Sign of our hope

I have heard people say that they didn't want to have children because of the way the world was heading.  Other people have put their hope in their children.  However, our hope is not in our children but our children are a sign of our hope.  We know that this is our Father's world and He will make all things right some day.
Both Jesus and Moses were born in troubled times.  Both times Satan tried to destroy the male children as he knew that there was a deliverer being born but both times he was unable to thwart God's plans.  Not only was he unable to thwart God's plans but God used it for good.  Moses was taken into the king's palace and given the best possible education. 

A Taste of the Bittersweet

Next Sunday we will begin a new study, a study int he book of Deuteronomy.  I have called it "A Taste of the Bittersweet".   Moses had led the people for forty  years.  He led them from slavery and now they were a nation ready to possess the land that God had promised them.  He was thrilled that they would now cross the Jordan River into the land but the bitter part was that he would not go with them.  One thing kept him from leading the people into the land, he had sinned.  In his anger he struck the rock when God had told him to speak to it.  God still brought out the water but Moses lost the opportunity to lead the people into the land.  As you read through Deuteronomy and as you read in 1 Corinthians we understand that it was more than just a man losing his temper and lashing out but the picture is much bigger than that.  Paul tells us that the Rock was Christ and Christ was only struck once.  Once was sufficient for our sins.  He was crucified once and for all and now we only need to speak to Him, we do not crucify Him again.
Our lessons will begin with Moses and then we will dive into Deuteronomy for some wonderful lessons.  God has much to say to us today through this marvelous book.  This week we will look at the man Moses.

The Stepford Wives

When a tragedy such as the one in Newtown, CT happens people will ask the question "Why?".  Most of the time they want to know how a God of love would allow such a thing to happen.  They want God to stop these events but don't stop me from doing my thing.

We are not Stepford wives.  We are not robots.  The men of Stepford (ironically Stepford is in Connecticut) wanted perfect wives so they were turned into robots.  However, they soon discovered that you cannot have a relationship with a robot.  God did not make us robots.  Yes, He is sovereign and we do know that Romans 8:28 is true but He is not up in heaven acting as a puppet master but rather as a friend, a lover.  We cannot have it both ways.  We cannot be free and be Stepford wives.

More Jars of Clay

A friend of mine pointed out to me this morning that following the reference to the jar of clay that I referred to in the last posting there was a miracle.

After Rebekkah drew water for Abraham's servant and his camels with her jar of clay she agreed to go with him to marry Isaac and she became a valuable link in the promise that God had made to Abraham.

When Aaron gathered the manna and put it in the clay jar it did not go bad like the manna that people gathered for themselves and tried to save.  It is a wonderful picture of Christ in us and we in Christ.  The manna was put into a jar of clay and the jar was placed in the ark.

The widow of Zarephath had food enough for herself, her son and for Elijah.  The widow in Elisha's day was able to pour out enough oil into borrowed jars so that she had enough money to pay her debts and live. 

And so goes the miracles following the jars of clay.  What miracle is following you today?

Jars of Clay

The following is a journal entry from my journal in July 1996.  Since we will be looking at 2 Corinthians 4 tomorrow I thought it would be worth sharing.

Last Sunday a friend of ours preached about jars of clay and once again I was reminded that is how the Apostle Paul refers to our bodies.


I took some time to look at the references to jars in the Bible.

In Genesis 24 Abraham's servant asks Rebekka to give him a drink of water. She takes her jar and not only gives him a drink but also waters his camels. To the servant this showed that she was being led by the Spirit of God.

In Exodus Moses instructed Aaron to put an omar of manna in a clay jar (Exodus 16:33). This manna was to become a treasure in the jar of clay. Manna speaks to us of the Word of God that we are instructed to hide in our hearts.

In Numbers 19:17 Moses again gives the instruction about cleansing an unclean person. The priest is to put ashes from the burnt offering with clean water into a jar and use that for cleansing the unclean person. John tells us that we are cleansed if we confess our sins. The confession is based upon the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ who became our offering for sin.

In 1 Kings 17 we are told how Elijah went to meet a woman from Zarephath who was gathering some sticks of wood to make a fire so she could cook a final meal for her and her son. When she obeyed Elijah she found that the jar that contained the flour did not run out and there was always food for Elijah, the woman and her son. God's Word does not fail. It will not return empty. We cannot exhaust the storehouse of the Word of God.

A similar circumstance took place in Elisha's day. In 2 Kings 4 we are told how the oil kept flowing from the jar until all other jars that were available were filled. The oil speaks of the Holy Spirit and the only thing that will slow the flowing of the spirit is the vessels that are to be filled.

Jeremiah had experiences with jars of clay. Not only was he taught the lesson of the potter but he was told to buy a jar which would represent the nation of Israel and break the jar in the presence of the elders. The broken jar could not be restored and neither could the nation of Israel if they forsook their God.

Ezekiel also used a jar as an object lesson when he was to pretend that he had Jerusalem under siege.

There is much more about jars of clay but we must remember that we have this treasure, the Spirit of the Most High in our jars.

1996 07 23

The Innkeeper

This is worth watching.

Cracked Pots

I was wondering what I would teach on this next Sunday as a single lesson.  I had to go up to London on Tuesday so I was listening to some CD's that a friend gave me.  As soon as the first one started I knew what I wanted to teach on.  My favourite topic from my favourite chapter.  The topic is the Gospel and the chapter is 2 Corinthians 4.  It is the gospel that displays God's glory and He then chooses to put that in cracked pots.  What a glorious chapter.

In Trouble Again

I am not really in trouble but sometimes it seems like it.  Yesterday I asked the question whether people would be saved in the tribulation and almost everyone responded that they did.  My pre-trib dispensational upbringing crept in and I was thinking about the rapture taking place before the tribulation.  Now it may but my thinking is that it won't.  I believe that tribulation will continue to increase and during the last seven years before the return of Christ it will be so intense that it will be called the great tribulation.  Yes, people will be saved and at the return of Christ they will be part of the great multitude surrounding the throne.
Why do I no longer believe in a pre-tribulation rapture?  Having lived in the Philippines, traveled to South America and to Africa I can see the suffering that God's people are going through today.  Only in comfort-driven North America are we concerned about having to suffer through the tribulation. Get over it.  Remember that the Scriptures say that we will come through the tribulation not be destroyed by it.

