Settled faith in a wonderful LORD

 

Cause for worship

 

“Let us be thankful and please God by worshipping Him with holy fear and awe”    Hebrews 12

 

When God shakes the earth and heaven, it will be to remove the dross and establish the eternal.

      What should I do in the days granted to me?

             Worship Him in spirit, soul and body!

 

As I begin to understand God in reference to eternity, I worship with holy awe.

-      He is eternal, knowing all things, seeing all people.

-       He is sovereign over all things with good providence

-        He is judge of all, bringing all persons to account

-          He is gracious, having acted to redeem all people

 

As I begin to understand myself and my world, I worship with holy fear.

-      I am finite, limited in understanding and knowledge

-       I belong to a rebellious family in Adam

-        I deserve eternal damnation because of my sin

-          I can be right with God through Jesus Christ His Son

 

O the wonder of it all, that God so great has put in place salvation for all who will accept Jesus as God’s Son, the Saviour for all. He then places the believer in His Eternal kingdom, as heirs with Christ forever.

 

May God’s grace be with you all.

Faith

 

A verse for today

‘It is impossible to please God without faith.

Anyone who wants to come to Him, must believe there is a God and that He rewards those who sincerely seek HIM.’

Hebrews 11

Faith always has an object – faith in the unseen living Lord God, faith in the once crucified , now risen Lord Jesus.

Voice of Praise

 

The song of Moses

“……  I will proclaim the Name of the LORD.

How glorious is our God!

He is the Rock;  His work is perfect.

Everything He does is just and fair.

He is a faithful God who does no wrong:

How just and upright is He….”

 

Then  the interruption of human failure

 

Then the conclusion

“ Rejoice with him , O heavens and

Let all the angels of God worship  Him.

For He will avenge the blood of His servants.

He will take vengeance on His enemies and

 cleanse the land and His people.”  Deuteronomy 32

 

 Now from the New Testament;

-          Because of human unbelief:

“I will take vengeance

I will repay those who deserve it….

It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10)

 

But God in grace:

 

“ And now may the God of peace,

who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,

 equip you with all you need for doing His will.

May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ,

all that is pleasing to Him.

Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with His own blood.

To Him be glory forever and ever . Amen.”  (Hebrews 13)

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.

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

Bible

 

For those people new to the Bible I write:

This book begins with God making the world. God made all things very good.

After that, humans rebelled and sin (attitudes and actions against God), has caused trouble for thousands of years.

The Bible is a history of God the LORD seeking to connect with people. Many responded – Noah, Abraham, Samuel, David, Isaiah, Daniel…

After many years God the Father sent His Son, Jesus into the world. This part of Bible history is called the New Testament.

Jesus spoke God’s words to the people, but also showed them what God was like.

He rebuked sin (like selfish greed). This showed people the holiness of God.

His compassion and healing for so many showed the undeserved favour of God (grace).

As you read the Old Testament and the New, you will notice how often it mentions sacrifices for sins, so that people could be friends with God again. Jesus stated clearly that this was the greatest purpose of His mission. He died, as recorded, for a purpose. This purpose is clearly explained by His Apostles in their writings at the end of the Bible. (He died and rose again to bring forgiveness and acceptance with God).

For many this large book is too big to read through (especially those learning English). Remember it is 66 different books written at different times.

My advise :- Read the history of humanity, enjoy the prayers and songs (Psalms), read slowly the four biographies of Jesus and search carefully the teachings of the Apostles (New Testament).

For those searching with a sincere heart, God by the Holy Spirit promises true enlightenment and understanding.

Waiting

 

Morning meditation:

Isaiah 29:18   “But the LORD still waits for you to come to Him, so He can show you His love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God.      Blessed are those who wait for Him to help them.”

Isaiah uses the word ‘wait’ many times. 

The LORD waits. A real person who wants to connect. He wants to show love and compassion. He operates on faithful terms  - we turn to Him in admission of our wandering ways, He restores our souls. The filial relationship enables us to walk in fruitful ways .

Then the verse ends -  we wait on Him as dependant, obedient children. Then we are empowered to know Him and walk in His sunshine.

The chapter goes on to describe that sunshine:

He will be gracious

He will respond instantly

He will be with you

You will hear His voice

The Lord will bless you.

God worthy of all praise

 

Worship

For some this is done by actions, some by attitude, others by words.

