To really know the Lord

 

A most beautiful Bible verse:

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith”  Ephesians 3:17

 

Considering the distant, derelict and demonised condition of the Gentiles (as described in chapter 2), the idea of intimacy with God seems impossible.

   But the grace of God moved by the love of God has effected redemption by Christ’s blood. This has achieved forgiveness, salvation and cleansing so great that the Gentile believer is accepted, reborn and brought into a relationship with God that is sublime.

   By the operation of the Holy Spirit, the praise of these redeemed ones is described (chapter 2) as a temple of praise.

 

But the wonder of it all goes so much deeper in Ephesians 3:

   “ When I think of the wisdom and scope of God’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father , the creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from His glorious unlimited resources He will give you mighty inner strength through His Holy Spirit.

And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvellous love. And may you have power to understand , as all God’s people should, how wide , how long, how high, how deep His love really is……NLT(look it up for yourself)

 

This describes the extreme beauty of belonging to God and His overflowing desire for us to know him personally.  If this is dry words to you, please seek the Lord with all your heart and you will find Him.

The story of Jesus

 

   “Let me tell you the story of Jesus”  ( for the millions who have never heard)

Before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He was busy in heaven making and sustaining the world.

   Gabrial, the angel from heaven said to Mary that her baby would be called:

“the Son of the Highest” – this means He was coming to represent God to all people. No other prophet could do this completely, but Jesus Christ did.

    When Jesus was born to Mary in Bethlehem in Israel, another angel announced that this baby was the Saviour, ‘Christ the LORD’. God knew that we sinners needed to be saved. We needed His forgiveness.

   Jesus went to school and  learned a trade as a carpenter.

Then at the age of 30 years, He was baptised. A voice from heaven said “This is My Beloved Son. I am fully pleased with Him”  (Matthew 3)

Many people wanted Him to bring peace on the earth, but no, God wanted to connect with individuals. They needed personal change, more than political solutions – forgiveness of sins, acceptance into God’s spiritual family, eternal life in the life to come etc. So the plan of God was different. He wanted to change hearts!

    The Lord Jesus taught the truth, healed the sick, raised dead people to life. After three years , the plan seemed to all go wrong. Jesus was arrested  and by the Jewish court considered not worthy to live (blasphemy charge because He claimed to be the Son of God – Mark 14).

Jesus was considered innocent by the Roman judge, but the crowd got their way and Jesus was sentenced to be crucified – dying on a cross. He was nailed to a cross, along with two others. He was left to die, but instead of dying from crucifixion, He gave up His spirit  to the Father and so died.

    On the third day after, God raised Him to life again. His surprised followers were so happy. They ate with Him. They listened to Him. He explained to them that the sufferings of the cross were necessary in God’s plan.

After 40 days, He was talking to them outside Jerusalem when suddenly He was taken up and a cloud hid Him from their eyes. Two angels stood beside them and said: “This same Jesus you have seen taken up into heaven, will come again” (Acts 1)

     The fearful followers waited for God to give them further instructions and sure enough, the Holy Spirit came to explain who Jesus really was, what He had achieved by dying on the cross and their responsibility to tell the Good News to all people everywhere.

    And so the New Testament was written so that all should believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. By believing in Him, all can have forgiveness, new birth into the family of God and the gift of Eternal Life with Him forever.

      Since then, millions have found the promises of God to be true. The Holy Spirit has transformed the lives of so many and created a relationship with the living Lord Jesus that is greater than religion, greater than circumstances and is for all peoples of the world. He is Lord of all. (Acts 10)

johnmckee@internode.on.net

The Lamb

 

Helping migrants

 

What have I learned? (the speech I wanted to give)

The greater needs of migrants .

1 Friendship – a friendship that crosses over culture, religion, food and misunderstandings. There are some, but not many, who go beyond programs to visit the newcomers and to invite them into our homes. This Christ like care creates friendships that endure. (My wife is with me in this).

2 English- we assume they can quickly learn English at government funded classes. For visiting academics – yes, but for the refugees not easy at all. Learning to learn, trying to drive a pencil on the line, listening to Australians who insist on using colloquial jargon – so much so difficult in particular for women who have never been to school- Those who are fully occupied caring for children, cooking , washing and cleaning at home.

