“Godly sorrow worketh repentance.”
- 2 Corinthians 7:10
Genuine, spiritual mourning for sin is the work of the Spirit of God. Repentance is too choice a flower to grow in nature’s garden. Pearls grow naturally in oysters, but penitence never shows itself in sinners except divine grace works it in them. If thou hast one particle of real hatred for sin, God must have given it thee, for human nature’s thorns never produced a single fig. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh.”
True repentance has a distinct reference to the Saviour. When we repent of sin, we must have one eye upon sin and another upon the cross, or it will be better still if we fix both our eyes upon Christ and see our transgressions only, in the light of his love.
True sorrow for sin is eminently practical. No man may say he hates sin, if he lives in it. Repentance makes us see the evil of sin, not merely as a theory, but experimentally-as a burnt child dreads fire. We shall be as much afraid of it, as a man who has lately been stopped and robbed is afraid of the thief upon the highway; and we shall shun it-shun it in everything-not in great things only, but in little things, as men shun little vipers as well as great snakes. True mourning for sin will make us very jealous over our tongue, lest it should say a wrong word; we shall be very watchful over our daily actions, lest in anything we offend, and each night we shall close the day with painful confessions of shortcoming, and each morning awaken with anxious prayers, that this day God would hold us up that we may not sin against him.
Sincere repentance is continual. Believers repent until their dying day. This dropping well is not intermittent. Every other sorrow yields to time, but this dear sorrow grows with our growth, and it is so sweet a bitter, that we thank God we are permitted to enjoy and to suffer it until we enter our eternal rest.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world.”
- Romans 12:2
If a Christian can by possibility be saved while he conforms to this world, at any rate it must be so as by fire. Such a bare salvation is almost as much to be dreaded as desired. Reader, would you wish to leave this world in the darkness of a desponding death bed, and enter heaven as a shipwrecked mariner climbs the rocks of his native country? then be worldly; be mixed up with Mammonites, and refuse to go without the camp bearing Christ’s reproach. But would you have a heaven below as well as a heaven above? Would you comprehend with all saints what are the heights and depths, and know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge? Would you receive an abundant entrance into the joy of your Lord? Then come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing. Would you attain the full assurance of faith? you cannot gain it while you commune with sinners. Would you flame with vehement love? Your love will be damped by the drenchings of godless society. You cannot become a great Christian-you may be a babe in grace, but you never can be a perfect man in Christ Jesus while you yield yourself to the worldly maxims and modes of business of men of the world. It is ill for an heir of heaven to be a great friend with the heirs of hell. It has a bad look when a courtier is too intimate with his king’s enemies. Even small inconsistencies are dangerous. Little thorns make great blisters, little moths destroy fine garments, and little frivolities and little rogueries will rob religion of a thousand joys. O professor, too little separated from sinners, you know not what you lose by your conformity to the world. It cuts the tendons of your strength, and makes you creep where you ought to run. Then, for your own comfort’s sake, and for the sake of your growth in grace, if you be a Christian, be a Christian, and be a marked and distinct one.
- Romans 12:2
If a Christian can by possibility be saved while he conforms to this world, at any rate it must be so as by fire. Such a bare salvation is almost as much to be dreaded as desired. Reader, would you wish to leave this world in the darkness of a desponding death bed, and enter heaven as a shipwrecked mariner climbs the rocks of his native country? then be worldly; be mixed up with Mammonites, and refuse to go without the camp bearing Christ’s reproach. But would you have a heaven below as well as a heaven above? Would you comprehend with all saints what are the heights and depths, and know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge? Would you receive an abundant entrance into the joy of your Lord? Then come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing. Would you attain the full assurance of faith? you cannot gain it while you commune with sinners. Would you flame with vehement love? Your love will be damped by the drenchings of godless society. You cannot become a great Christian-you may be a babe in grace, but you never can be a perfect man in Christ Jesus while you yield yourself to the worldly maxims and modes of business of men of the world. It is ill for an heir of heaven to be a great friend with the heirs of hell. It has a bad look when a courtier is too intimate with his king’s enemies. Even small inconsistencies are dangerous. Little thorns make great blisters, little moths destroy fine garments, and little frivolities and little rogueries will rob religion of a thousand joys. O professor, too little separated from sinners, you know not what you lose by your conformity to the world. It cuts the tendons of your strength, and makes you creep where you ought to run. Then, for your own comfort’s sake, and for the sake of your growth in grace, if you be a Christian, be a Christian, and be a marked and distinct one.
philippians 3:8
“I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.”
- Philippians 3:8
Spiritual knowledge of Christ will be a personal knowledge. I cannot know Jesus through another person’s acquaintance with him. No, I must know him myself; I must know him on my own account. It will be an intelligent knowledge-I must know him, not as the visionary dreams of him, but as the Word reveals him. I must know his natures, divine and human. I must know his offices-his attributes-his works-his shame-his glory. I must meditate upon him until I “comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.” It will be an affectionate knowledge of him; indeed, if I know him at all, I must love him. An ounce of heart knowledge is worth a ton of head learning. Our knowledge of him will be a satisfying knowledge. When I know my Saviour, my mind will be full to the brim-I shall feel that I have that which my spirit panted after. “This is that bread whereof if a man eat he shall never hunger.” At the same time it will be an exciting knowledge; the more I know of my Beloved, the more I shall want to know. The higher I climb the loftier will be the summits which invite my eager footsteps. I shall want the more as I get the more. Like the miser’s treasure, my gold will make me covet more. To conclude; this knowledge of Christ Jesus will be a most happy one; in fact, so elevating, that sometimes it will completely bear me up above all trials, and doubts, and sorrows; and it will, while I enjoy it, make me something more than “Man that is born of woman, who is of few days, and full of trouble”; for it will fling about me the immortality of the ever living Saviour, and gird me with the golden girdle of his eternal joy. Come, my soul, sit at Jesus’s feet and learn of him all this day.
- Philippians 3:8
Spiritual knowledge of Christ will be a personal knowledge. I cannot know Jesus through another person’s acquaintance with him. No, I must know him myself; I must know him on my own account. It will be an intelligent knowledge-I must know him, not as the visionary dreams of him, but as the Word reveals him. I must know his natures, divine and human. I must know his offices-his attributes-his works-his shame-his glory. I must meditate upon him until I “comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.” It will be an affectionate knowledge of him; indeed, if I know him at all, I must love him. An ounce of heart knowledge is worth a ton of head learning. Our knowledge of him will be a satisfying knowledge. When I know my Saviour, my mind will be full to the brim-I shall feel that I have that which my spirit panted after. “This is that bread whereof if a man eat he shall never hunger.” At the same time it will be an exciting knowledge; the more I know of my Beloved, the more I shall want to know. The higher I climb the loftier will be the summits which invite my eager footsteps. I shall want the more as I get the more. Like the miser’s treasure, my gold will make me covet more. To conclude; this knowledge of Christ Jesus will be a most happy one; in fact, so elevating, that sometimes it will completely bear me up above all trials, and doubts, and sorrows; and it will, while I enjoy it, make me something more than “Man that is born of woman, who is of few days, and full of trouble”; for it will fling about me the immortality of the ever living Saviour, and gird me with the golden girdle of his eternal joy. Come, my soul, sit at Jesus’s feet and learn of him all this day.
Exodus 34: 20
“But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck.”
- Exodus 34:20
Every firstborn creature must be the Lord’s, but since the ass was unclean, it could not be presented in sacrifice. What then? Should it be allowed to go free from the universal law? By no means. God admits of no exceptions. The ass is his due, but he will not accept it; he will not abate the claim, but yet he cannot be pleased with the victim. No way of escape remained but redemption-the creature must be saved by the substitution of a lamb in its place; or if not redeemed, it must die. My soul, here is a lesson for thee. That unclean animal is thyself; thou art justly the property of the Lord who made thee and preserves thee, but thou art so sinful that God will not, cannot, accept thee; and it has come to this, the Lamb of God must stand in thy stead, or thou must die eternally. Let all the world know of thy gratitude to that spotless Lamb who has already bled for thee, and so redeemed thee from the fatal curse of the law. Must it not sometimes have been a question with the Israelite which should die, the ass or the lamb? Would not the good man pause to estimate and compare? Assuredly there was no comparison between the value of the soul of man and the life of the Lord Jesus, and yet the Lamb dies, and man the ass is spared. My soul, admire the boundless love of God to thee and others of the human race. Worms are bought with the blood of the Son of the Highest! Dust and ashes redeemed with a price far above silver and gold! What a doom had been mine had not plenteous redemption been found! The breaking of the neck of the ass was but a momentary penalty, but who shall measure the wrath to come to which no limit can be imagined? Inestimably dear is the glorious Lamb who has redeemed us from such a doom.
