In the month of October the Church celebrates (in places)

The great event of the Reformation in which the Church was practising false doctrine to becoming a Church following the Bible.

Bible Sunday, the nominated day when Ministers in the Church are expected to give thanks and recognize our Holy Book on

27 October unless choosing another date. In view of the fact that the two events are on the same day, I will be preaching Bible Sunday this coming Sunday for 6 October.  This will enable readers to avoid a joint explanation.

There are three essential subjects on which the Reformation was based, Sola Faith, Sola Grace and Sola Scripture. I hope to preach as follows God being willing

 October 6.     2 Timothy 3 v 16 to 4.

October 13    Only Faith and Only Grace

October 20   Only Scripture

October 27   The Protestant Reformation

 

J O H N  7  v 1-24

This Chapter following on from Chapter 6. Occurs after a wide interval of time. Jesus had left Jerusalem, and here John tells of events there.

This story portrays hardness and unbelief of human nature. Even the brothers of Jesus did not believe in Him, the holiness, harmlessness, and blameless as He was in life; some close relatives did not receive Him as the Messiah.  It was bad enough that the Jews wanted to kill Him, but even worse for Him was that His brothers did not believe in Him.

The true servants of Christ in every age, should remember the words of Jesus at another time, ‘no one comes to me unless the Father who had sent me, draw him.

Jesus learned by experience how to sympathize with all people who stand alone.  They are apt to think it was their fault, and are ready to blame themselves because their families are unbelieving.  Jesus said there was no fault in word or deed, yet His own brothers let Him down.

The possession of spiritual privilege alone never made a Christian, all is useless without the effectual and applying of the Holy Spirit.

Our blessed Lord was as stated, sympathetic with all who stand alone, which gives out a thought of sweet and pleasant comfort. He knows the heart of all His people who stand alone, He has passed through such trials. If anyone is cast down because of being despised by brothers or sisters, turn to Christ for comfort.

We should see the reason why people need to hate Jesus. He said to His unbelieving brothers, ‘the world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify of it, and the evil it does.’  These words reveal the principles which influence people in religion treatment. They help to explain that deadly enmity with which many during our Lord’s ministry regarded Him and the Gospel.

 It was not so much to the high doctrine which He preached, as the high standard it produced, which gave offence. It was not even His claim to be received as the Messiah, which disliked so much as His witness to the wickedness of their lives. They would have tolerated His opinions if he would have spared their sins.

In principle, we may be sure of our worldly applications. It is the same as it was so many years ago. The total reason why many people dislike the Gospel, is the holy living which it demands. Few will find any fault in doctrine only. To denounce the fashionable sins of the day, and call on people to repent and walk consistently with God, and they will be offended. The true reason why many people profess to be influenced and yet abuse Christianity, is the witness Christianity bears against their own bad lives.

We see the strange variety of opinions about Christ, which were current from the beginning.  We are told there was much murmuring among the people concerning Jesus; some said He was a good man, others said He deceived people. 

The  words which old Simon said years before, were here being accomplished in a striking manner.  Simon said to the Lord’s mother, ;this child is set for the rising and falling of Israel; and a sign which shall be spoken against the thought of many hearts will be revealed.

The diversities of opinions about the Lord, which arose among the Jews, saw the words of Simon being fulfilled.

In the face of such a passage as this, the endless differences and divisions about religion, which we see on all sides, in the present day ought never to surprise us. The open hatred of some to Christ, carping, fault finding, prejudiced spirit, of others, the bold confessions of others, the faithful ones, the timid ones. The unceasing  end of words and strife of tongues, which the Churches of Christ are so familiar with, are modern symptoms of an old disease. Such is the corruption of human nature, that Christ is the cause of division among  wherever He is preached, so long as the world stands.

Some of them, when they hear of Him will love. And some will hate, some will believe, others will not. That deep prophetical saying of His. Will be  continually be verified; ’think not that I come to send peace on earth, I come not to send peace, but a sword.’

A question al Christians should ask themselves is, what do I think of Christ? Never be ashamed of believing in Christ,  listen for His voice and confess Him. Where others waste time in controversy, take up the cross and make a calling. The people of this world may dislike us, it disliked Jesus because religion as standing, is a witness against them.  The last day will show we acted wisely. Lost nothing but gained a crown of glory which will never fade away.

The honest obedience of God’s will is one way to obtain clear spiritual knowledge.  Our Lord said, if any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether of God or other, I speak of myself.

The difficulty of finding out what is truth, is a different subject of complaint as they point out the differences which prevail among Christians, in matters of doctrine and be unable to decide who is right.  In many cases, this professed ability to find out truth is an excuse for not getting any religion at all.

The saying of our Lord before us is the one that, demands the serious attention of person in this state of mind.  It is an argument whose edge and past they will find it hard to evade.  It teaches that our secret of getting the key of knowledge, is to practice what we honestly know, and if we conscientiously use the light we know, and shall find new light coming into our minds. In short, there is  some sense in which it is true that by doing we will become knowing.

There is a lot of truth in this principle. Well would it be for those who, act upon it. Instead of saying, as some do, I must know everything clearly and then will act. We should say I will carefully use the knowledge I have and believe in, using knowledge which is given to me,  How many mysteries this would explain  How manydifficult things would be made simple if given the light, and follow to know the Lord.

God deals with us s moral beings, not as beasts.  He loves to encourage us to self-exertion, and careful of such means as which we have on our hands. The plain things in religion are undeniably many.  Honestly attend to know and be taught the  things of God.

Whatever some say about their ability to find out truth, you will seldom find one of them who does not know more than what he practices. Then, if he is sincere, let him begin at once. Let him humbly use what little knowledge he has, and God will soon give him more. The bible states, if thine eye ne single, thy whole body will be light.

This passage teaches a self-exalting spirit in Ministers of religion, is totally opposite to the mind of Christ.  Our Lord states, he who speaks of himself seeks his own glory; but he that seeks His glory that sent him, the same is true, and there is no unrighteous in  him,  The wisdom and truth of this sentence will be clear to any reflective mind. The Minister truly called of God, will be deeply sensible of his

Lord’s majesty, and his own weakness and unworthiness.

