Monthly Archives: January 2019

The Love of Christ Constrains

Posted on by
Reply

Changes can be subtle and subtle changes can be wrong. A wise Christian once said: “Wisdom is the ability to distinguish ‘right’ from ‘almost right’!”

One such subtle change, which has had a terrible impact on Christianity, has to do with the love of Christ. “Now”, you ask, “how can the love of Christ ever be wrong?” As the above saying suggests, it can be wrong when it is almost right.

The problem has come about and is seen in a one–sided love. The love of Christ is that in which the Christian basks. It is the love of Christ that has set the Christian free. In these views, the love of Christ is only a permissive love that enables the Christian to do what he enjoys most.

Is this view of Christ’s love correct? The answer is, no. Whilst the love of Christ gives to the Christian many wondrous benefits and incalculable riches, autonomy is not one of them. By this we mean that Christ did not set us free to a vacuum where we are self-determining kings. On the contrary, Christ’s love set us free to serve God. Jesus’ love set us free so that we could be priestly-kings in His Kingdom, in order to serve Him faithfully and fully.

Missing from the Christian’s view of Christ’s love in our day is the concept found in the hymn, “For the might Thine arm”, which states, For the love of Christ constraining.” As a child growing up, I remember this phrase being used. Christians spoke freely of the fact that Christ’s love constrained.

As individualism has made inroads into the Church, I no longer hear this phrase. Rather, as alluded to earlier, Christ’s love is now simply viewed as a permissive element in which Jesus smiles upon any and all activities of the Christian.

Such should not be the case. The love of Christ should constrain us. The love of Christ should motivate us to obedient action. Likewise, the love of Christ should dissuade us from disobedient actions. The love of Christ should be everything to us. It should be our health and happiness.

Thus, we must ask, “How can we be happy, if we mock the love of Christ?” Someone close to me married an unbeliever. When challenged, their response was, “Do you not want me to be happy?” Our response to that was, “If you are a Christian, how can you be happy when you disobey Christ?”

The love of Christ is a two-way street. Christ’s absolute love to us should be reflected in our love for Him absolutely. This means that we must appreciate and understand the infinite cost of Jesus death; the incomprehensible depth of the statement, “loved before the foundation of the world”; and the implications of, “you are not your own but have been bought with a price – therefore glorify God in your body!”

We simply cannot say that we are encompassed by the love of Christ, when we walk in disobedience to Christ. We cannot say that Christ is our all in all, when we do not love Jesus absolutely by absolutely keeping His commands. Inane concepts like, “God looks at the heart” simply do not suffice. Yes, God does look at the heart. He looks at the heart to see if it is genuinely filled with the love of Jesus, His beloved Son. God looks at the heart to see whether or not the works that come forth are those of outward show or those constrained by the true love of Christ.

Consider Jesus words to the Church at Ephesus: “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Revelation 2:4).

These Ephesians were good. They could spot a heretic at one hundred paces. They could rightly divide the word of God. They had sound doctrine. What they did not have was a genuine love for Christ. This is not to say that they did not love Jesus in any way. Rather, it is to emphasise the fact that spotting heretics and having right theology became an end in itself. They did not learn to eradicate falsehood so that Jesus would be honoured. They did not learn doctrine so that Christ would be glorified. Rather, these elements became an end in themselves.

Brethren, please let the love of Christ constrain us in our day. Give up the radical disobedience of self. Give up the false idea of doctrine for doctrine’s sake. In all our actions, let us be conscious that we act for Christ and His glory. Let us be constrained to action and from action on the basis that we love Jesus and that it would break our hearts irreparably to cause Him any hurt.

The modern view of permissive love is a false view. Christ’s love constrains, and rightly so. How could we not give our all for Him who held nothing back from us? Jesus love for us saw Him forsaken of God, hung on a tree, cursed by His own creation, despised of man; all to purchase a people for God. How little a thing is it then, that the love of Jesus be allowed to govern every word, thought, and action of His people.

