Bible - relevant ?

 

Making sense of the Bible 4

I trust the previous outline was helpful. You may well be asking – "what is in it for me?" or "what relevance does it have for today?"

If you were born Jewish, I might write about Torah laws.  But most of my readers are not Jewish, rather Gentiles, so what applies to us? In this brief introduction, I don't have space to give lots of proof texts. They are many and available on request.

Old Testament notes:-

1   Torah was given to Israel through Moses.

2   The Old Testament has many moral lessons to be learnt as well as comfort .  Comfort through relating to the struggles of God fearing people.

3   The prophecies concerning the Messiah are important to verify the claims of Jesus, and they give clarity to His person and mission.

4   Most of the general prophecies in the O. T relate to Israel in the past and the future.

 

New Testament notes:-

1   Jesus came to His own people, the Jews.

2   These privileged people rejected Him.

3   The Gospel goes out to all the nations.

4   He is believed on, in the world.

5   He will return, vindicating His honour and His people.

So where do we Gentiles fit into the plan of God?  After the resurrection of Christ, the Holy Spirit directs the apostles to reach out to the unlearned, uncircumcised Gentiles who are without God, without hope ( Acts 10 , Ephesians 2). Acts 15, along with the teachings of Paul (Apostle to the Gentiles), tell the terms of inclusion into the new Christian community. (Not converts to Judaism, not second class Jews as some taught). This community became known as the church or assemblies. This created some conflict and confusion about Law keeping, rituals, status, authority etc  . That is why a careful reading of the letter to the Romans and the ones following is so important.

The new terms of "grace' – a big subject for another day.

An old /new book

 

Making sense of the Bible part 3

Looking at the New Testament, things change significantly. Jesus is born, as recorded by four different biographers (Matthew , Mark, Luke, John). Jesus goes from very humble beginnings to reach out to the common people to help, heal and teach.

After three years of reaching out to the Jewish people, they reject His claim to be the Messiah, the Son of God. All the biographies major on the fact that He was rejected by the Jews and crucified by the Romans. That was a significant turning point in the privilege of the Israelites. The history section of 'Acts' does record messages of possible restoration for the Israelites, but the leadership deliberately rejected Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) and choose to persecute His followers. Eventually the temple was destroyed as Jesus foretold.

But in the record of 'Acts', God is seen as not defeated. He presents through the Apostles the bigger plan  - that God is going to gather together all people in Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1).

The implementation of this new covenant is summarized:

·     *   God raises Jesus from among the dead, vindicating His claim to be the Son of God.

·    *    God the Father sends down from heaven the Holy Spirit to fill the believers, as never happened before.

·        * The Jewish believers are scattered to many countries spreading the Gospel.

·        * Then the Good News is shared with the Gentiles (non Jews), who previously were considered unworthy of any attention. (Acts 10-28)

·      *  Paul is converted and commissioned by Jesus in heaven to reach out to these Gentiles.

·        * New challenges arise and the Acts 15 conference gives the basis for new terms for serving God.

·       *  Paul writes many letters which were circulated for the teaching of those mixed Jewish/Gentile congregations. He explains with great clarity the new Gospel of Jesus Christ dying for our sins and rising again for our justification (Romans ++)

The later books of the New Testament give graphic descriptions of humans , religious and otherwise, rebelling against God.  Note : the Bible does not edit out the failure records to make Christianity a 'Best seller', but tells it as it is!

The Apostles who had seen and heard the Lord Jesus gave corrective teaching along with hope for the future (Peter, James, John).

The letter to the Hebrews is quite unique :- An outstanding presentation of Jesus Christ as connected to the Old Testament. Thus the whole Bible is bound together with one focus – Jesus Christ our glorious Lord.

The final Revelation presents the hope of final victory by Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of lords.  Most of it is yet future, when He will be seen as the Lamb upon His throne .

The good news of the new testament is that all people everywhere now have the opportunity to connect with God through Jesus Christ the Lord.