When the Hebrews heard the message of God, they bowed their heads and quietly worshipped. Some have prostrated themselves on the ground in reverence to the Almighty. Daniel prayed on his knees. The seraphim covered their face in the presence of His Holiness. The priests of Israel were to lift up the censor of fragrance. Such expressions of adoration are fitting for we unworthy ones, yet we have been called to something more significant than modes of worship.

“Those who worship the Father, must worship in Spirit and in Truth” (John 4)

Christians are not to be occupied with the mode or the place of worship. Rather to be alert to the Holy Spirit lifting our spirit to intelligent (truth) honour , praise and glory to God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. It is well for us to take a lowly posture in a place of quiet contemplation (like Jesus did). Rather than following ritual, the Holy Spirit can give us glimpses of heavenly glory (Isaiah 6), can give us unfoldings of Divine grace (John 1), can transport our minds to the contemplations of undeserved love at Calvary (Galatians 2), and all this will enable the genuine Christian to worship!

The vision of the glorified Man, Jesus Christ, caused John the Apostle to fall down as one dead in worship of His majesty (Revelation 1). It is from this attitude of personal nothingness that His glory shines so brightly – and we worship in spirit, in mind and in heart.

The unending days of eternity will be unending visions of the glory of the Lamb once slain, and ours will be the eternal joy to join the chorus of worship:-

“Blessing and honour and glory and power belong to the One sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb forever and ever!”

Amen – even so come Lord Jesus

Australian Citizenship.

 

Citizenship

I have been teaching citizenship for two years. It has been a privilege  to get to know migrants from many countries. Better still to present the good things that Australia has for them. Finding out their backgrounds has been eye opening. More and more I see the good things of Australia being based on Bible principles.

Let me explain from the titles in “Common Bond “ book, Values:

1.       Rule of law.  The options operating in other countries are various – payback, law of the jungle, dictatorships, military rule etc. It was the LORD God who through Moses implemented the ‘rule of law’. Instead of warriors seeking to suppress others, God gave His law and Moses and the elders were to guide and judge by that law. The ten commandments plus 613 others provide protection for the vulnerable, justice for those harmed, and had room for pardon and restoration as well as compassion and care. It included care of refugees. God was the final judge and His justice and mercy brought hope for all.

2.     Freedom  - freedom to do good.

In so many cultures freedom is crushed in an effort to control any threat  to the ruling junta or government. Religious control is so destructive in many countries.  It was Jesus who said “If the Son shall set you free, you shall be free indeed.”  And so it is because of Him we have freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of religion, freedom to progress. Jesus came into the world to give grace and truth and with it the freedom to choose. Some choose to abuse freedom, and so laws are made to control such.

3.     Equality – this is so rare in non Christian societies! It was Paul the Apostle who wrote “there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond or free, male or female, you are all one in Christ Jesus”. He was put in jail for teaching such equality. All being made in the image of God gives equality of value, different ones having different roles in life. It was Jesus who elevated the place of women. He so often affirmed their devotion, and accepted their contribution.  He also took time to bless the insignificant children as well as the disabled and sick.  And so He encourages  all to go forward, to learn, to study, to work , to care  as in the language of the “Common Bond” – give all a fair go.

4.    Respect.  Most migrants seem to understand and appreciate this concept. – Mainly because in their country of origin it is missing. Some are discriminated because of religion. Women are put down as chattels of little value. Low caste people are despised. As mentioned before, God made humans ‘in the image of God’ and each was given an integral part to play in God’s world.. Without that sense of responsibility to God, humans descend to the law of the jungle where it is survival of the strongest. (I found it interesting that at two recent citizenship ceremonies I attended, 90% of the new citizens chose the pledge that included the words “under God”.). It is when we see each other as humans in the purpose of God that life has value , the opinions of other are valid, and diversity has value. Then respect works!

5.    Community.  It is quite natural for birds  of a feather to flock together – community connected by language, religion, culture, employment, education etc. But in Australia we seek to follow the teaching of Paul the Apostle – the middle wall of racism is broken down. As an Aboriginal elder said to me “this is only really possible when the Bible verse is in place ‘ together in one body Christ reconciled both groups to God’” But as it stands we teach respect for each other  no matter what background, language, religion, ability etc. We need to integrate all as one Australian community . Volunteering is a good bonding feature in Australia.