3  Cultural adaption-  many uninvolved politicians proclaim “ we welcome people with their culture.” After 7 years of close interaction, I say no – it doesn’t work. Food may be ok, clothing may be ok. We have so  many laws, habits, attitudes, expectations that need to be learned for integration. In teaching citizenship, I have learned that so many of our laws and values are Christian Bible based. Some of my students converted to Christianity and found it so much easier to fit with the Australian  values. (Like love for marriage).

4  I have learned to speak slowly, using clear English words, and simplified concepts. As I visit migrant men, my chief function is to listen to them!

Mission statement

 

This morning's meditation:

2 Timothy 1:1  “sent out to tell others about the life God has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.”

This mission statement of the apostle Paul is so clear. He did many other things in the process –  signs and wonders and miracles. He baptised a few, he planted some churches, he wrote books, he contended with legalism, he helped the poor.

But this mission given to him at conversion remained –“to take my message to the  Gentiles and to kings as well as to the people of Israel.” (Acts 9:15).

This is the true Gospel that creates new life now and forever.

New life?  Yes, the habits and attitudes of the old life need to be renounced. The new life now, has motive, purpose, reward focused on Jesus Christ  the Lord in heaven. The life to come – more than the present dreams, present possessions, present family – much more. Eternal life is the certain prospect of living where God rules and the Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God, is the light and focus of eternity.

My prayer today- “Lord keep me focused”

Year ending

 

Our year for teaching RI in the state schools is coming to an end.

The recurring challenge in our curriculum has been presented – ‘going God’s’ way or ‘going our way’.

        God’s way of commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour has the outcome of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

        Our way of self interest is characterised by lust, personal pleasure, idolatry, occult, critical attitude, quarrelling, jealousy, anger, self ambition, envy , drunkenness, wild parties etc.

As God does, we leave the children to choose.

 

And now I must take time to pray for them, that they will not be lost under the pressure of misguided adults, media manipulation and sensual society.

What a privilege it has been to bring this message of hope to so many children who otherwise would not hear,  and to give many a Bible for them to read.   -   “Thank you Lord”

johnmckee@internode.on.net

Citizenship

 

I have been teaching English and citizenship to migrants for many years. To help peoples who have come from disaster experiences has been a privilege. Christian compassion says “welcome”.

        However one thing is missing – God

In a church context I have explained a little of the Christian faith, but in a State School context I felt very restrained about discussing religion. After interacting with migrants of many kinds, the common problem appears: -- what is the valid reference point for living – as one student said “we don’t know all the laws!”.

  Some come with different religious laws, others think ‘freedom’ means ‘do as they please’. The Government pushes the idea of democracy – ‘the will of the people for the people’, and eventually the biggest families dominate.

This mishmash of cultures and religions results in confusion and disorder e.g. gang bullying, domestic violence, alcohol abuse, illegal business, marital breakup, financial corruption, mental health disorders etc.

    So what am I suggesting? One starting point!

-Explanation and implementation of the first line of the citizenship pledge:

      “From this time forward, under God”……..

The promise to be loyal to Australia is helpful but which Australians set the example? The rich? The bludgers? the gay? the corrupt, the racist, the workers, inconsistent politicians? religious hypocrites .....................................................?

   The two words “under God” are the vital key. So what does it mean?

“All persons in Australia are finally accountable to God”

-To be aware of our creator God, and that He will judge all people by Jeus Christ.(Bible- Romans 2:16)

This is the great restrainer to domestic violence, youth crime, drunkenness, corporate crime, political corruption etc.

“Under God” was evident at the Kings coronation ceremony.

 All need to fear God, and serve others as the Lord Jesus Christ has served us. His standards and mercy brings order and cohesion. Ignorance of this is destroying Australia.

God has and will have the final say, so it is my duty, to make God known and to seek to bring people into a living relationship with Himself through Jesus Christ the Lord .

I may have failed, but the Bible, the word of God to all humanity is able to bring light and life and love. So we distribute Bibles and Bible plaques freely to all who choose to receive them.

Election

 

Who will win the Election?

In a democracy, the elected people are a reflection of the social and spiritual state of the society.

The better question is :- “What am I doing to lift the moral, social and spiritual condition of society?” There are plenty of sideline critics contributing so little.