Enjoy reading this book of books.

John McKee

Bible - Old Testament

 

Making sense of the Bible 2 (notes are intended for the many migrants I have taught Australian English)

The divisions of the Bible are important. The obvious division is Old Testament/New Testament. Testament means 'covenant, agreement'.  It is evident in the narrative of the Bible, that the unchanging God connects with different people in different ways at different times. (Hebrews 1)

The two covenants are summarized in John Chapter 1:

"The law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ".

Looking at the Old, the first five books (Genesis to Deuteronomy) are called Torah. These were given to the Hebrews by Moses (Israelites later called Jews).

The second section is a candid record of the Israelite nation in the land of Canaan. It is not a very impressive story, but details the good and the bad.

Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of songs are prose, poetry, praise, wisdom and romance books.

Isaiah through to Malachi are the messages of the prophets who warned Israel and the nations to turn to the Lord. They often spoke into the future of both judgement and restoration. Included are many prophecies about the anticipated Messiah – Jesus.

I encourage you to look among the Psalms – they can cheer your day like nothing else.

Next time – New Testament

Can we understand the Bible?

 

Making sense of the Bible

    If you walked into a library, to which section would you go? To the non-fiction,  or the DVD's or the fiction or the encyclopedia, or the newspapers??

    If you opened the library of the Bible, what would you be looking for.?  The range is extensive :- History, poetry legal,  spiritual, romantic, life skills, futuristic.  These sections have been written by many different authors in various countries. The variety has a common theme – God reaching out to humanity. These books have come together over many years.

    It is not a book of science trying to prove the existence of God. Nor is it a simplistic 'how to manual'. Rather it is God revealing Himself  and connecting with different people at different times in history, connecting in different ways.

    The first section has the family of Abraham in focus. Much of it is written for and about the Israelite nation. The songbook  (Psalms) relates very much to the experiences, good and bad, of people of all times.

    The section that shines out as most relevant are the accounts of the life of Jesus Christ. These biographies are clear expressions of the ways God connects with both Jews and Gentiles (non Jews). Jesus is presented as very different from normal people , yet very real in human life. They also present different aspects of the person – The man Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God. (written by Matthew ,Mark,  Luke, John)

    These four Gospel records are enhanced by the subsequent teaching of His Apostles ( Peter, James John , Paul etc). He commissioned them to teach the new Gospel by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  They were to unveil things about Himself that He had purposely hidden. (John 16)

    The history of 'Acts', shows the purpose of the Lord, that through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ , forgiveness of sins should be preached to the whole world.  The problems and failures in this endeavour are honestly recorded. The blessings to the whole world are recorded in the 2000 years of history since.

May I encourage you to go browsing, beginning with the contents page.

johnmckee@internode.on.net 

The BIBLE

 

The Bible stands as the most unique book of all time. Many  have  tried to burn it, ban it, break it. It endures the test of time as God's word (His revelation to mankind).

It has been my privilege to give many Bibles to school students recently. But can they understand it?  Is it not a daunting history with Israelite laws? Which parts apply today and which don't?  Is it reliable to the originals?

All these are important questions, and that is one of the reasons why I write this blog. By the Lord's help I seek to make the Bible trusted and relevant. It helps people trust the book when they see it operating in a Christian's life.

So understanding the book is important, but living the truth revealed in it is vital. So many religions are a creed or ritual  to be assented to without a living connection with the true and living God. The Bible is a revelation  from God , for the purpose of connecting us with God,  Anything less is superficial and religion without the Bible is fake.

Jesus Christ the Lord , wants to live in our hearts by the working of the Holy Spirit.  (Ephesians 3)

 

"being born again , not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever"  (1 Peter1:23)

Great conclusions

 

The lessons at school on Romans are concluding. Such great and precious promises linked to high and holy practical outcomes.

From ruined, rebellious sinners to committed Christians .

The letter from Paul concludes with a very wise God who in love intends great and good experiences for His children, now and forever.

