18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Showing posts with label victory. Show all posts
Showing posts with label victory. Show all posts
13/08/2022
My dear children...
16/10/2021
Worthy is the Lamb! Thank you for the cross, Lord!
Thank you for the cross, Lord
Thank you for the price You paid
Bearing all my sin and shame
In love You came
And gave amazing grace
Thank you for the price You paid
Bearing all my sin and shame
In love You came
And gave amazing grace
14/10/2020
Victory for freedom and new life - Exodus 13:17 and 14:31
Victory for Freedom and New Life
Exodus 13:17-14:31 + verses from NT
Introduction
What is it that makes you certain of the victory of the cross, that you are freed from the
power of sin and death, and that you have new life for now and eternity?
When the Children of Israel came out of Egypt, the Lord took them via a route and brought
them to a place where they had no doubt that their former slave masters and oppressors
were part of the past, that they would not be taken back but could proceed along a road to
their new life in the land promised to Abraham and his descendants which was now them.
Freedom had arrived and a new life lay ahead. On the way there would be new problems
and all sorts of difficulties but, they were on the way and the past was behind them. They
would have to, as they did, wrestle with what lay ahead.
1. How God left no doubt about freedom and new life
1. He took them a longer way round - Exodus 13:17-18
[17] When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the
Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might
change their minds and return to Egypt.”
[18] So God led the people around by the desert
road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.
2. He went with them - Exodus 13:21-22
[21] By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way
and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.
[22] Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of
the people.
3. He confused Pharaoh and his army into thinking the Israelites were confused so he
would pursue them which he did - Exodus 14:1-9
4. He allowed them to face their enemy - Exodus 14:10-12
5. He Assured them of Victory - Exodus 14:13-14
6. He provided an escape route - Exodus 14:15-18 & 21-22
7. He took the Israelites through the sea but destroyed the Egyptians in it - Exodus
14:23-28
All this brings us back to 'who is in control' of us and our lives. Who or what is pulling our
strings? If it isn't the Lord, then who or what?
We are also brought back to the sovereign wisdom, love and care of our heavenly Father.
He does not always do the expected. Here he chooses, with good reason, an odd route, he
doesn't ward off their enemies but allows them to face them, he speaks to reassure and he
has a way through the problem (Red Sea in this case) all they have to do, say no more but
note the ongoing struggles, is trust and obey.
Reflect on those pointers.
How are you at hearing the voice / word of God and trusting and doing?
Knowing more of
scripture helps.
To have guidance and help from the Lord we have to discern his voice and go with it as he
can work wonders.
Now, that is not to suggest you go down to one of the marvellous French lakes, hold out
your walking stick and expect the water to part, or, trying to walk across!
Guidance from the Lord
- Ask:
A. Is this in accord with how God works in scripture and his ways and character as shown
there
B. Does it fit in with his good and perfect ways
C. Does it bring glory to God or is this answering my pride, vanity or selfish desires etc.
Remember - Jesus tells us that God, like a loving parent, has good things for those who trust
him and seek his ways.
Not necessarily what we want. Sometimes, his answer or the
direction he leads is not easy or comfortable - let's say it again - think the cross!
Of course, the cross wasn't the end, it was ghastly and painful, but it was and is the gateway
to new life where we experience victory for freedom.
2. How God leaves us with no doubt freedom and new life
1. He gives the empty tomb as the starting point with all that is contained in the Gospel
accounts where we are invited to look and see then weigh it up.
Who moved the
stone?
Come up with an adequate explanation for the empty tomb other than the
resurrection - they all fall down!
2. He gives us massive evidence - 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
3. He guarantees what is to come - 1 Corinthians 15:20 & 2 Corinthians 5:5
4. He marks us with his seal of ownership - 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
5. He assures us of and gives us new life - Colossians 3:1-4
6. He gives us a glimpse of what is to come - Revelation 21:1-8
7. He invites us to live the new life by casting off the old and being clothed with the
new - Colossians 3:5-14
Like the Children of Israel in our journey with him we will get it wrong and fail, but he loves
and forgives, so, we move on with him. We seek him day by and ask him to fill us with the
Holy Spirit, daily, to enable us to be the people he wants us to be. Above all, that is a
renewed people who show his love and sovereignty to the world and also a way of life that
is different, not pious, but living God's good ways.
All this is something we appropriate at a personal level and when we do we are then a child
of God, but as children of our heavenly father we belong to a family, as heirs of the
inheritance Messiah Jesus the king has won we are members of the Kingdom of God; we are
part of the body of Christ; we are a kingdom of priests a holy nation etc. We are a called-out
people - ecclesia or to use our word, church!