High View of Scripture

One time I observed that the view of a pre-tribulation rapture did not have any Biblical support and especially didn't have any support from non-North American Christians.  A friend immediately got upset with me and informed me that I didn't have a high view of Scripture.  That was a put down to make me be quiet but I don't think he is right.
In Revelation 7 we see a multitude that no man can number standing before the throne and we are told that these are the ones that came out of the great tribulation.  They were saved, they had white robes, palm branches and were crying out that "salvation belongs to our God". 
Now it doesn't seem that these people would be saved during the tribulation that takes place in the seven years following the rapture but rather as you go back to Revelation 6 you see that Christians have been suffering tribulation from the beginning. 
I believe that I have a very high view of Scripture and that is why I cannot accept my friend's point of view.

144000

So who are the 14400 that are referred to in Revelation 7?  Do they represent the church?  They are not Jacob's sons as Dan is not included and Manasseh is included.  They are not the tribes that inherited the land in Canaan as Levi is included and Dan is excluded as well as Joseph is listed rather than Ephraim.  So is the 144000 ethnic Israel who are converted after the Lord returns?  Why is this group on the earth while the great multitude in the rest of the chapter are around the throne in heaven?  Help me, I am confused.  How do we interpret the 144000?

Attention to Details

I am so embarrassed.  Why?  I will get to that in a moment but first I must write a confession.  I am terrible about paying attention to details.  When someone asks whether a person had glasses, what colour of hair, what they were wearing, I am afraid that I come up short.  That can be embarrassing when I don't notice that my wife got a hair cut or a new outfit. 
However, as a mathematics teacher I was a stickler for details.  Proper introduction to problems, proper use of equal signs, etc.  As a Bible teacher I also must be a stickler for details.  I know that you can gather truth from a casual study of the Word but the real gems are found in the details.
So why was I embarrassed?  I found a nice template for my PowerPoint lesson on Sunday.  The problem was I didn't check the details.  There lying on the Bible was a rosary.  Why didn't I notice that before but I didn't.  Most people didn't notice but some did and I must say thank you to those who pointed it out to me.  I have to be more careful about the details.

Kisses from Katie

I have been reading Katie Davis' book about her life in Uganda.  Having been there I know some of what she is writing about.  Yesterday I was reading about the very poor that she has helped and as I read my heart was stirred both in pity and in anger.  In pity for the poor helpless children who have to suffer and anger for the world that ignores them.  I wanted to do something about their suffering and my class does some by helping a young man in Uganda with the expenses for his home for street boys.

As I walked out of my house I looked across at my neighbours and suddenly I felt rebuked.  The children in Uganda may only suffer for 10 or 20 or 50 years but if my neighbours do not come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their saviour then they will suffer far worse and for much longer.  That does not mean that I should ignore the first but it does mean that I cannot ignore the second.

Save money live better

I was in a clothing store with my wife and as we paid for our purchases the cashier said that we saved something like $55 that day.  I thought we probably would have saved a lot more if we had not bought anything.  A major department store advertises that if we shop at their store we save money and live better.  I cannot stand that advertisement.  If we truly wanted to live better we would buy less not buy things at a cheaper price.  To be truly content we have to be givers rather than receivers or buyers.  However, anyone can give but to truly give we must begin by giving ourselves to the Lord. 

There are things that I would like to have.  My van is thirteen years old and it would be nice to have a new vehicle.  I would like to have a new iPad but mine is fine.  Someone generously gave me a new lap top computer, what a blessing that was to me.  When he showed up at the door with it I almost cried.  Not because I was getting a new computer but that my friend thought enough of me to buy one for me so I could use it in my teaching.  Friends have bought me books, CD's and more and I feel so blessed.  My desire is to be generous like they are.  If I want to live better I will begin by buying less for myself and giving more to others.

One Less Coffee

I asked my Adult Class if they would give up one coffee per week and donate the money for the Shepherd Centre in Uganda.  Well the class did respond with generosity.  They don't know Patrick but they have heard my stories about him so they gave money.  I was hoping to send $100 per month but each month I have sent more.  Last month was $150 and this month was $200.  I am so thankful for my class who are more than willing to give to help people they don't even know and may never meet.  Thank you Gregory Drive Alliance Adult Bible Class. 
Most of us would never miss one cup of coffee per week but by doing this we allow sixteen boys to eat for a week.  Is it worth it?  Absolutely.

Tom

I was going to write a review of Don Piper's book, 90 minutes in heaven but I would rather tell the following story.  I still am not a fan of such books.  People seem to believe what is written in them and form their ideas of heaven from them that from the Word of God.  I can't imagine that we would believe that heaven is for real by reading a book of that name.  I may, but probably not, read that book but I would not believe that heaven is for real because of the book but because of what the Bible says about heaven.  I believe heaven is for real because the Bible tells me so.
I had a friend in another church in another city who had a passion for visitation and inviting children to Sunday School.  One day Tom got cancer, he was prayed for and healed but two years later the cancer returned.  Our young pastor at the time had many run-ins with Tom over different ideas about evangelism, theology, church, etc.  However, one night our pastor received a phone call that Tom was not expected to live.  The pastor phoned me to ask me to cover for him at prayer meeting that night.  While we were praying one of the ladies present was very quiet.  The phone rang and it was the pastor from the hospital telling us that Tom had died.  The lady then told us that she had seen Tom in pastor's arms and what she thought was Jesus coming and taking Tom from the Pastor's arms and carried him away. 
Was that vision for real?  I don't know and I won't question it but again I believe that Tom is in heaven today because he trusted Jesus as his Saviour and not because a lady had a vision.  Did her vision strengthen my faith?  No, but it confirmed what I already new to be true.
Death is a doorway for a believer.  Someday, unless the Lord comes first, we must all pass through that doorway.

The Appointment in Samarra

A visitor to an African country asked one of the elders what the death rate was in his country.  He was informed that it was the same as every where else, one hundred percent.
People want to avoid death, they don't want to think about it, talk about it but it is real.  They do everything that they can to avoid death.  The following story illustrated this.