- Exodus 34:20
Every firstborn creature must be the Lord’s, but since the ass was unclean, it could not be presented in sacrifice. What then? Should it be allowed to go free from the universal law? By no means. God admits of no exceptions. The ass is his due, but he will not accept it; he will not abate the claim, but yet he cannot be pleased with the victim. No way of escape remained but redemption-the creature must be saved by the substitution of a lamb in its place; or if not redeemed, it must die. My soul, here is a lesson for thee. That unclean animal is thyself; thou art justly the property of the Lord who made thee and preserves thee, but thou art so sinful that God will not, cannot, accept thee; and it has come to this, the Lamb of God must stand in thy stead, or thou must die eternally. Let all the world know of thy gratitude to that spotless Lamb who has already bled for thee, and so redeemed thee from the fatal curse of the law. Must it not sometimes have been a question with the Israelite which should die, the ass or the lamb? Would not the good man pause to estimate and compare? Assuredly there was no comparison between the value of the soul of man and the life of the Lord Jesus, and yet the Lamb dies, and man the ass is spared. My soul, admire the boundless love of God to thee and others of the human race. Worms are bought with the blood of the Son of the Highest! Dust and ashes redeemed with a price far above silver and gold! What a doom had been mine had not plenteous redemption been found! The breaking of the neck of the ass was but a momentary penalty, but who shall measure the wrath to come to which no limit can be imagined? Inestimably dear is the glorious Lamb who has redeemed us from such a doom.
Malachi 3: 2
“But who may abide the day of his coming?”
- Malachi 3:2
His first coming was without external pomp or show of power, and yet in truth there were few who could abide its testing might. Herod and all Jerusalem with him were stirred at the news of the wondrous birth. Those who supposed themselves to be waiting for him, showed the fallacy of their professions by rejecting him when he came. His life on earth was a winnowing fan, which tried the great heap of religious profession, and few enough could abide the process. But what will his second advent be? What sinner can endure to think of it? “He shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.” When in his humiliation he did but say to the soldiers, “I am he,” they fell backward; what will be the terror of his enemies when he shall more fully reveal himself as the “I am?” His death shook earth and darkened heaven, what shall be the dreadful splendour of that day in which as the living Saviour, he shall summon the quick and dead before him? O that the terrors of the Lord would persuade men to forsake their sins and kiss the Son lest he be angry! Though a lamb, he is yet the lion of the tribe of Judah, rending the prey in pieces; and though he breaks not the bruised reed, yet will he break his enemies with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. None of his foes shall bear up before the tempest of his wrath, or hide themselves from the sweeping hail of his indignation; but his beloved blood washed people look for his appearing with joy, and hope to abide it without fear: to them he sits as a refiner even now, and when he has tried them they shall come forth as gold. Let us search ourselves this morning and make our calling and election sure, so that the coming of the Lord may cause no dark forebodings in our mind. O for grace to cast away all hypocrisy, and to be found of him sincere and without rebuke in the day of his appearing.
- Malachi 3:2
His first coming was without external pomp or show of power, and yet in truth there were few who could abide its testing might. Herod and all Jerusalem with him were stirred at the news of the wondrous birth. Those who supposed themselves to be waiting for him, showed the fallacy of their professions by rejecting him when he came. His life on earth was a winnowing fan, which tried the great heap of religious profession, and few enough could abide the process. But what will his second advent be? What sinner can endure to think of it? “He shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.” When in his humiliation he did but say to the soldiers, “I am he,” they fell backward; what will be the terror of his enemies when he shall more fully reveal himself as the “I am?” His death shook earth and darkened heaven, what shall be the dreadful splendour of that day in which as the living Saviour, he shall summon the quick and dead before him? O that the terrors of the Lord would persuade men to forsake their sins and kiss the Son lest he be angry! Though a lamb, he is yet the lion of the tribe of Judah, rending the prey in pieces; and though he breaks not the bruised reed, yet will he break his enemies with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. None of his foes shall bear up before the tempest of his wrath, or hide themselves from the sweeping hail of his indignation; but his beloved blood washed people look for his appearing with joy, and hope to abide it without fear: to them he sits as a refiner even now, and when he has tried them they shall come forth as gold. Let us search ourselves this morning and make our calling and election sure, so that the coming of the Lord may cause no dark forebodings in our mind. O for grace to cast away all hypocrisy, and to be found of him sincere and without rebuke in the day of his appearing.
john 21: 12
“Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine.”
- John 21:12
In these words the believer is invited to a holy nearness to Jesus. “Come and dine,” implies the same table, the same meat; aye, and sometimes it means to sit side by side, and lean our head upon the Saviour’s bosom. It is being brought into the banqueting-house, where waves the banner of redeeming love. “Come and dine,” gives us a vision of union with Jesus, because the only food that we can feast upon when we dine with Jesus is himself. Oh, what union is this! It is a depth which reason cannot fathom, that we thus feed upon Jesus. “He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” It is also an invitation to enjoy fellowship with the saints. Christians may differ on a variety of points, but they have all one spiritual appetite; and if we cannot all feel alike, we can all feed alike on the bread of life sent down from heaven. At the table of fellowship with Jesus we are one bread and one cup. As the loving cup goes round we pledge one another heartily therein. Get nearer to Jesus, and you will find yourself linked more and more in spirit to all who are like yourself, supported by the same heavenly manna. If we were more near to Jesus we should be more near to one another. We likewise see in these words the source of strength for every Christian. To look at Christ is to live, but for strength to serve him you must “come and dine.” We labour under much unnecessary weakness on account of neglecting this percept of the Master. We none of us need to put ourselves on low diet; on the contrary, we should fatten on the marrow and fatness of the gospel that we may accumulate strength therein, and urge every power to its full tension in the Master’s service. Thus, then, if you would realize nearness to Jesus, union with Jesus, love to his people and strength from Jesus, “come and dine” with him by faith.
- John 21:12
In these words the believer is invited to a holy nearness to Jesus. “Come and dine,” implies the same table, the same meat; aye, and sometimes it means to sit side by side, and lean our head upon the Saviour’s bosom. It is being brought into the banqueting-house, where waves the banner of redeeming love. “Come and dine,” gives us a vision of union with Jesus, because the only food that we can feast upon when we dine with Jesus is himself. Oh, what union is this! It is a depth which reason cannot fathom, that we thus feed upon Jesus. “He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” It is also an invitation to enjoy fellowship with the saints. Christians may differ on a variety of points, but they have all one spiritual appetite; and if we cannot all feel alike, we can all feed alike on the bread of life sent down from heaven. At the table of fellowship with Jesus we are one bread and one cup. As the loving cup goes round we pledge one another heartily therein. Get nearer to Jesus, and you will find yourself linked more and more in spirit to all who are like yourself, supported by the same heavenly manna. If we were more near to Jesus we should be more near to one another. We likewise see in these words the source of strength for every Christian. To look at Christ is to live, but for strength to serve him you must “come and dine.” We labour under much unnecessary weakness on account of neglecting this percept of the Master. We none of us need to put ourselves on low diet; on the contrary, we should fatten on the marrow and fatness of the gospel that we may accumulate strength therein, and urge every power to its full tension in the Master’s service. Thus, then, if you would realize nearness to Jesus, union with Jesus, love to his people and strength from Jesus, “come and dine” with him by faith.
Psalms 36:9
“With thee is the fountain of life.”
