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Saturday, July 28, 2018

Politics


Is the Bible interested in politics?

For sure – the history of Israel is so much about political establishment and demise. The book of Daniel is almost all about politics in Babylon and beyond.

The involvement of Jesus or rather the non involvement, in the politics of His day is outstanding considering the circumstances of that time. The last book of the Bible is like the writings ofDaniel – almost all about the conflicts of world powers.

Please notice this preface to the last book of the Bible (Revelation):

“To Him who loved us and loosed us from our sins (His priority) in His blood (by sacrifice, not by poltical power), and made us a kingdom (apart from the kingdoms of this world) of priests to His God and Father (unselfish function in the spiritual realm), to HIM be the glory (the honour of a monarch), and the dominion (when the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of God and His Christ) unto the ages of the ages. Amen”          Revelation 1.

This preface statement sets the purpose of the book and the agenda of God for eternity.- the final political triumph of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let me put it another way like Acts 15:
‘God calling out of the nations a people (washed, sanctified, justified) for a priestly function now, but in His own future time, these same people raised up under one king (of the house of David), are to rule and intercede over the whole earth.’
Thus the Christian has this very high calling, to represent as an ambassador   God’s exalted king. He is the ruler of the kings of the earth. Earthly politics and politicians are so fickle. We as disciples of the one true Lord, are to represent the enduring King – the eternal one who became dead and now lives forevermore.


My involvement in present politics??  Just like the Master, my priority should be rescuing people from sin and Satan,  reconciling the lost to God. (2 Corinthians 5)

It is an interesting study, to review the life of Christ relative to the Roman oppressors, the religious zealots and the Jewish leadership of His day. He like the Maccabees could have  pursued political freedom, but to the disappointment of His followers, He chose victory by the path of sacrifice.


‘Take up the cross and follow Me’ is not the language of a political warrior. It is the language of an obedient servant, doing the Father’s will.


John McKee

Sunday, July 15, 2018

The Book of books


The Bible
The Bible comes to you as a gift. Take time to read it often.

Much of it is history— God making the earth and people. It gives details of God relating to people and nations. Some of it is God’s rules for the
Israelite nation.

In the centre is the songbook that speaks much about the experiences of the songwriters along with praise to God Almighty. Often we can relate to this.

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are records of the life and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. The accounts should be read and reread. By these we learn much about who Jesus is and what He has done.

The letters written by Peter, Paul, John etc are the explanations about Jesus  and what His followers should believe and do. The Lord promised the Holy Spirit would guide the apostles to teach us truth.
“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth” John 16:13

Some Bible verses stand out as golden gems
Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.”     John 14.6

The New Testament provides abundant instructions on what it means to ‘follow Jesus as Lord.’ - e.g. ‘Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly”

One of the themes that runs through the Bible is the recurring evidence that all of humanity is inclined to do wrong and by this offend God. Along with this is the theme of God seeking the wandering people and making it possible for all to be forgiven. The teachings of the Lord Jesus are bright with the hope of eternal life in heaven for those who believe in Him.

To understand how God relates to us today, carefully read twice the letter to the Romans.

Recommendation:  Read the history of Genesis (much of which is distressing)
Then read the Gospel of John (God revealed in His Son Jesus Christ).

Clue to enjoying the Bible  -  Before you read, ask “LORD help me to
understand today”  and as you hear His voice to you, remember the words of Mary -”Whatever He say to you, do it!”

Bibles are available to those who do not have one
johnmckee@internode.on.net