Romans 11:33  "Oh what a wonderful God we have!"

        12:12 "Be glad for all God is planning for you"

        13:14  "Let the Lord Jesus take control of you"

        14:9  "He is Lord of those who are alive and of those who have died."

        15:5  "May God who gives patience and encouragement, help you to live in complete harmony with each other."

        15:13  " So  I pray that God who gives hope, will fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."

        16:25  "God is able to strengthen you"

        16:27  "To  God, who alone is wise, be the glory forever through Jesus Christ .  Amen"  NLT

comments welcome - johnckee@internode.on.net

Romans is brilliant

 

The message to the Romans began with truth telling about the problem of the human condition. After presenting God’s solution through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the prospects become brilliant.

To believers, God imparts His love. Acceptance into God’s family that supersedes death in Adam’s family. Victory over debilitating sin is promised to all who surrender to the Lord. Eternal life is given as a free gift. Liberty from the demands of Moses law is real, as one lives and walks in the light and control of the Holy Spirit.

But that’s not all! The future hope of participating in a changed creation. The future prospect of being changed into the image of the Son of God – wow  !

How can all this be real for an unworthy Christian? It will be so because this agenda of undeserved favour (grace) is driven by unquenchable love – God’s love.

What about the reality of our world gone mad? Yes chapter nine to eleven handles that quite well. Human rebellion has been happening for a long time – both in heathen culture and Jewish privilege, but God is not defeated. He will gather together all things in Christ, and the present day chaos is a very real indication, it could be very soon.

Much detail could be given, but the conclusion of chapter 11 is so good.

       “Oh the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God. How unsearchable are His judgements and His ways past finding out.

      For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen”

Please read Romans again and if never before , find you peace and hope in what God has done and is doing now.

Bible book - Romans

 

A fresh look at an old book – Romans

Chapters 1 to 6

The people then and now are bound by the culture they live in. So many see no need or hope of change.

This is why the Gospel is so special. It can  lift people out of the culture of idol worship. It can set people free from the deception of humanistic enlightenment. The good news breaks the chains of religion  and reconnects them to the one true and living God.

How does God bring back people to Himself?    By religion – no.    by education – no.    by commerce – no.    by force – no.

Reconciliation to God is by a person – the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

God could clearly see from history and the heart of humans that reformation and religion doesn't work.  So He sent into the world His own Son.  Through faith in Him, Jesus Christ the Lord, God achieves so much for us.

1     Forgiveness of sins (so many sins listed, that offend the holiness of God).

2     Justification before God (declared right with God because Jesus Christ died for those sins).

3     Accepted by God ( The love of God triumphing over our unworthiness).

4     Granted the gift of eternal life ( The grace of God putting the believer into the family of God).

 

That brief summary of Romans chapters 1-6, shows what a wonderful Lord God that we have.

Maybe we should all pause and ponder – are we reconciled to God? Do we have eternal life?

John the Apostle put it  so clearly:

"He that has the SON has life, he that has not the SON does not have life."     1  John 5

JRM

News - Good news

 

The Good news is presented in the Bible book called Romans.

 I recommend everyone to read it through. This will overcome much of the confusion created by many religions and Christian denominations.

 

 

Latter  I will give a summary of this letter to the Romans. But first I encourage all to read it. 

If you  do not have a Bible to read, email me at

johnmckee@internode.on.net

The world

 

God so loved the world!

-      The entire cosmos?  Yes , He made it and in love intends the best for it.

-       The entire human race?  Yes, He designed all people to live in relationship with Himself as God's friends

What went wrong that our world is in such a mess?  -  The evil one, Satan, promoted a lie and humanity has rebelled ever since.

God's love has secured a way for all people to reconnect with God:

-      By keeping 10 commandments?  No

-      By following a particular religion?   No

God sent His only Son (Jesus) and through His death and rising to life again, reconciliation is offered free.  Jesus Christ paid the offence of our sin and rebellion, so that everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ is forgiven and granted a place in the family of God.

