IN THE BEGINNING, GOD

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January 1, 2014

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IN THE BEGINNING, GOD

Life springs from life. I remember as a child that mother baked all our bread in the oven of our kitchen stove. She always made certain that she had a jar with a sizable amount of dough left. That jar was placed in our cool cellar to be mixed with the ingredients of the next time she baked. I think that was called “saur-dough,”  which some bakeries still offer. On occasions the yeast would die, and the cycle was broken until we went to the bakery in town and bought fresh.

The Africans we lived near in Namibia bought a lot of live yeast, not for bead, but to hasten the fermentation of the “Bantu-beer” they buried every Monday in kerosene tins. It would be dug up the following Saturday ready for the week end.

The “theory” of evolution is proved to be false, by the fact that there has to be physical life to produce physical life, and even then it has to be of the same species. I have seen a “liger” in a zoo, but both lions and tigers are of the same species. You will never see a pony born of a cow no matter how many millions of years you might wait. Neither will you ever see “spontaneous life” produced. Life is necessary to beget life.

The beginning of a new year is a good time to think about the beginning of life. It is really no mystery. Our Lord has told us exactly where life began.

GENESIS

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1. This verse answers the question of the source of life, (God), and the next verse, specifically, the Spirit. After he had created a perfect environment for man, he introduced mankind in verse 27. “so God created man in his own image.” The trees and plants produced all manner of fruit, and seed, these were for food, “To you it shall be for meat.” Since man had the ability to make his own decisions, there had to be a “test” and that was the one forbidden tree. If you have ever eaten an unripe persimmon that is how I picture that one tree. Our’s was a beautiful tree, but bitter as can be imagined before a strong frost made it palatable. .

John 1:1-3, confirms these same facts, when it reads, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.”  Here is the third member of the Godhead; JESUS CHRIST

Genesis adds the fact that he “spoke” all the material universe into being, and “saw that it was good! Man thinks himself great when he is able to release a tiny bit of that creation in an atom bomb, but he can not imagine that will happen when God lets this material universe fly apart as a whole! One wonders if Go is going to just let us blow ourselves up in just that way while we meddle with his creation in the name of “science.”  

Don’t delay, accept his only way to prepare, accept him, the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, as your personal saviour, safe in His church. “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”  (were being saved) There is no other way, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me.) Jesus. (Read Acts 2:38.)

The psalmist who wrote so many of the Psalms, wrote in 14:1, “The fool hath said in his heart, There s no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.”  He repeats the same line in Psalm 53:1. We have been forbidden to call any person a fool, but this is God speaking through David. I thought of these words as I looked out my hotel window at the junction of King David and George Washington Streets, at the walls of old Jerusalem. Earlier that day we had looked over the valley at the temple site as seen from the Mount of Olives. It was there that Jesus wept for the city that had rejected and killed the prophets. Later that week, we attended Pentecost services at the Garden Tomb. We had walked where Jesus had also walked many years before, but the reminders are still there to be seen today.

To quote Albert Einstein: “The more I study science, the more I believe in God.”

God has told us where mankind came from, science never will, because it has made it’s decision and looks only for proofs, ignoring those that don’t agree with their theories.

At the Sterkfontein caves, near Johannesburg, South Africa I remember such a “proof” a few bone fragments embedded in a plaster skull. The fragments were from the cave, across the road, but the rest was by “unsanctified” imagination pieced together and dated, so far back that no one could prove them wrong.

There is a beginning, and there is an end, both are recorded in our Bibles. The beginning in Genesis 1, and John 1, and the ending in Revelation, the last few chapters.

“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

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A STEADFAST FAITH

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December 20, 2013

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A STEADFAST FAITH

I begin with the conversation Jesus had with the woman of Samaria, ”I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” Jesus saith unto her, “Woman. believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem worship the Father. Ye worship what ye know not what: we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:19-24

In this text, Jesus is speaking to a woman, a Samaritan, who worshipped God under the law of Moses. She knew that the Jews worshipped in Jerusalem, while they, not being welcome in Jerusalem, had their own place in Samaria that they offered sacrifices to God.

But: Jesus moved the conversation, not to places, but forward to a time what would be yet to come. Yes, the church would begin at Jerusalem soon, but after that it’s first growth would encompass Samaria, and soon afterwards the Roman empire, and ultimately the world.

Having laid this first foundation, let us move on to the book of Hebrews.

Hebrews 10:19-27

A VAST NEW ERA

Jesus Christ has died on the cross, resurrected, and established a new era, not under the law, but under grace. Because of the blood of Christ, daily sacrifices on an altar are no longer offered. His death on Calvary fulfilled that need, and in doing so God is now approachable by all Christians! On his death the Veil between the Holy place and the Holy of Holies was torn apart by God. That which had only been accessible to Christ, now is open to all. We can pray directly, not through a go-between priest. We are all priests!