But on the other hand, he who is not moved by the Holy Spirit, will try to cover up any defects by magnifying himself.  the very idea of a desire  to exalt ourselves is a bad symptom.  The keynote which runs through the Epistles of Paul, find humility and a zeal for the glory of Christ.

Lastly. We find in this passage is the danger of forming a hasty judgment.  The Jews at Jerusalem were ready to condemn Jesus as a sinner against the law of Moses because He healed a man on a Sabbath.  They forgot in their blind enmity, the fourth Commandment  did not forbid the works of necessity or works of mercy. 

A work the Lord had done on the Sabbath, was no doubt a work that was not forbidden by law. They hence drew down on themselves, the rebuke of judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

The  practical value of the lesson before us is great.  We shall do well to remember as we travel through life, to correct an estimate of people, and the things by the light which it supplies.

We are too often to ready to be deceived by an appearance of good.  We are in danger of rating some men as good Christians, because of a little outward presence of religion and a decent Sunday formality-because in short, they talk the language of Canaan, and wear the garb of pilgrims.  We forget that all is not good that appears as good, not gold that glitters, and that daily practice, choice, taste, habits. conduct, private character, are the true evidence of what a man is.  We get our Lord’s saying, judge not according to appearance..

May God’s blessing be upon you.   Be in Church on Sunday.

 

M A R K  9 v38—50

The Gospel reading for Sunday

The Apostle John said to Jesus, Master we saw someone casting out devils in Thy name, and he followed not us; the man we forbade Him because he did not follow us.  The man was doing good work no doubt. He was warring on the same side as the Apostles beyond question; but this did not satisfy John. He did work in the company of the Apostles, he did not fight in line with them, and John had forbidden him. 

But now let us hear what the great Head of the Church decides.  Jesus said forbid him not; for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name that come lightly, speak evil of me. For he that is not against us, is on our part.

Here is a golden rule, and one that human nature needs and is too often forgotten.  Men in all branches of Christ’s Church are apt to think no good can be done unless its has been done by someone in their own denomination. They are so narrow minded that they cannot conceive the possibility of working any other pattern but which they follow. They make an idol of their own ecclesiastical machinery, and cannot see merit in any other. They are like him who cried, when Elad and Medad prophesied on the camp they had, and Moses forbid them

In that intolerant spirit, were once the blackest pages of Christian history. Christians have persecuted Christians for no other reason that John gave,  they have practically proclaimed their brethren, you follow me or not work for Christ at all.

Let us be on our guard against such action. This is too close to our hearts. We should have a tolerant spirit which Jesus has recommended,  and be thankful for good works whosoever has done them.  We should not stop and check others who do not do it our way.

I, at one time declined to attend United Church services, when all the different Churches would meet together. We all would be invited to share in Holy Communion, but Protestant Churches were barred when held in Roman Catholic Church.  I cannot imagine Jesus asking what denomination we were from, and as we were worshipping Him, all should be as one.  Are we not all striving for the same Lord?

Happy is the someone who know something of Moses, who said would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets. Paul said, if Christ is praised I rejoice.

We see the need of giving up everything which stands in the way of our salvation.  Whatever cost is involved, we are expected to sacrifice. This sounds stern and harsh, but Jesus did not give this rule without cause. Compliance is needed, our bodies sense the channels through which temptation comes.

We have to resolve by God’s grace, to make practical use of our Lord’s injunction in this place.  However, others may ridicule us for our strictness. Let us deny ourselves any action which will incur peril of sinning against God.  Let us walk in the footsteps of Job; he says I made a covenant with my eyes.

There is no mercy, in keeping back from men the subject of hell. Fearful and tremendous as it is, it ought to be pressed on all, as one of the great truths of Christianity. Our loving Savior often spoke about it

The Apostle John, in the book of Revelation, often describes it. The servants of God these days, should not be ashamed to say it, and confessing their belief in it. Were there no boundless mercy in Christ for all who believe in Him we might well shrink from the awful topic Where there no precious blood of Christ to cleanse away all sin, we might keep silence about the wrath to come. But there is mercy for all who ask in the name of Christ.  There is a fountain open for all sin.

Boldly and unhesitatingly maintain there is a hell, and call for all to flee from it before it be too late.  Knowing the terrors of the Lord’s wrath, the worm, let us persuade men.  It is not possible to say too much about Christ, nut it is possible to say too little about hell.

May the words of our Lord ring in our ears.  Have salt in yourselves and peace with one another.  Make sure you have the grace given to us with watchfulness, and pray to be kept from, carelessness and sin. Lest we be overtaken in faults, bring misery to our conscience and discredit our profession.

Let us make sure we have the grace of the Holy Spirit preserving from corruption, sanctifying, purifying our whole being. Live in peace seekingGreat things, but clothed with humility. And loving all who love Christ.

We give thanks to God. May His Holy name be Praised and He be glorified

 

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J O H N  5  v18-end

Jesus, in these verses is asserting his own divine nature; and the dignity of His Office; this the place where He dwells fully on this subject with His unity with His Father.  Here we find the Lord handling the subject of His own person.

The Jews, as on many occasions, found fault when He cured a man on the Sabbath, who had been disabled for thirty-eight years. They said He had broken the fourth Commandment.

The reply of Jesus, was my Father works where I work also, He was meaning, whilst God rested on the seventh day, He would always attend to the merciful healing of someone. Jesus puts the claims of the Sabbath, of a proper understanding. The thing to be feared, is the possibility to treat the Sabbath loosely or not at all.

The dignity and greatness of Jesus was marked.  The Jews  tried to kill Jesus, because He said God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. Jesus in reply on this special occasion, enters fully into the question of His own divinity. In reading His words, we are treading on holy grounds.

He sets His own unity with God the Father, knowing He can do nothing by Himself, only doing what He has seen what the Father does.  The Father loves the Son, and shows  Him all the things that he has done.  In other words, that in operation, knowledge and heart, and with the Father and Son are one, two persons, but one God.  We have to believe and accept.