I pause again and ask we reflect on our personal response to God's love made known in
Jesus and the victory for freedom and new life he has won and imparts freely to all who
come to him in repentance and faith ready to receive.
Pause
Another pause coming, this time to reflect on whether we have been wandering away from
the Lord or allowing our main focus in life to be elsewhere
Pause
Finally
In what we have looked at do you:
• Rest in knowledge of forgiven sin and new life?
• Feel secure in that new life within God's loving care and provision?
• Have assurance that you will be part of the new heaven and earth - God's renewed
and eternal life?
I acknowledge most of us have our wobbles and issues, some ongoing, that we wrestle with
but as long as we are doing that within our relationship with God it can be OK. After that,
talk / phone / email!
Finally, Finally
This should fill us with adoration, love, worship and thanksgiving as well as confidence to
face life.
26/09/2020
Let my people go!
Speaking to Confront -
Exodus 4:27-5:9, Exodus 5:22-6:11, Exodus 7:8-18
Introduction
A little bit of a different track today and I am going to start with some pointers to refresh
our understanding of what is going on in the road out of Egypt (the Exodus).
Matters which
remain relevant though the OT and in not to dissimilar ways today! so
A foundation - this is God's world, he created it and loves it and through Jesus has opened
the only way for salvation and redemption of people and creation.
Personal response to
that love shown on the cross and commitment to live as part of God's plan and within his
kingdom are essential.
I also remind us that God judges sin and evil and the total victory over them is complete.
For
those in Christ there is no condemnation only salvation.
For those not in him there is danger
of condemnation. Thankfully neither you nor I have any say in the latter!!
Some 3500 years ago as God prepared to rescue the Children of Israel from Egypt where
they had become slaves over a good 400 year period he 'worked' in that world as he had to.
Let's also remember that although between then and now many things have changed in
unrecognisable ways, others remain very similar.
The ancient world of the middle east, and I am going nowhere else as that is the setting in
OT times, was full of spiritualities, deities and religions with all sorts of practices some /
many of which are around today! Included in those practices were human sacrifice and
fertility rites with prostitutes at the local shrine!
I also note, many in the modern western world do not take the forces of spiritual powers
seriously and dismiss evil spirits, demons and Satan - the Accuser. I am quick to add there is
a rise in a whole host of spiritualities and so called new age practices that take spiritual
power seriously and as such they should come with a spiritual health warning because there
is only one spirit who we should want influencing, guiding, healing us etc and that is the
Holy Spirit from God the Father sent in the name of Jesus.
Last week I read the first 4 of the 10 commandments about our relationship with God. These
were given months after leaving Egypt and are explicit in ruling out any and all other deities
or gods or graven images!
Considering this will, I hope, enable us to understand a little better what is going on as God
takes Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh with the statement - 'let my people go'.
1. Exodus 4:27-31 - The Lord keeps his word
[27] The LORD said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.” So he met Moses at
the mountain of God and kissed him. [28] Then Moses told Aaron everything the LORD
had sent him to say, and also about all the signs he had commanded him to perform.
[29] Moses and Aaron brought together all the elders of the Israelites, [30] and Aaron told
them everything the LORD had said to Moses. He also performed the signs before the
people, [31] and they believed. And when they heard that the LORD was concerned about
them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.
2. Exodus 5:1-9 - Confrontation begins and life is made tougher
[5:1] Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the LORD, the
God of Israel, says: ‘Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the
wilderness.' ”
[2] Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not
know the LORD and I will not let Israel go.”
[3] Then they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Now let us take a three-day
journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the LORD our God, or he may strike us
with plagues or with the sword.”
[4] But the king of Egypt said, “Moses and Aaron, why are you taking the people away
from their labour? Get back to your work!” [5] Then Pharaoh said, “Look, the people of
the land are now numerous, and you are stopping them from working.”
[6] That same day Pharaoh gave this order to the slave drivers and overseers in charge of
the people: [7] “You are no longer to supply the people with straw for making bricks; let
them go and gather their own straw. [8] But require them to make the same number of
bricks as before; don't reduce the quota. They are lazy; that is why they are crying out,
‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.' [9] Make the work harder for the people so that they
keep working and pay no attention to lies.”
3. Exodus 5:22-6:11 - The Lord reiterates his words of promise again
[22] Moses returned to the LORD and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on
this people? Is this why you sent me? [23] Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your
name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at
all.”
[6:1] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because
of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out
of his country.”
[2] God also said to Moses, “I am the LORD. [3] I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to
Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself fully known to
them. [4] I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan,
where they resided as foreigners. [5] Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the
Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant.