- Psalm 36:9
There are times in our spiritual experience when human counsel or sympathy, or religious ordinances, fail to comfort or help us. Why does our gracious God permit this? Perhaps it is because we have been living too much without him, and he therefore takes away everything upon which we have been in the habit of depending, that he may drive us to himself. It is a blessed thing to live at the fountain head. While our skin- bottles are full, we are content, like Hagar and Ishmael, to go into the wilderness; but when those are dry, nothing will serve us but “Thou God seest me.” We are like the prodigal, we love the swine-troughs and forget our Father’s house. Remember, we can make swine-troughs and husks even out of the forms of religion; they are blessed things, but we may put them in God’s place, and then they are of no value. Anything becomes an idol when it keeps us away from God: even the brazen serpent is to be despised as “Nehushtan,” if we worship it instead of God. The prodigal was never safer than when he was driven to his father’s bosom, because he could find sustenance nowhere else. Our Lord favours us with a famine in the land that it may make us seek after himself the more. The best position for a Christian is living wholly and directly on God’s grace-still abiding where he stood at first-”Having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” Let us never for a moment think that our standing is in our sanctification, our mortification, our graces, or our feelings, but know that because Christ offered a full atonement, therefore we are saved; for we are complete in him. Having nothing of our own to trust to, but resting upon the merits of Jesus-his passion and holy life furnish us with the only sure ground of confidence. Beloved, when we are brought to a thirsting condition, we are sure to turn to the fountain of life with eagerness.
- Psalm 36:9
There are times in our spiritual experience when human counsel or sympathy, or religious ordinances, fail to comfort or help us. Why does our gracious God permit this? Perhaps it is because we have been living too much without him, and he therefore takes away everything upon which we have been in the habit of depending, that he may drive us to himself. It is a blessed thing to live at the fountain head. While our skin- bottles are full, we are content, like Hagar and Ishmael, to go into the wilderness; but when those are dry, nothing will serve us but “Thou God seest me.” We are like the prodigal, we love the swine-troughs and forget our Father’s house. Remember, we can make swine-troughs and husks even out of the forms of religion; they are blessed things, but we may put them in God’s place, and then they are of no value. Anything becomes an idol when it keeps us away from God: even the brazen serpent is to be despised as “Nehushtan,” if we worship it instead of God. The prodigal was never safer than when he was driven to his father’s bosom, because he could find sustenance nowhere else. Our Lord favours us with a famine in the land that it may make us seek after himself the more. The best position for a Christian is living wholly and directly on God’s grace-still abiding where he stood at first-”Having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” Let us never for a moment think that our standing is in our sanctification, our mortification, our graces, or our feelings, but know that because Christ offered a full atonement, therefore we are saved; for we are complete in him. Having nothing of our own to trust to, but resting upon the merits of Jesus-his passion and holy life furnish us with the only sure ground of confidence. Beloved, when we are brought to a thirsting condition, we are sure to turn to the fountain of life with eagerness.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
SUNDAY THOUGHT -18
SUNDAY THOUGHT -18 WORSHIP IN HOLINESS "Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness" exhorts the psalmist. (Ps.29:2; 96:9). "Holiness adorns your house O LORD, forever" hails the Psalmist (93:5). "Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool, for He is Holy" declares the Psalmist (99:5, 9). In the vision of Isaiah, he saw the Seraphim worshipping God declaring a single point truth: "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts…" (6:3). The four living creatures in the vision of John has the same thing to declare: "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God almighty, who was and is and is to come" (Rev. 4:8b.). John saw them saying the same without rest day or night! Holiness defines the LORD. God is holy. This holiness marks His right to be worshipped. Holiness speaks about two particular aspects of God: His distinction and moral purity. God is distinct from everything else that exists. He is unique. There is nothing that can be compared with Him (cf. 1 Samuel 2:2;Ex. 15:11). He is without equals. In this way He does not depend on anyone or anything to bring Him to existence or to sustain him in being. As Holy, God He is great in power and grandeur. This majestic holiness is a theme in the Book of Psalms calling people to worship Him (see Ps. 105:3; 106:47; 108:7; 47:8; 11:9; etc.). Bing Holy, God is distinct and unique. Therefore he is to be worshipped. Holiness speaks about God's moral purity also. God is separate and set apart from everything in His moral purity. He does not have any relation with sin. He is free from the pollution of sin. Being Holy, God is righteous (Ps.145:17) and faithful (Ps. 105:42; 89:35). The worshipping community has to give attention to these both aspects of God's holiness. God always wanted His people to be separate from other peoples and to worship Him in purity alone. The redemption and deliverance God brought about for Israel of O.T. was with this purpose: That they should worship Him. They could not do that in Egypt among unholiness. They needed to be separated. God gave them a new standard for life; new set of practices to follow. This was based upon His holiness. He wanted His people comply with His holiness. He desired them to be Holy (Lev. 19:2; 20:3, 26). The redemption God worked out through his son Jesus is with the same intention- to make a people who worship Him in Holiness. Believers are sanctified people. They are saints before God. This positional holiness is the first step towards worshipping God in holiness. By this God has separated us from this world and made us distinct. Our standards for life are different. Our practices are different including that of worship. This distinction is to be kept for worshipping a distinct being, our God. Moral purity is a high virtue God demands from the worshipping community. No unholiness was permitted at the Holy sanctuary of God in Israel. The descriptions concerning physical cleanliness cautions us about the high standard of purity God demanded from people who drew near to worship him. The church today is to be holy in her moral conduct. The standard for that purity is God himself. "Be ye Holy, as I am Holy" (1Pet. 1:15-16). Our physical cleanliness in not what is highlighted, though that is not unimportant. Rather, moral purity; Purity of our hands, hearts and mind. Purity in our attitude and actions. That is to be seen in the worshipping community. This will not happen without a voluntary and purposeful maintenance of purity at the present. The worship in heaven is perfect because we shall reach the expected perfection then. But as long as we are on earth, with unholiness and ungodliness, an effort is required to maintain god's standard of purity. Holiness marks out God. Holiness should mark out the people who worship Him as well. As we prepare to worship God this week, let us pay attention to God's Holiness that makes Him distinct and perfect. Let us remember that God desires to see the same in us, his redeemed and sanctified people. Let us worship in Holiness.
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"Whom he did predestinate, them he also called."
In the second epistle to Timothy, first chapter, and ninth verse, are these words-"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling." Now, here is a touchstone by which we may try our calling. It is "an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace." This calling forbids all trust in our own doings, and conducts us to Christ alone for salvation, but it afterwards purges us from dead works to serve the living and true God. As he that hath called you is holy, so must you be holy. If you are living in sin, you are not called, but if you are truly Christ's, you can say, "Nothing pains me so much as sin; I desire to be rid of it; Lord, help me to be holy." Is this the panting of thy heart? Is this the tenor of thy life towards God, and his divine will? Again, in Philippians, 3:13, 14, we are told of "The high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Is then your calling a high calling? Has it ennobled your heart, and set it upon heavenly things? Has it elevated your hopes, your tastes, your desires? Has it upraised the constant tenor of your life, so that you spend it with God and for God? Another test we find in Hebrews 3:1-"Partakers of the heavenly calling." Heavenly calling means a call from heaven. If man alone call thee, thou art uncalled. Is thy calling of God? Is it a call to heaven as well as from heaven? Unless thou art a stranger here, and heaven thy home, thou hast not been called with a heavenly calling; for those who have been so called, declare that they look for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God, and they themselves are strangers and pilgrims upon the earth. Is thy calling thus holy, high, heavenly? Then, beloved, thou hast been called of God, for such is the calling wherewith God doth call his people.
Friday, September 26, 2008
SUNDAY THOUGHT -17
WORSHIPPING GOD IN THE MIDST OF PERSECUTION
Text: 2Thessalonians 1:3-12
Persecutions should not be a surprising thing for the church. It started when the church started. And it will continue as long as the church continues in the world. Sometimes it is mild. At other times it becomes severe giving the church botheration. But it is a reality. Waiting for persecution to stop permanently to do our Christian service is therefore stupidity. The worship of the church and other ministries has to continue amidst persecutions.
Recently, in some parts of our country, the people of God are threatened to the extent that some had to refrain from gathering on Sunday for worship. This is indeed alarming. For the children of God, any day and every day is a day of worship. But since the church gathers together for collective worship on Sunday, being the day of resurrection, it has significance. And it is at this occasion of the church's worship, most Christians commemorate the Lord's Table.