Truths like this are hard to explain. Jesus states in the next place, His own divine power to give life, and heals who He pleases.

Jesus in the last place, gives His own authority to judge the world. God has given Him charge. All authority in heaven and earth is Jesus, and the world is committed to His hands. He is  King and Judge, and before Him every knee will bow and every name confess, that He is Lord. He who was despised and rejected, condemned and crucified, will one day judge the whole world. God will judge the sins on men, by Jesus Christ. If we desire salvation, we have to lean on Jesus, this mighty Savior.  Never be afraid, Christ is the rock of ages, and who that believes on Him, shall never be burdened in sickness or death on judgment day.

We see mighty truths. To the minds of Jews, who were familiar with the writings of Moses and Daniel, it would come home to them with peculiar power.  In the words of Jesus, they would not see final words of His claim to be received as the Messiah

We see that salvation of our souls, depends on hearing Christ. We are told it is the man who hears Christ’s words, and believes the Father sent Him to save sinners who has everlasting life. Such hearing of something, is more than just listening. It is the hearing of God, and we should never forget, it is just as needful as it was two thousand years ago.

These verses, show how rich and full are the privileges of a true heaven and believers. Such is one who enjoys a present salvation

The true believer has spiritual treasures in Jesus. It is one’s own the moment it is believed, already pardoned, forgiven and saved.  Sins are removed and blotted out by the blood of Christ, and can look to judgment without fear.

The last but not least, for a true Christian, is the entire change  of relationship with God.  there s a striking declaration of the power of Christ to give life to dead souls. Our Lord tells us, that the hour is when the dead shall hear the voice of God.  these verses were fulfilled during the Ministry of Jesus, after the day of Pentecost through the Ministry of the Apostles.

We see the solemn prophecy of the final resurrection of the dead. Our Lord tells the hour is coming, when the dead will rise from the grave, shall hear His voice, and come forth

.  All is not over when we die. None shall escape His call when we rise, it will not be the same condition.  There will be two classes. Not all will go to heaven; not all will be saved. Those who have done well, will rise to eternal life, and those who kept acting wrong, will rise to face judgment. Jesus said he judges as God tells Him,  Jesus puts honor on His faithful servants.

See how he speaks of John the Baptist, who was a shining light who was put to death by Herod.  Christ cares for all His believing people, and never forgets.  He knows where they dwell and what trials they have.  He knows what they do in this evil world.

The miracles of the Lord get far less attention than they should in this day world. The people openly say they don’t believe in the possibility of such things as miracles, and they should be taken out of the Bible.

Men in the Lord’s day had enormous response to the miracles, there were so many.  His enemies said they were the work of a Satanic agency.  Let the enemies of the Bible take our Lord’s last and greatest miracle, His own resurrections from the dead, and dispute it if they can. Let the friends of the Bible not be influenced by such objections.

We see the honor Christ put on the Scriptures. He refers to them as the great witnesses to Him.  Search the scriptures He says, for they testify to me. The Lord was referring to the Old Testament, and that shows the important truth, which many overlook.  Every part of the Bible is meant to teach us about Christ, not only the Gospels and Epistles. He is to be found directly and indirectly in the Law, the Psalms and Prophets. In the promises to  Adam, Abraham, Moses and Daniel. In the predictions of Isaiah and  other prophets.

There are so many people who know so little. Do not have wisdom or knowledge, but are keen not to believe in the mission of Christ. This is  proved to be misguided as there are witnesses to testify and confirm all Jesus stated.  The plain truth is the heart, so they stay unbelievers.

The Chapter concludes the defense of Jesus in divine mission. We see why souls are lost.  Jesus says to the unbelieving Jews, ‘you will not come to me so that you may have life.’ Jesus tells them they don’t have God’s love in them.  \they don’t honor God, but honor each other.

 A deep principle in the words of Jesus, are deserving of special attention. True faith is not depend on a person’s head, but rather their heart. But so long as people love something more than God, there is no  faith,

A person must declare they honestly and really desire the praise of God. It is the want of a honest heart that makes many stick fast to their religion. Some people claim they believe, but they really don’t. Every one has to ask themselves, am I honest?  Am I sincere? Do I really desire the praise of God?

Finally, we see the manner in which Jesus speaks of Moses.  He says to the Jews, if you had believed in Moses, you would have believed in me for he spoke of me.  Moses was the author of writings, ascribed to him.

Always avoid mishandling the Old Testament. The simple fact is, the writers of the New Testament continually referred to the Old, and spoke of the events, so true Christians in the 21st century are probably as able to be informed of Moses was as much as Jesus and the Apostles.  Obviously we cannot, so we should not doubt anything in the Old Testament, and treat it with reverence as New Testament, given by the inspiration of God.  

 

May God’s Word be an inspiration to our hearts

May God’s Holy Name be Praised

 

M a r k 9  v30-37 is the Gospel reading on Sunday

In this passage, Jesus announces again His forthcoming death and resurrection. He taught His Apostles and said to them, The Son of Man is delivered into the hands of man, and they shall kill him. and after he is killed, he shall rise on the third day.  The dullness of the Apostles in spiritual things appears once more, as soon as that announcement was made there was good in the tidings as well as evil. Sweet as well as bitter, life as death, the resurrection as well as the Cross.

But it was all darkness to the bewildered Apostles  they did  not understand and were afraid to ask.  Their minds were full of their Master’s reign upon earth.  They thought that His earthly Kingdom was to immediately appear.  Never are we so slow to understand, when prejudice and pre-conceived opinions darken our eyes.  

The immense importance of our Lord’s death and resurrection comes out strongly in this fresh announcement which He makes.  He reminds them He must die. 

We are to know His death was the great end for which He came into the world. By that death, the great problem was solved, how God could be just and yet justify sinners. He did not come into the world just to teach or preach and perform miracles, He came to make satisfaction for us by His blood and suffering on the Cross.  This is never to be forgotten.  

The incarnation and example and the words of Christ, are all of deep importance.  But the object which demands our notice, in the history of the earthly Ministry, is His death at Calvary.