[6] “Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under
the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you
with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. [7] I will take you as my own
people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who
brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. [8] And I will bring you to the land I
swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as
a possession. I am the LORD.' ”
[9] Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their
discouragement and harsh labour.
[10] Then the LORD said to Moses, [11] “Go, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites
go out of his country.”
4. Exodus 7:8-18 - The Lord starts to fulfil his word
[8] The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, [9] “When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Perform a
miracle,' then say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,' and it will
become a snake.”
[10] So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD commanded. Aaron
threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. [11]
Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the
same things by their secret arts: [12] Each one threw down his staff and it became a
snake. But Aaron's staff swallowed up their staffs. [13] Yet Pharaoh's heart became hard
and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
[14] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh's heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the
people go. [15] Go to Pharaoh in the morning as he goes out to the river. Confront him on
the bank of the Nile, and take in your hand the staff that was changed into a snake. [16]
Then say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to say to you: Let my
people go, so that they may worship me in the wilderness. But until now you have not
listened. [17] This is what the LORD says: By this you will know that I am the LORD: With
the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into
blood. [18] The fish in the Nile will die, and the river will stink; the Egyptians will not be
able to drink its water.' ”
5. Observations
Moses returned to Egypt with two massive revelations from God:
That he will set the suffering children of Israel free from Egypt - 3:7-8
His name YHWH, I am who I am - 3:14
A key trait with Pharaoh, like many, is he is stubborn and has a hard heart which will not
soften despite all that happens.
Pharaohs thought they were gods but this one is encountering the one true and eternal God
- the great I am - YHWH
Egypt, as with many other nations, had more gods than you could count!
As such much of Egyptian life was dominated by sorcery, astronomy, magic and many practices
which we would describe as occult - belonging to the darkness. New age may be apt
description except nothing is new.
Egyptology may be fascinating and their knowledge and skill astounding but every aspect of
life was dominated by the gods, superstition and the other things I have just mentioned.
The plagues which are not pleasant or comfortable reading, demonstrate that the Lord is
revealing the total impotence of the Egyptian gods, were unable to do anything, and the last
part of Numbers 33:4 says it was against them:
for the LORD had brought judgment on their gods.
A little detour is needed:
• Remember - God judges sin and evil - think the cross!
• We may not like what we see or read in this account and it isn't easy - think the cross!
• All the evil we see in the world now - think the cross!
Also, Pharaoh is being shown unable to do anything other than keep changing his mind - go -
you can't go!
At plague 4, gnats, the court magicians back off and tell Pharaoh, Exodus 8:19
“This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh's heart was hard and he would not listen, just as
the LORD had said.
He is then left alone in his own stubbornness and hardness of heart for another 6 plagues
which cause misery and devastation!
When God says he will act, he does and the God who loves and cares is also one who judges
evil and sin - more of that next week with the final plague and the Passover.
It is clear here, and in the rest of scripture, that the powers of darkness cannot overcome
the Lord and on the cross they are finally and utterly defeated and what we see now is their
final death throws.
Through this and on into the wilderness God is showing to the Israelites, step by step, who
he is and His power and authority. They see and they don't see!
Jesus had a similar journey with the 12 where they couldn't see where he was guiding them
and kept going off with their own ideas even though they could see his power and
authority! Take heart.
6. Considerations
There is a rise in the use of astrology, tarot cards and involvement in new age spirituality
and some of it is seen as fun or means for healing, guidance and the like.
Think - If God
through his word and Holy Spirit is not pulling our strings then what or who is?
We must look to see what comes between us and God in all aspects of life: guidance /
wisdom / world-view / hopes and aspirations. The word of God is to be our lamp and light
for guidance, wisdom, our source of hope and encouragement.
What are we being 'sold and told' be it in the press, TV, adverts or social media.
We need
questioning and discerning lives and minds. The gods of this age?
Question me and others who deliver messages on the word of God - there is no infallibility -
I, and others, will get it wrong but . . .
Be careful in weighing up scripture as we have to be
or should be.
In all this is a warning not to automatically except the mind and status quo of the day - it
keeps changing and can be far from right.
Scripture brings us a consistent approach to life
and in calling a man, Abraham, and in forming a nation with a land and his word, all suggests
God was moulding and trying to model a way of life which would be the best. Sin and
wandering away kept interfering, so ultimately and at the right time, God, through the true
and faithful one acted to change it all - think the cross!
The overall heading, Evil Confronts God's Salvation and Deliverance,
7. Mark 3:22-30 - Jesus Spells it out
[22] And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by
Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.”