There was a merchant in Bagdad who sent his servant to market to buy provisions and in a little while the servant came back, white and trembling, and said, Master, just now when I was in the marketplace I was jostled by a woman in the crowd and when I turned I saw it was Death that jostled me. She looked at me and made a threatening gesture, now, lend me your horse, and I will ride away from this city and avoid my fate. I will go to Samarra and there Death will not find me. The merchant lent him his horse, and the servant mounted it, and he dug his spurs in its flanks and as fast as the horse could gallop he went. Then the merchant went down to the marketplace and he saw me standing in the crowd and he came to me and said, Why did you make a threatening gesture to my servant when you saw him this morning? That was not a threatening gesture, I said, it was only a start of surprise. I was astonished to see him in Bagdad, for I had an appointment with him tonight in Samarra.

John Todd the Minister

Twenty five years ago I spoke at the funeral of the six year old son of my wife's cousin.  Ryan was a special little boy who died when an accident occurred with medications during his final recovery days of leukemia.  He was basically well until the accident occurred and then there was nothing that could be done to save his life.  Ryan was also a good friend of my son who was just six days younger than Ryan.
Where does John Todd come in?  In that sermon I told the story of John Todd and I will try to recall it now.
John Todd was a minister in New England during the nineteenth century.  One day he received notice that his aunt was dying and she was afraid of death.  John Todd wrote a letter to his aunt to reassure her that there was nothing to fear because death had been conquered by the Lord's death on the cross.  I am borrowing the rest of the story from a blogger who writes Gulf Gulf's blog.  This story comes from theologian John Claypool.

He tells the story of a child born in 1800 in Rutland, Vermont, named John Todd, who would go on to become a prominent Congregational preacher in his day. When he was six years old, his mother became insane and his father died. He was sent to live with an aunt who had never married and had no children and whom he had never seen before. The aunt turned out to be a very tender and loving person. He grew up well in her home. She put him through college and saw him into young manhood.

Some years after he was grown, John got word that his aunt was seriously ill and was, in fact, at the end of her life, and that as warm and tender and loving as he had been to John, she seemed petrified and terrorized at the prospect of dying. So John Todd, the grown man, wrote her this letter:

“It is now 35 years since I, a little boy of six, was left alone in the world. I will never forget the day I made the long journey to your house. I was disappointed that you sent your hired man, Caesar, to come and fetch me. I remember my tears and anxiety as I clung on to Caesar’s back as we started for my new home. I became more frightened as we rode along. ‘Do you think she will have gone to bed when we get there’ I asked Caesar. ‘Oh no,’ he said. ‘When we get out of these here woods, you’re going to be able to see her candle shining in the window.’ Sure enough, we rode out into the clearing, and there was your candle, and there you were waiting at the door, and there were your arms lifting me off my horse, and there was a fire you built for me in the fireplace, and there was a good warm supper, and there you were taking me to bed and hearing my prayers, and not leaving me alone until I had fallen off to sleep.”
“I’m reminding you of these things, now, dear Aunt, because soon God will send for you and take you to your new home. I want you not to fear that summons. I want you not to fear the strange journey or even dark messenger of death because I am sure at the end of the road you will find love and welcome. You will find that you will be as safe as here, safer indeed, in God’s love and care. Because surely, dear Aunt, God can be trusted to be as kind to you as you were to me. Love, John.”

God's strange ways

On Sunday evening Mike was teaching us from Isaiah 28.  Man was saying that what was being taught them by God was a lie, it was childish and it was boring.  They said that God was not about to judge them as Isaiah had said.  The problem was they didn't understand God's judgment.  They felt that if God judged them it would be by a sudden and violent calamity and since that wasn't happening then God's judgment was a myth.
I have seen many people take that same approach to God.  They say something or do something that they shouldn't and then pretend as if God will strike them dead for doing it.  They neither understand God or His judgment.  The sad thing is that Christians often think this way as well.  In Romans 1:18 we are told that the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness.  Paul then goes on to say that God gave them over to a depraved way of thinking. 
I disciplined my children when they were growing up because I loved them but if I didn't care about them or maybe even worse then I would have ignored them and let them do what they wanted to do.  Those that we love we discipline and if I as an imperfect parent acted this way how much more would our heavenly Father who loves us dearly and deeply discipline us. 

Lest we forget

Yesterday was Remembrance day and much has been written regarding those who fought for our freedom.  We need to always remember them.
However, I want to remember another One who died for our freedom, that is our Lord Jesus Christ.  He didn't die just to give us an example but by His death He purchased our freedom, freedom from sin.

King of my life, I crown Thee now,
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary.

Chorus:

Lest I forget Gethsemane,
Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.

Just a Fridge

Last Sunday evening Mike was teaching us from Isaiah 65:24, "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear."  He told us that the usual form is that God call, man responds, and then God directs but there are times when man call, God responds and then ...
A few months ago at the BfM store where we volunteer we sold a fridge to a farm for keeping some rare seeds.  It was a good fridge and it had been checked out but it died and the people were in a panic regarding their seeds.  We did not have a fridge available so we pursued every possible angle only to come up empty.  I told the day manager that God is as much concerned about our problem as we are so we stopped and prayed.  As soon as I said a closing "Amen" the day manager said, "We have a fridge, it is in our kitchen".  So we took our fridge and gave it to the farm until we could find a replacement.  None came in but the farm was content using our old fridge.
Then this week.  A mother had bought a fridge for her daughter who was moving into her first apartment.  The men delivered the fridge only to find out that it wouldn't go into the apartment.  All they could do was to bring the fridge back and offer the lady her money back.  While they were coming back with the fridge the farm phoned again to tell us that our old fridge had died and once again they were danger of losing their seed.  My wife was the day manager and didn't know that the fridge was coming back so she told the farm that we had no fridge but we would do our best to find one.  A few minutes later we had the fridge back, we phoned the farm and delivered a fridge to a very satisfied customer.  "Before they call I will answer."

