seeds of the Reformation.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
It is tactful to tell people about the encouragement that you derive from their real virtue, and Paul does this. I do not think Paul was being inaccurate when he described the way their faith was talked about throughout the world; but I do not think Paul would have meant to imply that they were being talked about in New Guinea. I think Paul and his readers would have understood this to mean "people everywhere are talking about your faith" which is figurative language that is not hard to understand at all. Passages that describe "all the world" more specifically with reference to far off nations etc should of course be taken literally, we need to preach the gospel to all the world for a witness to all nations.
9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
Paul serves God with his spirit, which could either be a reference to mystical use of personal inner power to make people believe the gospel or simply that he serves God with his life/breath/spirit in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible says nothing about using personal mystical powers to do anything, least of all to preach the gospel so Paul is just talking about his complete devotion to God in sharing the gospel of the Son. The Holy Spirit is essential in the preaching of the gospel, but he is neither possessed nor controlled by us, and nor did Paul claim to possess him; the Holy Spirit possesses us.
When he prays, Paul consistently mentions the believers in Rome with the prayer that he might be able to visit them to bring any spiritual benefit that they may need. Paul was a servant of God, so he did not need to pretend false modesty that he had nothing to teach to people whose faith was strong, but who were far from the reach of the regular teachers of the church. Without an understanding of truth that would only be learned from a gospel teacher, the Romans could not have been firmly grounded in the faith.
12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
I split that thought a bit awkwardly, because verse 12 clarifies verse 11. However what I wrote stands, Paul was not pretending that the Romans did not need to be taught, but interestingly he felt the need to clarify that he hoped the Romans would be a source of mutual encouragement to him. He does not say that he expects the Romans to teach him anything (although God can teach him while he teaches the Romans, but the Romans themselves might not teach him anything) but that he hopes to be encouraged by the faith of the Romans which is similar to his. I will mention verse 13 then finish that train of thought. In verse 13 Paul is almost apologetic that he has never visited the Romans, because of his (controversial) formal title of Apostle to the Gentiles which would require him to visit the Romans, although his real mission has been specifically to the Greeks. God can sometimes lead our thoughts and actions through the titles and responsibilities he places on us; it is right to make special effort to live up to our high calling, especially for those in church office.
Continuing the thought about verse 12; we can get more comfort from the society of those who know much less or much more about the Bible than us if we share their faith. I mean both in terms of beliefs and consecration. I can enjoy the company of very unlearned people who share my beliefs or my consecration much more than very learned people who share neither. Learning and knowledge are crucial, but faith and consecration are foundational (2 Pet 1:5); if you are believing and consecrated I will be happy to teach you what I know, and happy to learn what you know and we can get on great. But if you know a lot but are not believing or consecrated I really would rather not know what you know, because most likely it is not worth knowing, or at least not worth learning from you. For some reason the attitude and world view of the teacher comes out in the teaching, and in the process of consuming the knowledge I consume the attitude and world view.
When I drink polluted water it is not the water that killed me but the toxins in it, yet it would be said that I died from drinking that water. Even when the truth is being taught, a lack of faith or consecration on the part of the teacher will be transmitted to the learner. This is more dangerous in the Christian learning environment, but its effects must also be resisted in the secular school. Unbelief and licentiousness are engrained into the life of the unconverted teacher, and these will be transmitted to the student without exception. The student must come daily before the throne of God to plead for these toxins to be purged away by the blood of the lamb. Being influenced for corruption is not a sin, but it can lead to sin so practice a trust in God. Be careful how you put yourself in such danger.
In contrast, the teacher who has great faith and is fully consecrated and has great knowledge will establish the church wherever he goes. Learn from such a man. That Paul was like this is evidenced by the Waldenses who remained established for centuries after they had to separate from the Roman church and preserved the truth long enough to plant the seeds of the Reformation.
Monday 8 April 2013
Romans 1:1-7 // Introduction to the Romans
Romans 1:1-7
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
Paul identifies himself first as a servant of Jesus Christ, in this we should follow his example. Every believer has the privilege to affirm total surrender to the will of Jesus to overrule even his or her most heartfelt wishes. Every believer has the privilege practice denial of even legitimate desires in order to learn dependence on Jesus; Sell that ye have, and give alms; (Luke 12:33). Only those who are servants of Jesus Christ will be saved.