19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

(Ephesians 2:18, Hebrews 9:8, Hebrews 9:12)

20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

(John 14:6)

21 And having an high priest over the house of God;

AS PRIESTS, WE ARE TO LIVE A SANCTIFIED LIFE

Under the law, only Levites, could be priests, and before they could serve, they were required to be ceremonially cleansed.

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

(Hebrews 7:19, Hebrews 10:1)

Whether the phrase “Our bodies washed with pure water” is in reference to baptism or not directly refers to our baptism, is not really important as there are many references that clearly indicate that this is where we are cleansed of our sins, Acts 2:38, being but one. As priests, we became so, when we were baptized  and our lives and hearts made clean in God’s sight. Being clean, we may approach Him in prayer.

STAY SANCTIFIED (DEDICATED/SET APART)

Hold fast, don’t lose faith. That is where satan will attack first, as he did with Christ. No sooner was Jesus baptized until Satan came to tempt him. We can not expect any less

attention.

23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

(Ephesians 3:12)

GOOD WORKS

Good works are not a means of attaining salvation, but they are a means of sharing faith.

You can not hide your good deeds, but neither should you flaunt them. Just make them a way of life.  

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

(1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 Corinthians 10:13)

Your faithfulness in worship says a lot. Encourage one another that both you and your friends may stay safe in the flock of the Lord, until He separates the sheep from the goats at judgment time. Live in anticipation of that time.

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

(Acts 2:42, Romans 13:11, Philippians 4:5)

The back slider may say, “Oh, I will be saved.” but the truth is that he is not very likely to return.

26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

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WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?

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December 13, 2013

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WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?

How tempting it is to lay the blame on the Lord. My wife is in hospital, trapped there, after she was supposed to be discharged, by an ice storm that has descended upon our city. If that simple statement were not enough, like Job, one is tempted by others to blame the Lord for it. The section of carports above ours had collapsed pinning five cars in, and another lower down, as well, pinning in another four. The steel supports just could not bear the weight of the ice. When I first heard the crash of the collapse, I rushed out and moved our car to a open guest parking space. There are a half dozen or so open, unprotected spaces. Then I went to the office to report what had happened. Rhena the receptionist was the only staff on duty so she phoned her superiors and took their camera to photograph the damage.

Now, days later, churches all over the city have announced they will not have services, including the Valley View Christian Church where most of the parking is a sloping glaze of ice. My car is parked, nose down, on such a spot here. I doubt if it will be able to get traction, so I listened to three sermons on TV and after lunch, when I hoped the temperature would rise above freezing, I managed to get to the hospital to take communion to Phyllis. That was successful, and I had planned to fellowship with another congregation we often visit, for evening worship. They have a level parking lot and are among the few remaining that have evening services but a friend there phoned to tell us that they were also closed. Phyllis made it back home on Monday after lunch.

Before the worship programs a discussion program dealt with the lack of privacy that has come into effect since the New York City tragedies a few years ago. Years before that in Africa, we accepted the fact that our phones were tapped, and our worship services were spied upon. I had no phone in Windhoek, but as soon as we moved to Kimberley, we did. Daily we heard a slight “jingle” when the tapes were changed. In Windhoek our interpreter was a planted police spy. When it was clear that there was no reason, we lost our teacher and interpreter. Such things were, and probably still are, common. Jesus was spied upon by the Pharisees and priests of the temple. If we are faithfully spreading his same message, be will be too. God does not send it, but unlike Job, we know who is to blame. Job didn’t know, but we have been informed for the book of Job tells us it was Satan..  

Romans 8:30-39

EVERY LIFE HAS A DESTINY CHOSEN BY GOD

Other texts point out that God had a plan for us long before we were born. However, we are not forced into fulfilling it If you have ever built a new home, you know that the finished building has, at the least, slight alterations from the approved plan submitted for approval. God had a plan for you, and he equipped you with the DNA to do that and as long as you are following his plan, he will open “doors of opportunity.” Looking back on my own life I clearly see those times now, but unfortunately, I also see “doors” not opened. So it probably is with us all.  

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

IF GOD IS FOR US, HE WILL PROVIDE

God will provide if he is with us in our planning. The problem is how to recognize them and then work to fulfill them. Some time ago, I was approached by a very wealthy woman, if you can believe the emails I received are really from her. She is dying of cancer and wants her wealth to be used for the Lord. Something like the rich young ruler only in reverse. I am tormented, like Job, I did not really work for it as I had reservations. Was I wrong? Who knows? I may have rejected an open door of opportunity. Perhaps I was brought to this point in life for just this opportunity. There is no, question that the world could use an ”infusion” of practically unlimited cash to partially heal its turmoil and missions could be greatly helped by multiple millions slowly applied to really worthy causes.