But what if our freedom of worship is affected by an anti-Christian act? How will we continue worshipping God? Is it a violation if on a Sunday the church did not (or could not) gather for worshipping God?
Christians coming together to worship on Sundays is a practice than an instruction in the New Testament. The N.T. does not command believers to meet together on Sunday being the day of resurrection. From the beginning of the church, the N.T. believers –mostly Jews- shifted the day of gathering for worship and fellowship from the seventh day (Sabbath) to the first day of the week(the resurrection day). This became the notable feature that distinguished Judaism from Christianity. And this practice is what the Christian church follows for the last twenty centuries. Whichever part of the world Christianity reached with significant influence, Sunday was separated for the worship and related ministries of the church. And no genuine reason can any one cite (or need to) for a change of the day for collective worship. So wherever possible and as long as we can the church must continue to gather on Sunday.
But due to any reason if our freedom for this is affected, we do not need to be panicking as if we will then go against the Scripture. It should be regarded more an emotional issue than a violation of any biblical instruction, since no instruction regarding the day of worship is given in the New Testament. Those who worship the father will worship Him in truth and in Spirit. Not in this place or that place or this day or that day! In this regard, we, the people of the church are unlike the people of Israel of the O.T. They had stipulated days and dates for religious activities and they needed to follow them without fail. Any failure would be considered as violation of divine instructions. But we do not have this problem today. If we are not able to gather together on a Sunday due to a genuine reason we do not go against the Scripture.
But does this mean then that any local church can decide to come together for worship any day? It should not be so. Though the practice of church gathering on the first day of the week is not the result of any divine instruction, it is a harmless, safe and an acceptable practice. As long as possible we may continue that practice instead of giving way to anarchy in the name of freedom or liberalism. But if a genuine threat from the anti-Christian elements force us to shift the day of worship of the church from Sunday to any other day it may be taken without guilt. If we are not willing for this even in the wake of threats and persecutions, it then means that we choose to suffer for it, which would not be spoken against.
The believers in Jesus Christ ought to worship God even in the midst of persecutions. The apostles, when threatened with consequences for preaching in the name of Jesus including other religious functions, they defied it and chose sufferings. Christians, in places where Christianity is regarded as against the Law, face persecutions for their faith in Christ and for attempting to worship God, willingly choosing suffering. Worship, personal and collective should be done even amidst persecutions.
As we prepare to worship God this week, let us who enjoy freedom (both physical and spiritual), thank God for it. May we remember our brothers and sisters who are not able to gather together for worship due to persecutions. Let us worship God who will grant us ultimate triumph against all threats and persecutions (2Thess. 1:6-7).
Yours in The gloriuos ministry of God
Joji George Abraham
WORSHIPPING GOD IN THE MIDST OF PERSECUTION
Text: 2Thessalonians 1:3-12
Persecutions should not be a surprising thing for the church. It started when the church started. And it will continue as long as the church continues in the world. Sometimes it is mild. At other times it becomes severe giving the church botheration. But it is a reality. Waiting for persecution to stop permanently to do our Christian service is therefore stupidity. The worship of the church and other ministries has to continue amidst persecutions.
Recently, in some parts of our country, the people of God are threatened to the extent that some had to refrain from gathering on Sunday for worship. This is indeed alarming. For the children of God, any day and every day is a day of worship. But since the church gathers together for collective worship on Sunday, being the day of resurrection, it has significance. And it is at this occasion of the church's worship, most Christians commemorate the Lord's Table.
But what if our freedom of worship is affected by an anti-Christian act? How will we continue worshipping God? Is it a violation if on a Sunday the church did not (or could not) gather for worshipping God?
Christians coming together to worship on Sundays is a practice than an instruction in the New Testament. The N.T. does not command believers to meet together on Sunday being the day of resurrection. From the beginning of the church, the N.T. believers –mostly Jews- shifted the day of gathering for worship and fellowship from the seventh day (Sabbath) to the first day of the week(the resurrection day). This became the notable feature that distinguished Judaism from Christianity. And this practice is what the Christian church follows for the last twenty centuries. Whichever part of the world Christianity reached with significant influence, Sunday was separated for the worship and related ministries of the church. And no genuine reason can any one cite (or need to) for a change of the day for collective worship. So wherever possible and as long as we can the church must continue to gather on Sunday.
But due to any reason if our freedom for this is affected, we do not need to be panicking as if we will then go against the Scripture. It should be regarded more an emotional issue than a violation of any biblical instruction, since no instruction regarding the day of worship is given in the New Testament. Those who worship the father will worship Him in truth and in Spirit. Not in this place or that place or this day or that day! In this regard, we, the people of the church are unlike the people of Israel of the O.T. They had stipulated days and dates for religious activities and they needed to follow them without fail. Any failure would be considered as violation of divine instructions. But we do not have this problem today. If we are not able to gather together on a Sunday due to a genuine reason we do not go against the Scripture.
But does this mean then that any local church can decide to come together for worship any day? It should not be so. Though the practice of church gathering on the first day of the week is not the result of any divine instruction, it is a harmless, safe and an acceptable practice. As long as possible we may continue that practice instead of giving way to anarchy in the name of freedom or liberalism. But if a genuine threat from the anti-Christian elements force us to shift the day of worship of the church from Sunday to any other day it may be taken without guilt. If we are not willing for this even in the wake of threats and persecutions, it then means that we choose to suffer for it, which would not be spoken against.
The believers in Jesus Christ ought to worship God even in the midst of persecutions. The apostles, when threatened with consequences for preaching in the name of Jesus including other religious functions, they defied it and chose sufferings. Christians, in places where Christianity is regarded as against the Law, face persecutions for their faith in Christ and for attempting to worship God, willingly choosing suffering. Worship, personal and collective should be done even amidst persecutions.
As we prepare to worship God this week, let us who enjoy freedom (both physical and spiritual), thank God for it. May we remember our brothers and sisters who are not able to gather together for worship due to persecutions. Let us worship God who will grant us ultimate triumph against all threats and persecutions (2Thess. 1:6-7).
Yours in The gloriuos ministry of God
Joji George Abraham
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Sunday Thought -16
Sunday Thought – 16
The Object of Our Worship
God is always triune. Christian believers know and believe that God is one but three persons are in the Godhead- the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are one in essence and substance but three as to the mode of existence and function is concerned. This concept of trinity is confusing to many minds. Often, people either reject or ignore this triune God concept.
We believe the doctrine of trinity primarily because that is how the Scripture presents God. Our position of the Scripture as the word of God settles our belief in trinity. But beyond this, the Scripture helps us with evidences for the Trinitarian Godhead. Only after the incarnation of the son of God, the second person of the trinity, the concept of a Trinitarian God would make sense to people’s minds. Hence, the monotheistic concept of the Jewish community before and after the coming of Jesus.
Now, since we know that there are three persons in the Godhead and all three are fully and equally God, the question is who then the object of our worship is? Both the Old and the New Testaments give us the idea that it is God the father, the first person of the trinity who is the direct object of our worship. Jesus stated “..…the hour is coming and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the FATHER in spirit and truth; for the father is seeking such to worship HIM” (Jn. 4:23). Paul says, “For this reason,..we do not cease to pray for you that you may…. give thanks to the father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love…” (Colo. 1:9, 12, 13).All the doxologies of Paul is in praise of the father (Romans 11:33-36; Eph. 1:3-14;3:14-15;1Tim. 6:15-16). Jude worships God the father in his doxology (v. 24-25). In the worship of the elders and the living creatures in heaven, the one who sits on the throne, the father who lives for ever is worshipped (Rev. 4:8-11;5:14). God’s angels call forth the inhabitant’s of the earth to worship God the father who made everything(Rev. 14:7) The kingdom rule of Jesus will culminate when Jesus submitting the kingdom to the father so that the father may be all in all (1Cor. 15:24-28). The Jewish community worshipped YAHWEH as their God. Even while Jesus was on the earth, devout Jews came to Jerusalem to worship the same Jehovah God only.
To the question who is the object of our worship then, we may answer ‘God’. This may be further clarified by saying, ‘God the Father’. Does that mean God the Son and God the Holy Spirit does not deserve worship? Never. Jesus himself received worship from people while on earth (John 20:28; Matt. 2:11; 8:2;;9:18;14:33;15:25;20:20;28:9,17;Lk. 24:52;Mk. 5:6;John 9:38;). God commands all His angels to worship His Son (Heb. 1:6).So it is not that Jesus deserve no worship or no one shall worship the Son; rather, it is God the Father, who is our object of Worship.