6.    Compassion – it has been part of Australian culture to care for those in need. Jesus exemplified this in His counter cultural service. Many considered sickness and disability the direct result of sin or failure. As such they were despised. Jesus stopped the procession for a blind beggar, welcomed the plea of lepers, sought out the sick and oppressed. So in Australia the disabled, the disadvantaged, the refugees, are given special priority. Was it Florence Nightingale that put in place the care of those wounded by a world in turmoil?

7.    English language:  How can it be that the language of such a small country as England has so much impacted the world? A confusing language to teach I know! I know it is a trade language expanded by the British Empire. It is an educational language promoted by Oxford university. I rather think it is the impact of the English Bible. This book communicates good values more than many other languages. Words such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control shine through as gems in a dark world. This language creates cohesion rather than the confusion of Babal.

8.    Safety   This value is special to many refugees. They have come from war, genocide, strife, and uncertainty. And so we welcome them to the land of peace.  But emphasizing that peace and safety only holds good when we all contribute. As taught in the New Testament Bible, racism, gangs, corruption, robbery, ,  domestic violence, elder abuse etc must be prevented. The “common bond” book emphasizes that Australian law must be obeyed above over and above all cultural or religious laws. So what makes Australian Law so good? -the voice of the people? Rather, that its foundations in right behaviour as taught in the Bible.

9.    Loyalty. Increasingly, loyalty across the world is being driven by ideology. Sometimes by money, sometimes by religion, sometimes by nationality. In Australia we welcome many flags, but it is the law that the Australian National flag must fly higher than all others. A citizen here has many benefits, but must needs honour  the source and the people among whom they live. Have you ever noticed that the Flag has four crosses. So Australia will be great when we are true to the cross of Jesus Christ our Lord - the Son of God, the Saviour of all mankind, uniter of all races, lover of the lost and broken, Shepherd to all who trust Him.  He does not rule by an unbending law, but rather claiming the loyalty of love – love to Him and from Him to others.

johnmckee@internode.on.net

reBible references available on request

Does God care

 

The call of Luke 15.

The illustrations given by the Lord Jesus Christ in Luke 15 are firstly a call to the followers of the Lord Jesus to act like God.

Does God care about lost people?

1.    One sheep is lost for some reason. It could be like the tax collector of verse 1 – tempted to make easy money.

God reacts as a shepherd seeking his own sheep. They still belong to Him and He goes seeking it until he finds it.

Do we seek lost people like God, who loves all the people of all the world?

2.    One coin is lost – we don’t know how it was lost and like the coin, some people seem of no value to anyone because of the wreckage of sin. But we do know that the coin still had the image impressed by it’s maker. As the woman was delighted to find the coin, so the angels in heaven rejoice when a sinner turns back to God.

Are we available to the Holy Spirit to seek, to sweep, to search until  the lost one is found?

3  One son was lost and we do know that his selfish selfwill was the problem. It was his own fault, so why bother to win him back? God, like the good and gracious father, gives, watches, forgives and restores the one who by rebellion is as good as dead.

Do we care, do we yearn, do we pray, do we forgive. It is so much easier to be like the older brother – to be judgemental and bitter.

The Lord Jesus calls us to “be like our Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:48).

‘Lord, let Your love constrain me to love like God loves.’

 

Then we will be able to rejoice with the angels – a sheep found, a coin recovered, a son restored.

Truth

 

Truth or tradition

Many people believe according to the tradition they have been born into. My studies of world religions proves that.

Some select one tradition over another. Few are willing to ask the question:

“What is the truth?”

Truth about things is like science trying to discover the world we live in.

Truth about people is often gained by reading history. For this education is very useful.

Truth about God seems interesting to most people, but the bias of childhood is very strong.

            To break out of ritual, reciting, indoctrination often involves harsh family treatment. The fear of the unknown, the loss of financial stability, the disfavour of a spouse and the perplexity of where to search creates fear. So many recoil into their traditional upbringing.

 

Seeking the truth :

Th answer is not so complicated  - Look, Read, Speak

Look at the world God has made. The wonder of nature causes us to think about the greatness of the creator. Example – who deigned the human eye? Who wrote the DNA code?

Read books – many books create confusion, so start with a book that historically and morally describes God connecting with humans- the Bible

Speak – listening to and speaking to God actually works. He is not some mute idol or far away deity. He is not far away from anyone of us.

So take time out to think, to read, ponder, and be challenged by the Bible. Ponder John chapter 14, verse 6 – the disclosure of Jesus Christ:

“I am the way the TRUTH and the life”

Truth then appears, not in a religion, ritual, or church. Truth is in a person you can know today.