 

What is it that guides the young people when choosing a candidate? – usually “Me-ism” – because many have been reared to get anything they want, so they vote for the one who will promise to give them what they want. So what are parents and teachers doing to counter the disease of ‘Me- ism’?

It is an important part of my RI lessons at school to teach that Jesus Christ was against greed. I give out priority prisms – Jesus first, others next, myself last.

 

What guides adults when voting? For most people it is the TV screen. Sadly, in most homes the biggest and most devoted object is the big TV screen. Once it was a large family Bible. And so the candidates  with the best propaganda usually win. The glossy presentation of half truths, unkeepable promises, smooth words along with uncalled for accusations, seek to appeal to the fallen sensibilities of the voters.

I choose to talk to the would be politicians and ask about their moral position, financial accountability, social standards and Christian foundations.

So the question persists:- “what am I contributing to the moral, social and spiritual fibre of the community?  Living for self? Setting a bad moral example? Doing business dishonestly? Cheating the system? Playing church?

 

Those who have read the book “The Book that made your world” will realise that much of our western society is based on the Bible. So besides contending for good on a humanistic level we need to proclaim loud and clear the truth of the Bible.

The Lord countered the focus on ‘today-ism’ with the eternal realities. He said “Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY WORD will never pass away.” “Lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven”  (Matthew 6)

 What abundant opportunities we have to declare HIS word to a lost world. In that alone can true values be found for voting, for living life, for relationship with the living God.

Midst a chaotic world, we need to remember ‘God is still on the throne’ and will bring all to account. History records how often God can turn political events right around by one person totally committed to Himself eg Daniel

Are you, am I??

True Discipleship

 

True Discipleship (Extract from booklet)

Introduction

 The pathway to true discipleship begins when a person is born again. It begins when the following events take place: 1. When a person realizes that he is sinful, lost, blind and naked before God. 2. When he acknowledges that he cannot save himself by good character or good works. 3. When he believes that the Lord Jesus Christ died as his Substitute on the Cross. 4. When by a definite decision of faith, he acknowledges Jesus Christ as his only Lord and Savior. This is how a person becomes a Christian. It is important to emphasize this at the outset.

Too many people think that you become a Christian by living a Christian life. NOT at all! You must first become a Christian before you can live the Christian life. The life of discipleship outlined in the following pages is a supernatural life. We do not have the power in ourselves to live it. We need divine power. Only when we are born again do we receive the strength to live as Jesus taught. Before reading any further, ask yourself the question, “Have I ever been born again? Have I become a child of God by faith in the Lord Jesus?” If you have not, receive Him now as your Lord and Saviour. Then determine to obey Him in all that He has commanded, whatever the cost may be. —William MacDonald

School lessons

 

In teaching ‘Religious instruction, at the state schools, I have come to the highlight of the curriculum (B2).

After lessons from Moses, 10 commandments, Tabernacle and two covenants, we study the Bible book of Romans.

The summary of the teaching is as follows:

1    The Gospel about Jesus, the Son of God, the Son of David proven true by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death.

2    The need for the Gospel is graphicly portrayed in the lesson book as a man behind prison bars. Also a good-o-meter is used. An odd child will claim not to have sinned, while another will be despaired of hope because of guilt.

3    Then the difference between wages and a gift is highlighted. “Sin pays off with death. But God’s gift is eternal life given by Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

4    This lesson brings the students to ‘faith in God, faith in Jesus Christ as Lord’ as the only means to salvation. The memory verse is Ephesians 2:8

“You are saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own” (CEV)

5    The fruit of the Gospel. ‘People do good things because they are saved.

6    The goal of the Gospel. This heading is linked to Romans 8:15- “God’s Spirit does not make us slaves who are afraid of Him. Instead, we become His children and call Him Father.”

7    The hope of the Gospel. With our eyes fixed on Jesus the future has eternal hope –“ I am sure that the suffering now cannot compare with the glory that will be shown to us” Romans 8:18

8    The Body for the Gospel. First we consider the body of the believer surrendered to God. Then we consider the gospel blessings for the Christians as a body of people.

9    The final lesson directs the students to a flowering plant. This illustrates our need to be rooted in the word of God, producing seed bearing flowers, sharing, singing about Jesus the Lord.