We see secondly, the ambition and love of pre-eminence of the Apostles exhibited as the way in which they debated  among themselves who should be the greatest.

Who would have thought that fishermen and publicans, could have been overcome by the desire of supremacy. Poor men who had given up everything for the sake of Christ, would have been troubled by dissention, as to the place of precedence each one deserved. Yet it was so. The fact is recorded for us to learn. The Holy Spirit has caused to be written down for the continued use for the Christian Church.

It is an awful fact, whether we like it or not, that pride is the most common sin of human nature. We are all born Pharisees.

People think more of themselves than they ought, and think something better is deserved. It all began at the garden of Eden, when Adam ad Eve felt they had been denied. It rules in many hearts without it being noticed, it can even be covered up by a pretence of humility. It leads away from Christ, affects brotherly love, we should all be on our guard lest we fool or be fooled.

Jesus set before His Apostles a standard of true greatness.  He said, if any man chooses to be first, he shall be the last of all.

This shows the desires of the world are totally contrary to those of Jesus.  The worldly idea is to rule, but Christian greatness is in serving.  The world seeks ambition, honours, and attention. But the Christian should seek to give rather than receive.

Briefly, those who lay themselves out, to help fellow beings, are to be useful in his day and is the greater in the eyes of Jesus. 

There is a call to make  practical use of the heart-searching practice.  To do good to our fellow beings; Christians should be ready to help others and find happiness.

Finally, we see what encouragement our Lord gives to the lowest and least  who believe in His Name.  He shows this in a special manner. He took a child into His arms, and said to the Apostles. he who soever shall receive one of such children in my Name receives me, and whosever receives me receives the One who sent me.

This is a continuation of what we have considered. It may be foolhardy to the natural man, flesh and blood can see no other way to greatness than crowns, rank, wealth and position.  The Son of Man declares the way lies in devotion to the weakest and lowest of his flock.  He emphasises His declaration by words which are often read without thought

There is encouragement here for all who devote themselves to do charitable work for neglected souls; to restore the outcast to society, to  take the fallen from sins, to bring the wanderer home.

The Son of God marks those who do those things.  Whatever the world thinks, they are those whom Jesus will delight to honour on the last day.

 

Let us thank God for His Word. May His Holy Name be glorified

James 3 v1/12

This morning I ask you to turn with me to the 3rd Chapter of James’ Epistle. It is a very practical letter, and this passage is all about the use/misuse of the tongue.
We all know how destructive the tongue can be, and I am sure we all have regrets over things we have said, whether cruel or just embarrassing. Most human sin is facilitated by speech of one sort or another, anger, seduction; the tongue is the wind that whips up the embers into a fierce blaze. So, James wants to guide us to let the influence of Christ be uppermost in our minds. Abraham Lincoln is quoted as saying ‘I would rather be thought a fool for not speaking than to speak and prove it.’

James begins by referring to teachers (or preachers) who held a prestigious position within the Church, and were directly responsible for instructing new converts. This enabled them to use the tongue to promote their own ideas and opinions, with false teaching. This is still a concern today, when those privileged to lead services find the Bible, does not match up with their belief, that we should adapt to the culture of 21st century society’s ways.

When the first Christian Church gathered after Pentecost, the role of teacher or preacher was highly rated, subordinate only to an Apostle. For many years, probably until the late twentieth century, the position of a Minister was much respected and he was treated as an important member of society.

This lessened as the Church became less important to the lives of a lot of people. Whole families being in employment during the week, and wanting to go travelling in cars, shops opening as never before on Sundays, all proved to be a more acceptable choice to a large size of the community, and even in villages, the importance of the Church lay in it adding a nice addition for the village scene.

From an early stage, some people positioned themselves as teachers, who were not suitable due to lack of commitment and knowledge, and there were then as now, some who wanted to further a spread of immorality, and encourage behaviour which was non-Scriptural. Indeed, now there appears to be more engaged in teaching the adopting of non-Scriptural conduct.

I imagine very shortly only the Independent, Pentecostal and black Churches remaining faithful to the Bible, as the main denominations are supporting marriage ceremonies for two people of the same sex, and other actions which are contrary to the teaching of Scripture.

Jude, in his Letter to the Churches warned of people who were creeping into Churches, for the purpose of falsely teaching immoral conduct. Paul, writing to Timothy warned those given the privilege of preaching the Word would be held in greater judgement for any false teaching, and this what James has in mind in his opening verses.

Teaching is done primarily by use of the tongue, and secondly by words which the tongue has committed to paper. If we realize the power of the tongue, we should also realize the great damage it can cause. From false teaching, which will lead people astray and lead away from the true faith, to normal every day speaking.

James points out, a person makes his own choice to be a teacher, and by doing so places a great responsibility upon him /herself, and if they fail, are under condemnation.

When teaching in a Church, consideration has to be given by the teacher to the type of congregation, as for instance young or old, male or female, and adjust to each type, Older people for example, are much more sensitive and care is therefore necessary. In every case, the teaching must be as laid down in the Bible, and not be a collection of the speaker’s own opinions and preferences. This is now less observed than what was once the practice.

When people gather together for worship, they should hear what God has said and wants to be, not what any man or woman thinks should appertain. Some of the men (only in those days) were not truly qualified, either by learning or faith to be teachers, and there is at the present time a tendency in all denominations, to be too ready to appoint preachers just to be able to have someone available. This can do more damage and irreparable harm to the Christian faith as agitators for a particular cause have free rein.

It was therefore with amazement, that an appeal for people to volunteer to become Methodist Church leaders, once appeared on Facebook. This was an open invitation for activists being given the opportunity to have a free platform for all their agenda to be preached. The Bible leads us to believe when God sees someone worthy to be a preacher, He calls them.

 I have read the testimonies of numerous Methodist lay preachers, all of which tell how God dramatically prevailed upon them to become preachers. I am sure God would not choose an Internet site to call people.

The problem is exacerbated, when the position in society of clergy is considered. In the Church of England, perhaps more so than in the Free Churches, a Vicar carries considerable respect, so his words can materially influence a person’s mind.