Bucket List

Bucket list is a list of things you wish to do before you die.  It comes from the idea of "kick the bucket".  The sad thing is that many Christians fall into the trap of a bucket list.  They want to do things before they die so it becomes an obsession for them.  Lists like visiting every continent or eating at every McDonald's in the USA.  Whatever is on the bucket list becomes important.  Should Christians have a bucket list?  The problem I see with a bucket list is that it focuses on the big "I".  It is all about me and what I should do.  Is this the way a Christian should live?  Since when is going to every Caribbean country important?  Or fishing in the Yukon or skydiving or bungee jumping or whatever.  Some how we get things wrong.  Living our life is about what God wants us to do not about my fancies.  Yes, I may do many of these things but they are of little importance compared to what God wants from me.
I wonder if Daniel had a bucket list he would have had on his list to see lions up close or maybe Jonah wanted to go whale watching.  Peter maybe wanted to walk on water or John visit a Greek island.  You can be sure that these things were not on any list but they did them because they trusted their God.   

The Election

Since many people have offered their opinion and have said things very well then why should I add my opinion?  The election is over and the evangelical right is wondering what went wrong.  They are quick to point out that God is sovereign and He is still in control; that He sets up kings and removes them so why not accept the results?

I think God is telling us something that we should listen to very carefully.  Americans and Canadians put too much trust in the politics.  They feel that if they put the right person in power then things will be all right with the world.  I think that as evangelicals we must hear what God is saying to us.  I believe He is telling us that we cannot put our trust in our political leaders but we must repent of our sin and put our trust in Him alone. 

Some talk radio hosts were pointing out that if all evangelicals would have voted for the political right then Romney would have won.  What is wrong?

First, Christians are putting too much trust in their political leaders.

Second, Christians have an increasing secular world view and not a Biblical world view.

Third, Christians are too quick to take the wrong view of the mission of the church.  Yes, Christians are to work for the better of their world but the mandate of the church is to make disciples. 

Finally, Christians need to put their trust in God alone.

So does this mean that we should write off politics and social justice (whatever that means)?  No it does not but as we work for the betterment of our world we know who is sovereign and no politician or social program will save our world.

Who and What

When Brian McLaren was asked to define the Gospel he said:

The Kingdom of God is at hand [means] God’s new benevolent society is already among us...the phrase shimmers and glows in relation to the dominant social reality of Jesus time: the kingdom-oriented term “Christ” means “liberating king,” the one who will free God’s people from oppression, confront and humble their oppressors, and then lead both into a better day.

How does R. C. Sproule define the Gospel?

The Gospel is called the ‘good news’ because it addresses the most serious problem that you and I have as human beings, and that problem is simply this: God is holy and He is just, and I’m not. And at the end of my life, I’m going to stand before a just and holy God, and I’ll be judged. And I’ll be judged either on the basis of my own righteousness – or lack of it – or the righteousness of another. The good news of the Gospel is that Jesus lived a life of perfect righteousness, of perfect obedience to God, not for His own well being but for His people. He has done for me what I couldn’t possibly do for myself. But not only has He lived that life of perfect obedience, He offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice to satisfy the justice and the righteousness of God.


He goes on to say:

 For God to forgive you is a very costly matter. It cost the sacrifice of His own Son. So valuable was that sacrifice that God pronounced it valuable by raising Him from the dead – so that Christ died for us, He was raised for our justification. So the Gospel is something objective. It is the message of who Jesus is and what He did.

Thank you R. C. Sproule.  The Gospel is about who Jesus is and what He did.

Back to the Basics

I was a Mathematics teacher and often at the start of a new class you would have to go back to the basics.  Without a good understanding of the basics you had nothing to build on.  The basics changed as the students advanced but there were some basic principles that they needed to review.

Once after a devastating loss the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers called a team meeting.  Vince Lombardi began the meeting by saying that it was time to get back to the basics.  He then held up a football and said, "Gentlemen, this is a football."

Once in a while it is important that we go back to the basics.  For the Christian the basics begin with the Gospel.  We need to ask the question, "What is the Gospel?"  Too often we get sidetracked talking about other issues, which are important, that we forget what is fundamental, what is basic.  This Sunday we are going back to the basics.  What is the Gospel and why is it important?

Zoom in; Zoom out

Some read the New Testament and they take a broad view of the Gospel.  They see the Gospel including social justice, healing the sick, release of captives, etc.  Others see the Gospel with a zoomed in view.  You may say the first is the Gospel of the kingdom and the second is the Gospel of the cross. 

Let me be clear; there is only one Gospel.  The only way is by the cross.  The Gospel of the kingdom flows out of the Gospel of the cross.  You cannot be in the kingdom by climbing over the fence, you must come in by the cross.  You cannot have the Gospel of the kingdom without the Gospel of the cross. 

Was she wrong?

I had a friend in a former church who reluctantly took on an adult Bible class because no man felt qualified to teach the class.  She always said that she was doing it until such a time as a man would come forward to teach the class.  Eventually that role came to me but before it did she placed herself under the leadership of the church and made sure she was under the authority of the elders.
Was she wrong?  Before I answer that let me quote a passage from Paul's letter to the Philippians.  "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.  But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." Philippians 1:15 - 18
The motives were wrong, the people may have had incorrect doctrine but the Gospel was being preached so Paul rejoiced.  The church was birthed in Philippi because of a woman. 
Now it is easy for us to be right in our doctrine but still be wrong.  We can be wrong while doing right. 
So let me go back to my friend.  I do not believe that she was sinning in teaching men in this situation.  If there was sin then it was with the men who because of their lack of knowledge of the Scripture felt unqualified to teach the Word.  Men cannot point the finger at women who are filling the gap if it is men who have created the gap. 
On a personal note.  I am pleased to be part of a church that has had strong male leadership.  A church that has qualified men to lead as elders, as teachers and group leaders.  I am please to be part of a church that has strong women who are willing to take the supportive role and in doing so teach by example and testimony.  I have learned a great deal from the women who are members of the class and have contributed their insights.  They are not consumers but contributors for which I am thankful.
Finally, we must realise that the Holy Spirit is the real teacher and he can use a man, a woman, a rooster or a donkey to teach us His truth.  Let us not hinder the Holy Spirit, He is not a tame fire but a wild fire.