10  The final verse:

“God planned for us to do good things and to live as He has always wanted us to live. That’s why He sent Christ to make us what we are .” Ephesians 2:10 (CEV)

 

I can only say –‘ What a great privilege it is to bring this glorious Gospel to many children who have never heard it.’

 

I cannot fathom why some many churches etc, treat this work with disdain – the children are adults in the making, and many will never hear a clear Gospel again. About two thirds of our classes have never been to church! And Oh how I long to see them in heaven.

comments to  johnmckee@internode.on.net

Birth of Jesus

 

This Autumn (Northern Hemisphere) season is most likely when Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) was born!

 There is no prescribed holy day for the birthday of the Messiah mentioned in Scripture.

 As Believers, each day that we call upon His name in praise or prayer, we celebrate Him!

 Even so, most Christians celebrate Christ-mass in the winter, but it is not likely that Yeshua was born in that season, and certainly not on the pagan winter solstice of December 25. 

Lambs for Temple service could be raised anywhere within a 9 km (5.5 mile) radius of Jerusalem, but it seems that Bethlehem was an especially well-known source of sacrificial sheep.

 

Jesus was born in Bethlehem amidst the Temple sheep, God chose Yeshua from before the creation of the world to be our perfect lamb without blemish.

 

"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Messiah, a lamb without blemish or defect.  He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake."  (1 Peter 1:18-20)

 

While the Bible does not specify the timing of Yeshua's birth, like it does for His death and resurrection, we can determine its approximate timing:

· Miryam (Mary) conceived when her cousin Elisheva (Elizabeth) was in her sixth month of pregnancy (Luke 1:24-26).

· Elizabeth probably conceived early in the fifth month of the Jewish calendar (Av or early July).  This is likely since the angel Gabriel appeared to her husband Zachariah while he was serving in the Temple as a priest in the division of Abijah (Luke 1:5), and advised him that Elizabeth would become pregnant (Luke 1:11-24).

· The Talmud and other historical sources reveal that the Abijah served during the last two weeks of the fourth month of the Jewish calendar (Tammuz), which is about late June.

· And the Bible says that after Zechariah came home from his service (in early Av), Elizabeth conceived (Luke 1:23-25).

Nine months of pregnancy and another six months of Mary's pregnancy (15 months total) brings us to the seventh month of the Jewish calendar (Tishrei), during which the Fall Feasts occur, including the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot).

Through these Biblical, historical, and linguistic clues, we can come to a fairly educated guess that Yeshua may have, indeed, been born during the season of the Fall Feasts, which includes Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles) occurring in September or October.

Extract from 'Messianic Bible'

Gospel truth

 

The Evangelism of ‘Acts’ is followed by the ‘Doctrine of the Gospel’ in the Bible book called Romans. ‘Acts ‘ describes God using humans to spread the Gospel far and wide.

‘Romans’ is the situation on earth as God sees it (helicopter vision).

It begins with God assessing His creation, His creatures. The humans were designed to worship Him, but the evidence is that they had rebelled. Even the enlightened and religious had lost their way. The divine conclusion is:

“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” – all guilty.

But God is not defeated by human failure. He is a God who intervenes, coming right into the situation with the solution.

The remedy for this extreme malady is Jesus Christ the Lord. He became a man. He appeared as a Saviour, not a judge. He gave His life up to achieve redemption, atonement, propitiation, forgiveness, reconciliation,  freedom, justification, salvation and more.

But God knows the incapacity of humans to choose well or to pay enough or to pray intelligently or to overcome sin.  So He chose to give freely. This great salvation He decided to give to all who believe in Jesus, His very special Son. Faith in Jesus, makes no room for boasting in self – it is a trust that is focused on Jesus Christ and what He has done.

But God wanted to richly bless all believers. So the doctrine of the Gospel spells out God’s love at work, making peace, spreading His love upon and into believers, changing them from Adam’s family to being ‘in Christ’. Chapter 6,7 describes God believers free from the habit of sin, and free from the law that stands ready to condemn.

But God does more! He sent His Holy Spirit to live in all believers so that they have identity as God’s children and  live as God’s children. They have hope for the future and they are intimately joined to God in His love (Chapter 8)

All this is called GRACE – God giving much more than we deserve!