"To as many as received HIM, He gave the authority to become children of God"  (John 1:12)

The Holy Spirit seals every believer as belonging to God.

 

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him, will not perish but have eternal life"    (John 3:16)

johnmckee@internode.on.net

In times like these

 

Hope in the world of uncertainty

Life for many has changed. The covid pandemic has changed government focus, changed liberties we never thought would change – like travel. The thinking of society has changed from fear to frustration.

In Australia we are fortunate to have less infections and deaths, but the lockdowns to achieve this are frustrating many.

For the present generation, this is all new. So what are the answers to our situation?  History can teach us much.    3,500 years ago, Moses, as the mouthpiece of God taught the value of quarantining.    2000 years ago Jesus taught the value of trusting God each day for what we need (not want).   1950 years ago, Paul showed by example that the things of this life are very temporary and living for the next life is more important.

So where are we today?  - surrendering to media manipulation – fear?  - losing hope that our dreams will fail?   - Blaming others for not handling the situation well?      -    It has all happened before!

 

God has a plan.  His priority plan is for people to turn from sin and self, to trust in Him through Jesus Christ the Lord.

He also has plans for powerful people.  – To learn how helpless they are in the presence of this almost invisible little virus.- helpless to control it, helpless financially, helpless socially, helpless internationally, helpless mentally!

He also has plans for the nations. Alliances seemed so strong, military might so powerful, economies so promising. Soon the alliances will be based on the rejection of Jesus Christ as Lord. The man of sin will unite unbelieving people.

But to His own, scattered throughout the nations, there is only one solution, one King, one Lord who is Jesus Christ. He was once pierced when crucified. He now sees with grief the rebellion of humanity. He soon will appear to judge all evil and the evil one. Until that day, we can expect the LORD  God to allow tribulations so that people  might repent and believe the Gospel

Even so come Lord Jesus

True blessedness

 

The path to real Joy

Oh what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!

Yes, what joy for those  whose record the LORD has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable, and I groaned all day long. Day and night God’s hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.

Finally I confessed all my sins and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself  “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD” – and He forgave me! All my guilt is gone

Psalm 32

Good news

 

The Gospel – good news

What we want and what God knows we need are quite different.

We live in time, very  much controlled by our sensory feelings. Most  times, we want pleasure , possessions and safety.

God lives in eternity. He understands the causes of evil and chooses to be kind and gracious in the greater reality of relationships that are eternal.

God being eternal, wants to reconnect His creatures with Himself in a harmonious and fruitful relationship – as children with a Father, in the Father's house where holy joy produces songs of praise.

 

Why then a message about a once dead Jesus Christ? Because God restores relationships with justice and love.

Justice  -  'Jesus Christ died, the just one for the unjust ones to bring us to God ' (1 Peter 3) We are the unjust ones by habit and inclination.

Love   -   Jesus Christ died as the ultimate expression of His great love for us  ( Romans 5:8) ' God showed His great love in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us'

Thus the devastating history of  crucified Jesus, has become good news  of hope, forgiveness, love, peace, joy and eternal life. This is assured by the fact that Jesus rose from death and lives forever more.

johnmckee@internode.on.net

Sacrifice

 

The sacrifice of Christ Jesus the Lord.

A powerful quote from Hebrews 1

"He accomplished cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt" (Amplified Bible)

The Lord Jesus said:

"The good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep......I lay down my life that I may take it up again.... this charge I have received from my Father"  John 10:11-18

The death of Jesus Christ was not unfortunate, martyrdom or just empathetic . It was determined by God for a distinct purpose.

The theme runs through all scripture, but for a moment I would like to consider the letter to the Hebrews, linked to the OT book of Leviticus.

Hebrews 1 – looking on the creation through God's eyes. The problem of offence and the stain of uncleanness must be attended to. This is not about how we feel nor is it altogether about our forgiveness (although that is involved). It is about God at work, recovering, redeeming, restoring, remitting, reinstating, rescuing ... His creation. This takes more than power. It required a sacrifice.