May the love of Christ constrain us completely to an obedience which magnifies and glorifies our beautiful Jesus!

Sin: A Disgrace

Posted on by
Reply

It is an unfortunate reality of our day that the doctrine of Sin has been pushed to the side and labelled as “unpalatable”. Sin should never be treated this way. Sin, in the form of a doctrine and belief, should be kept firmly before our eyes.

Does this seem strange? To some it might. Through the influence of psychology Christians have tended to “shy away” from anything that might be damaging to a positive view of self. The problem with this concept is twofold. First, it is based in secular philosophy and reasoning. Second, as a consequence, it is at odds with Scripture.

Through the fall, man became a sinner. Man is not a sinner because he sins. Rather, he sins because he is a sinner. In other words, we are not labelled because we mess up. We mess up because sin is our inherent nature.

If we jettison this belief and pay it no heed, what are the consequences? They are grave! They are dire! They are destructive!

The late bishop Ryle rightly said that we can never truly appreciate the wonders of Christ’s sacrifice for sin until we understand the depths and depravity of sin. Even as redeemed people, we should be on guard against sin and its unholy consequences. This we cannot do if we refuse to acknowledge that sin exist.

How many of us would drive a car at highway speed with our eyes closed? None! We understand that unless our eyes are open it is impossible to avert tragedy by navigating our way around obstacles. So it is in the Christian life. If we do not acknowledge sin and our inherent weakness, then we will be involved in a collision with tragic consequences.

Proverbs 14:34 states: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”

Whilst reading the Scriptures the reality of this text was brought home to me. I read of David’s encounter with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). It is absolutely tragic! Absolutely. Reading it brought me to the edge of tears.

Here is David. He is God’s man. David is God’s king. He has just been promised an everlasting kingdom and descendants forever upon his throne. From these lofty heights we plunge to David the Adulterer, Murderer, and Exile. David’s household is ravaged. David’s throne is savaged. David’s concubines were ravished. Why? All because David wanted to reach out to a little ewe lamb that was the property of and precious to another!

David not only sinned, but he did what most sinners do – he attempted to hide his sin thereby aggravating the situation. Scripture states: “The thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the Lord” (2 Samuel 11:27). God could not be fooled.

This is tragic enough. However, when we analyse this episode even further, we have to ask, ‘What did David hope to gain?’ From the outset he was told that Bathsheba was married (v 3). Even though “the woman was very beautiful in appearance”, that should have made no difference. David already had wives. Consider this statement regarding David’s wife Abigail: “the woman was intelligent and beautiful in appearance”. If we take Scripture seriously, we must see that David already had one wife of considerable beauty. So why did David act this way?

The answer is Sin. David had become proud and arrogant. He had taken the blessing of the Lord to mean that he could do anything without consequence. David was wrong! David found out that Sin has dire consequences. This one act of desire nearly destroyed David and his kingdom. We must also remember that the child of this illicit union died under judgement.

David made many mistakes in this episode of his life. However, they are all traceable to one flaw – David failed to heed God’s word! David disobeyed Deuteronomy 17:17 – he multiplied wives. He disobeyed Exodus 20:14 – he committed adultery. He disobeyed Exodus 20:13 – he committed murder.

What is the antidote? The Psalmist stated it succinctly: “Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee” (Psalm119:11).

As fallen creatures, redeemed by Jesus, we still suffer from the weakness of the flesh (James 4:1). To shut our eyes to this fact is to court danger, horrific danger. The Psalmist studied and treasured God’s word. That Word not only taught him of righteousness, it, by contrast, showed him sin and warned him against that path.

Friends, remember David’s fall. See the outcome of this sin. Let it be etched vividly into your mind’s eye. One false step cost David dearly. It may not have cost him his salvation, but it robbed him, his family, and his country of peace, harmony, prosperity, and blessing.