Enquiries welcome and Bibles free  johnmckee@internode.on.net

The helper - the Holy Spirit

 

The Holy Spirit

Some of my  readers may well be asking “What is this Holy Spirit?”  -  some invisible being?

God is great, majestic and infinite. How can we begin to understand such a being? Many have tried to represent God by images and idols. God is a spirit (invisible yet a real personality), and He reveals Himself by the Holy Spirit. God sometimes speaks with a voice, sometimes through people, sometimes through writing, but best of all through Jesus Christ.

The Bible is the Lord God writing through the pen of people, they being moved by the Holy Spirit to write.  It is a daunting book – so much history, law, songs, prophecy, directions, biographies, revelations! How can we understand it?  - By the help of the Holy Spirit. This is a major difference to most other religions where reciting their scriptures is more important than understanding them. The Bible invites research and understanding. It has been and still is the chief medium of God speaking to humans.

Are you open minded enough to let the Holy Spirit lead you into all truth? Take a Bible and ask the Lord to show Himself. He will interact with your spirit (mind). Take time to declutter your mind and concentrate. Most times He speaks in a still small voice.

Best if you can read the Bible in your heart language. If you don’t have one to read, please let me know.

johnmckee@internode.on...net

Seeking God

 

God revealed (brief studies requested)

God is the Supreme being of all time, over all things. He is eternal. He is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. He is the Almighty above all others.

God is evident in the world He has made. Science is forever discovering His intelligence, design and power in the natural world. Others discover the spiritual world He made.

God has made Himself known as a relational God, involved with the people He made to be stewards over His creation.

To Moses, God appeared as the “I AM” – “YHWH”. In most English translations of the Old Testament this is translated “LORD”.  Sometimes we read “LORD God”.  YHWH established a special relationship with the Hebrew people (Israelites), who were to be His special witness of truth to the world. Through the law given through Moses, the holiness and mercy of God was expressed (Torah - 3500 years ago).

 

God chose to reveal Himself again as recorded in the New Testament part of the Bible. (2000 years ago)

God is there revealed as “Father”. The Father sent from Himself, His Son. By the Holy Spirit, Jesus was conceived and the LORD of Moses law was seen in the anointed Jesus. This revelation of grace and truth was God speaking to the whole world in the person of Jesus, God’s Son.

The great question is – “who is Jesus?”

The Old Testament predicted His coming and who He would be.

The records of the New Testament verified His claims – miracles, signs, resurrection.

The supernatural work of the Holy Spirit emphasised His Supremacy.

            All point to the same conclusion – Jesus was and is the Son of God.

(Son as coming from and representing God the Father, not as a child).

“If you will confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord (Lord from heaven) and

 believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead,

you will be saved (saved from judgement, saved for heaven)”

Bible -Romans 10:9

(Bible references to verify teaching available on request, but my purpose is to inspire your searching daily to see if these things are so. If you do not have a Bible, please message me)

johnmckee@internode.on.net

Rest

 

“The LORD rested on the seventh day” Exodus 20:11

Someone rightly asked ‘was He tired’

In terms of science, I would say He may well have been tired! – the greatness of creation, the detail of design, the interaction of ecology, the initiation of self reproduction, the balance of the chemicals to make life possible, to produce a very, very finely tuned earth etc, He might well have been tired in human terms.

But no! It means something better. In Genesis 1:31 “God looked over all He had made and He saw it was excellent in every way.”  God rested on the seventh day because the work of creation was complete. God’s final quality control check made Him satisfied all was well.

And so in Exodus 20, the LORD God invited the Hebrews to refocus on what God had done instead of their own achievements.

This concept of resting in God’s work , is explained in the New Testament book called Hebrews. Chapter 4 emphasises this difference – God invites us to rest (by believing) in Him as creator, but now also invites us to rest (by believing) in the achievements of Jesus Christ. Jesus lived a perfect life so that He could make a perfect sacrifice to take away all our sins and bring us back to God (a new creation).

Some people try to achieve forgiveness with God by praying, paying, performing good works, But God says ‘ I have done the work of reconciliation by Jesus – just believe and rest in Him’

Bible verse to read : 2 Corinthians 5:19

“God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself”.

Jesus proved His sacrifice for sins was complete, by rising from death. Now in heaven He is the mediator who can reconcile God and people. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone.

God now invites all people to rest from self achievement, self sacrifice , to rest in the fullness of Jesus, the Son of God , the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Please pause and hear the Saviour say:

“Come to Me all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest”

Respond to Him directly today and find the peace and joy of REST in Him.