There is little more dangerous in the general run of life than public speaking. Speakers will not often set out to offend, but on other occasions a slip of the tongue, or words delivered in a wrong manner, can even without intention, upset someone. Teaching in Church nowadays is filled with peril, for a Bible teacher, for so many listeners have adopted a free style of life, and don’t like being reminded of their own guilt. Consequently if a speaker is complained about, it is almost like receiving a badge of honour.

In verse 2, James points out how easy it is to offend with the tongue as well as doing good. Two examples are Hitler, who could mesmerise a nation with his oratory and spread evil, and on the other hand Winston Churchill who could inspire and motivate his country to greatness.

We can all slip up, a term James infers, quite easily and unintentionally. Words more than anything else form impressions that stick, especially are they damaging when bitterly criticising. James wants us to grasp this, so that we may control ourselves, and uses two examples to demonstrate how powerful the tongue is. Once words are used they can never be fully retracted, even with apologies the words remain in the memory of the one used against. However much we are warned, we never completely avoid hurt.

When a bit is put into a horse’s mouth we can control the whole body, and make it do what we wish. When the tongue is controlled, the whole body feels the blessings.

Secondly, a ship is large and heavy and can be driven by strong winds, yet a very small rudder can divert whichever way a pilot wants to go. So when applied to the tongue, it may help the whole person control the pressures which threaten to drive us off course, and a gentle word may turn off anger.

Nothing warms our hearts more than sincere expressions of love and esteem, and nothing hurts as much as hard words of bitter criticism or reproach. Christians must learn and accept, that there can be difference of opinion and belief between us, which must be respected and discussed in a civilised and above all Christian way.

In verse 5, playing with fire is a menacing figure of speech. A great forest fire as we now often see in the United States, is set off by a small spark, sometimes deliberately used; words too can spread like wildfire and cause much harm.

In to-day’s world with computer, mobile phones, texts and emails, rumour and gossip can be sent around the world, as numerous people have found to their embarrassment, not knowing if what was sent was true or not.

Reputations are destroyed over coffee, or more so with alcohol in the equation. Tongues rattle away and slanderous remarks fly freely.

Verse 6 refers to the tongue set on fire by hell. In ancient times,  there was a place called Gehenna on the outskirts of Jerusalem, seen as hell on earth. This was where children were sacrificed in burning furnaces to the god Moloch. Later, in Jesus time it was the city rubbish dump, where all refuse was taken. It was dark, smelly hellish place and seen as a picture of hell. Sometimes lips are unclean and the fuel for the tongue is said to come from hell in those cases.

Humanists think because God allowed us to have dominion over all other creatures, and to a great extent mankind has been successful in taming most animals, he is invincible. But what we ought to recognise, is that the ability to tame animals was not made possible by our powers alone, it was a gift from God. Our achievements are ultimately received from God, so there should be no boasting in our way of self-sufficiency or ingenuity.
So the reality of our untameable tongue, and the problem of human wickedness, should leave us in no doubt that there is need of a Saviour, because we are helpless in our own strength.

People generally are not all bad, we have lapses, but most people are relatively restrained. James defends his criticism by the inconsistency of our speaking. It is in those times of stress and anger that the viciousness of the tongue is revealed. It is not only in bad language, or unguarded remarks spoken in the heat of the moment, it is the fact that good and pious words come from the same lips. We sing prise to the Lord, and then go out into the worlds to curse our fellowmen, and spread poisonous words.

The Christian who speaks to God in exalted tones, but speaks ridicule to everyone who upsets them, is a contradiction in terms. This was true of Peter when he cursed and swore, and denied the Lord on the night Jesus was arrested.

In verse 10 James states ‘my brothers this should not be’. He is highlighting the abnormality of double speak. We have politicians anxious at time to state their Christian credentials, and then create legislation which penalises Christians who try to exercise their beliefs. Those who love the Lord cannot afford to speak out of both sides of their mouth.

James closes this section with two illustrations. He speaks of a spring, which cannot produce both clear and salt water, nor can a tree provide two kinds of fruit.

He takes his readers to the words of our Lord, and to the very heart of the gospel of saving grace, which is able to transform the whole person. Jesus said ‘if anyone is thirsty let him come to me and drink; whoever believes in me, streams of living water will flow from within’. Christ is the living water who gives to all who come to Him in faith, that water which will become within a spring of water rising up to heaven and eternal life.

It is one of life’s hardest duties, yet also the plainest, to ensure our tongues only ever speak such words as we would wish God to hear.

 

May God’s Holy Name be  Praised, and may God be glorified

 

 2 Timothy 4

The New Methodist year opens in this month of September, a rather appropriate date as holidays come to be reduced.  Members will be returning to Church and there will be friends meeting after holidays, but there will also be some sadness in places where the member with whom you shared Christian joy, is not for a variety of reasons no longer there, due to having moved home, or gone home to be with the Lord. To all, I wish every blessing for the coming year.

I want to open my talk this morning with the words of John Wesley. ‘I want to know one thing; the way to heaven, how to land on that happy shore.  God Himself has condescended to teach the way; He hath written it down in a book.  Give me that book, at any price give me that book’

This morning, I want to speak on why the Bible is so important in the life of the Church, and the need to call people back to it.   

There are times, when we need to seriously consider the position of the Church in this country. Irrespective of denomination, there is a falling away to dwindling congregations, predominantly now filled by people of older years and female. The state we find ourselves in, is due the departure from the Word of God.

We have to be honest and search ourselves when times are so evil, all Christians should be concerned that less than 2% of the population attend Church regularly, but it has not always been so, and there is good cause to believe this is due to the fact we are not accepting the authority of the Bible.

It is suggested that there are so many other attractions, but there have always been other attractions.  It is also stated times have changed, but has that been for the better?

If the Church is not performing the purpose it was created for, then it has no appeal or reason to exist. 

Turning then to the Bible passage, which was from Paul’s 2^nd Letter to Timothy, we find a Letter which might well have been written to us today. 