Paul explains his calling to apostleship, each servant of Jesus Christ has a particular calling from God, which should be obeyed. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (1 Cor 12:27) The office of apostle was filled by men who could be public witnesses of Jesus' resurrection (Acts 1:22), we have the writings of the apostles, not modern apostles. Prophets have always been part of God's plan, and are used to give information at all major stages of God's work (Amos 3:7), those who wrote the Bible were prophets (this does not include those who wrote things that prophets included in the Bible -Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, Roman Centurion etc-, but the writer/editor of the book) and although the Bible is complete, there is no reason that prophecy should be lost to humanity. We are warned against false prophets in the last days and told to test prophets, this is conclusive evidence that we should also expect true prophets at any time. Teaching is the highest Biblical function that is held by more than a handful of people. This is the office of overseer or elder; otherwise called pastor, minister, preacher, parson, vicar, priest, bishop, rabbi, imam, professor, doctor, master, principal but not teacher in the modern sense. The biblical teacher functions similarly to the Jewish rabbi, who was always a man, had his own school and was a teacher for people of all ages. He also had supervisory authority in the community, a mix of school principal, lecturer, minister of religion and politician all in one. Paul is an overseer but also an apostle and a prophet, but Timothy is an overseer but not an apostle or a prophet, which makes Timothy a good model for the modern minister or elder. Two things are emphasised; supervisory authority and licence to preach/teach. Under the authority of the overseers are those who are what we are starting to call "prayer warriors" whose prayers just seem to be answered more often than is normal, they could be called miracle workers, and often they are. Also those who have devoted themselves to healing; the doctors, nurses, and various health professionals of today along with people whose use their knowledge of biblical health principles to bring health to others. Both those that administer and those that assist are important in God's church and those who are privileged to be bilingual or multilingual can be especially helpful as missionaries or translators.
Paul was separated/ordained by laying on of hands to the work of spreading the gospel (Acts 13:2-3) as such we would consider him a full-time gospel minister, though when it was prudent he was voluntarily self-supporting.
This first verse is such an encouragement to me just now, it helps me to see that it is consistent with my calling to full-time ministry that I go to foreign fields as a professional teacher, although I should take opportunities to serve in a more full-time capacity when I can do so.
What gospel was Paul ordained to preach? A new gospel? No, the same gospel that the Hebrew Scriptures promised.
3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
The gospel is about God's Son Jesus who is the Anointed One and our Overlord, but who became a human being with the nature of King David the man after God's own heart who nevertheless had a sinful fallen nature, although Jesus shared his nature and weaknesses, he did not sin.
The pivotal evidence that Jesus really was the Son of God as he claimed by the wisdom given him by the Holy Spirit, was that he raised himself from the dead.
5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
Jesus gave Paul grace and a job of witnessing to do, he does the same for all of us; the goal is that there will be people obedient to the faith in all ethnic groups to clear God's name by demonstration. This includes some in Italy; it includes some in your country. Paul shows the Romans their significance in God's plan.
7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
This letter is to the Romans, but it is included in the Bible because it applies to everyone. It is written to those God loves, those who God wants to be set apart from the normal to be devoted to him; it is written to everyone, it is written to you.
May you experience the undeserved favour of God and have peace in your heart as a gift from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
Paul identifies himself first as a servant of Jesus Christ, in this we should follow his example. Every believer has the privilege to affirm total surrender to the will of Jesus to overrule even his or her most heartfelt wishes. Every believer has the privilege practice denial of even legitimate desires in order to learn dependence on Jesus; Sell that ye have, and give alms; (Luke 12:33). Only those who are servants of Jesus Christ will be saved.