Christian believers today worship God the father by the help of the Holy Spirit due to the work of the Son. Any worshipper therefore is to exalt the Father through the Holy Spirit remembering the work of the Son. Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension are the cause for a believer to approach God in worship today. What Jesus did is the means for us to worship God. This is why the Lord’s Table is so relevant in our worship of God. So, we use the means which Christ opened to come before God. And having come before Him we worship God, giving praises, honor and majesty to God. So reading or sharing or thinking about the death of Jesus alone does not make worship complete. Worship is more than doing any of these. Worship is not complete unless we ascribe praises, honor and glory to God the father. The worship of heaven models this aspect. The elders and the four living creatures did see and remember the slain lamb. And they ascribed glory honor and power to God the father, the one who is sitting on the throne for ever. The very sacrificial death of Jesus was to make a people for God to worship Him. The regenerating work of the Holy Spirit in man is to make a people worthy to worship God. The electing, predestinating, redeeming, forgiving and adopting God did to us is for the praise of the gory of His grace (Eph. 1:6, 14). Thus the perfect object of worship becomes God the father.
As we prepare for worship meeting this week, let us be reminded of the fact that God the father is the object of our worship. We worship Him by the help of the Spirit of God and exalting the Son of God.
Yours in The gloriuos ministry of God Joji George Abraham
The Object of Our Worship
God is always triune. Christian believers know and believe that God is one but three persons are in the Godhead- the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are one in essence and substance but three as to the mode of existence and function is concerned. This concept of trinity is confusing to many minds. Often, people either reject or ignore this triune God concept.
We believe the doctrine of trinity primarily because that is how the Scripture presents God. Our position of the Scripture as the word of God settles our belief in trinity. But beyond this, the Scripture helps us with evidences for the Trinitarian Godhead. Only after the incarnation of the son of God, the second person of the trinity, the concept of a Trinitarian God would make sense to people’s minds. Hence, the monotheistic concept of the Jewish community before and after the coming of Jesus.
Now, since we know that there are three persons in the Godhead and all three are fully and equally God, the question is who then the object of our worship is? Both the Old and the New Testaments give us the idea that it is God the father, the first person of the trinity who is the direct object of our worship. Jesus stated “..…the hour is coming and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the FATHER in spirit and truth; for the father is seeking such to worship HIM” (Jn. 4:23). Paul says, “For this reason,..we do not cease to pray for you that you may…. give thanks to the father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love…” (Colo. 1:9, 12, 13).All the doxologies of Paul is in praise of the father (Romans 11:33-36; Eph. 1:3-14;3:14-15;1Tim. 6:15-16). Jude worships God the father in his doxology (v. 24-25). In the worship of the elders and the living creatures in heaven, the one who sits on the throne, the father who lives for ever is worshipped (Rev. 4:8-11;5:14). God’s angels call forth the inhabitant’s of the earth to worship God the father who made everything(Rev. 14:7) The kingdom rule of Jesus will culminate when Jesus submitting the kingdom to the father so that the father may be all in all (1Cor. 15:24-28). The Jewish community worshipped YAHWEH as their God. Even while Jesus was on the earth, devout Jews came to Jerusalem to worship the same Jehovah God only.
To the question who is the object of our worship then, we may answer ‘God’. This may be further clarified by saying, ‘God the Father’. Does that mean God the Son and God the Holy Spirit does not deserve worship? Never. Jesus himself received worship from people while on earth (John 20:28; Matt. 2:11; 8:2;;9:18;14:33;15:25;20:20;28:9,17;Lk. 24:52;Mk. 5:6;John 9:38;). God commands all His angels to worship His Son (Heb. 1:6).So it is not that Jesus deserve no worship or no one shall worship the Son; rather, it is God the Father, who is our object of Worship.
Christian believers today worship God the father by the help of the Holy Spirit due to the work of the Son. Any worshipper therefore is to exalt the Father through the Holy Spirit remembering the work of the Son. Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension are the cause for a believer to approach God in worship today. What Jesus did is the means for us to worship God. This is why the Lord’s Table is so relevant in our worship of God. So, we use the means which Christ opened to come before God. And having come before Him we worship God, giving praises, honor and majesty to God. So reading or sharing or thinking about the death of Jesus alone does not make worship complete. Worship is more than doing any of these. Worship is not complete unless we ascribe praises, honor and glory to God the father. The worship of heaven models this aspect. The elders and the four living creatures did see and remember the slain lamb. And they ascribed glory honor and power to God the father, the one who is sitting on the throne for ever. The very sacrificial death of Jesus was to make a people for God to worship Him. The regenerating work of the Holy Spirit in man is to make a people worthy to worship God. The electing, predestinating, redeeming, forgiving and adopting God did to us is for the praise of the gory of His grace (Eph. 1:6, 14). Thus the perfect object of worship becomes God the father.
As we prepare for worship meeting this week, let us be reminded of the fact that God the father is the object of our worship. We worship Him by the help of the Spirit of God and exalting the Son of God.
Yours in The gloriuos ministry of God Joji George Abraham
“The Lord trieth the righteous.”
- Psalm 11:5
All events are under the control of Providence; consequently all the trials of our outward life are traceable at once to the great First Cause. Out of the golden gate of God’s ordinance the armies of trial march forth in array, clad in their iron armour, and armed with weapons of war. All providences are doors to trial. Even our mercies, like roses, have their thorns. Men may be drowned in seas of prosperity as well as in rivers of affliction. Our mountains are not too high, and our valleys are not too low for temptations: trials lurk on all roads. Everywhere, above and beneath, we are beset and surrounded with dangers. Yet no shower falls unpermitted from the threatening cloud; every drop has its order ere it hastens to the earth. The trials which come from God are sent to prove and strengthen our graces, and so at once to illustrate the power of divine grace, to test the genuineness of our virtues, and to add to their energy. Our Lord in his infinite wisdom and superabundant love, sets so high a value upon his people’s faith that he will not screen them from those trials by which faith is strengthened. You would never have possessed the precious faith which now supports you if the trial of your faith had not been like unto fire. You are a tree that never would have rooted so well if the wind had not rocked you to and fro, and made you take firm hold upon the precious truths of the covenant grace. Worldly ease is a great foe to faith; it loosens the joints of holy valour, and snaps the sinews of sacred courage. The balloon never rises until the cords are cut; affliction doth this sharp service for believing souls. While the wheat sleeps comfortably in the husk it is useless to man, it must be threshed out of its resting place before its value can be known. Thus it is well that Jehovah trieth the righteous, for it causeth them to grow rich towards God.
- Psalm 11:5
All events are under the control of Providence; consequently all the trials of our outward life are traceable at once to the great First Cause. Out of the golden gate of God’s ordinance the armies of trial march forth in array, clad in their iron armour, and armed with weapons of war. All providences are doors to trial. Even our mercies, like roses, have their thorns. Men may be drowned in seas of prosperity as well as in rivers of affliction. Our mountains are not too high, and our valleys are not too low for temptations: trials lurk on all roads. Everywhere, above and beneath, we are beset and surrounded with dangers. Yet no shower falls unpermitted from the threatening cloud; every drop has its order ere it hastens to the earth. The trials which come from God are sent to prove and strengthen our graces, and so at once to illustrate the power of divine grace, to test the genuineness of our virtues, and to add to their energy. Our Lord in his infinite wisdom and superabundant love, sets so high a value upon his people’s faith that he will not screen them from those trials by which faith is strengthened. You would never have possessed the precious faith which now supports you if the trial of your faith had not been like unto fire. You are a tree that never would have rooted so well if the wind had not rocked you to and fro, and made you take firm hold upon the precious truths of the covenant grace. Worldly ease is a great foe to faith; it loosens the joints of holy valour, and snaps the sinews of sacred courage. The balloon never rises until the cords are cut; affliction doth this sharp service for believing souls. While the wheat sleeps comfortably in the husk it is useless to man, it must be threshed out of its resting place before its value can be known. Thus it is well that Jehovah trieth the righteous, for it causeth them to grow rich towards God.
