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.
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)
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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 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 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.
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
“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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
This question from a
child surprised me.
The answer is ‘Yes’
When the Israelites
encountered God at Mt Sinai, they became afraid and asked Moses to communicate
with God personally. God’s awesome presence terrified the people.
King David responded
differently. He admitted to his sin and need, but went into some place of
solitude to wait on the Lord. And the Psalms testify to the value of that
experience.
Philip the follower of
Jesus was interested to know God the Father – “show us the Father and it is
enough for us”
Jesus said to him “ ………. Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father” John 14
Paul the apostle
understood God as revealed in Jesus Christ and made it his life ambition :
“That I may know Him and
the power of His resurrection, and may share in His sufferings, becoming like
Him in His death.” Philippians 3
God still speaks to those
who take the time to listen. Thousands have proved this true. He speaks through the Bible, He speaks
through the Holy Spirit, sometimes through nature, and sometimes through other
people.
The Lord Jesus Christ
said in His prayer:
“This is life eternal,
that they know you the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” John 17
This will be the happy
life of believers forever, so let begin now – knowing God personally.
Take time out to seek the Lord - like an hour or more - and get to know Him today.
johnmckee@internode.on.net