Paul explains his calling to apostleship, each servant of Jesus Christ has a particular calling from God, which should be obeyed. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (1 Cor 12:27) The office of apostle was filled by men who could be public witnesses of Jesus' resurrection (Acts 1:22), we have the writings of the apostles, not modern apostles. Prophets have always been part of God's plan, and are used to give information at all major stages of God's work (Amos 3:7), those who wrote the Bible were prophets (this does not include those who wrote things that prophets included in the Bible -Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, Roman Centurion etc-, but the writer/editor of the book) and although the Bible is complete, there is no reason that prophecy should be lost to humanity. We are warned against false prophets in the last days and told to test prophets, this is conclusive evidence that we should also expect true prophets at any time. Teaching is the highest Biblical function that is held by more than a handful of people. This is the office of overseer or elder; otherwise called pastor, minister, preacher, parson, vicar, priest, bishop, rabbi, imam, professor, doctor, master, principal but not teacher in the modern sense. The biblical teacher functions similarly to the Jewish rabbi, who was always a man, had his own school and was a teacher for people of all ages. He also had supervisory authority in the community, a mix of school principal, lecturer, minister of religion and politician all in one. Paul is an overseer but also an apostle and a prophet, but Timothy is an overseer but not an apostle or a prophet, which makes Timothy a good model for the modern minister or elder. Two things are emphasised; supervisory authority and licence to preach/teach. Under the authority of the overseers are those who are what we are starting to call "prayer warriors" whose prayers just seem to be answered more often than is normal, they could be called miracle workers, and often they are. Also those who have devoted themselves to healing; the doctors, nurses, and various health professionals of today along with people whose use their knowledge of biblical health principles to bring health to others. Both those that administer and those that assist are important in God's church and those who are privileged to be bilingual or multilingual can be especially helpful as missionaries or translators.
Paul was separated/ordained by laying on of hands to the work of spreading the gospel (Acts 13:2-3) as such we would consider him a full-time gospel minister, though when it was prudent he was voluntarily self-supporting.
This first verse is such an encouragement to me just now, it helps me to see that it is consistent with my calling to full-time ministry that I go to foreign fields as a professional teacher, although I should take opportunities to serve in a more full-time capacity when I can do so.
What gospel was Paul ordained to preach? A new gospel? No, the same gospel that the Hebrew Scriptures promised.
3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
The gospel is about God's Son Jesus who is the Anointed One and our Overlord, but who became a human being with the nature of King David the man after God's own heart who nevertheless had a sinful fallen nature, although Jesus shared his nature and weaknesses, he did not sin.
The pivotal evidence that Jesus really was the Son of God as he claimed by the wisdom given him by the Holy Spirit, was that he raised himself from the dead.
5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
Jesus gave Paul grace and a job of witnessing to do, he does the same for all of us; the goal is that there will be people obedient to the faith in all ethnic groups to clear God's name by demonstration. This includes some in Italy; it includes some in your country. Paul shows the Romans their significance in God's plan.
7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
This letter is to the Romans, but it is included in the Bible because it applies to everyone. It is written to those God loves, those who God wants to be set apart from the normal to be devoted to him; it is written to everyone, it is written to you.
May you experience the undeserved favour of God and have peace in your heart as a gift from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sunday 7 April 2013
Pray For Your Authorities
Based on Psalm 72
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 1 Tim 2:1-2
Rather than criticising those who are in authority over you, why not pray for them? Pray that they will be able to make good decisions and live a morally upright life. Think of how good it would be if our leaders were empowered by prayer to rule well! It would be like rain falling on the parched ground which is so dry that the grass can be harvested for hay. New spiritual life would grow where before the church was dry and lifeless. Such a leader would receive honour from other nations because of the blessings that God would bring on that nation for the sake of the righteous leader and the prospering church. In such a nation God's people would be able to prosper and obey the commission of Christ, and God would value the humble of that land and protect them. Such a leader would be blessed in the history books, because God is great and capable of doing wonders.
It doesn't matter who your authorities are, pray for them, not because they deserve it but because you need them to be good leaders and Jesus died for us all.
Pray for your authorities; this was the last song of King David.
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 1 Tim 2:1-2
Rather than criticising those who are in authority over you, why not pray for them? Pray that they will be able to make good decisions and live a morally upright life. Think of how good it would be if our leaders were empowered by prayer to rule well! It would be like rain falling on the parched ground which is so dry that the grass can be harvested for hay. New spiritual life would grow where before the church was dry and lifeless. Such a leader would receive honour from other nations because of the blessings that God would bring on that nation for the sake of the righteous leader and the prospering church. In such a nation God's people would be able to prosper and obey the commission of Christ, and God would value the humble of that land and protect them. Such a leader would be blessed in the history books, because God is great and capable of doing wonders.