Prayer Time Uganda Syle

While we were in Uganda we had a time of prayer in one of our worship services.  It was not what I expected where two or three would lead in prayer while others listened, agreed in prayer.  But this time everyone prayed aloud at the same time. To me it was confusion but to them it was a proper way of praying.  As an outsider I may have thought them to be crazy.  Just watch the video clip.

Order in Worship

The Corinthian church was a young, dynamic church and being young and dynamic it had problems.  They loved to celebrate their freedom, especially their freedom in worship, but Paul had to remind them that though they had freedom it should never lead to chaos.  Things still had to be done decently and in order.
Unlike today where people come to church as consumers the people were coming to contribute but their desire to contribute also contributed to the chaos.  We could do well to learn from the Corinthian church.  The people came to contribute we come to be ministered to.  The danger of those who come having something to contribute is that they can dominate or control.  Paul warns against that.  The question for us today is how can we contribute without controlling?  How can we come to be ministered to as well as minister to others?

A Timely Lesson

This past Sunday we were studying 1 Corinthians 14 together and the discussion was on tongues and prophecy.  Two ladies had been at a women's conference the day before and at the end of the sessions a number of ladies began to speak in tongues.  Over half of the people left as those speaking in tongues seemed to take over the session completely.
A few observations:
First, Paul says that people speaking in tongues in a public gathering should only do it if there is someone to interpret.  Now I don't know how you would know if there is an interpreter present except by testing.  After speaking in tongues if no one interprets then everyone should stop.  That is Scriptural.
Second, there should only be two or three.  At this gathering apparently there were many.  Once again that is a violation of Scripture. 
Third, things are to be done decently and in order as God is a God of peace not confusion.  When people are leaving because they are uncomfortable that is not peaceful. 
Now I need to add that speaking in tongues in appropriate in the right setting.  It is obvious from Paul's letter to the Corinthians that those that have the gift also have the ability to speak or not to speak.  Some claim that they are compelled to speak but again that is not what Scripture says.
So the question remains, are we led by our emotions or do we follow Scripture?  Speaking in tongues is not against Scripture but taking over a meeting and making others uncomfortable is.  Do we want signs or wonders or do we want to honour Scripture?  Scripture must come first.  The Spirit never goes against the written word.
One final thought.  What is said about tongues is also true about prophecy. 

Tongues and Prophecy

Why did Paul single out these two gifts of the Spirit?  I am sure that these gifts were being misused in the church.  Paul first says that the gift of prophecy is superior to that of tongues because it builds up the church.  He then does the surprising thing of saying that the one who speaks in an unknown language should pray that he/she will have the gift of interpretation.  We would have thought that he would say that the one who speaks in an unknown tongue should pray for the gift of prophecy but he doesn't. 
Paul's concern was for order in worship.  He didn't forbid speaking in tongues but he put limitations on the gift.  First, no tongues without interpretation and then only two or three.  But notice that he also puts limitations on prophecy as well.  The church gatherings were not to be a free-for-all but a time to edify the body.
Paul says that tongues are a sign to the unbeliever and prophecy is a sign to the believer.  Again we would expect him to say that if an unbeliever came into our midst he would hear the speaking in an unknown language and be convicted but rather he says that the unbeliever would say that these people were out of their minds.  He goes on to explain that the gift of prophecy is what would bring conviction to the unbeliever and they would respond by saying that surely God is in this place.
So why are tongues a sign to the unbeliever?  Tongues to an unbeliever are a sign of condemnation and that they need to hear the Word of the Lord.  What about prophecy and the believer?  As the Word of God goes forth and convicts people of sins, both believers and unbelievers, they see that the Spirit of God is working in their midst.

Patrick

I think it is about time I gave you an update on my friend Patrick from Uganda.  Our Adult Bible Class has been giving money to support the ministry of the Shepherd Centre. 

Patrick was involved in a car accident and the person who owned the car wanted him buy him a new car.  The cost would be around $7500.  Patrick doesn't have that kind of money so we tried to help out as did many of his friends in North America.  Patrick suffered injuries because of the accident.

Patrick found a five year old boy, named Blair living on the street.  He could not leave him but he wasn't set up to take in another boy, especially one has young as Blair.  Fortunately, a couple we met in Kampala were able to help out.

Just recently Patrick graduated from University.  Here is his graduation picture.



Don't forget to pray for Patrick and his ministry at the Shepherd Centre.

The Greatest of These

In 1 Corinthians 13:13 Paul says that there is faith, hope and love but the greatest of these is love.  What does he mean and why did he say that?  Someone pointed out that you can understand why Paul said that by asking three questions.

1.   Does God have faith?  If faith is trust then in whom would He put His trust?  Some may say that He puts His trust in Himself but if He is the Almighty, All Sufficient then does He need to even put faith in Himself?

2.  Does God have hope?  He is all knowing so what does He hope for?  To say God has hope would be meaningless.  We have hope because we have faith in God and we are finite but He is infinite.

3.  Does God love?  Here the answer is different than the last two question because not only does God love but God is love.  That is why the greatest of these is love. 

I will just love them

When we were going through our orientation before we went to the Philippines the head of our mission was leading us through why it was important to understand the culture of our host country.  As he was teaching one of the other candidates seemed to be somewhat agitated with him.  Finally he said, "Why do I need to know this, all I want to do is love the people."  The leader asked him how he was going to do that.  In some cultures what we consider a loving action in our culture is considered a sexual advance in others, is that love?  Our leader carefully told us that in order that our actions would not be misunderstood we had better understand the culture of the people we were going to love.  He was not down playing that we should love these people but that we need to love them in an appropriate manner.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4 - 7.  This kind of love is not bound by culture.