This has always been my favourite book of the Bible, and am impressed by the words of John Stott, the noted evangelical bible preacher, who wrote, ‘during the last five years I seem to have lived inside the second letter of Paul to Timothy. I have sat down beside Timothy in my imagination and been impressed afresh by the timeliness for today of what the Apostle writes. For our era is one of theological and moral confusion, even of apostasy and the Apostle summons us, as he summoned Timothy, to be brave, strong and steadfast.

Paul is in prison, and nearing the end of his life and wants the gospel to be continued to be taken out into the world.  He is writing to Timothy, who he has chosen to continue his ministry, and this Chapter 4 contains the last words spoken or written by Paul. For 30 years, he has faithfully worked as an Apostle, fought the good fight, kept the faith and now faces martyrdom by a cruel death.

We are reminded, that ALL Scripture was written under the direct inspiration of God, and we are to accept it as written without being selective in any way.  The Bible stands approved and needs no additions, deletions or corrections. It teaches us right from wrong as we live our lives, and to pass judgement on it, is to pass judgement on God.  We do not follow cleverly invented myths.

We have men and now women in places of influence in the Church, suggesting alternative interpretations can be offered to make the Bible acceptable to modern society’s ways of life, adopted by many within the Church;  human reason undermining people’s faith as the true Word of God.  

How God must weep, when he sees men and women singing His praise and hearing His Word on Sunday, and living in direct contrast the rest of the week.

He calls on Timothy to take every opportunity to ‘preach the Word’, which means the Word God had given.  He had also to guard it from any falsification; this applies equally valid now and in all ages.   

We do live in an evil world, where there does not seem to be any limit to which people are prepared to go to cheat, lie, and be corrupt, even to the highest level of public service.  Added to this is the widespread breakdown of family life, crime (despite the massaging of figures) and crudeness of life. This country, as many others are, in such a state because they have turned backs on the Bible.  God has said you have turned your back on me, so get on with things.

Trouble will always abound, when God is rejected. Like Timothy, we live in a time where there is a lack of restraint, it is rather like a car parked on a hill, without the handbrake being applied.

 We are to learn that every preacher has the responsibility to preach the same message. Our message, is that we are all under the judgement of God, and salvation can only be obtained by accepting Jesus Christ as Saviour, who was sent by God, born of a woman by the Holy Spirit.  By His ultimate death on the Cross, to pay the penalty and atone for our sins, all who believe it was for us He suffered, and gave His life, can be forgiven and accepted by God.  The Bible states, that salvation can be found in no other name under heaven given to man.  Jesus Himself stated, no one can come to the Father except by me, and whilst some may be reluctant to state this, it must be said.

We often hear it claimed, that all religions are the same and all lead to God.  This is unequivocally discredited by the Bible.  Further, Islam for instance worships Allah, maintains that God has no Son, denies the divinity of Jesus, and disfavours Jews.  We accept Jesus as the Son of God, worship the God of Israel and a Jewish Saviour, and teach from a book written, (with one exception) by Jewish men.

 In our preaching, we are called upon to convince those who doubt, rebuke those who fall into sin, by failing to live lives according to that laid down by God in the Bible, to encourage all troubled by fear.  We can only do that if we truly believe, and accept in the heart what God has spoken.  We are not to give personal opinions, just tell what the book states.

We have to present the Bible as truly the Word of God as if He was speaking it Himself, and do so with assurance and certainty.  Tell how the Bible was written over many years by forty different men of various occupations and characters, but with only one message, that of eternal salvation, and it all fits together perfectly. All the writers were humbled, by the task God had given them under His inspiration.  Prophecies given by the Old Testament came to fulfilment years after being prophesied.

Paul also emphasises, we carry out our preaching in the presence of God and Jesus Christ, and whilst we have a tremendous privilege in being able to speak in God’s name, we bear an awesome responsibility, for we will be judged as to how faithfully we do so, and will have to account before the Lord one day.

Paul then warns Timothy, that most people cannot bear the truth,  and will not endure sound teaching, and will instead seek preachers who will speak to their likings.  He calls on Timothy not to give in to the prevailing fashions of the day, but to keep steadfast in the faith and speak boldly without anger or fear of casing offence. 

A preacher has to teach what people need to hear, rather than what they want to hear, and do so without fear or favour, and as long as we do strictly according to the Bible, if we do offend anyone it must be asked why they are so offended.  We are not to act like a spiritual dispensary, offering soothing words, but to tell what God has commissioned us to say.

There is a growing tendency in the Church, even at the highest level to keep silent on those controversies of life which give most offence. The reason of course is that Church members want to be free to live as their compatriots do, but that embarrasses their conscience when they are fully aware that some of that modern living is not approved by Scripture.

What hope then is there for the future of Christianity?  This depends on how the Church at large, ordained and lay responds; our services in many cases need to be upgraded.  Like much of our national life, we our constricted by political correctness, and are frightened that if we are too faithful to the Bible we will upset some minority faction, so we modify our words.

It is not a case, as some Commissions try, to introduce novelty services with clowns and animals and other diversions; this only survives as a one off. When people come to Church with a desire to seek spiritual refreshment, they want and need to hear what the Bible offers in plain English without modification.

For over forty years Billy Graham preached to 220millions of people in 185 countries, and told them how their lives needed to be corrected, for they were all sinners, in danger of spending an eternity in hell, and they flocked to hear him in tens of thousands, because he also told them there was hope, and who that hope was.

If you study the tremendous success of his Crusades you will notice that inspired preaching was accompanied by equally inspired music with tunes people could adapt to.  There are Churches which still can attract good congregations by their devotional application of similar style, rather than just putting something on.

The purpose of coming to Church, should be to join with other Christians in singing praise to God, listening to His Word, having it fearless and boldly preached, so there is spiritual nourishment for the week ahead, and to join in  prayer for the needs of the world and ourselves.    Ideally, the Methodist form of service allows for these necessities, with its freedom to present a coherent and meaningful form of worship.  .  I have to admit having a different preacher each week is not always helpful, as each could take a different approach to Scripture.

We have to accept that if you state you believe in the full authority of the Bible, you will find many will oppose you, and even those close to you will challenge you , perhaps within your own family. You will be called narrow minded, bigoted or of having some kind of phobia.

