How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (Romans 10:14)
If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; 12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works? (Proverbs 24:11-12)
Preaching/witnessing is necessary. Not that people cannot theoretically be saved without hearing the gospel from a missionary, but that most people will not be. Take the risk, share your heart and life with someone. Make yourself vulnerable and say what needs to be said without being terrified by rejection.
I'm going to do that now.
Wednesday, 24 December 2014
Tuesday, 23 December 2014
Blessing of Blessings
The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; 2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; 3 Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. 4 Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel. 5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions. 6 Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. 8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. 9 Save, Lord: let the king hear us when we call. (Psalm 20)
This would have to be the blessing of blessings. One aspect of it particularly stands out to me: "(The Lord) fulfil all thy counsel." There is nothing like seeing someone helped significantly by our advice, to have this happen is a blessing from God indeed.
This would have to be the blessing of blessings. One aspect of it particularly stands out to me: "(The Lord) fulfil all thy counsel." There is nothing like seeing someone helped significantly by our advice, to have this happen is a blessing from God indeed.
Monday, 22 December 2014
Romans 10:11-13 // What We Count On
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:11-13)
This is what we count on, not that we have done well in living up to God's law, but that the Lord Jesus will save us if we depend on him.
This is what we count on, not that we have done well in living up to God's law, but that the Lord Jesus will save us if we depend on him.
Sunday, 21 December 2014
Romans 10:5-10 // He Trusted In God
For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:5-10)
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32)
Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. (1 Peter 1:21)
And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. (Genesis 15:6)
There are moments when I am overwhelmed by a sense that I am worthy of no good thing. These moments do not happen very often, which is not to my credit. At such times I must resort to one thing: Jesus is saving me. He has the will to save me. He has the power to save me. This is my only solid hope. However Jesus saves me, he will save me in the end because I trust in him.
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32)
Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. (1 Peter 1:21)
And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. (Genesis 15:6)
There are moments when I am overwhelmed by a sense that I am worthy of no good thing. These moments do not happen very often, which is not to my credit. At such times I must resort to one thing: Jesus is saving me. He has the will to save me. He has the power to save me. This is my only solid hope. However Jesus saves me, he will save me in the end because I trust in him.
Saturday, 20 December 2014
Own Strength
Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power. (Psalm 21:13)
God can be exalted in his own strength, but we cannot.
God can be exalted in his own strength, but we cannot.
Tuesday, 16 December 2014
Romans 10:5-10 // Harmony of Scripture
For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:5-10)
For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. (Deuteronomy 30:11-14)
Some Christians think that they are "New Testament" Christians. But a true New Testament Christian is an Old Testament Christian as well. If this were not the case Paul would condemn the Old Testament rather than using it to support his claims. The New and Old Testaments, by which I mean the Hebrew and Greek portions of the Bible, are united and harmonious. They come from different cultural, circumstantial and literary perspectives but they complement each other, rather than competing.
Christ has given us his law to know the standard by which we are to live, but he has also given us himself to allow us to live forever in obedience to that standard.
For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. (Deuteronomy 30:11-14)
Some Christians think that they are "New Testament" Christians. But a true New Testament Christian is an Old Testament Christian as well. If this were not the case Paul would condemn the Old Testament rather than using it to support his claims. The New and Old Testaments, by which I mean the Hebrew and Greek portions of the Bible, are united and harmonious. They come from different cultural, circumstantial and literary perspectives but they complement each other, rather than competing.
Christ has given us his law to know the standard by which we are to live, but he has also given us himself to allow us to live forever in obedience to that standard.
Sunday, 14 December 2014
Romans 10:5-10 // Live In Them
For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:5-10)
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 18:11)
And I gave them my statutes, and shewed them my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them. 12 Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them. 13 But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them. 14 But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out. 15 Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands; 16 Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols. 17 Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them, neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness. 18 But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols: 19 I am the Lord your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; 20 And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God. 21 Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness. 22 Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth. 23 I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries; 24 Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols. 25 Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live; 26 And I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all that openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am the Lord. (Ezekiel 20:11-26)
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. (Galatians 3:10-12)
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:4)
Keeping the law of God is about lifestyle, when these passages refer to how people shall live in them they are talking about how obedience to God's law dictates a good lifestyle. This can be seen clearly in Ezekiel 20:25 where it is contrasted with the worldly standards that the Israelites had adopted: and judgments whereby they should not live. These standards did not teach the Israelites the good way to live. They taught them a lifestyle of death in that they caused to pass through the fire all that openeth the womb. They killed their babies in worship of the idols they had chosen.