frustration

Yesterday we were studying 1 Corinthians 12:12 - 31 on body life.  I had three main points about body life.
1. It is based upon a confession. 
2. It involves diversity of people, gifts, etc.
3. It involves unity in Jesus Christ.
So why was I frustrated?
I was frustrated because we want diversity where God wants unity and we want unity where God wants diversity.  The first part was not a big problem in my class but the unity in confession became a much larger problem.  I suggested that we begin with the Apostles' creed but not everyone would agree there.  However, those that did agree wanted to add more.  Where we have unity is the fundamentals of the faith.  We need to agree on the God head and the Gospel.  So then what about creation, inspiration of Scripture, end times, women in ministry, baptism, etc.?  I am not saying and I wasn't saying that our stand and understanding of these things is not important but should they divide us so that we cannot have fellowship?
Just an observation on the area of unity where God says we should have diversity.  Some want us to believe that the reformation is over but the issues that led to the reformation are still there today.  We cannot ignore them, they are foundational to the Gospel.  Salvation is by grace through faith and we cannot add anything to it.  Most Catholics and many Protestants, even evangelicals want to add something but then we are not adding but subtracting. 
Someone said that I should not be surprised that we had disagreements.  After all I should not expect that everyone be like me.  Where then is the diversity?

Harmony

What does an orchestra sound like when the instrumentalists do not complement each other.  Listen to this.

Now listen to an orchestra when the players follow the conductor.

This is how it is to be in the body of Christ.  When everyone does his own thing it sounds like a very bad orchestra but when we follow the conductor we can make beautiful music.

We need each other.  Everyone in the church has a role to play.  The person playing the triangle may only get to play once but it is important.  If he was to say that was not fair and started banging on his triangle then the performance would be ruined.

One Another

One thing we need to remember is that we are all part of the body therefore we need one another.  Here is a partial list of the "one another"'s listed in the NIV.
Be devoted to one another in love.  Romans 12:10
Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10
Live in harmony with one another. Romans 13:16
Love one another.  Romans 13:8
Accept one another. Romans 15:7

Instruct one another.  Romans 15:14

Greet one another with a holy kiss. Romans 16:16

Agree with one another.  1 Corinthians 1:10

Greet one another. 1 Corinthians 16:20

Encourage one another. 2 Corinthians 13:11

Serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13

Bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

Be kind and compassionate to one another.  Ephesians 4:32

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21

That is just a partial list but you can easily see that we do need one another in the church.  We are not alone.

Discovering your Spiritual Gift

I have never liked doing those exercises to discovery your gift.  It always seemed too mechanical rather than being open to the Holy Spirit.  Most of the time we do things based upon three criteria. 

First, ability.  What are you good at?  It was never likely that my Spiritual gift would be music.

Second, affinity.  What do you like to do?  There are somethings that I like to do that I have no ability and there are somethings that I have ability but I don't like doing them.

Third, opportunity.  When it comes to spiritual gifts this one is very important.  Many times people discover their giftedness by doing something that just needed to be done. 

I have never read the book but Kevin deYoung wrote a book about finding God's will called, Just do something.  I think we can apply the same principle to discovering your spiritual gift.  Just do something.

Where is the Lamb?

As the disciples gathered with Jesus in the upper room to celebrate the Passover they had the bread, the wine but they didn't have the lamb.  Some may have seen that as on oversight but not to Jesus.  He knew that they had the Lamb.  He was the Lamb.  As He took the bread and broke it He said that this was His body that would be broken for them but when He took the wine He said that it was the new covenant.  Everything was there.  Nothing was overlooked.

Three Words

There are three words that are associated with communion:

1. Remember

Communion is a dramatization of the Gospel.  When we take communion we are remembering the Lord's death.  It is more than recalling the events but it is reminding ourselves of why He came; why He died and what that means for us. 

2. Proclaim

Communion is the time when we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to ourselves, our church and our community.

3. Anticipate

Communion is also a time when we look forward to the second coming of Jesus Christ.  It gives us hope because we know that when He returns He will make all things right.

When you partake of communion remember these three words.

Check Your Attitude.

Today I had to check my attitude.  I was looking forward to a morning of relaxation, study and preparing my lesson for Sunday.  However, I received a call from the store that I was needed to drive truck this morning.  I didn't want to and I resented being called.  After all, I think I do more than my share.  When I got to the store not only did I have to drive but the truck was still loaded from yesterday and before I could do anything else I had to unload.

Two things made me re-evaluate my attitude.  First, there are thousands of people who get to learn about Jesus and the Gospel because our store makes money for the Bible League of Canada.  It is not about me or fulfilling my needs but helping to grow the Kingdom of God.  Second, I looked at my helper for today.  Cecil is 82 years old and still helps lift, carry and move furniture some of which is very heavy.  He does not complain but does his part to keep the store going.  May his tribe increase.

I think many of us need to check our attitude as we come to the Lord's supper.  We are too hot, or too cold, or too crowded.  We didn't like the music, the sermon was too long, the person beside us needed a bath and they cannot sing on key.  Some how we make it all about us when it is not about us at all.  Communion is a time to remember, remember what our Lord did, what He is doing and what He will do for us.  Communion is about Him, not about us.  We need to check our attitude.

Unworthy

Growing up every communion service we were reminded that we were not to partake of the bread and the cup in an unworthy manner.  Of course this meant unconfessed sins or even worse, taking communion as a non-believer.  However, I got thinking.  Who is really worthy?  There is nothing in myself that makes me worthy to partake.  Certainly it is not my righteousness.  So then am I unworthy?  Yes but then...

I may be unworthy in myself but there is One who makes me worthy.  I am not worthy because of anything that I have done but rather I am worthy because of what Jesus has done.  I am worthy because of Him and it is He who we are remembering.  Thank you Jesus, I am worthy because of your death and shed blood.

Glory and Shame

In my continuing study about hair I must say that I am probably more confused except for one thing. 
However, first it seems that a woman's hair is tied to her glory and her shame.  In the movie Ryan's daughter her hair was cut off to shame her for her sinful behaviour.  In many cultures a woman's hair is shaved off to show that she has sinned.  Without her hair she feels shamed.  Have you noticed that it is far more tragic that a woman loses her hair during chemotherapy than it is for a man?  It is unnatural for a woman to have no hair while it is okay for a man.
And what about men and long hair?  I remember in high school the vice-principal calling down the "following shaggy dogs" who were given detentions for not getting their hair cut.  But then I read about the Nazarite vow which included that a man should not cut his hair during the time of his vow. 
So what can I conclude about all this?  One thing.  A man is not to look like a woman and a woman is not to look like a man.  Hair plays a big part in our looks.  It seems to me that it is more about style than about length. 