The time has come, when those of us who stand firmly on the Bible will be frozen out, and attempts will be made to silence us.

The Bible is all about salvation and there is spiritual blindness,  refusing salvation, and it is a grave sin to keep others from believing.  If a person wishes to go to hell that is a matter for them, but they have no mandate to take others with them.  There are surely such people within the Church as well as those outside.

We must not be ashamed of the gospel.  It often appears that those in high Office of the Churches, on whom the public mistakenly grant superior Christian knowledge, and whose duty it is therefore to give guidance, are afraid to speak out on moral and ethical issues, for fear of upsetting politicians or damaging their career prospects. But too many in high places don’t truly believe in the Bible, academics who delight in debating what alternative interpretations can be placed on parts of Scripture; careerists rather than having a vocation.

When we appear before the Lord, He will not be interested in how wealthy or important we were in life. He will look at how we lived up to His stated Word.

We are often told God is a God love, and He certainly is, but He is also a God of wrath, and you have to go far into this book before you get to His love. He is a merciful and patient God, but has limits and no nation or person can act with total disregard of His will.  Judgement will come, but people don’t like to talk or think of it.

 All Christians, at this perilous time need to think of what we can offer to God.  To paraphrase a famous saying, ‘think not what God can do for me, but what can I do for God’.

The greatest revival in this country’s history took place under the ministries of Charles and John Wesley, and their legacy has been passed down through the ages to the Church they founded.  This should not be betrayed. Charles was one who wrote as he thought, and he saw the importance of conversion and a personal relationship to Jesus Christ.   He became vividly convinced of the message of salvation, and saw clearer than ever before how faith in Jesus Christ could change a person’s life.  This was the message he would take to as many people as he could, particularly to the poorer classes.  He preached that the value of a person’s life was to be measured by their faith.

Come to Church prepared to feast on sound teaching’ do not let anyone tell you that your life as a Christian does not count, it counts tremendously.  Glory in what God has called you to do

May God’s Holy Name be Praised and may God be Glorified

n 3 v 14-16

 

In these verses, the continuation of the conversation, between Jesus and Nicodemus is stated. Having been told of rebirth, Jesus goes on to talk about justification. We have words which have brought eternal life to many people.

The verses show what ignorance here can be in the minds of men in high Offices. Here is a master of Israel, knowing nothing about salvation.  This exposed darkness in Jewish faith, and how much Jesus was needed.

Ignorance like that of Nicodemus, is unhappily far too common in the Church of Christ. We must not be surprised if we find ourselves in places where we might expect knowledge,  learning, rank and  high Church office. is no proof of someone taught by the Holy Spirit. The successors of Nicodemus, are far more numerous than the successors of Peter.’

On no point is religion so common as in the work of the Holy Spirit. The stumble of Nicodemus is as much to thousands in the present day as it was in the days of Christ.

The natural man or woman, know nothing about the Spirit of God.

John begins these verses, with a story from the  twenty first Chapter of Numbers in the Old Testament.  The Israelites had been wandering in the wilderness complaining and regretting having left Egypt.  To punish them, God sent a plague of serpents. The people pleaded for mercy, so God told Moses their leader, to make an image of a serpent, and hold it up in the midst of the camp, and all who looked at it would be healed and saved.

The Israelites were much impressed, and in the following times the brazen serpent became an image and an idol, but the King of that time was Hezekiah, who made them destroy it as it was being worshipped, and it was forbidden to worship any brazen images. The Rabbis said, it was not the serpent that killed and gave life. Israel looked, and so long as Moses lifted up the serpents, they believed on Him who had commanded Moses to so act. It was God who healed them.

Secondly, we see the same source from which salvation springs; that source is the Father. Jesus said to Nicodemus, God so loved the world he gave  His only Son and whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.

This wonderful verse has been called by Martin Luther, ‘the Bible in miniature’., and no other words are more important than those five words, so God loved the world. The love here spoken of is not that special love with which the Father regards His own chosen ones, but that mighty compassion which He regards the whole race of mankind. Its object is not merely the little flock which He gave to Christ from eternity, but the whole of sinners without exception.

There is a deep sense in which God loves the world. All He has created He regards with pity and compassion. Their sins He cannot love, nut He loves their souls. His tender mercy is over all His works.  Christ is God’s gracious gift to the world. 

We should  take heed, that even views of the love of God are Scriptural. God hates wickedness and anyone who persists wickedness will end in destruction. His love is offered to all people freely, fully, honestly, and unreservedly, but only through Christ’s redemption.

God has planned for salvation for sinners.  Jesus told Nicodemus, that as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so the Son of Man must be lifted up so that all who believed in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  It was the payment by an Almighty Savior,, and representative of man’s enormous debt to God.  His death purchased pardon and redemption for sinners.  The brazen serpent lifted up the camp of Israel and brought health to all who were bitten by serpents.

The truth before us, is the foundation stone of Christianity. The death of Christ is the Christian’s life.  The Cross of Christ is the title to heaven. Christ lifted up to shame at Calvary  is the ladder by which Christians are lifted up, into the holiest and landed in glory. It is true whatsoever beside this faith is necessary  to our complete justification, but nothing beside faith will give an interest in Christ

We see  a suitable conclusion to the tidings which  have been considered.  They show in simple terms, that salvation is entirely of God. The doctrine laid down ought to be carefully remembered, it is an answer to enemies of the truth. God is ready to forgive any sinner. God has sent light into the world, and if anyone does not come to the light, the fault is on them.

The truths we have studied are solemn.  Do you believe them? Salvation by the death of we are guilty debtors, but Christ has died for us in His own blood.  This is the real gospel, this we lean on while we live in this world, this we cling to when we die

Faith in the Lord Jesus, is the very way to salvation. He that has it has salvation. Nothing

Christ is close to us, it must be embraced by faith and make it our own.  Let  no one rest until they have claimed to follow this Savior.  Keep on believing in Him bearing in mind He

who does has real life.  He who does not shall perish.