Many today worship themselves and many kill their babies for the sake of their own desires. But there are many other ways in which the commandments of men have distorted their lifestyles.
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 18:11)
And I gave them my statutes, and shewed them my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them. 12 Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them. 13 But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them. 14 But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out. 15 Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands; 16 Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols. 17 Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them, neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness. 18 But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols: 19 I am the Lord your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; 20 And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God. 21 Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness. 22 Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth. 23 I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries; 24 Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols. 25 Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live; 26 And I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all that openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am the Lord. (Ezekiel 20:11-26)
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. (Galatians 3:10-12)
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:4)
Keeping the law of God is about lifestyle, when these passages refer to how people shall live in them they are talking about how obedience to God's law dictates a good lifestyle. This can be seen clearly in Ezekiel 20:25 where it is contrasted with the worldly standards that the Israelites had adopted: and judgments whereby they should not live. These standards did not teach the Israelites the good way to live. They taught them a lifestyle of death in that they caused to pass through the fire all that openeth the womb. They killed their babies in worship of the idols they had chosen.
Many today worship themselves and many kill their babies for the sake of their own desires. But there are many other ways in which the commandments of men have distorted their lifestyles.
Thursday, 11 December 2014
Cross References for Romans 10:5-10
For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:5-10)
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 18:11)
For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. (Deuteronomy 30:11-14)
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32)
Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. (1 Peter 1:21)
And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. (Genesis 15:6)
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 18:11)
For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. (Deuteronomy 30:11-14)
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32)
Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. (1 Peter 1:21)
And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. (Genesis 15:6)
Sunday, 7 December 2014
Jews and Pop-Christians
Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (Romans 10:1-4)
The use of 'end' in verse four is presumably in the sense of fulfilment rather than destruction, in order to harmonise this with the rest of Scripture.
Paul wishes for the Jews to be saved, since they are devoted to God, despite the fact that they are so wrong in their ideas about him. I could say the same of many groups of Christians and also of Muslims. Jesus is revealed in the Scriptures and in his faithful people, those who see Christ are responsible to accept him in everything. No matter how zealous a person may be, no matter the glory of the label they wear, they must accept Christ in his fullness.
The Jews tried to make themselves good so they ignored God's provision to forgive and reform them. In doing this they not only made it impossible for themselves to actually reform, they also condemned themselves by refusing the forgiveness for their past sins. Many today claim that they trust in the grace of Christ alone for their righteousness, but they refuse to live up to his standard. They have taken the opposite extreme of the Jews, rather than trying hard to have righteousness and ignoring God's way to obtain it; they preach part of the gospel and ignore what it means to be righteous.
Believe in Jesus, and he will fulfil the law in you.
The use of 'end' in verse four is presumably in the sense of fulfilment rather than destruction, in order to harmonise this with the rest of Scripture.
Paul wishes for the Jews to be saved, since they are devoted to God, despite the fact that they are so wrong in their ideas about him. I could say the same of many groups of Christians and also of Muslims. Jesus is revealed in the Scriptures and in his faithful people, those who see Christ are responsible to accept him in everything. No matter how zealous a person may be, no matter the glory of the label they wear, they must accept Christ in his fullness.
The Jews tried to make themselves good so they ignored God's provision to forgive and reform them. In doing this they not only made it impossible for themselves to actually reform, they also condemned themselves by refusing the forgiveness for their past sins. Many today claim that they trust in the grace of Christ alone for their righteousness, but they refuse to live up to his standard. They have taken the opposite extreme of the Jews, rather than trying hard to have righteousness and ignoring God's way to obtain it; they preach part of the gospel and ignore what it means to be righteous.
Believe in Jesus, and he will fulfil the law in you.
Saturday, 6 December 2014
Neither Presumption nor Legalism
As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. 26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.
27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: 28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (Romans 9:25-33)
I am going to look at this passage again, last time I just dwelt mostly on the last paragraph.
Why did Jacob get God's favour and not Esau? Why did Isaac get God's favour and not Ishmael? Why did the Gentile Christians get God's favour and not the Jews? The Jews were given God's true and holy law and eventually they did their best to reach this standard. The Gentiles never really tried to keep the law very much, and we still don't really attempt it, though Seventh-day Adventists try harder than most. God gave the law, but the law was always meant to be the standard for judging the sinner not the means for saving the repentant. The law shows me God's standard for behaviour, but it is the Holy Spirit, who works in my life through faith, that brings me up to that standard.