[23] So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can
Satan drive out Satan? [24] If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot
stand. [25] If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. [26] And if Satan
opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. [27] In fact, no one can
enter a strong man's house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong
man's house. [28] Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander
they utter, [29] but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven;
they are guilty of an eternal sin.”
[30] He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.”
This is a salutary passage.
Jesus who on the cross will pay the price of sin, defeat death and accomplish the defeat of
evil and all spiritually powers and dominions is accused of being the head devil by the
official religious leaders from Jerusalem.
His tone is strict and belies the ultimate insult they have given. Later at his trial he is accused
of blasphemy which is not much different.
Jesus' claim here is that he is the strong man and is going to demonstrate that, by way of the
cross although he doesn't state that.
When they crucified him they thought they were doing God's work by getting rid of him.
When he rose from the dead, he shows that he has done God's work of dealing with sin and
death.
Evil cannot, could not and will not stand in the way of God's salvation and deliverance!
Conclusion
I realise I have fed out complex and intertwined thoughts - ring me for clarification if needed.
Also, pray, look again - notes on line - and ask the Lord to show you the things I might have
left hazy! He's better at it than me!
I add, I have been looking at these matters for years and still struggle, I guess others would
say the same, fine and no problem.
See that God works with consistency and we need to
live in honesty before him.
In and through all we see God is sovereign and he will complete what he has begun, sorry,
which he began at creation. It will all pan out under his good and perfect plan of salvation.
Trust him and walk in faith in what you know and understand, reshape it as needed. All that
our heavenly Father asks is that we live in faith with him. Faithfulness, not success or
perfection of understanding
S. Abram
26/07/2020
The highest Valued Kingdom
Readings & Notes for 26th July 2020
Matthew 13:44-52
[44] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
[45] “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
[46] When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
[47] “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.
[48] When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.
[49] This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous
[50] and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
[51] “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied.
[52] He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
Romans 8:26-39
[26] In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
[27] And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.
[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
[29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
[30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
[31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
[33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
[34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
[36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
[37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
[38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
[39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Talk
The Highest Valued Kingdom
- Matthew 13:44-52 / Romans 8:26-39
Introduction
I went to look at the Forbes rich list and if you do so there are names you know and probably ones you don't know. I didn't see us though which was sad because we, in Christ, have riches beyond measure and that is probably why we are not there! So I looked the world's richest nations to see what I would find there:
Well, it all depends how they add up the figures to count a nation’s wealth - all a bit confusing. Again, what I didn't see was God's Kingdom but I wasn't too surprised because he owns the lot!
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Colossians 1:16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. This is brought out quite strikingly when David dedicates the gifts of the people for the building of the Temple to be done by his son Solomon
1 Chronicles 29:14 (NIV) “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. Everything comes from you.
We belong, as followers of Jesus, to the world's richest kingdom because in the words of Jesus Matthew 6:19-21 [19] “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
[20] But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
So this brings us to our two readings under my title, The Highest Valued Kingdom.
Two main headings with one for each passage
1. Nature • Great Worth -
Matthew 13:44-46 [44] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. [45] “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. [46] When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Simple - the Kingdom is worth sacrifices and changes will lead to benefits not loss. So many look for meaning and reality in all sorts - treasure on earth. It doesn't last but fades and spoils. What God gives to his children in the kingdom is true treasure and of eternal value hence my 'tease' comments in my introduction.
• Huge but Sorted - Matthew 13:47-50 [47] “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. [48] When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. [49] This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous [50] and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. This seems to echo or parallel the parable of the wheat and weeds with harsh words about the wicked, those not in Christ and so born of the Spirit, words that cannot be ignored or brushed aside. Remember, as seed has to be sown for a harvest a net has to be cast for a catch!
• Embraces eternal truth - Matthew 13:51-15 [51] “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied. [52] He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
They as the ones who will teach the kingdom need to realise that what Jesus teaches, much that is new, is in line with, fulfils and embraces old truths as well. As we would say they haven't to throw the baby away with the bathwater!
2. Realities
• Partnership not Pleasing, Placating or Persuading -
Romans 8:26-27 [26] In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. [27] And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God. In many world views prayer gets answered because of: persuasion / constant repetition / favour / deal / perceived worthiness and goodness - all by the person praying. Key and basic in Christian teaching- Your Kingdom (rule) come, Your will be done on earth as in heaven. Fundamental in understanding the will of God is the word of God but then the word of God is not a book of answers etc. Matthew 6:5ff adds much to this and of course is from the lips of Jesus long before Paul. So, what Paul expresses here is a working of the Holy Spirit who knows he mind of God and with our words, or unspoken words of sighs and groans, searching and trusting, so, the next part:
• Partaking in God's Plan - Romans 8:28-30
[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
[29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
[30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
We are working alongside our heavenly Father who has called us into relationship with Him in the fullness of His purposes and knowledge and however difficult life, circumstances or matters may be, He works for our good. Good in the bigger picture of life.