Of course, who could be against us, is clearly Satan and his world. That much we do know.   

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

GOD GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON

We can say those words so glibly!  We have no idea how great a sacrifice that was. Our minds can’t grasp how much Jesus gave up to become a homeless, vagrant teacher. Words can not describe the wonders of heaven, or the power of the creator that he gave up for our sakes. If it is his will, he will provide. That is why I have just turned such offers over to God. Let His will be done. He can override all opposition. If it is of Him, He will provide freely.

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

WE KNOW HE LOVES US

Christ suffered all these and more and we can expect the same.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

BUT REMEMBER, CHRIST OUR LORD UNDERSTANDS, AND HE LOVES US.

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WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?

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WHAT IS “THE GOSPEL?”

A few years ago, my wife complained to our doctor that she found herself puffing and short of breath at the slightest exertion. She found it difficult to keep up with me when we were walking together. So, it was agreed that she would wear a monitor that would broadcast her heart beat to the hospital. Since it was late Friday afternoon when she put it on, we did not expect to hear anything from them for a week or two. But much to our shock yet that day, we had a call back and the hospital wanted her to come in immediately. Her heart was not only beating unevenly, but it was stopping for several seconds at a time frequently. We managed to persuade them that we would come in early Monday. On Monday, she received her first pacemaker. What was the rush, you might ask? She was not getting good blood circulation and could have had a stroke or died at any time. As the heart is to the physical body, so is the Gospel to the spiritual being. One is of this world, but the other is eternal. So which is more important? Neither, both are vital. Without physical life, it is too late to worry about the eternal. That is already settled, but the eternal, for the living yet, is the most important decision any one can ever make!

I remember that I was not yet ten when I made that decision. Our minister was preaching his last sermon as he was going to another congregation to minister. He had been preaching about the Lord’s return, and had even set the date. (Long since past.)  I was so upset, even at that age, that Jesus might return before I could be baptized that I begged my mother to get me to the church that evening. Since my father, who was a travelling salesman, had not returned home that weekend, she phoned a neighbor to ask them to take me with them. They had already left the house in their Model T. Ford.  Even with their large family, they made room for one more when I rushed to the road and flagged them down. I would that all men on hearing and believing the Word would so respond.

WHAT, AND WHY IS THIS “GOSPEL” SO IMPORTANT?

The word itself is used several times in the New Testament and just reading a few of them shows its importance. It has its roots long before in the messages of the Prophets. It is one of those things that the Jewish nation should have recognized, but they had interpreted the Messiah as coming to set up their nation as a world power. It is that, but not a physical power, but a Spiritual power, and not for them alone, but for all nations.

According to Webster, the ancestor of gospel is in the Old English “godspel,” literally Good News.

The first reference, I am using comes from Romans 1:1-7. Christ chose Paul to bear the good news to the non-Jewish world. The New Testament says, the Gentile world. The Jews separated the world to be Jews, and the rest Gentiles, and in a sense, so does the New Testament as a whole, then it divides the world into the saved and the not saved. It says we are all servants, either we serve God or we serve Satan and our eternal destiny is to be with the one we serve in life.  

1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Paul makes it clear that he is serving the Lord. The gospel is the good news that there is something better than this world ahead and available to all. Now isn’t that a message we need today, and always?  Christ has paid the debt of sin for all who accept and obey him. If we obey him in everything he has asked, our real life is ahead. Paul did not respond as they expected when people stoned him. He took their beatings and frequent arrests as unimportant in comparison to what they did to his and our Lord. He even counted it a privilege when the Romans chained him between two guards. He had a “captive audience” always, as he taught those who came to him to be taught, and thus it was that with the changing of the guards the household of the empire became converted as well.  

2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

The coming of the Messiah was prophesied from of old.

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:

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:

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.

WHY MUST WE SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH OTHERS?

Mark 16:15-16

And he said unto them,” Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but that believeth not shall be damned.” This is also found in Matthew 28:19.  

This is the heart and purpose of every sermon. If it is not, then we need to reexamine why we are sent, These are the last recorded words of the Lord as he was lifted up into heaven. They are a command  and they tell us what to teach and preach as we go. Don’t you suppose he is going to ask as soon as he returns is “Where did you go and what did you say?” He knows that if we take his word, it will not return void.

Paul looked forward to go to Rome , and when he finally went, even as a prisoner, still had that attitude, Romans 1:15,16,  “So much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

DO NOT BE ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL

“Be not thou ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner.” 2 Timothy 1:8a.

Without it, there would be no saving of anyone  from destruction.

Even when I was a sailor in California He spoke to me through the favorite hymn of the Navy, “Throw out the Life-line across the dark wave, There is a brother someone should save, Somebody’s brother! “  He is also speaking to you, wherever you are.

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