Brethren, please do not shut your eyes to sin or its consequences. Treasure God’s Word in your heart as the only means of making sure that we do not replicate David in this matter and thereby bring upon ourselves and our families great calamity because we have sinned against the Lord.

Know God. Know your enemy. Stand firm!

Knowing God

Posted on by
Reply

Christian! Are you battle weary? Do you find yourself quietly questioning the Lord as to what He is doing or not seemingly doing?

There is no shame in admitting that you answer these questions in the affirmative. In fact, it is a positive that you do ask such questions. In asking these questions, you are asserting two beliefs. The first is that you are tired of the seeming triumphs of a “wicked and perverse generation” over the righteous. The second is that you realise that revival and reform can only come from the hand of God.

The other day, I sat in my study and asked God, “What can I do to bring revival?” Some may see this as arrogant; see this as God’s hand being forced by man. Is this the case? Not at all. First, God’s hand can never “be forced” by the will of man. Second, God desires His hand to be moved by the prayers and supplications of His people. God desires to bless His people.

This is made abundantly clear to us in Scripture. Jesus said as much in John 16:23-24 saying, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if you shall ask the Father for anything, He will give it to you in My name. “Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.”

What then can we do to bring revival?

First, and most obviously, we must pray.

Second, we must set a Godly example through obedience to God’s word.

Third, we must act and not grow tired of acting in and for righteousness.

Fourth, we must carry the acts of the wicked to God for His attention.

Fifth, we must ask God to act and not be afraid to ask forcefully.

Sixth, we must be patient, persist in doing good, and continue to implore God to act.

These steps are not invented by the mind of modern man. These are the steps of a righteous man, an oracle, who sought to know and express His desire for God in all of life. This genuine desire to know God and obey God often landed this man in “hot water”. We know that he was not a perfect man. He stumbled. He fell. Yet, he knew that in every circumstance of life, Yahweh was the answer. Note please, Yahweh did not have the answer; Yahweh was the answer!

Who is this mysterious person? We know him by many names. Most commonly, we call him the Psalmist.

In Psalm 119:121-128 we read these words:

I have done justice and righteousness; Do not leave me to my oppressors.

Be surety for Thy servant for good; Do not let the arrogant oppress me.

My eyes fail with longing for Thy salvation, And for Thy righteous word.

Deal with Thy servant according to Thy lovingkindness, And teach me Thy statutes.

I am Thy servant; give me understanding, That I may know Thy testimonies.

It is time for the Lord to act, For they have broken Thy law.

Therefore I love Thy commandments Above gold, yes, above fine gold.

Therefore I esteem right all Thy precepts concerning everything, I hate every false way.

Please note how each of the steps outlined is a step followed by the Psalmist.

The Psalmist begins with a confident assertion that he has been obedient to the Law of God. He has not just believed; he has actually done justice and righteousness. His is not a theoretical knowledge. It is knowledge in action.

We then note that the Psalmist gives voice to those who “oppress”. In other words, the Psalmist has opposition. There are some who care not either for his doctrine or his way of life.

In this “oppression” we can sense the tired notes of the Psalmist’s voice. He asks that the Lord spare him the “oppression of the arrogant.” Yet, even in this trial, the Psalmist will not surrender. He takes heart. He is encouraged. He continues to “look for Yahweh’s salvation and His word (or promise)”.

What an encouragement to all of us. This man was oppressed. He realised that the source of his oppression was the fact that he believed God and obeyed God. Yet, he refused to be shaken from this stand or deviate from this course.

Take heed of his response. The Psalmist not only continues to look for the fulfillment of Yahweh’s word and promise, he  asks Yahweh to “teach” him more statutes; he asks for “understanding” so that he might rightly “know” Yahweh’s testimonies. The Psalmist wants more! In our language, he may be termed a “sucker for punishments.” In Biblical language, his soul hungered for the knowledge of God. Not only is the Psalmist not content with where he is at, he wants to know more of God’s Law so that he can do more justice and righteousness.