A brilliant designer

 

More Science – two mysteries of nature

A subject seldom discussed in science considerations is that of reproduction and resurrection. Whether in the animal world or much of the plant world, reproduction can only occur with male and female interaction. The simple yet profound connection of sperm and egg has no logic in evolution, but rather is evidence of an intelligent Creator at work. The profundity lies in the union of two sets of DNA to make a similar but different independent organism. It is chemical, but more than chemical – it is a living, active conception that has so many checks and balances to reproduce one of the same species, but independent ( ultimately) and unique. Let us ponder- from that tiny dot is then formed (say 9 months), all the detail of a functioning body and brain. Medical science is still trying to puzzle out how the very complex body and brain work. And to think this body evolved  in just 9 months! God has a very special kind of evolution! And just to be sure reproduction would continue, the author of DNA wrote passion, colour and beauty into the process.

What about the plant world? Some trees grow from the roots, but most are propagated by seeds. Seeds? Yes that beautiful flower has a primary purpose of attracting insects to pollinate the seed producing mechanism. Why ever would you make plant reproduction dependant on ovule, ovary, style, stigma, filament, anther, stamen, petal and then insect? Doesn’t sound like survival of the fittest to me. Rather the colourful, meticulous mechanics of an ingenious designer who enjoyed writing variety into the DNA code. And it all works!

 

Resurrection - - well that tiny seed produced by the flower appears to die. Then at the right conditions, springs forth into life to produce another plant/flower just like the parent.

         Let us stop often and ‘consider the wonderful works of God.’ (Job 37:14)

I am convinced that the LORD God enjoyed designing the mysterious reproductive capacity of living things.

The Lord Jesus said of Himself, that His death , like a seed, would lead to the resurrection blossom for Himself, and many others. (John 12)

It is the Bible that encourages study, investigation - science.

So many cultures of the world discourage questions.  God is not afraid of investigation.

johnmckee@internode.on.net

Jesus - The Lamb of God

 

Meditations for worship:

In Revelation 19-22, the Lord Jesus Christ is identified as "the Lamb". These visions of future glory also point back to the "Lamb that takes away the sin of the world" (John 1) That promise from John the baptiser, will be fulfilled when all sin and sinners are removed from God's new creation.

Holy Scripture identifies Jesus as the Lamb without blemish and without spot, whose blood shed has purchased eternal redemption. (1 Peter1) The Old Testament sacrifices were specified as to be without blemish and spot. Only Jesus Christ was without sin, so He only could become the sacrifice to take our sin  away.

 Well might the multitude in heaven sing:

"For thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood,

Out of every tribe, language and people and nation" (Revelation 5)

It is just one Gospel for all people.

And again:

"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!"

At the end of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, the Lamb is mentioned seven times:

19:7 "wedding of the Lamb" - Bride

19.9 ' wedding feast of the Lamb" - Blessed

21:9  'the wife of the Lamb" - Behold

21:23  "the Lamb is the light" - Brilliance

21:27  "the Lamb's book of life" - Belonging

22:1   "water ... from the throne of God and of the Lamb" - Blessing

22:3  the throne of God and of the Lamb, and His servants shall worship HIM"

Let us begin that heavenly occupation today, and worship HIM in spirit and in truth.

johnmckee@internode.on.net

Activity of Holy Spirit

 

The activity of the Holy Spirit

Genesis one – the Spirit of God hovered, surveying the scene, then spoke into being the world in which we live. Then God communicated with Adam in the evening breeze.

Genesis six – In Noah's day it was the Spirit that sought to turn the people away from sin.

Genesis fourty one – of Joseph, who retained trust in God despite suffering, of him it was said "a man who is obviously filled with the Spirit of God".

And it continues in the Old Testament – God's Spirit enabling people to speak for Him and do special things for Him.

The sad end of the Old Testament is recorded:

Zechariah 7:12 "They made their hearts hard as stone, so they could not hear the law or the messages that the LORD Almighty had sent to them by His Spirit, through the earlier prophets.".

2 Peter 1:21 " It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God"

 

In the New Testament, it continues to be the Holy Spirit,that communicates God's truth. In John 16, Jesus said the Holy Spirit would complete the revelation of God the Father revealed in Jesus Christ, using the Apostles and NT prophets. They spoke and wrote the truth as Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 2:10. – "But we know these things because God has revealed them to us by His Spirit, and His Spirit searches out everything and shows us(the Apostles)  even God's deep secrets." – how blessed we are to be able to read the New Testament, and know it is inspired by God!