The Christian who is not interested in living up to God's law cannot really exercise faith, because he is comfortable with his law-breaking, his sin, Jesus cannot save him. But the Christian who strives to keep the law cannot exercise faith either, because he is trying to save himself, Jesus cannot save him. Both the presumptuous and the legalist are in an unsaved condition, but repenting from this error and turning to Jesus for help will bring you salvation.
God wants to save you more than you want to be saved. He has given you Jesus' blood to save you and he has given you Jesus' law to show you what being saved looks like. Don't try to hop around on one leg or row with one oar. Have faith in God that brings good works.
I have often seen reading the Bible as something I must do, because after all, I really must do it. But God wants to rework my attitude to read the Bible because I know how greatly it will bless me. Praise the Lord for understanding my weaknesses!
27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: 28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (Romans 9:25-33)
I am going to look at this passage again, last time I just dwelt mostly on the last paragraph.
Why did Jacob get God's favour and not Esau? Why did Isaac get God's favour and not Ishmael? Why did the Gentile Christians get God's favour and not the Jews? The Jews were given God's true and holy law and eventually they did their best to reach this standard. The Gentiles never really tried to keep the law very much, and we still don't really attempt it, though Seventh-day Adventists try harder than most. God gave the law, but the law was always meant to be the standard for judging the sinner not the means for saving the repentant. The law shows me God's standard for behaviour, but it is the Holy Spirit, who works in my life through faith, that brings me up to that standard.
The Christian who is not interested in living up to God's law cannot really exercise faith, because he is comfortable with his law-breaking, his sin, Jesus cannot save him. But the Christian who strives to keep the law cannot exercise faith either, because he is trying to save himself, Jesus cannot save him. Both the presumptuous and the legalist are in an unsaved condition, but repenting from this error and turning to Jesus for help will bring you salvation.
God wants to save you more than you want to be saved. He has given you Jesus' blood to save you and he has given you Jesus' law to show you what being saved looks like. Don't try to hop around on one leg or row with one oar. Have faith in God that brings good works.
I have often seen reading the Bible as something I must do, because after all, I really must do it. But God wants to rework my attitude to read the Bible because I know how greatly it will bless me. Praise the Lord for understanding my weaknesses!
Wednesday, 3 December 2014
A Blessing
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. (Numbers 4:24-26)
A blessing I have just received, may it be for you also.
It is a pity that we do not bless each other more often, this is a very biblical thing to do and a very positive thing. I have been as guilty as any of spending so much time building ramparts around theological conflicts that I forget to take the time to just pronounce a blessing on people. Let this be something we do.
A blessing I have just received, may it be for you also.
It is a pity that we do not bless each other more often, this is a very biblical thing to do and a very positive thing. I have been as guilty as any of spending so much time building ramparts around theological conflicts that I forget to take the time to just pronounce a blessing on people. Let this be something we do.
Tuesday, 2 December 2014
Tut Tut to Those Rich Oppressors
Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. 3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. 4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. 5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. 6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. (James 5:1-6)
James seems to be written to Christians, is this also written to Christians?
I generally consider everyone in Australia to be rich, but maybe this is an unhelpful comparison which is not at all what James intended. The general perception that we in the West are the "rich" and those elsewhere are the "poor" who need our help may be just that, a perception. Jesus is not so interested in social justice as a "just us" you and me with a good and holy character. We need to personally use what we have to help those who do not have, this is not limited to finances.
There are some social justice aspects of this text however. Taking advantage of people. If you shop for the cheapest product and don't question why it is so cheap you are surely doing this. Perhaps looking for a pay rise can be an example of this too.
I have begun wondering recently perhaps I should fully disclose my income and expenses if I become a pastor. If nobody knows what I earn, spend or give, how can I be a good example? It doesn't make any sense. Lord give me wisdom regarding this.
James seems to be written to Christians, is this also written to Christians?
I generally consider everyone in Australia to be rich, but maybe this is an unhelpful comparison which is not at all what James intended. The general perception that we in the West are the "rich" and those elsewhere are the "poor" who need our help may be just that, a perception. Jesus is not so interested in social justice as a "just us" you and me with a good and holy character. We need to personally use what we have to help those who do not have, this is not limited to finances.
There are some social justice aspects of this text however. Taking advantage of people. If you shop for the cheapest product and don't question why it is so cheap you are surely doing this. Perhaps looking for a pay rise can be an example of this too.
I have begun wondering recently perhaps I should fully disclose my income and expenses if I become a pastor. If nobody knows what I earn, spend or give, how can I be a good example? It doesn't make any sense. Lord give me wisdom regarding this.
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