Wow! How do we compare with this? The Psalmist realises that he is oppressed because of his faith; yet his response is not to decrease his faith; to make some vain attempt to slip under the radar; or to compromise. No, his reaction is to ask God for more of everything that constitutes faith and Godly practice!

Then the Psalmist arrives at the critical juncture. He understands that the oppressors are outside of his power and jurisdiction. Therefore, he calls for Yahweh to act against them; whether to transform or crush. The Psalmist reinforces his plea for action on the part of Yahweh by bringing the deeds of the ungodly to Yahweh – “Look, my Father. They have broken thy Law. Your Word and testimony are despised in their eyes. Act. Vindicate Thy righteousness and Thy servant!”

With this said, the Psalmist makes affirmation of his love for the Law of God as his only standard. This Word is to him of more value than gold. This Law is “esteemed” in his sight.

Precisely because he loves God’s law, his final confession is that “he hates every false way.”

The Psalmist is a great example to us. His love for God and His Law is paramount; it is his life! How do you view God’s Law – or His Word, if you are more comfortable with that term?

The Psalmist grew weary. He faced opposition. Yet his reaction was to ask God for more faith and more practical works, which no doubt would have brought more opposition. How do we respond? Do we drop our proverbial “bundle”, seek to remain quiet, or do we come to the throne of God and plead for the fullness of the righteousness of Christ?

Lastly, we must observe the antithesis evident in the Psalmist. He so loved God and His Law that he hated all else. If it were not from God, it was repudiated. How do we fair on this point?

We must wrestle with these questions, like them or not. God does act in accord with His will. Most certainly, He acts at His time. However, we cannot use either of these as excuses for what we perceive to be God’s inaction.

In acting, God also takes note of His people, their actions, and their pleas. Are we holding God at arm’s length because we are comfortable with some sins? Do we want God to act against certain sins, but would like others to remain because we are at ease with them? When we look at the world, are we disgusted with their actions and policies or do we find them to be, for the most part, fair? Can we say, wholeheartedly, that we “hate every false way”?

The answer to these questions are tied up with the answers to our opening questions. Battle weary? Wonder why God seems silent? Could it be that we have not followed the Psalmist’s example and proven our wholehearted desire for God and His Law? Could it be that the Lord, gracious in mercy and all wise, is letting the weight of oppression rest on us until we realise that the object of our love is wrong; that the expression of our love is insincere; or that we are so out of touch with God that we do not even realise there is a problem!

Brethren, study the Psalmist. Learn from him. Seek God. Know the fullness of His love and express it back to Him in an obedient life. Jesus did not hold back His love or life from us, how dare we hold ours from Him.

Fathers! Train your Children

Posted on by
Reply

Reading through the Scriptures, I found two disturbing passages. Both dealt with the failure of spiritual leaders to raise their children in the Fear of the Lord.

In the first passage, we read: “Now the sons of Eli were worthless men; they did not know the Lord” (1 Samuel 2:12). The second passage, not very far along, states: “His [Samuel’s] sons, however, did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice” (1 Samuel 8:3).

In these passages, we read of the sons of Eli and Samuel. Both men were Judges in Israel (1 Samuel 4:18; 1 Samuel 7:15). Both men were good men. Judged externally, they helped Israel to serve God. Nothing in these narratives shows Eli or Samuel as pagans, unbelievers, or the like. Not in anyway. Rather, these men are shown to be sincere. Eli rebuked his sons. When they took the Ark of the Covenant to battle, the text tells us that Eli was concerned for the Ark and not his sons (1 Samuel 4:13). Of Samuel it is said that, “the Lord appeared again at Shiloh, because the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord” (1 Samuel 3:21).

Consequently, both these men were what we today would call, good Christian men or, more definitively, good Christian ministers. These men attended Bibles study. They preached good sermons. They desired to obey God. They were not afraid to speak to the people in public about the things of God.

However, judged for their internal actions, we see that both men were failures as fathers. Whilst they spoke publicly concerning the Law of the Lord, they did not implement it rigorously within their homes. Both men had a theoretical stance only when it came to their households.