May God’s Holy Name be Praised and may He be Glorified

 Matthew 15 v 21 /28

Jesus has completed a very hectic ministry in the region of Galilee in the area of Capernaum. He knew He was nearing the end of His earthly ministry, and wanted to rest and teach His Apostles for the future work they would have to do. Jesus has left the area of Galilee completely, and withdrawn into the area of Tyre and Sidon, two places on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in what is now Lebanon. Tyre is about fifty miles south of modern Beirut, and Sidon was halfway between the two. He had gone there for peace and quiet whilst He taught His Apostles.

The cities were outside the boundaries of Israel, and the people were largely Gentiles, but there was a Jewish community. This was the only occasion when Jesus left Jewish territory, and had on His present journey crossed geographical, ethnic, gender and theological boundaries. Later it would mean removing barriers, to enable the gospel to be taken to the whole world.

I have found that quite a number of people found this story hard to understand, as Jesus appeared to be doing something which seems contrary to the image they have of Him, especially in the way He spoke to the woman.

Today many people are anti-Israel and wish to separate from the Jews, but forget the specialness of Israel in the purposes of God. Jesus never implied anything different, but Paul was specially commissioned to bring Gentile and Jews on equal terms. Many of the wonders of technology, which we all enjoy so much, were first discovered and developed in Israel, and given to the wider world in medicine, wireless communication, agriculture and more.

Never overlook the fact that we worship a Jewish Saviour, born into a Jewish family, and our God is the God Israel. We teach, (or are meant to) from a Holy Book written by 40 men, 39 of whom were Jews, under the divine inspiration of God. Our faith is not man-made, and is recorded in history by witnesses, which negates any justifiable call for joint worship with other faiths. We respect their right to hold their own beliefs, but they do not acknowledge the divinity of Jesus.

The story revolves around a "Canaanite" woman, turning from her idols to seek the help and mercy of Jesus to cure her daughter’s illness.This is a woman of Canaanite heritage, who were ancestral enemies of Israel, and thereby of Jesus. She has no understanding, or even knowing of the Old Testament. She is not even in a place where she would be in regular contact with those who did. It is likely that she had heard of Jesus as miracle worker in the land of Israel, from those who were now passing through her land, and now she finds that Jesus is in her area.

She went to Him and pleaded for His mercy, which is further evidence that she does understand something of who Jesus is, for by definition, a person who asks for mercy, asks for something that they know that they do not deserve. She turns her back on the idols of her own culture, and turned to Jesus.

She pleaded with Jesus to help her crying out, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed." . Jesus turned His back on her, refusing to answer and His Apostles urged Jesus to chase her away. He then said to her, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel’.

Whilst this was in contrast to Jesus’ last commission to His Apostles to go into the world and make disciples, at the time of this incident it was in the plan of God for Jesus to focus on the Jews, and their spiritual needs.

She then knelt before Jesus, and begged Him to help her. His reply was that it would not be right to take the children’s bread and give it to the dogs. She seems to accept the insult and Jesus’ judgement on her, but still pleaded and said even dogs eat the crumbs from the table In Palestine, dogs were wild scavengers, and Canaanites were referred to as such by the Jews who were ancestral enemies of each other.

The woman responded, that extended blessings were mentioned by Abraham to the promised Gentiles, that God’s plan was to bring salvation to His chosen people Israel, and then to Gentiles. The woman was showing an attitude of humble faith, which allowed Jesus to answer, for God responds to all who call on Him in true faith.
Jesus was testing her faith, for it was His way to help all people. The woman was displaying greater faith in Jesus than many of His own people, and Jesus responded by telling her faith was so great and granted her request with the result her daughter was healed.

She was persistent, and such perseverance should be the mark of every Christian, but sadly it is not. Too often we give up when we do not receive a quick reply to our requests. We may even get discouraged, thinking the Lord is no longer listening to us or is ignoring us as He was this woman.

What a beautiful example of the humility and faith, and what a contrast she was to the pride and unbelief of those Jesus had been with in Galilee. She responded in What a beautiful example of the humility and faith, and what a contrast she was to the pride and unbelief of those Jesus had been with in Galilee. She responded in complete humility, which is the way each of us should respond

What can we learn from this story.?

This is one of the miracles performed by Jesus, Let us look to see what we can learn from it.
We see first, that true faith may sometimes be found, where it was least expected. A Canaanitic woman cries out to our Lord for help, on behalf of, her daughter. ‘have mercy on me’, she says ‘O Lord, thou Son of David’. Such a prayer would have showed great faith, had she lived in Bethany, or Jerusalem. But when we find she came from the coasts of Tye and Sidon, such a prayer may well fill us with surprise. It ought to teach us, that it is truth we have in this passage.

The prayer of this afflicted mother, at first seemed entirely unnoticed. Jesus did not answer a word. Yet she prayed on, ‘Lord, help me’. The saying which fell from our Lord’s lips was discouraging saying,’ I am not sent, but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel’. Yet she prayed on.

The second saying of our Lord, was even less encouraging than the first: It is not meet to take the children’s bread and cast it to the dogs’. Yet hope deferred did not make her heart sick. Even then she was not silenced. Then she finds a plea for ‘crumbs of mercy to be granted to her. And her pleas obtained at length a great reward ‘

O woman, great is thy faith; be it unto thee even as thou wilt’. That promise was never yet broken, which stated. Seek and ye shall find.

There is a lesson for us when we pray for ourselves.

We are sometimes tempted to think we get no good for our prayers, and we may as well give up altogether. Let us resist the temptation from the devil, and pray on. For strength to do duty, for grace to bear our trials, for comfort in every trouble. Be sure that no time is so well spent in every day, as that which we spend in prayer. Jesus hears us and in his own good time, will give an answer.

When we pray for others, remember this history. We may have children whose conversion we desire. Relations and friends whose salvation we are concerned. We follow this Canaanite woman, and lay their souls before Christ. Name their names before Him until we have an answer, which might be a long time.

We may seem to pray in vain, and intercede without profit; but never give up. Believe that Jesus is not changed, and he who granted this woman’s request, will also hear us, and will one day give us an answer of peace.

May God’s Holy Name be Glorified.

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