This is so important when we come to the sacrifices of Moses law. They are parables to indicate the devastation and costliness of sin. And the means by which God has restored the lost creation to Himself. The grand destination of 'God at work ' , is written in chapter twelve. " You have come to mount Zion, even the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to countless multitudes of angels in festal gathering, the church of the firstborn who are registered as citizens of heaven." 12:22

John the baptizer captured this transformation when he pointed to Jesus and said "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" – this implied the removal of sin and the total restoration of the divine purpose in His Son.

Hebrews chapter 4 – God rests because  of the sacrifice made

Hebrews 9-11      - God's promise will be fulfilled – He will return

Hebrews 13 – God holds secure all who trust in the Great shepherd.

 

Let me ponder the sacrifices of the Old Covenant for a moment – why bother? The shadows of the reality teach much about how God sees sin and the sacrifice of His Son.

Sin was very costly – forgiveness of sins was costly. When one sinned the sinner was to bring to the alter an animal of the highest quality ( without stain or defect). A trespass against someone else or a failure to do God's command necessitated someone or something pay the debt of offence against God. In the Old Covenant it was an innocent animal that died for the guilty.  In the New Covenant it is Jesus Christ who died for the guilty. He alone was Holy and without stain or defect!

The peace offering was also an innocent animal presented to celebrate peace with God. On this occasion, the offerer could eat and share the meat of the sacrifice. Thus fellowship with God and others was on the basis of the sacrifice.  Likewise in the New Testament, the togetherness of the believers is founded upon the blood of Christ and the cross of Christ ( see Ephesians).

The Gift or grain offering was flour mixed with oil and frankincense , presented  to  God as a sweet smelling savour. It was not for atonement of sins, but a gift of something grow in the earth, then milled and presented to God by fire. What is this about? This is God appreciating the life and death of Jesus, the only man who ultimately pleased God. Even in the torture and rejection of His sufferings, His character was not spoiled by sin or inappropriate reactions. His life was as a sweet aroma to God.

The burnt offering is the story of Hebrews 10. " we are sanctified by the offering of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time". Forgiveness of sins is good. Fellowship with others is great. Understanding and giving thanks for Jesus is worship. But now the burnt offering brings the unworthy one right into acceptance with God. The offerer brought the best of the herd, the leader, the progenitor, the strong one. This was presented to God and the priest was to keep and use the skin. What is the meaning ? -  our only acceptance with God , now or in eternity is as we are 'in Christ". God sees our works, He hears our prayers, He knows all about us, but it is only through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ the Lord from heaven, that we are accepted.

"God spared not His own Son, but gave HIM up for us all" (Romans 8:32)

"The Son of God loved me and gave HIMSELF for me"  (Galatians 2:20)

Note : in the New Testament, the atonement is usually connected with the title 'Christ' – the Messiah anointed for the purpose by God.

As quoted above, the burnt offering is linked to the title 'Son of God'.

The achievement of the sacrifice is not so much related to the extent of suffering, but to the value of the one who died. Please search out this truth in the teaching of the Lord Jesus and His apostles. The terminology of the Holy Spirit is very precise.

Our confidence is complete and we rest with God in the forever sacrifice because  the one who offered Himself without spot to God was:

Without sin

In Him was no root of sin

His life and character was not defiled by corruption around Him

His coming from heaven and commission to speak for was affirmed by God the Father

His deity as "Son of God" qualified Him to yield His life up for others.

 

Well might we look  at those pierced hands and feet and declare with Thomas – " My Lord and my God"

Finally . Hebrews 13  surprises us with this statement " we have an alter from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat.......  through HIM then let us continually offer up the sacrifice of praise to God , that is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His Name."