Hair

Why does Paul spend so much time talking about head coverings and hair?  What is the big deal with hair anyway?  And how short is too short for a woman and how long is too long for a man?  Throughout history the lengths of hair have changed so what is the big deal?
The issue is much bigger than hair length or what we wear on our heads.  The issue is that men are suppose to look like men and women are suppose to look like women.  That has led to many different interpretations of the principle because in different cultures and at different times the dress of men and women will change.  However there is always a distinct difference between the two.
Another reason for talking about hair is that it is a sign of authority or being under authority.  I went to university in the sixties which was the decade of rebellion against the authority.  Men choose long hair as a sign of rebellion.

Hidden in plain sight

How many of us couldn't find something we were looking for but when we finally found it it was right in front of  us.  We may be looking for a cell phone while we are talking on it (my sister-in-law confessed to doing this) or looking for our car when we parked it somewhere where we don't usually park it.
The fundamental rule of hermeneutics is "the plain thing is the main thing and the main thing is the plain thing".  Too often we are looking for another meaning in Scripture because we don't like the obvious one.  Do we have that problem when it comes to authority in Scripture?  Paul sets out the line of authority and we may not like it but it is there.  "But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God."  1 Corinthians 11:3. 
Now some people want to use the word "head" to mean source but does that make sense when we say that the head of Christ is God?  Christ is not from God, He is God.  The only acceptable word for headship here is authority.  So how do we flesh this out in twenty first century Canada?  Interesting and difficult but it is the Word of God.

It is not fair.

As a teacher and a parent I have heard that phrase thousands of times.  I also know that my children or the students I taught thought that it wasn't fair.  As their parent or their teacher I could see things from a different perspective and my concept of fairness and their concept of fairness may have been entirely different.

I have also heard the response that if life was fair then I would have been rich, handsome and successful.  However, that is a false view of fairness as well.  If life had been fair I probably would have been born to poor parents in a third world country.  I would not have had proper food or education and at my age today I probably would have been dead for a few years.  Is life fair?  Not from my perspective but what about from God's?

My concept of fairness was different from my students because I had a much larger perspective than they did.  God has an infinite greater perspective than we do so why cannot we trust His few of fairness rather than insist upon our own puny view?

Judo

In judo you use the strength of your opponent against him.  Satan is a judo expert and he uses the strengths of both genders against them.  Man's strength is their independence while a woman's strength is their interdependence.  However, Satan the judo expert uses the strength of woman to move from interdependence to dependence and he uses the strength of men to move from independence to autonomy, unaccountability and tyranny.  One of the reasons why gender roles come under so much criticism is that what should be used for good is used for evil.  When man fell Satan made woman dependent upon man while he made man lord it over the woman.  This was not the way in the beginning and it will not be the way in the new kingdom but meanwhile the church needs to show the world that gender differences can be used for the glory of God.

Remember, Jesus is subject to the Father but He is equal to the Father.  This picture of equality and submission is carried out in the church and in the home.  Man needs to use his independence in submission to his wife and the church.  Woman needs to use her interdependence in submission to her husband and the church.

Two halves make a whole, sometimes.

I taught mathematics and when I taught fractions the students learned very quickly that two halves make a whole.  But is this always true?  Do two halves of a pair of scissors make a whole?  Do two halves of a day make a whole?  The answer of course is yes if the two halves are complementary.  If the two halves are the same then you do not have a pair of scissors or if the two halves of the day are both mornings then you don't have a day.  For two halves to make a whole they have to be complementary.  Left and right shoe; morning and afternoon; day and night.

God made man and women equal but not the same.  They are complementary.  The Lord made woman a help mate for man.  To be a help mate you have to complement the other half.  The woman has strengths where the man doesn't.  It does not make her less than man but complementary to man as man is complementary to woman. 

Do we dare say it?  In the church man and woman should be considered equal but distinct.  They were created differently and that was no accident.  Gender differences were not a result of the fall but the result of creation.  That will also mean that men and women will have different roles in the family and in the church.  The world does not want to recognize these differences but the church must.  When God created man and woman He didn't say "oops, that will be a problem" but rather He said that it was good.  Gender differences are good. 

Man has always tried to make things the same that God created different.  In a future post I want to talk about what happens as a result of sin to these differences but let it be sufficient to say right now that the differences is what makes completion.  Two halves do make a whole when they are complementary.

It is not the centre.

One of the topics we will be looking at this fall deals with gender roles in the church.  It is in the Bible and so it is important that we do look at but we need to remember two things:

1. It is not central.  Jesus is.  We need to remember that we are not saved by our doctrine but by a person.  If we were required to have correct doctrine to be saved then where would be grace?  Doctrine is important but it follows, not leads.

2. It is not something that we should continue to hammer away at.  We need to talk about it then agree to disagree but not keep coming back to it.  When we do that we are again saying that this is a central doctrine even if we don't think it is.  Our actions says something different.

Yes we need to talk about it.  If we cannot talk about it in the church then where can we talk about it?  The world is not where we should get our opinion but rather from the Word of God. 

This Fall

A week from this Sunday we will be back in class.  I plan on continuing my series in 1 Corinthians.   We will begin with gender roles, look at issues re authority, communion, spiritual gifts, body life, resurrection, giving as well as many other issues.  Many of these issues are hot button issues.  Our own denomination just changed the policy re women in ministry.  This should lead to discussion but where else but in the church should you be able to disagree yet fellowship and worship together.

Accident

A few weeks ago we had an accident with the BfM truck.  I was driving but at the time of the accident I was stopped for a red light.  Another vehicle pulled up beside me to turn right but was waiting for a lady with a bike to cross the street in front of us.  She started to walk her bike across the street when we heard a big bang.  I looked up and saw two cars had collided in the intersection (one had gone through the red light) and were now heading toward us.  One car hit the front of our truck while the other hit the vehicle beside us.  The lady on the bike was missed by both cars.  One went in front of her and hit us while the other went behind her and hit the vehicle that was turning right.