It doesn't matter who your authorities are, pray for them, not because they deserve it but because you need them to be good leaders and Jesus died for us all.
Pray for your authorities; this was the last song of King David.
Saturday 6 April 2013
Old Age and Retirement
Based on Psalm 71:4-24
I want to be able to say at the end of my life that I have trusted God from my youth, that just as I trusted my mother as an infant so I have trusted God in my Christian life. God is the one that gave me life and allowed me to live to this point. I want to be able to look back and know that God can take care of me for the infinite future that spans out ahead of me, most of it uncertain. I want to be able to talk about the goodness of God every day, because I don't know how many days I have left. I don't want to be able to tell people that I was so awesome, I want to be able to tell people that God has been so wonderful to me. I can remember how God has taught me and worked on me from my earliest years, despite my rebellion. I want to be able to pass some lessons from my life on to the young who will benefit from hearing them. I can tell about how good God is and how I am sure he will bring me up from the depths of hell so I can live with him forever, with joy, music and song. That will be my only retirement!
I want to be able to say at the end of my life that I have trusted God from my youth, that just as I trusted my mother as an infant so I have trusted God in my Christian life. God is the one that gave me life and allowed me to live to this point. I want to be able to look back and know that God can take care of me for the infinite future that spans out ahead of me, most of it uncertain. I want to be able to talk about the goodness of God every day, because I don't know how many days I have left. I don't want to be able to tell people that I was so awesome, I want to be able to tell people that God has been so wonderful to me. I can remember how God has taught me and worked on me from my earliest years, despite my rebellion. I want to be able to pass some lessons from my life on to the young who will benefit from hearing them. I can tell about how good God is and how I am sure he will bring me up from the depths of hell so I can live with him forever, with joy, music and song. That will be my only retirement!
Thursday 4 April 2013
Great Deals on Comprehensive Security and Life Insurance
Based on Psalm 71:1-3
Security. Security from loneliness, security from discomfort, security from poverty, security from powerlessness, security from violence, security from sickness, security from death.
How much would comprehensive security and insurance company guaranteeing total immunity from all these things cost?
I think most of us would be willing to work hard and put up with discomfort and inconvenience to be able to afford such a service. Jehovah offers it free of charge to us, though he does require us to do some hard work. Satan is sure to cause us to perceive discomfort and inconvenience by deceiving us into thinking that we deserve a life of comfort and power, which worked on me. How about you?
In this life of real dangers for many and real inconvenience for the rest of us, we have comprehensive security from Jesus; he will protect us from everything that will not make us stronger. We also have comprehensive life insurance from Jesus, who promises to restore more than everything we lose, including our life itself. That is good insurance; and it's free. It does come with conditions though; we must rely on Jesus for security and assurance, and be willing to be saved in his righteousness not persist in our unrighteousness. Sounds like a great deal to me. How about you?
Security. Security from loneliness, security from discomfort, security from poverty, security from powerlessness, security from violence, security from sickness, security from death.
How much would comprehensive security and insurance company guaranteeing total immunity from all these things cost?
I think most of us would be willing to work hard and put up with discomfort and inconvenience to be able to afford such a service. Jehovah offers it free of charge to us, though he does require us to do some hard work. Satan is sure to cause us to perceive discomfort and inconvenience by deceiving us into thinking that we deserve a life of comfort and power, which worked on me. How about you?
In this life of real dangers for many and real inconvenience for the rest of us, we have comprehensive security from Jesus; he will protect us from everything that will not make us stronger. We also have comprehensive life insurance from Jesus, who promises to restore more than everything we lose, including our life itself. That is good insurance; and it's free. It does come with conditions though; we must rely on Jesus for security and assurance, and be willing to be saved in his righteousness not persist in our unrighteousness. Sounds like a great deal to me. How about you?
Tuesday 2 April 2013
Aha
Based on Psalm 70
We need God's help because we are weak and powerless to save ourselves. Jehovah is able to save us, and the best time to be saved is right now. God who created the light immediately by the power of his word is able to create a new heart in you today.