Acts 2  This communication of truth was so evident on the day of Pentecost, when the once afraid  Peter, stands before a great crowd and delivers (spontaneously)  , a brilliant message . Peter had been confused and disappointed, but now by the Holy Spirit he clearly reveals that God was doing something special by the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The people were convicted their sin, and sought forgiveness. Peter boldly issues a promise – "Repent and be baptised in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit"

This was a very special day, for the Lord Jesus Christ in heaven had sent down to earth the Holy Spirit to fill all believers. They were thus enabled to communicate in many languages the wonderful works of God.

Peter's message was from God, and the effect was by God the Spirit. About three thousand people believed and were baptised in water. What follows in the chapter, shows that they were also immersed by the Holy Spirit (baptised) into one body. Thus began the great work described in the letter to the Ephesians – 'one body by one Spirit '.

But I have missed so much. Let me briefly mention the life of the Lord Jesus.

-         Miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit –Matthew 1:18

-         Anointed by the Holy Spirit for service – Matthew 3:16

-         Led by the Holy Spirit to the place of temptation – Matthew 4:1

-         Casting out demons by the Holy Spirit – Matthew 8:16

-         He offered Himself, through the eternal Spirit , without blemish to God –Hebrews 9:14

-         He is declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of Holiness by His resurrection from the dead – Jesus Christ our Lord! –

-         Romans 1:4

-         He promised to send the Holy Spirit –  Acts 1:8

And so it is that we have the assurance of who Jesus is ,by the Holy Spirit.

 

In the book called 'Acts', let us trace the continuing activity of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2 – the Spirit gave utterance.

Acts 5 – Peter discerned a hidden lie by the Holy Spirit.

Acts 6,7  Stephen evidently served and spoke by the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8 – Phillip was directed by the holy Spirit.

Acts9  - Saul was promised Holy Spirit fullness  for his service.

Acts 9.31 The disciples were comforted by the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10.19  The Holy Spirit communicates to Peter.

Acts 10.44 The Holy Spirit came to the Gentile believers as a gift, enabling them to speak in other languages as proof to the visiting Jews that the Gentiles were cleansed by grace as much as Jews (Acts 15.8,9).

Acts 13.2 The Holy Spirit  gave directions.

Acts 19.2 The Holy Spirit's presence is directly linked to the Name of the Lord Jesus.( not outside that authority)

Acts 20.28 The Holy Spirit appoints overseers.(Shepherd  to care)

Acts 28.25 The Holy Spirit interprets and applies the Old Testament

 

I pause here and ask you to note the multivaried functions and activity of the Holy Spirit. Note well that the Holy Spirit came from above,  communicated and acted through whom He chose. It was always to the glory of God through Jesus Christ. It was not for the glory of men, nor was His presence focused on subjective feelings. Rather as one of the trinity, He was communicating for God.

Next – The Holy Spirit in the teachings of the Apostles.

God's wonderful grace

 

Grace is the  word of triumph in the Gospel of the New Covenant.

Grace is God's undeserved favour, in spite of who we are, or where we have been or what we have done. Grace is God's Holy Spirit giving us a new start (born again) on God's terms and by His strength.

It does not eliminate repentance – the need "to turn to God from idols".

It is not the modern psychology that says 'you are ok as you are'.

God's grace grants complete forgiveness.

     "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from every wrong."       Bible – 1 John1

God's grace sets us free from Satanic domination.

      "By grace you are saved, through faith"   Ephesians 2

God's grace gives us the gift of eternal life without works.

     "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."     Romans 6

God's grace brings us into complete acceptance with a Holy God.

      "Accepted in the Beloved one"      Ephesians 1

A thinking person will ask – 'But how?  I must do my best for judgement day'  -      no.    Grace depends on God , not on us!!

How  can God forgive?    -   by the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

How can we overcome the Devil? – by the resurrection victory of Jesus.

How can God promise eternal life to stumbling followers? – because life is in His Son.

How can rebels become part of God's family? Because God is Love.

 

Because of God's activity in grace, we can choose to be more than conquerors through Him who loved us.   Romans 8

May encourage you to read the Bible references given, in their context, to discover the wonderful love, mercy and grace of God to us today. If you do not have a Bible , contact me   johnmckee@internode.on.net

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