Thou whom my soul loveth.”
- Song of Solomon 1:7
It is well to be able, without any “if” or “but,” to say of the Lord Jesus-”Thou whom my soul loveth.” Many can only say of Jesus that they hope they love him; they trust they love him; but only a poor and shallow experience will be content to stay here. No one ought to give any rest to his spirit till he feels quite sure about a matter of such vital importance. We ought not to be satisfied with a superficial hope that Jesus loves us, and with a bare trust that we love him. The old saints did not generally speak with “buts,” and “ifs,” and “hopes,” and “trusts,” but they spoke positively and plainly. “I know whom I have believed,” saith Paul. “I know that my Redeemer liveth,” saith Job. Get positive knowledge of your love of Jesus, and be not satisfied till you can speak of your interest in him as a reality, which you have made sure by having received the witness of the Holy Spirit, and his seal upon your soul by faith.
True love to Christ is in every case the Holy Spirit’s work, and must be wrought in the heart by him. He is the efficient cause of it; but the logical reason why we love Jesus lies in himself. Why do we love Jesus? Because he first loved us. Why do we love Jesus? Because he “gave himself for us.” We have life through his death; we have peace through his blood. Though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor. Why do we love Jesus? Because of the excellency of his person. We are filled with a sense of his beauty! an admiration of his charms! a consciousness of his infinite perfection! His greatness, goodness, and loveliness, in one resplendent ray, combine to enchant the soul till it is so ravished that it exclaims, “Yea, he is altogether lovely.” Blessed love this-a love which binds the heart with chains more soft than silk, and yet more firm than adamant!
- Song of Solomon 1:7
It is well to be able, without any “if” or “but,” to say of the Lord Jesus-”Thou whom my soul loveth.” Many can only say of Jesus that they hope they love him; they trust they love him; but only a poor and shallow experience will be content to stay here. No one ought to give any rest to his spirit till he feels quite sure about a matter of such vital importance. We ought not to be satisfied with a superficial hope that Jesus loves us, and with a bare trust that we love him. The old saints did not generally speak with “buts,” and “ifs,” and “hopes,” and “trusts,” but they spoke positively and plainly. “I know whom I have believed,” saith Paul. “I know that my Redeemer liveth,” saith Job. Get positive knowledge of your love of Jesus, and be not satisfied till you can speak of your interest in him as a reality, which you have made sure by having received the witness of the Holy Spirit, and his seal upon your soul by faith.
True love to Christ is in every case the Holy Spirit’s work, and must be wrought in the heart by him. He is the efficient cause of it; but the logical reason why we love Jesus lies in himself. Why do we love Jesus? Because he first loved us. Why do we love Jesus? Because he “gave himself for us.” We have life through his death; we have peace through his blood. Though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor. Why do we love Jesus? Because of the excellency of his person. We are filled with a sense of his beauty! an admiration of his charms! a consciousness of his infinite perfection! His greatness, goodness, and loveliness, in one resplendent ray, combine to enchant the soul till it is so ravished that it exclaims, “Yea, he is altogether lovely.” Blessed love this-a love which binds the heart with chains more soft than silk, and yet more firm than adamant!
John 4:48
“Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.”
- John 4:48
A craving after marvels was a symptom of the sickly state of men’s minds in our Lord’s day; they refused solid nourishment, and pined after mere wonder. The gospel which they so greatly needed they would not have; the miracles which Jesus did not always choose to give they eagerly demanded. Many nowadays must see signs and wonders, or they will not believe. Some have said in their heart, “I must feel deep horror of soul, or I never will believe in Jesus.” But what if you never should feel it, as probably you never may? Will you go to hell out of spite against God, because he will not treat you like another? One has said to himself, “If I had a dream, or if I could feel a sudden shock of I know not what, then I would believe.” Thus you undeserving mortals dream that my Lord is to be dictated to by you! You are beggars at his gate, asking for mercy, and you must needs draw up rules and regulations as to how he shall give that mercy. Think you that he will submit to this? My Master is of a generous spirit, but he has a right royal heart, he spurns all dictation, and maintains his sovereignty of action. Why, dear reader, if such be your case, do you crave for signs and wonders? Is not the gospel its own sign and wonder? Is not this a miracle of miracles, that “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him might not perish”? Surely that precious word, “Whosoever will, let him come and take the water of life freely” and that solemn promise, “Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out,” are better than signs and wonders! A truthful Saviour ought to be believed. He is truth itself. Why will you ask proof of the veracity of One who cannot lie? The devils themselves declared him to be the Son of God; will you mistrust him?
- John 4:48
A craving after marvels was a symptom of the sickly state of men’s minds in our Lord’s day; they refused solid nourishment, and pined after mere wonder. The gospel which they so greatly needed they would not have; the miracles which Jesus did not always choose to give they eagerly demanded. Many nowadays must see signs and wonders, or they will not believe. Some have said in their heart, “I must feel deep horror of soul, or I never will believe in Jesus.” But what if you never should feel it, as probably you never may? Will you go to hell out of spite against God, because he will not treat you like another? One has said to himself, “If I had a dream, or if I could feel a sudden shock of I know not what, then I would believe.” Thus you undeserving mortals dream that my Lord is to be dictated to by you! You are beggars at his gate, asking for mercy, and you must needs draw up rules and regulations as to how he shall give that mercy. Think you that he will submit to this? My Master is of a generous spirit, but he has a right royal heart, he spurns all dictation, and maintains his sovereignty of action. Why, dear reader, if such be your case, do you crave for signs and wonders? Is not the gospel its own sign and wonder? Is not this a miracle of miracles, that “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him might not perish”? Surely that precious word, “Whosoever will, let him come and take the water of life freely” and that solemn promise, “Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out,” are better than signs and wonders! A truthful Saviour ought to be believed. He is truth itself. Why will you ask proof of the veracity of One who cannot lie? The devils themselves declared him to be the Son of God; will you mistrust him?
Mark 1: 30
“But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.”
- Mark 1:30
Very interesting is this little peep into the house of the Apostolic Fisherman. We see at once that household joys and cares are no hindrance to the full exercise of ministry, nay, that since they furnish an opportunity for personally witnessing the Lord’s gracious work upon one’s own flesh and blood, they may even instruct the teacher better than any other earthly discipline. Papists and other sectaries may decry marriage, but true Christianity and household life agree well together. Peter’s house was probably a poor fisherman’s hut, but the Lord of Glory entered it, lodged in it, and wrought a miracle in it. Should our little book be read this morning in some very humble cottage, let this fact encourage the inmates to seek the company of King Jesus. God is oftener in little huts than in rich palaces. Jesus is looking round your room now, and is waiting to be gracious to you. Into Simon’s house sickness had entered, fever in a deadly form had prostrated his mother-in-law, and as soon as Jesus came they told him of the sad affliction, and he hastened to the patient’s bed. Have you any sickness in the house this morning? You will find Jesus by far the best physician, go to him at once and tell him all about the matter. Immediately lay the case before him. It concerns one of his people, and therefore will not be trivial to him. Observe, that at once the Saviour restored the sick woman; none can heal as he does. We may not make sure that the Lord will at once remove all disease from those we love, but we may know that believing prayer for the sick is far more likely to be followed by restoration than anything else in the world; and where this avails not, we must meekly bow to his will by whom life and death are determined. The tender heart of Jesus waits to hear our griefs, let us pour them into his patient ear.
- Mark 1:30
Very interesting is this little peep into the house of the Apostolic Fisherman. We see at once that household joys and cares are no hindrance to the full exercise of ministry, nay, that since they furnish an opportunity for personally witnessing the Lord’s gracious work upon one’s own flesh and blood, they may even instruct the teacher better than any other earthly discipline. Papists and other sectaries may decry marriage, but true Christianity and household life agree well together. Peter’s house was probably a poor fisherman’s hut, but the Lord of Glory entered it, lodged in it, and wrought a miracle in it. Should our little book be read this morning in some very humble cottage, let this fact encourage the inmates to seek the company of King Jesus. God is oftener in little huts than in rich palaces. Jesus is looking round your room now, and is waiting to be gracious to you. Into Simon’s house sickness had entered, fever in a deadly form had prostrated his mother-in-law, and as soon as Jesus came they told him of the sad affliction, and he hastened to the patient’s bed. Have you any sickness in the house this morning? You will find Jesus by far the best physician, go to him at once and tell him all about the matter. Immediately lay the case before him. It concerns one of his people, and therefore will not be trivial to him. Observe, that at once the Saviour restored the sick woman; none can heal as he does. We may not make sure that the Lord will at once remove all disease from those we love, but we may know that believing prayer for the sick is far more likely to be followed by restoration than anything else in the world; and where this avails not, we must meekly bow to his will by whom life and death are determined. The tender heart of Jesus waits to hear our griefs, let us pour them into his patient ear.