Eli’s sons deserved a rebuke and they received it. However, they also deserved death (Leviticus 10:3; 19:29; 21:6-7). Samuel’s sons deserved a stern rebuke at the very least (Deuteronomy 16:18-20; 27:24; Exodus 23:1-3). In all cases, these men should have been tipped from office. Yet, they were not. Both fathers soft-pedalled. They adopted a different standard, not the standard of the Lord, when it came to their sons and the instructing of their own households.

To understand the impact of this oversight or double standard, we need to see that the failure of Eli and Samuel, not only as Judges, but as representatives of the Priest and Prophet, led directly to the Israelites asking for a human king (1 Samuel 8:5). As we see later in the narrative, asking for a king was the equivalent of Israel rejecting Yahweh (1 Samuel 8:7) their One True King, who was the source of both Priest and Prophet.

The statements of Scripture regarding the sons of Eli and Samuel are very heartbreaking. The consequences of the inaction of Eli and Samuel are even more striking. God set His face not only against Eli’s sons, but against Eli’s house. Samuel’s sons become the reason for Israel to desire to be like the “other nations”. What a change! This is Yahweh’s nation. They are, by their very definition, supposed to be different, set apart, holy! Yet their desire is to be like all the other impoverished nations who do not know Yahweh. Why? Because the Judge, the Priest, and the Prophet compromised in the home!

We can cast aspersions at these men and their failures from our vantage in time and space. They warrant it. However, the position of humility might first require us to ask, “Are we doing any better?”

Fathers! Is raising truly Godly children more important to you than having them become a well paid executive or sports star? Do you spend more time caring for the eternal welfare of others than for those within your own household? Is your favourite soap-opera more important than instructing your children in the Lord? Do you worship with your children on Sunday or do you accept the unholy practice of sending them from your presence?

Confession time! Yes, I am a hypocrite! I have not always done right. However, that does not alter the fact that we fathers have a great privilege and responsibility in these matters; a Biblical call and duty in these matters; nor an excuse for the fact that right deeds were left undone.

We fathers have been appointed by God to raise and train the next generation to both love and fear Yahweh. We achieve this by training and by example. If we will not step up, who will? If we love our families, why do we shun this privilege?

May the Lord, in His compassion, open the eyes of many fathers so that they see the beauty of their God-given calling to raise up holy and faithful ones to the Lord. Fathers, teach your children of Jesus. Let the little ones come to their Covenant Redeemer. Hinder none through sloth, worldliness, unpreparedness, or inaction.

Apostasy

Posted on by
Reply

What is in a name? Understood properly, we would have to answer, “A lot!” A name describes. It explains. It divulges. All this seems strange to us because we think of names simply as a label. By extension, we have lost interest in the meaning of words; we simply use them too as a label.

The modern Church has been caught up in this fad through the general principle of Political Correctness. It is now mandatory to “be nice” to everyone and, therefore, we are told that we should not use certain words.

Two words that the Church has dropped from its vocabulary are Heresy and Apostasy. Both terms have to do with false belief. Heresy describes the false belief; Apostasy describes the action of turning to that false belief from the position of truth.

Here, I would like us to think about the terms Apostasy and Apostate.

When we speak of Apostasy, we generally use this term in the sense of a complete turning away. A Biblical example would be that of the Israelites rejecting Yahweh as King by asking for an earthly king (1 Samuel 8:4-9). However, when we analyse the situation, we see that Israel’s request was not a radical change. It was not a “bolt from the blue.”

Examining Scripture, we see that there were a number of steps along the path. Israel did not pursue the conquest of the land as they were commanded. Thus, foreign people and foreign gods remained in the land to tempt Israel. We see throughout the book of Judges an ebbing and flowing in the fortunes of Israel because they did not obey the Lord or listen to His word. We then arrive at the failure of Eli and Samuel, Judges in Israel, to discipline their sons and instruct them in the ways of Yahweh.