Matthew 7:7-12, again from the sermon on the mount, supplements what we have here and well worth a look after Matt. 6 from above!
• Positive Proposals - Romans 8:31-37
[31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
[33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
[34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life— is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
[36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
[37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
The Victory of the cross, which lies behind v 37 is a victory for those who belong to the Father through the Lord Jesus and His sacrifice which brings life.
The world, other people, life etc throws up all sorts against God's children to drag and pull us down and devalue what we are.
What Paul says is that it doesn't stick or hold because God is at work in us: he has called us, he gave Jesus for us, he justifies His people through that and the only one who was condemned was Jesus and he is vindicated. Can we be separated from the love of Jesus? No, he is interceding in the throne room of eternity.
Persecution was starting to kick in for Christians and of course Paul (Saul as he was then) was one of the first to persecute the followers of Jesus but by now he had faced quite a bit himself! However, in 2 Corinthians 11:22ff he lists events he had endured which are reflected in v 35-36. Do these things separate us from the love of Christ? No and then in typical Paul fashion he spells it out even more graphically:
• Paramount -
Romans 8:38-39 [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. I think that is what is called 'dotting I's and crossing T's'. I'll read it again - it speaks for itself and the end is significant too: Christ Jesus our Lord - Jesus, the reigning King in participation in Godhead.
And, it is because of that nothing can touch us in our heritage with him. All this is why the Kingdom is so valuable and worth everything, our pride downwards to everything else, to be part of it.
Conclusion
What are the things, past or present, that hurt, cause us problems, frustration, anxiety, fear, worry and the like?
They may hinder our walk with Father God but think, we lift them with unspoken type prayer knowing we are under God's love and that nothing, no, nothing can separate us from it. Keep going there into that special place where we are safe in that love and cast all on him and seek to leave them there.
Again, when we are in Christ, God is totally on our side and if we are not in him or not sure - easy, remedy it.
Read Romans 8 again and if needed again and again and in doing so commit into the life that is there not in a legalistic way but responding to that love God has for us - you. This is a passage of great encouragement.
We won't find ourselves on any rich list - but we know the treasure we have as God's
Kingdom is the kingdom over all others. It is the highest valued Kingdom and of supreme
worth not monetarily but for life now and eternity.
Oh, and share this good news!
07/06/2020
Mind-blowing realities!
Mind-blowing realities
Ephesians 1:13-23
Introduction
Having given detailed and foundational teaching on the Holy Spirit last Sunday which I felt compelled to do, I don't have the same feeling this week about the Holy Trinity. For those of us who follow, however gently, the Church's Year, today is Trinity Sunday.
God, as Trinity is a core and creedal belief: One God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, totally biblical and demonstrable as such. What we shall do as we look at the passage which has been laid on my heart to preach from, Ephesians 1, is observe what is present in so many scriptures God working as one - Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
1. Unflinching and Unquestioned Inclusion - verses 13-14
[13] And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-to the praise of his glory.
I am aware I have come into a passage mid flow of what Paul is saying and so, being very concise, the first part establishes how the first, and Jewish believers, came to be incorporated into Christ as part of God's eternal plan.
So, who is the 'you' of verse 13a?
The Christians at Ephesus and the significance in the emphasis of 'you also' is that they were not Jews but Gentiles. When they believed the gospel of Jesus, they became a part of the household of faith without any distinction from the Jewish believers. By extension the 'you' of verse 13a is all Christians from all walks and strata of life down through the ages - us right now!
One tier Christianity! Unpack that in your thoughts!!!
Then verses 13b-14, paralleling a point we looked at last week:
Sealed with the Holy Spirit - God's mark of ownership
Guaranteeing the inheritance of redemption
Jews and Gentiles (latter is you and me as none Jews) completely on the same footing. No 2nd class or 2nd rate Christians.As I said, one tier Christianity - but too often 'them and us'. Some on pedestals, others not really welcome or side-lined because . . ..
2. Dedicated and Dynamic Prayer - verses 15-23
Last week I highlighted a point on prayers which said we don't always need words just that deep seeking of the mind and will of God. Here, Paul is absolutely specific in his prayer for these Gentile Christians which, please note, is surrounded by thanksgiving for their generous love, for their faith in the Lord Jesus and love for God's people. We also saw, two weeks ago, how Jesus prayed very specifically in the upper room in John 17.