Those who look for fault should be ashamed of themselves but those who look for a knowledge of God will find joy. Those who look for fault and try to hurt people with their words will be frustrated at every turn and find no peace. Those who seek God will find him and will tell others about the wonderful things God can do.
Defeat will come on those who say "Aha, aha" who are looking for fault; they will be ashamed. Don't do that.
We need God's help because we are weak and powerless to save ourselves. Jehovah is able to save us, and the best time to be saved is right now. God who created the light immediately by the power of his word is able to create a new heart in you today.
Those who look for fault should be ashamed of themselves but those who look for a knowledge of God will find joy. Those who look for fault and try to hurt people with their words will be frustrated at every turn and find no peace. Those who seek God will find him and will tell others about the wonderful things God can do.
Defeat will come on those who say "Aha, aha" who are looking for fault; they will be ashamed. Don't do that.
Monday 1 April 2013
Home Security and Renovation
Based on Psalm 69:29-36
In these times of trouble and confusion, what is my anchor and security?
But I am poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high.
Learn to depend on the righteousness of Christ, find your sense of security in his merciful salvation and his willingness to prepare you for ruling in heaven and the new Earth.
I will praise the name of the Lord with a song; and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.
Singing songs is different from sacrifice. Sacrifices were representative of Jesus sacrifice and were a condition of salvation. Singing songs is an extra, it is something we can do out of love for God. God is pleased by our desire to do something extra, out of love. David would have still made sacrifices generally, but he knew that God wanted much more than a follower who would do only the 'essentials'. Are you trying to get by as a Christian, only doing the 'essentials'? Maybe you are singing the songs but not giving your life as a sacrifice, or you are making sacrifices but talk and sing like you wish you didn't. Jesus does not want half-hearted followers, think of what Jesus gave for you and what you would be without him, then you should not be half hearted. I am preaching to myself too.
The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God. For the Lord hearth the poor and despiseth not his prisoners.
Those who are aware of their own faults enough to appreciate your joy at being saved will also be glad and they will seek Jehovah and live. What pleasure or thrill comes close to the joy of a soul saved by your influence? You know that Jesus is merciful to sinners who are prisoners in sin, some may not care, but many will; why not share it!
The the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.
This is our goal; the whole world in submission to Jesus Christ; prepare the way for his return, prepare a people to receive him.
For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession. The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein.
Jesus is saving his people and building a city for them, which we will live in when the earth and sky are finally renovated, made new. The servants of Jesus who have led others to him will see these people there as their spiritual children and everyone that loves Jesus as identified in his word will be there.
(A name is an identifying word; the Bible is the sum of the written words which identify Jesus)
In these times of trouble and confusion, what is my anchor and security?
But I am poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high.
Learn to depend on the righteousness of Christ, find your sense of security in his merciful salvation and his willingness to prepare you for ruling in heaven and the new Earth.
I will praise the name of the Lord with a song; and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.
Singing songs is different from sacrifice. Sacrifices were representative of Jesus sacrifice and were a condition of salvation. Singing songs is an extra, it is something we can do out of love for God. God is pleased by our desire to do something extra, out of love. David would have still made sacrifices generally, but he knew that God wanted much more than a follower who would do only the 'essentials'. Are you trying to get by as a Christian, only doing the 'essentials'? Maybe you are singing the songs but not giving your life as a sacrifice, or you are making sacrifices but talk and sing like you wish you didn't. Jesus does not want half-hearted followers, think of what Jesus gave for you and what you would be without him, then you should not be half hearted. I am preaching to myself too.
The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God. For the Lord hearth the poor and despiseth not his prisoners.
Those who are aware of their own faults enough to appreciate your joy at being saved will also be glad and they will seek Jehovah and live. What pleasure or thrill comes close to the joy of a soul saved by your influence? You know that Jesus is merciful to sinners who are prisoners in sin, some may not care, but many will; why not share it!
The the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.
This is our goal; the whole world in submission to Jesus Christ; prepare the way for his return, prepare a people to receive him.
For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession. The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein.
Jesus is saving his people and building a city for them, which we will live in when the earth and sky are finally renovated, made new. The servants of Jesus who have led others to him will see these people there as their spiritual children and everyone that loves Jesus as identified in his word will be there.
(A name is an identifying word; the Bible is the sum of the written words which identify Jesus)
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