But God has more – He chooses , He calls people both Jews and Gentiles to have Faith in His Son:

“If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus Is LORD, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” ( 10:9).

Enough – no. – God by His Spirit enlightens to create faith.

But God also enables believers to have faith to walk right as Jesus did. Chapter 12 is not so much commands,  but rather the call of mercy and grace to total surrender – the complete person yielded to the will and way of God. Then is described how a Christian ought to live – motivated by love, letting God be the judge, treating others well even with cultural differences.

 

Finally the conclusion God has been working towards – Chapter 15:13

“So I pray that God who gives you hope, will keep you rejoicing and full of peace as you believe in Him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

God is not defeated, rather God is victorious and we are victorious in HIM.

The Message

 

A most rewarding study is to read and consider the messages delivered by the Apostles in the Bible book of Acts. You will discover how the Gospel is presented audience appropriate.

Acts 2  - to the Jews, it has many references to the Old Testament.

Acts 7 – to the Jewish court, giving a lesson from history.

Acts 10 – to Gentiles, giving details about Jesus the Lord of all.

Acts 13 – In the synagogue, a brief history of Israel through to John the baptiser and Jesus the Messiah.

Acts 17 – to philosophers, speaking of their own culture pointing to Jesus, God’s final judge.

In all these messages, the presentation is audience appropriate, yet retaining the same fundamental elements – Accountability to God (Repentance) and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Lord of all).

 

What about today?  Yes,  with the school children I must be age appropriate, with migrants having limited English I must adjust my vocabulary, with affluent Australians I must reactivate dull consciences, with older folks, presenting hope in Jesus Christ for the next life – but underpinning it all must be giving God the honour of being God, and persuading all as to who Jesus is and what He has done through His death and resurrection.

Evangelism

 

The Gospel remains unchanged:

Repentance – Accepting that God is just and His verdict on sin is correct. My self will is surrendered to His will.

Faith -  Faith in Jesus of Nazareth as the Lord who came down from heaven, the Son of God. Once crucified, He is now risen from the dead and exalted at God's right hand in heaven. Lord I believe.

Evangelism  -  The spreading of this good news, in Bible times took many forms which are still good for today.

Public speaking – Acts 2

In court    - Acts  5, 7

In conversation   Acts 8

Religious debate   Acts 9

In Gentile homes   Acts 10

Before political leaders Acts 13

By the riverside   Acts 16

In Jail     Acts 16

In the public market place Acts 17

At the university   Acts 17

And so it is today – we have abundant opportunities to present the Gospel to those who need it most. In fact we have so many more means to share the light of God’s word. Since the printing press was invented, speaking the Gospel via telephone, radio, and now the internet!

It was the Lord Jesus who said “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel.” 

 (Mark 16)  Am I, are you willing to obey His command?

 In His hand, by His Holy Spirit to be a channel of truth to so many lost peoples?

Gospel

 

The Gospel/ Evangelism

Seems like I need to clarify the Biblical Christian Gospel and the work of Evangelism .

The Gospel is the message, Evangelism is the methods of spreading the Gospel.

Shall I identify the scam gospels – they are many, rife in the churches as well as in the world  --  not yet. I would rather like to sound loud and clear the true Bible Gospel.

The Gospel of Isaiah prophesied the LORD God drawing near in the person of the Messiah  -  a child born named Immanuel, a servant whose soul would be made an offering for sin, a Saviour who would embrace Jew and Gentile and so much more good news.

The Gospel of Matthew beginns with a child  (Immanuel – God with us). A child so special the wise men from the east (likely including Chinese), bowed down to worship Him.

The Gospel of Mark opens with the words of this Lord Jesus  - “Repent and believe the Gospel”  That meant that the King had arrived – no better news could be heard. The message was clear  “repent” – turn away from sin and selflove to give total allegiance to the King of the universe, the Son of God!.

The King was rejected! (“We have no king but Caesar” they said – John 19) And so the risen Saviour changed to embrace of the message. Quote of the Lord Jesus Christ:

“Thus it is written, that Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His Name to all nations beginning from Jerusalem”.  (Luke 24).

From then on, by the power of the Holy Spirit they proclaimed the word of the Lord to Jews and Gentiles. If I had space I would trace each of the Gospel messages in the book of ‘Acts’.