Side note - the Christian faith isn't just about me and God but me, God and other believers!
So, his prayer coming from this thankfulness
For God to acts in us as Father, Son & Holy Spirit - verses 15-17
[15] For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people, [16] I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. [17] I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
All three persons are mentioned and so active in the purpose of Paul's prayer which is that we may know Him (God) better because we are given wisdom and revelation. That in turn should arise from some bible knowledge and relationship with God.
Side note - these folks had no new testament! It was in the process of being written and so after what they heard of the Old Testament, the rest would be the accounts being shared about the life and events of Jesus.
For us to open eyed to appreciate our inheritance - verses 18-19a
[18] I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, [19] and his incomparably great power for us who believe
What he is saying is that our hope is based on our inheritance which flows from the victory of the cross with the price of sin paid -forgiveness comes through saying sorry and changing (repentance); death being defeated through resurrection and that brings in life which is eternal!
Check - this is what Jesus has inherited and He is the first to rise and be in the heavenly realm!
In the same breath Paul brings in us knowing the incomparably great power for us as believers. No brevity in his words but that was because he knew all this for himself!
And when Paul gets rolling, he just rocks on and so the final part of what we are looking at which follows on from power:
For us to be constantly aware of the power and authority we are under - verses 19b-23 and I have to read it again:
That power is the same as the mighty strength [20] he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, [21] far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. [22] And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, [23] which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
We have access now to the same power that raised Jesus from death and into eternity
That raising placed Jesus in sovereignty over any and every other kind of authority and power - human or demonic - for all time and the result is:
everything is subject to him, under his feet, and he rules it all including the church, he is the head over it, which means we / it is his body that serves him and not ourselves.
We have a phrase to the effect: power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely!
This power, the power of the cross, resurrection and exultation of Jesus: respects, liberates and brings hope and life itself because it was born out of complete servitude and humility by submitting to the corrupting power of sin and death at our hands! (see Philippians 2:5-11). It is the power of victory arising from apparent weakness and defeat!
Conclusion
Finally,
This morning we have explored, broadly, two matters:
That all who are called, who have responded through repentance to that call, and are now In Christ, stand before God as co-heirs. Hopefully we also stand before each other's as equals.
That the Holy Spirit power which lives in us, individually and corporately, also assures that with Jesus reigning over all with complete and utter victory, we are safe.
Yes, life is good, yes life can be tough and at times very, very tough and terrible as well as wonderful things happen to God's children. He suffers with those who suffer and rejoices in the good. We rest assured in joys and struggles that nothing can rob us of what we have or snatch us out of the Father's hand. Jesus, the shepherd king speaking, John 10:28-30
[28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. [30] I and the Father are one."
Now, finally, finally!
I came up with the heading for this talk 'Mind-blowing Realities' and what Paul say is: mind-blowing and stretching at one and the same time. Realities because God is who he is, Father, Son & HOLY SPIRIT - beyond comprehension; but, at the same time He has brought victory out of seeming defeat which results in our security now and for ever. Why? Because through faith / trust in Jesus we have all that Jesus has.
God the Father loves us; Jesus the Son has won salvation and God the Holy Spirit imparts it to you and I freely, but, with the paradoxical cost of our lives as servants of the living God.
Rev S.J. Abram
Chaplaincy of Poitou-Charentes
15/05/2014
Prayer vigil for the abducted Nigerian schoolgirls
(nearest tube station Westminster - Jubilee line)
Organised by Nigerian Christian leaders in the UK, and
endorsed by The National Day of Prayer and Worship,
The Overseas Fellowship of Nigerian Christians, Christian
Concern and the International Strategic Alliance Committee
Father, we ask you that you look after our sisters and guide them, strengthen them and comfort them with your love. May your peace surround their families in this agonising wait. May you give wisdom to all the leaders involved so that they take efficient decisions. May our sisters be free speedily. We ask you in the powerful name of Jesus, our saviour and redeemer. Amen.
25/08/2013
Fix your eyes upon Jesus
Hebrews 11:29-12:2
Introduction
The passage we are looking at today from Hebrews continues the theme of faith that the author takes into a new gear at the beginning of chapter 11 and his introduction to this is:
[2] This is what the ancients were commended for.
He then mentions a host of people as well as events through which greats acts of faith and hope are demonstrated from creation onto a host of important events in the first half of the Old Testament and then he glosses the rest and brings us to a time possible only years before the coming of Jesus. This is a catalogue of heroes of faith, people who had faith in a living God who acts, gives hope and who has more in store! In fact at the other end of chapter 11 he brings an interesting turning point which is pivotal to what follows:
[39] These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, [40] since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
In fact the whole chapter is like a marathon, hold that, which starts with a very steady and measured pace and then accelerates from where we cut into it today.