What was strange about the accident was the reaction of many people even Christians.  Instead of saying that the lady should thank God for protection they instead equated it to luck and that she should go and buy a lottery ticket while her luck was so good.  People put more faith in luck than they do in the Sovereignty of God. 

Spiral Tunnels

As we drove through the mountains last week we stopped at Yoho National Park to see the spiral tunnels.  These tunnels were built 100 years ago to reduce the grade for the trains from 4.5% to 2%.  You could not help but marvel at what they accomplished 100 years ago.  As I thought about the accomplishments of those men I had to stop and think about the Creator.  Men may be able to build tunnels through the mountains but it was God who created the mountains.  Man can be creative because he is made in the image of God but man's creativity is limited while God's is unlimited.  It is a good thing to think about the accomplishments of these people but let us not forget the marvel of what God did.

50 Years of Blessing

Today my oldest brother and his wife celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.  They began their married life as missionaries in Ecuador and now in retirement from teaching in Canada they continue to be missionaries in South and Central America and camp ministry in northern Canada.  We will never know how many people have been impacted by their lives and their dedication and no one will probably ever know this side of heaven.

How many people and many of them Christians waste their retirement years.  They look upon those years as their time to relax after all they earned it didn't they?  Try and find retirement in the Bible.  It is not a Biblical idea.  May many more learn from the example of my brother and sister-in-law and continue to serve the the Lord in the best years of their lives.

(The picture is by my second oldest brother who celebrated 45 years of marriage this year and he and his wife also believe that retirement is a time to serve the Lord.)

Grateful but who to thank!

Imagine seeing a beautiful sunset and being filled with thanks but having no one to thank.  If you don't believe in God then who do you thank for your blessings.  Do you thank your lucky stars?  I don't think so, in fact, I know you don't.  So who then do  you thank.
This past weekend we were driving through the mountains of western Canada and we stopped at the most beautiful lake in the world, Lake Louise.  I had been there forty years earlier with my new wife and this time I was there with my son and daughter-in-law.  The lake fills you with awe and you cannot help but think of the One who created it and then hid it away in the mountains where few would ever see it.  Isn't that like our God.  I was so glad that I knew the Creator and was able to be thankful to Him for His beautiful creation.  Below are a few pictures of this magnificent lake.  The first is from forty years ago the second is from this past week.

Boundary line in pleasant places

This past weekend we had a family reunion in honour of my oldest brother who was celebrating fifty years of marriage.  All of my brothers and sisters were there and we have all choosen different lives.  We have different occupations and we live in different parts of Canada.  It is easy to look at another brother or sister and to be envious of them for there live or where they live.  However, I am reminded of the Scripture from Psalm 16:5,6 which says, "Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance."

The Lord has assigned our place and when we realize that it is the place He has assigned for us it is a pleasant place.  If I were to think that my brother's or sister's place was a better or more pleasant place than the one assigned to me then my own place ceases to be the pleasant place.  It is only as I rest in the sovereign knowledge of God that I can honestly say that the boundary lines have fallen for me in a very pleasant place. 

No Wonder!

The following article appeared in the London Free Press today.  The United Church of Canada in trying to be relevant is totally irrelevant.  The church loses its relevance when it tries to be relevant to the day.  The only way the church can be relevant is to be eternally relevant.  When Scripture is ignored then the church has nothing to say.  The United Church of Canada is going to die and it will not be missed.  That is a sad commentary on a church that was vibrant 45 years ago.  The church has lost the vision of what it means to be the church.  Read the article.  What do you think?

As the United Church of Canada struggles to fill many of its pews, the denomination will delve into contentious political issues at its 41st General Council in Ottawa this week.

"An appropriate price put on carbon, such as a carbon tax, would penalize the use of fossil fuels and could generate revenue for sustainable energy," a group of high-ranking church officials from Toronto argues in its submission to delegates.

The 130 proposals up for debate also include a ban on oilsands expansion, opposing the Northern Gateway oil pipeline proposal and a partial boycott of Israeli products.
Other proposals call for improvement of the world's oceans through the transmission of "healing love to Creation" and for the inclusion of the gay rights activists' "rainbow symbol" in church offices and websites.
However, the United Church of Canada also has to deal with a dramatic decline in membership: membership has dipped from more than a million in the mid-1960s to less than 500,000 now.
Retired United Church minister David Ewart estimates that by 2025 membership will drop to around 250,000.
"If the trend of the last 10 years does not change, then yes, indeed that would be the membership in 2025," Ewart said.
Even more strikingly, Ewart estimates that if current trends hold, by 2025 the United Church will be attracting zero new followers.
Ewart attributes that to liberal theology.
"Because we're so liberal ... we have a hard time selling ourselves," he said.
Ewart acknowledges the only firm doctrine of his church is that "there is no such thing as a final statement of doctrine."
So, while the United Church calls people toward environmental activism, it doesn't call for personal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
"It's dropped off our agenda, I would say, and consequently membership declines," he admits.
Even so, the church has found 600 people to attend its week-long Ottawa meeting, with enough local volunteers to bake 50 dozen muffins and 100 dozen cookies for them daily.

How are we different?

What makes a Christian different from a non-Christian?  Yes, I know that we have the eternal God living in us but to the world what do they see?  Christians have the same struggles as non-Christians.  They battle the same temptations, they often live just like their non-Christian neighbours.  So what makes them different?  It is not that they do good deeds, many non-Christians do good deeds and often they do them better.  The answer is that we have the living God with us.  When Moses faced the daunting task of leading the Israelites the Lord said that He would go with them.  Moses replied that he would not go if the Lord did not go with them.  Does the world know that we have the living God with us or do they see us as just another "do-gooder"? 

Miracles

I have been thinking about miracles lately.  I am struck by the fact that most miracles we see today are not action against the natural order but rather restoring the natural order.  Cancer is a result of the fall so the healing of cancer would be making things as they should be.  I think too often we think of the way the world is as natural but really it isn't.  The world is as it is today because man sinned.  Miracles give us a small taste of what the world should be like and will be one day.