In summary –

Peter preached to the Gentiles about Jesus Christ with this conclusion :

“To Him give all the prophet witness, that everyone who believes in HIM receives forgiveness of sins through HIS Name” (Acts 10).

Paul summarised His Gospel:

“Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20)

Paul reflected on the Gospel he effectively preached at Corinth:

“…of first importance, that Christ died for our sins, in accordance with the scriptures, that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures”  1 Corinthians 15.

Philip preached the Gospel about the once crucified Jesus from Isaiah 53  (Acts 8).

Several threads run through these important references:

1       The problem of sin as seen by God and must be repented of.

2      The gospel focuses on the Lord Jesus Christ and the vital need to believe in/on Him

3      The outcomes of this Gospel are many eg  Forgiveness of sins, The gift of the Holy Spirit, the assurance of eternal life in heaven, and so much more.

The Gospel exposes the real human condition as lost  and gives glory to God as the light shining in the face of Jesus Christ.(2 Corinthians 4)

A message that misses Jesus is false!

  A message that smooths over sin is false.

    A message that presents self help to find happiness is deception.

     A message that promotes good works as a means to eternal life is false.

And so it goes on – instead of accountability before God is promoted affluence as a sign of blessing! – false. Rather salvation by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ the Lord, is the genuine  motivator to Christian commitment.

Sadly so many are made happy on the way to hell. Hell? O wait they say. The good news is that a loving God would not punish a person in hell! Some try to fix it up by saying that perish means  to ‘cease being’ instead of ‘well  being’.

False Gospels are an insult to the Name and character of God.

 False Gospels are an insult to the need for and sufficiency of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in His death.

False gospels give false hope and prove cruel to the ones deceived.

How good it is to know and receive the true Gospel of the Son of God, once crucified for our sins, now risen and willing to save all who turn to HIM in faith.

And to think it is for all people everywhere!;

“God so loved the world , that He gave His only Son, so that everyone that believes in HIM, will not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

Psalm 23

 

David the shepherd boy, caring for his fathers sheep, picked up his small harp, looked up into the deep blue sky and composed a song of praise, of trust, of hope, of home. 3000 years later we sing it with understanding and emotion.

“The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want

He makes me down to lie

In pastures green He leadeth me the quiet waters by..”

The LORD who made the universe , the LORD who chose to interact with the peoples of earth – this is the one David claimed as his Shepherd.

1000years later Jesus descended from heaven and announced  “I am the Good Shepherd”

2000 years on and we today can look up and say “The LORD Jesus is my Shepherd!”

Life indeed is a journey with many twists and turns.  The destination is sure, in the Father’s house.

Ponder for a moment the journey:

-          A giving shepherd providing food and refreshment sufficient

-          A restoring shepherd for wandering souls

-          A guide along the way – God’s way

-          A companion in the valley, even death

-          A protector in danger

-          A provider in difficult times

-          A healer from the wounds and bruises of the journey

-          A cup overflowing with love undeserved

For David it was to trust in one whose Providence was enough in good times and bad times. This echoes in the word’s:

“Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me”

This has a sense of trust for the future, but also can be a review of the past to the honour of the Great Shepherd.

Lastly, triumphantly – the destination.

“And in God’s house forevermore, my dwelling place shall be.”

The sheep was to return to the shepherd’s fold at the end of each day. But much greater is the final destination – abiding in the Great Shepherd’s own house”  - I hear the eternal word’s of the Good Shepherd – “In My Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you… that there you may be also”  (John 14)

How can it be?  Because Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd laid down His life for the sheep (us). Who are included?  “I am the door, by me if anyone enter in they will be saved…..other sheep have I”  (John 10)

And so the ultimate promise comes to all who trust Him.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give unto them eternal life and they will never perish. No one can pluck them out of My hand” (John 10:27)

And thus I concluded the funeral service  for one who loved the Lord.

“In God’s house forevermore, my dwelling place shall be”

A place of unfailing love, undisturbed peace, united praise.

Promises

 

School lesson too discouraging – Ten men (spies) who discouraged the people from going forward in faith. Rather than trusting in the promises of God, they preferred the comfort of Egypt.