Accordingly, we see that there were quite a number of bricks laid that created the path to Apostasy. We may label each brick a heresy, but, regardless of the term, the path lead to Apostasy; to Israel turning away.

Brethren, are you apostatising?

That is a big question. No, I am not asking, have you turned or are you currently turning your back on the Lord so as to totally deny Jesus and His revelation. I am more interested in those individual bricks.

Friend, are their things in your life, belief, and action, here and there, which constitute Apostasy? Do you have little deviations away from the Lord Jesus and His commands?

Again, I am not speaking of trips and falls into sin. We all do this. What I am speaking of is a deliberate deviation into the drive-through of your favourite spiritual fast-food outlet knowing that you have promised your loved One that you will stick to Their diet!

These deviations are not slips and stumbles. These are deliberate course changes brought about to feed a sinful desire. You go there precisely because you want to be there and nothing will dissuade you.

Beloved brethren, beware of such deliberate deviations from Jesus Christ. Each trip to the drive-through makes it easier to go there another time and to select something else from the varied menu. Each time you go, you disappoint your loved One – The Lord Jesus Christ. Each time you go there the turning away becomes easier and the degree greater. Before long, you will find yourself permanently parked in the fast-food outlet’s car park. You will have no desire for healthy food. As to your promise to Jesus … “What promise?”

Remember the Apostle Peter’s words: “For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them” … “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 2:20-21; 2 Peter 3:17-18).

Beloved brethren, beware the turning! No matter what the rate or degree, beware the turning! Apostasy leads from Jesus, not to Him. Apostasy is built on false belief.

Therefore, cling to the truth. Jesus Christ is God’s truth.

I Want to be With the Lord!

Posted on by
Reply

“I want to be with the Lord!”

These are the words of an 84-year-old friend. They are stirring, sobering, and admirable words. Yet, they raise some issues.

I often wonder why it takes age, aches, pains, and failing health for us to find this as our true desire and utter these words. I equally wonder why the idea of “living Christ” is viewed as a post mortem event.

Paul shows something of this conflict. He writes: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. And convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.” (Philippians 1:21-26)

What can we learn from these words?

First, the obvious lesson is that we should desire to be with Christ. This should be part of who we are as Christians. This desire should be felt and expressed tangibly from the moment we know Christ. It should not be a desire expressed only because of age or failing health.

Second, we must understand that living or dying, our life is Christ. Jesus is Emmanuel – God with us. He is with us now through the Holy Spirit. The work we do on earth is His work, empowered and directed by His Spirit. We are His temple (1 Peter 2:5). The goal of our work should be that which is acceptable to God through Jesus.

Third, the gain of which Paul speaks is that of meeting Jesus face to face. Currently, we see through the “glass darkly” as the King Jim phrases it. Then, we shall see face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Christians need to appreciate the correlation in these points. To understand Paul’s obvious conflict, we need to unpack the order of his words. Note that Paul does not say ‘life is gain’ and ‘death is Christ’. It seems as though that is the way most understand these verses. Rather, Paul shows that fulfilling his life and calling is Christ. Understood aright, Paul is arguing that death does not usher in something different, but rather more of the same in greater degree. His gain is also Christ. Death is the realisation of the fullness of Christ. The barrier of sin is torn down completely and the totality of our relationship with God in Christ can be enjoyed.

It is important to understand Paul’s words, as some have tended to look down upon this life. It is considered a ‘treading of water’ until better things come. However, if we understand Paul aright, our life here is Christ. Paul was happy to postpone the “gain” and continue to live “Christ” in order that he may serve the brethren by showing them how to live Christ – “progress” and “joy” in the faith.

Our times are in God’s hands. Our desire should always be to live Christ. However, we should not be fooled into thinking that our life here is not Christ. How can we, living Christ every moment, encourage, support, progress, or bring joy in the faith to the brotherhood?

How will you live Christ in this day; in this moment?