Another thought on 'faith' and for that, back to the first verse of chapter 11
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
As part of the introduction to this passage one of my commentaries says this:
In a world where people dismiss faith as ‘wishful thinking’, or simply identify it with the beliefs and practices of a particular religion ( e.g. ‘the Muslim faith’), it is good to have a comprehensive picture of the faith that actually pleases God. Hebrews shows the link between faith, hope, obedience and endurance, illustrating that it is more than intellectual assent to certain beliefs. God-honouring faith takes God at his word and lives expectantly and obediently in the present, waiting for him to fulfill his promises. Such faith brings suffering and persecution in various forms.
Chapter 12 brings in his readers, and us, with complete prominence into the arena and also there is the ultimate hero of all who is also at the centre of the whole letter - Jesus. So, as I say,
Into the arena
Which is just the picture we have. Remember I said before that chapter 11 is like a marathon, well, most of a marathon is run outside the arena, certainly at the Olympics and probably in those days too, well, now we are there with Jesus in what is the final part of the event. And, this is what he writes:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
Can you see the masterful picture he is painting? All the people of chapter 11 have completed their leg of the marathon, which is also perhaps a relay where faith is the baton passed on, and by what we see in them we are cheered on our way by the encouragement we see in the way they exercised faith.
In a slightly different way I saw this a few weeks ago at Hixon school sports day and it was a lovely sight. Each group had their great long race round the course, and the younger the group the more their little legs were whirling, but in each year there were always a few who struggled or who couldn't even really run. The truly lovely bit was that those who had finished were there at the finishing line cheering those who were struggling so they completed the race.
Our writer also brings in two other important elements as an illustration for the race of faith in this verse and another
1. Ridding ourselves of anything that would hinder - compare that to what Jesus says about the seeds sown in the thorny part of the field in the parable of the sower how they are choked by the cares of this life - consider: what chokes our faith
2. Ridding ourselves of the sin that entangles - in other words all that dishonours Jesus or is not what he has for us or is against what he wants. The aim is to stay focussed on what we are through the victory of Jesus over sin and death.
All this then makes us lean, mean, running machines and as such there is
The focus of the race
Which is none other than Jesus who he is the starting line, the pace setter and the finishing post - v 2a
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, [2] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
He is the source of faith, the reason for faith and the goal of faith and this faith is lived out in the realities of life.
This was also true for all those who he mentions in chapter 11 but their faith was much more on that which is unseen than ours because Jesus has now been revealed. Of course we still have that which is unseen but it is all there in Jesus in whom and through who we live the life of faith.
How He has become the focus of the race
Because as a participant with us this is what he did - v 2b
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Joy was his focus as he, in faith, saw the outcome that is reality for him now which is to be seated at the right hand of the throne of God where he, seated there in victory, is the focus for our journey of faith. That has a conclusion in the next verse which wasn't in the reading - but we'll have it anyway and it will lead to our:
Conclusion
[3] Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Jesus is the ultimate encouragement for us to stay firm in faith. Not other Christians, the church or whatever but Jesus the victor who brings life and salvation - our hope where faith lies.
And finally an anomaly thought: I meet many people who say they are open minded about faith and God but I wonder if lots of those people actually have an extractor fan fitted to their open minds that takes away anything God sows there! You can compare that once more with the parable of the sower and the seed that falls by the path and which is eaten by the birds.
Fix your eyes upon Jesus!
Steven Abram. Sunday 18th August 2013
16/08/2013
Friday: best encouraging posts in my blogroll hat!
Not stuck in -
Not abiding -
Not dwelling -
"Walk through" assures us that we are moving. How are we moving? We are moving and walking by faith and not by sight.
For, it is in HIM that we live, we move and we have our being! (Acts 17:28)My victorious friends, I encourage you to keep living and moving by faith. Although the blows may be coming at you - from the left and from the right, DO NOT give up! Remember, God has great plans for you! (Jeremiah 29:11)
2 - A thought by John C Maxwell (2012-10-02) from his book, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential (p. 75). Center Street. Kindle Edition.Now I, personally, start my day in the Bible. Today I read Psalm 106. It showed the importance of following Him and what happens if we don’t and what happens when we do. It ended with “Praise the Lord.” Good reminder to start the day. Then I read the last part of Acts 22 and of how God was moving Paul to His desired destination. It showed how each incident had a part in moving Paul to Rome where He wrote a big part of the New Testament. Each incident in the day is important to God.