We no longer need the alter, the sacrifices of the old covenant, for Jesus Christ the LORD from heaven has fulfilled His promise. He said He would "give His life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). So in the freedom and sanctification of the final sacrifice and the indwelling Holy Spirit, ' let us offer to God acceptable worship with reverence and awe.'(Hebrews 12)

johnmckee@internode.on.net

The Psalms - prayer book, song book

 

In my recent meditations in the Psalms, I discovered that the greatest danger in life for the songwriter, were not wild animals, (for David the shepherd faced many of these), the real dangers were people! David the songwriter faced lions and bears, but it was the cruel persecutors, the betrayers, the misunderstanding relatives, the jealous enemies that wanted to kill him – these were the repeated subject of his prayers.

So it is today- the danger is not wild animals, it is rather the addictive screens (designed by people to seduce), the self centred friend (manipulative instead of loyal), the God despising relative (who turns others away from God's way), the Lord Jesus denying religion (people promoting other doctrines) etc. These are the real dangers that we so often fail to see.

JRM

In times like these we need an anchor

 

Life has so many twists and turns. Our world has become very unpredictable and uncertain. Society is crumbling morally. Relationships are no longer secure. Health systems are failing. Without God , who can find hope in the future?

All  this makes the Bible so much more meaningful. I wonder how much you read it? – read it to find God, read it to find purpose and hope? Read it to know the right way in life?

The Bible has God's message for all situations.

God is so great, we can trust Him to carry through on His plans.

-         Plans for the nations to learn that they can't have peace without Him!

-         Plans to reveal Jesus, the once crucified Son of God

God is so relational that He chooses to love, to liberate, to lift those who feel their need of Him. His promises are sufficient to enable the believer to be an overcomer in this present evil world.

God is not defeated by the progress of evil. Rather, He is angry with the wicked every day. He is seeking the lost with great patience. He laughs at the haughty rebellion world leaders. He is giving up those who don't want to know Him, giving them up to the consequences of their own sin.

In the midst of this, God has a multitude of His own people, His own sheep that love  Him, live for Him and hope in Him. To them Jesus Christ is so precious, that the present troubles are the evidences of God at work.

Do you know Him as the Good Shepherd?

Seek Him today . Jesus said "Come to Me all you who labour and carry heavy burdens. I will give you rest."  Matthew 11

"The LORD is my shepherd I shall not want"  Psalm 23

 

He healed the blind man
Walked on the waters
And He raised up
Jairius' daughter

He fed the hungry
Cleansed the leper
But we need Jesus now
More than ever

chorus
Jesus now more than ever
We are sailing in stormy weather
All His children should get together
For we need Jesus now more than ever

He touched the lame man
And he started walking
He touched the dumb man
And he started talking

He put their lives all
Back together
But we need Jesus now
More than ever

chorus
In the book of Revelation
Read about the Tribulation
We are heading in that direction
Only Jesus' blood can give protection

you can find this on youtube - interesting words

Lord - Jesus - Christ

 

The names and titles of the Lord Jesus Christ - a cause for praise.

Jesus – His human name expressing His mission – The LORD saving His people from their sins.

Christ – The anointed one, promised in the Old Testament to save       the world by sacrifice and judgement.

Lord – The disciples always spoke to Him as Lord or Master

or Teacher- and so should we. "God has made this same Jesus     both Lord and Christ."

Son of God – He said " I came down from heaven"

The Father said ' This is my beloved Son" and so we  should worship Him.

Saviour – He didn't come to judge the world, but to save –"thank you Lord"

Redeemer _ He paid the price to set us free from Satan, sin and self

Reconciler – He offered Himself as a sacrifice to bring us back to God.

Advocate – each day He intercedes before God for us.

King – Born King of the Jews, now exalted at God's right hand, He is waiting for the day when He will be revealed as King of kings and Lord of lords. – 'even so come Lord Jesus.

Shepherd – The almighty always was caring for those who trusted Him. This is seen in the tender love of the Good Shepherd.

 

And much, much more:

Let us  receive Him

    "    Trust Him

       "   Serve Him

        "    Love Him

          "    Worship Him