Psalms 73:24
“Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.”
- Psalm 73:24
The Psalmist felt his need of divine guidance. He had just been discovering the foolishness of his own heart, and lest he should be constantly led astray by it, he resolved that God’s counsel should henceforth guide him. A sense of our own folly is a great step towards being wise, when it leads us to rely on the wisdom of the Lord. The blind man leans on his friend’s arm and reaches home in safety, and so would we give ourselves up implicitly to divine guidance, nothing doubting; assured that though we cannot see, it is always safe to trust the all-seeing God. “Thou shalt,” is a blessed expression of confidence. He was sure that the Lord would not decline the condescending task. There is a word for thee, O believer; rest thou in it. Be assured that thy God will be thy counsellor and friend; he shall guide thee; he will direct all thy ways. In his written Word thou hast this assurance in part fulfilled, for holy Scripture is his counsel to thee. Happy are we to have God’s Word always to guide us! What were the mariner without his compass? And what were the Christian without the Bible? This is the unerring chart, the map in which every shoal is described, and all the channels from the quicksands of destruction to the haven of salvation mapped and marked by one who knows all the way. Blessed be thou, O God, that we may trust thee to guide us now, and guide us even to the end! After this guidance through life, the Psalmist anticipates a divine reception at last-”and afterward receive me to glory.” What a thought for thee, believer! God himself will receive thee to glory-thee! Wandering, erring, straying, yet he will bring thee safe at last to glory! This is thy portion; live on it this day, and if perplexities should surround thee, go in the strength of this text straight to the throne.
- Psalm 73:24
The Psalmist felt his need of divine guidance. He had just been discovering the foolishness of his own heart, and lest he should be constantly led astray by it, he resolved that God’s counsel should henceforth guide him. A sense of our own folly is a great step towards being wise, when it leads us to rely on the wisdom of the Lord. The blind man leans on his friend’s arm and reaches home in safety, and so would we give ourselves up implicitly to divine guidance, nothing doubting; assured that though we cannot see, it is always safe to trust the all-seeing God. “Thou shalt,” is a blessed expression of confidence. He was sure that the Lord would not decline the condescending task. There is a word for thee, O believer; rest thou in it. Be assured that thy God will be thy counsellor and friend; he shall guide thee; he will direct all thy ways. In his written Word thou hast this assurance in part fulfilled, for holy Scripture is his counsel to thee. Happy are we to have God’s Word always to guide us! What were the mariner without his compass? And what were the Christian without the Bible? This is the unerring chart, the map in which every shoal is described, and all the channels from the quicksands of destruction to the haven of salvation mapped and marked by one who knows all the way. Blessed be thou, O God, that we may trust thee to guide us now, and guide us even to the end! After this guidance through life, the Psalmist anticipates a divine reception at last-”and afterward receive me to glory.” What a thought for thee, believer! God himself will receive thee to glory-thee! Wandering, erring, straying, yet he will bring thee safe at last to glory! This is thy portion; live on it this day, and if perplexities should surround thee, go in the strength of this text straight to the throne.
Psalms 62.:8
“Trust in him at all times.”
- Psalm 62:8
Faith is as much the rule of temporal as of spiritual life; we ought to have faith in God for our earthly affairs as well as for our heavenly business. It is only as we learn to trust in God for the supply of all our daily need that we shall live above the world. We are not to be idle, that would show we did not trust in God, who worketh hitherto, but in the devil, who is the father of idleness. We are not to be imprudent or rash; that were to trust chance, and not the living God, who is a God of economy and order. Acting in all prudence and uprightness, we are to rely simply and entirely upon the Lord at all times.
Let me commend to you a life of trust in God in temporal things. Trusting in God, you will not be compelled to mourn because you have used sinful means to grow rich. Serve God with integrity, and if you achieve no success, at least no sin will lie upon your conscience. Trusting God, you will not be guilty of self-contradiction. He who trusts in craft, sails this way to-day, and that way the next, like a vessel tossed about by the fickle wind; but he that trusteth in the Lord is like a vessel propelled by steam, she cuts through the waves, defies the wind, and makes one bright silvery straightforward track to her destined haven. Be you a man with living principles within; never bow to the varying customs of worldly wisdom. Walk in your path of integrity with steadfast steps, and show that you are invincibly strong in the strength which confidence in God alone can confer. Thus you will be delivered from anxious care, you will not be troubled with evil tidings, your heart will be fixed, trusting in the Lord. How pleasant to float along the stream of providence! There is no more blessed way of living than a life of dependence upon a covenant-keeping God. We have no care, for he careth for us; we have no troubles, because we cast our burdens upon the Lord.
- Psalm 62:8
Faith is as much the rule of temporal as of spiritual life; we ought to have faith in God for our earthly affairs as well as for our heavenly business. It is only as we learn to trust in God for the supply of all our daily need that we shall live above the world. We are not to be idle, that would show we did not trust in God, who worketh hitherto, but in the devil, who is the father of idleness. We are not to be imprudent or rash; that were to trust chance, and not the living God, who is a God of economy and order. Acting in all prudence and uprightness, we are to rely simply and entirely upon the Lord at all times.
Let me commend to you a life of trust in God in temporal things. Trusting in God, you will not be compelled to mourn because you have used sinful means to grow rich. Serve God with integrity, and if you achieve no success, at least no sin will lie upon your conscience. Trusting God, you will not be guilty of self-contradiction. He who trusts in craft, sails this way to-day, and that way the next, like a vessel tossed about by the fickle wind; but he that trusteth in the Lord is like a vessel propelled by steam, she cuts through the waves, defies the wind, and makes one bright silvery straightforward track to her destined haven. Be you a man with living principles within; never bow to the varying customs of worldly wisdom. Walk in your path of integrity with steadfast steps, and show that you are invincibly strong in the strength which confidence in God alone can confer. Thus you will be delivered from anxious care, you will not be troubled with evil tidings, your heart will be fixed, trusting in the Lord. How pleasant to float along the stream of providence! There is no more blessed way of living than a life of dependence upon a covenant-keeping God. We have no care, for he careth for us; we have no troubles, because we cast our burdens upon the Lord.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Fwd: SUNDAY THOUGHT -15
SUNDAY THOUGHT -15
LORD'S TABLE IN WORSHIP
LORD'S TABLE IN WORSHIP
An integral element in the worship of the church is the celebration of
the Lord's Table. Worship as such is possible for a child of God at
any time. But when the church gather together, celebrating the Lord's
Table is necessary in order for the worship to be meaningful and
fulfilled. I believe, on the Lord's Day when the people of God gather
together for worship, exhortation, prayer and fellowship that is the
most beautiful occasion for celebrating the Lord's Table.
Luke in Acts testify that the early believers 'broke the bread' daily
in their houses (2:46). Later, as the church grew, the public
gathering of the church was settled on the first day of the week- the
resurrection day (cf. 20:7). It was at this gathering and on this day
they also 'broke bread' (a reference for the celebration of the Lord's
Table).
Regarding the question of practicing the Lord's Table in worship
meetings, there are two extremes to be avoided. One, as some would
argue, that it is not mandatory to observe the table of the Lord on
every Lord's Day, rather we have freedom to observe it once in a month
or even once in a year and on special days. Taking the inference from
Acts 20:6,7, which I consider as the model for the new testament
believers regarding the time for observing the Lord's Table, I would
say that a weekly observance of the Lord's table is the most
appropriate practice for a full fledged church.
The second extreme is the view that observing the Lord's Table itself
is worship or worship means celebrating the table of the Lord.