So God turned them back into the wilderness for fourty years with this indictment:

“They have disobeyed and tested Me too many times.” Numbers 14:23   They got what they wanted and sorrow therewith.

So I changed the content to next terms lessons, to include the great and precious promises given to those who follow the Lord:

God has said “I will never fail you, I will never forsake you.”  Hebrews 13.5

“If we confess our sins to HIM, He is faithful and just to forgive

us our sins.”  1 John 1

God showed how much He loves us by sending His only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him”  1 John 4

“My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me. I give them Eternal Life and they will never perish.” John 10

Jesus said:  “In My Fathers house are many rooms. I am going to prepare a place for you… that where I am, there you may be also” John 14

Who would be so foolish as to ignore such promises of God’s grace!

And yet many do – with little hope in this life and none in the next.

johnmckee@internode.on.net

Rejoicing

 

The special Bible verse for me this morning:

Written of Jesus Christ our Lord  -  

“ You love HIM even though you have never seen HIM. You trust HIM and even now you rejoice with glorious and inexpressible joy.

Your reward for trusting HIM will be the salvation of your souls.” 

1 Peter 1:8

10 Commands

 

At School we have been teaching the children the ten commandments. Is it relevant???

Yes it is!  - Many children have no sense of values except what they see on screens – TV, smart phones, I pad etc. Hence it is vital to establish the writing of the Lord God to guide their conscience. It also registers a sense of the holiness of God.

Yes it is!  - teaching about Jesus Christ dying for our sins is meaningless if people don’t know what sin is. Paul wrote: “apart from the law , sin lies dead” (Romans 7:8). Thus the law gives meaning to the Lord Jesus Christ dying as a sacrifice for sin.

Yes it is!  - The first commandment points heavenward – to worship the invisible, heaven residing God. He alone is worthy of our devotion and obedience.

Yes it is!  - The last commandment confirms the statement of

Romans 3:23 – “All have sinned” .  From Eve to the present, the sin of covetousness stains every mind.

Yes it is!  - God knows best how to order society. From the days of the week to marriage to loving our neighbour, His way is best.

Does it achieve salvation and eternal life – NO.

Only the LORD God gives eternal life as a gift through His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Law condems us, hence we need a sacrifice.

The Law exemplifies the Holy character  of God

Consciece

 

Activating conscience

The Lord Jesus used various ways to activate the conscience of the people.

1       Raising the standard. eg  “love your enemies”  Matthew 5

2      Referring to the day of judgement eg “They will be judged at the last day by the truth I have spoken”  John 12

3      Reflecting on self  eg “let those who  have never sinned throw the first stone.”  John 8

4      Repentance of sin.  eg “ Go and sin no more”  John 8

5      Remembering God’s law eg “ Moses will accuse you”  John 5

John 3:17

 “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.”

This Bible verse does give eternal hope, but it does not overlook sin or judgement . It does mean that the Almighty God has chosen to first offer salvation to those who choose to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ.

For those who reject Jesus Christ the LORD, judgement will finally come because they have refused to believe the Gospel of salvation.

An awesome , gracious God.

   An inner voice of conscience.

     A promise of sins removed and eternal life given

      A day of final judgement.

I encourage you to read all the Bible, in particular the section written by John the Apostle. Let the words of Jesus create faith in your mind and heart.

Who is this man?

 

"Jesus awoke and He rebuked the wind and said to the sea: “Peace be still”. The wind ceased and there was a great calm.”

“Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” (Mark 4.39)

Jesus – the baby, the boy, the teenager, the tradesman, the man delighting the God the Father.

Christ – The promised King and Messiah anointed by the Holy Spirit

Lord – the one who came down from heaven and now in heaven is Lord of all

Son of God – The only one who represents God perfectly

Saviour – the perfect one who saves from sin and hell

Lamb  of God – He who never sinned, died for sinners

Son of man – He who being man will rule over all people

Prince of peace – His rule as King will bring peace.

Redeemer – We belong to Him, bought by His own blood

King of the Jews – Born into king David’s ancestry, He will reign over all.

High Priest – Presently acting as our intercessor in heaven.

Shepherd – One who cares enough to die for His sheep.

Judge – appointed by God the Father to judge all.

Advocate – pleading before the holy throne for His failing people.

 

Do you know HIM?