John Maxwell also says, “And the small steps you take today will lead to the bigger steps you take someday.” Let’s say you start your day with griping and complaining. Psalm 106:25-27 tells what God thinks of that. He doesn’t like it. Don’t do it. Start your day as Psalm 106.1-2 does with giving thanks to the Lord because He is good; and His love is eternal. Remind yourself of all the good things He has done in your life. And then Verse 3 says, “Happy are those who obey His commands, who always do what is right.”
Now you have something to shoot for, if you want to shoot for it, that is. For some marriages, 91 years would be a gift – a gracious extension to a blessed union. For others, it may be like the curse of immortality for the suffering.
Time can be a marriage’s worst enemy.
How so?
When there is little love and no romance.
When a marriage goes months or even years without sexual intimacy.
When husbands and wives choose to hold onto resentment.
When we keep secrets and protect turf.
When we never say, “I love you,” or “I’m sorry,” or “I appreciate you.”
Time has a means of sealing in our bitterness like moss in the crack of a sidewalk. Hearts that have hardened only get harder with time.
Time can be a marriage’s best friend.
On the other hand, time can also be a marriage’s best friend, if we choose to allow it. You can grow a mushroom overnight but an oak tree takes decades. When it comes to our marriage we need to decide to be oak trees.
The road of marriage has plenty of bumps and bruises. We let each other down. We hold each other up. We rest in times of peace and we weather storms together. And over time, through thick and thin, sickness and health, better and worse our marriage grows into a beautiful oak tree if we are willing to stick it out.
Have a blessed week-end. N.
27/10/2012
The Lord will fight for you!
Exodus 14:14
I have been really busy these last weeks, not only with school work but also family business. In the evenings, various problems have come up from nowhere, and after the tempest, I was left wondering why on earth was all this turmoil about? Peter himself warns us: Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (1 Peter 5: 8-9) When a lion is injured, he becomes furious and is called 'a roaring lion', thus he will kill anything that is in contact with him. On Easter Sunday, when Jesus-Christ came out of the tomb and won victory over satan, at that very moment, he crushed satan's head and defeated him, giving back man's right to life, authority, and dominion. Thank you Jesus. I praise the Lord as He has brought solutions to one of my major headaches and surely He is working out on the rest. In the midst of trials, I like to think of the above verse and I cast my burdens onto Jesus. Nothing is impossible for our God!
Tonight, I heard extremely pleasant news, the orphanage school built in Uganda by Give Hope Ministries is taking shape. It will open in December and host 150 orphans. (See previous video clip) Alleluia!
Brothers and sisters, keep us in your prayers as I will pray for you too. Have a blessed week-end.
24/04/2011
Awesome resurrection!
We've lived with Jesus for a while, has He become familiar too?
We start with an empty tomb and the disciples are scratching their heads, they are puzzled. By the time Jesus was buried, he had been battered out of recognition, beaten, whipped, bruised, spat upon, a spear stuck into his side. He was a mess and he was dead.The disciples were shattered.
What was unusual was that the strips of linen left there, the only thing that was of value.
We read in John 20 : 6 - 7 Simon Peter arrived after him and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there. 7He also saw the cloth that had been on Jesus' head. It wasn't lying with the strips of linen but was rolled up separately. Another unusual thing was to admit that they had not understood what happened (v.9) 9They didn't know yet what Scripture meant when it said that Jesus had to come back to life. They are being very honest. Jesus has told them that he would die and resurrect three times, i.e. 18 month before, in the town Caesarea Philippi Mark 8:27-30, their ears got blocked, they didn't hear it. John is honest. If it was made up, they would have been sitting waiting in front of the tomb! Something else very unusual to note. Jesus appears to women. This was a patriarchal society where the women were not deemed as reliable witnesses in court. Jesus loves to break the rules. Some suggest that he revived in the tomb but as I mentioned it before, it is out of question, since he had been crucified. Jesus is not recognised until he says Mary. Why? Raising up from the dead, he has been transformed. Go back to 1 Cor 15: 53-54 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. This transformation is for us in eternity.The New Life is for us today. What has happened at Easter? Death has been defeated, new life is born.
Do we stand by our convictions? Do we draw it to others despite what they say. Jesus brings life! We must be careful not to get too familiar whereby we lose a sense of awe and wonder! Let us share it with others! Let's ask them: do you know what Jesus did ? He rose from the dead ! Isn't it awesome! with the same freshness as more than 2000 years ago.
These are my notes from this morning Easter service, courtesy from Rev S. A.
My friends, have a blessed Easter. In Jesus' name. Amen. N.
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