Observing the table of the Lord is not the whole worship. Rather, it
is an important element that helps our worship. It is as part of our
worship that we need to celebrate the table. When the church gather
together, our worship of God is based upon reasons which God himself
has given us. The foremost among those reasons is the death,
resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, remembering
the Lord's death, resurrection and ascension with a look forward to
his return by means of the Lord's Table is unavoidable at the time of
worship. Thus, the role of the Lord's Table is to motivate and
strengthen our worship.
The table of the Lord communicates numerous truths to us at the time
of our worship. Among them are the following important ones:
1. It tells us to have a look backward. To see who we were
without the grace and mercy of God. To see what difference the Love of
God brought to our life. To see the savior's death in our place in
order to make our relation possible with God.
2. It tells us to have a look inward. To see what result the
death of the Lord Jesus made within us. To see how the inward change
is wonderfully transforming us to live for and please God. To see how
do we maintain our fellowship with the Lord.
3. It tells us to have a look forward. To reassure our hope in
the Lord and His return for our complete redemption. That hope
purifies our life in the present. This look forward helps us to count
the present struggles of life as nothing.
4. It helps us to renew our commitment. To serve God in this
world. To count his interest important and to seek its accomplishment
in and through our life.
5. It burdens us to be His witnesses in this world. The Lord's
Table brings to our mind all the blessings of our salvation which will
be true in any one's life who accepts Jesus. We who enjoy them already
are to bear witness for them.
6. It tells us about our victory over the ultimate enemy, death.
The resurrection of our Lord, which we celebrate through the table,
gives us confidence over the reality of death. Death for us is not to
be a fearsome thought rather a fact that always tests our boldness.
7. It tells us about a day when our faith shall be sight. Till
he comes we ought to celebrate this Table. Each observance of the
table of the Lord is a reminder that he did not come yet, but will
come for sure. And on that day our faith shall become perfect.
Lord's Table is the Table that belongs to the Lord. It does belong to
no church. The Lord's people observing that on the Lord's Day, is
indeed beautiful. It plays an important role in our worship of God.
Due to the same, no worshipper of the Lord is to be prevented
forcefully from taking part of the table, even as disciplinary act, if
he or she has the confidence for it.
As we prepare to worship the Lord this week, let us keep the practice
of celebrating the Lord's Table. And remembering the truths it
communicates to us, may we offer our praises and worship to God.
Sunday thought is an attempt to encourage you to worship God in truth
and in Spirit. I plan to post this write up on every Friday evening.
Thank you for reading this. You may share this with others as the Lord
leads you. I would invite your response as well.
Yours in The gloriuos ministry of God
Joji George Abraham
Friday, September 5, 2008
SUNDAY THOUGHT-14
SUNDAY THOUGHT -14 SONGS AND MUSIC IN WORSHIP Text: Psalms 81:1-4 Imagine a world without songs and music; without singers and musicians…! What a dry place it would have been…! Agreed. But songs and music in the worship of the church…?! Singing with the accompaniment of music…?! "May it never be" is the thinking of some believers in Christ!? Should we have songs sung with music in the church worship? Is it sinful and displeasing to God? I would like to discuss this question in this article. Let me make my perspective on this - which I've developed from the scripture- clear at the very outset: We can use music and sing songs with the accompaniment of music in our worship meetings. And whenever possible, we should use them in our worship and even encourage people to use them. Music and songs were existing from the very beginning of human history. The first reference of music instruments (and for that matter, songs) we see in the very beginning chapters of Genesis (4:21) "Jabal's brother Jubal was the father of all those who play harp and lute". I can imagine the return journey of Abraham with Isaac from the mount of Moriah after 'sacrificing' Isaac and worshipping God. They must have been singing all the way back home! After they crossed over the Red sea, the Israelites started praising Jehovah by singing with music (Exodus 15:20, 21).David appointed in Israel singers and musicians to sing praises to God in their assemblies when gathered for worshipping God (1Chron. 15:26; 16:4, 5, 6). The psalms (which are songs themselves) abound in calls to worship and praise with songs and music. To state succinctly: God expect and appreciate his people singing songs of praises and that too with the accompaniment of music. Then why don't some among us, the believers, do not use good songs or music in worship services? The reasons range from the lack of good songs to lack of music instruments to ignorance to use music instruments. But a more strong reason is because some of us consider all music as Satanic or 'worldly' and therefore displeasing to God. And due to the same, songs sung with the accompaniment of music or playing songs by means of music during the worship time (or other times) are to be avoided completely. If we hold such a position, then, I would say it is an unbiblical, unwarranted and imbalanced position. Because, 1. God being the creator and sustainer of all good things made it possible for people to come up with musical instruments and He gave people skills to play them. 2. God made good singers among people with the ability to sing pleasantly. 3. God (in the past history of His people, without doubt) appreciated his people singing praises to him with music. Even in the future His people will sing to him praises with music (Rev. 15:2, 3). 4. Music and songs are given great significance in the Bible throughout. Songs were used in the N.T. churches (Eph. 5:19; Colo.3:16; James 5:13; cf. Mark 14:26 also) though the use of music is not stated specifically. 5. Songs and music do have the power to motivate our thoughts toward God, soothe our feelings, and refresh our minds. 6. Songs reflect our hearts feelings. When it is sung unto God, it expresses our attitude, reverence, gratitude or enthusiasm for God. 7. The fact that songs and music are always used by Satan and his followers for their perverted purposes is not a reason for God's people not using them or for taking a position against using them. Considering music as 'worldly' and denying any place for it in the church worships is not a well thought about position. Church meetings were only reading of the Scriptures, exhortations and prayers are there and no singing will not be appreciated by any of us I am sure. Knowing this, People of God encouraged writing, teaching and singing songs in the church. Indeed it would be more pleasant and sweet to let those songs be sung with the accompaniment of music. I am aware of the modern (or post modern?!) trends in music and know how awkward some of those music's are. But when spiritually minded and spiritually sensible people use music in a spiritual attitude it will definitely bring edification, encouragement and comfort for God's people. Some would argue that we need to use contemporary songs and music to attract or to keep people in the church especially youngsters. Using music and appealing songs should not be for that purpose. The purpose of songs and music is to honor and praise God. If people are attracted to the church meetings due to our songs and music, that's fine. The generation gaps we have in the church can create a tension sometime over the question of the kind of songs and music that we should use in our church/worship meetings. The Older crowd in our churches would prefer old songs that might be different in style and tunes. Our younger generation need not become offended at this. When there is spiritual maturity with an individual then any meaningful songs, weather old styled or post modern, will find easy acceptance in our worship/ church meetings without causing any tension in the use of any of them. And it should be so, I think. As we prepare to worship God this week, let us use spiritual songs and sing them with music and praise God thus. Yours in The gloriuos ministry of God Joji George Abraham |
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Pray for Orissa
.
† Orissa Again Under Attack †
Fervent Prayer Urgently Requested by Persecuted Christians Caught in the
Midst of Civil Conflict
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12
Once again Evangelicals and Catholics in the Kandhamal District of Orissa
State have come under attack. The motivation is unclear, but a group of
burgeoning communist insurgents is suspected of attacking and killing
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader, Swami Laksmanananda Saraswati and four
of his associates on Saturday, August 23, 2008.
Various Hindu nationalist groups are trying to blame local Christians for
these outrageous acts. They claim this must have been in retaliation for
the "Black Christmas" persecution that began December 24, 2007. At that
time 90 churches were destroyed and 700 homes burned - acts instigated by
the now deceased VHP leader, Swami Laksmanananda Saraswati.
But a Christian ministry in India contacted Christian Aid, advising that
Christians have gone on record with a public announcement which denounces
these acts of hate and destruction. This ministry leader has also solicited
action from all concerned individuals to make appeals to the Prime Minister
of India and other notable officials to stop the violence.
He is making an appeal to the Christian community in India and abroad for
prayer for the protection of believers in Kandhamal and other parts of
Orissa.
In the meantime, riots continue to erupt all over Orissa by Hindu
extremists believing the lie. Christians are once again being forced to
flee into the jungles as their homes are being looted, demolished and
burned. Please pray for the safety of our brethren during this crisis.
Pray that the truth will prevail - politically and spiritually. Pray with
us against the powers of wickedness and rulers of darkness wreaking havoc
and causing confusion among these people.
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