Last words

            First and last words seem to hold a deep significance.  Let us survey the last words of Jesus, as recorded by Luke.

"Peace be to you"   In the midst of turbulent times, he blesses them with peace! Counselling people in distress does have value, but real peace comes through faith in a person who is greater than the disturbing  waves of  distress. - not that he takes us out of it, but rather gives direction, discernment in it. Then best of all , He goes with us through the valley.

"Touch Me and see...."    One might wonder how unbelief could linger when He Himself stood before them. Such is the potential of all our hearts, to unbelief.  He does not leave them to their doubts, nor does He perform a miracle to prove the point. He just shows Himself,  with the scars of crucifiction to verify His identity. Today we cannot see Him in the flesh, but  a brief journey in the Spirit to the cross and to the empty tomb, quickly ignites devoted faith.

" Thus it is written........."   His recorded words are most significant. He was indeed about to start something new,  but as in Matthew 5, He insists that the authenticity of His person was linked to the Old Testament scriptures.  The purpose of God for Him revealed in the O.T. must needs be fulfilled.  Whilst the old order was to be discarded, the former voice of God was fulfilled, not rejected!  His beautiful references to the O.T. encourage us to know that we have a speaking God.

"And that repentance and  forgiveness of sins should be preached in His Name..........."
This great commission could occupy our thoughts for a long time. A very good book written on this is 'The great commission' by C.H. Mackintosh. I must read it again myself.
This record of the Lord's words is amazingly complete - 
1.  The foundation of the gospel is in the death and resurrection of Christ.
2  The message is concerning repentance and forgiveness of sins.
3  The means of making it know - preaching in His name.
4  Scope of peoples given the opportunity of mercy and grace -  all nations
5  Power to effect the evangelism- promise of power from above.

As we ponder such wonderful words, let us be blessed and challenged today.

John McKee

Change - Yes it is possible

             The works of the flesh, evidences of sin in our nature are listed as follows:  sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.(Galatians 5:19 )
       God wants this list changed to the following:
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control .

How can this dramatic change be effected ?
        Self-discipline ? education ? reward?      --    no

   History records the varying behaviors of many different kinds- gorilla warfare waged for communism, gassing of the disabled in accord with Darwinian evolution , communal suicide before surrender, humanitarian relief for damage caused by religious bigots, conservation efforts to combat the forces of greed...etc

            The Bible compass points to the enabling power of the Spirit of God.

Let me explain - Through the death of Christ, we are accepted by God.  By the operation of the Holy Spirit with our spirit, we are changed by God.  The ignorance that pulls us down is replaced with the intelligence that builds us up.  The rebellious will that  fights God is replaced with a new heart to please God. Thus we know what is good and are given the new life in Christ, to choose the good even if we are tempted to do evil.
        While still in human bodies we pray " keep us from temptation", but as we submit to the constraining Spirit of God we proclaim " we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us"

   Change is possible :-
 let the light of God fall upon you
   let the life of God empower you
     let the love of God motivate you  !!

And then all the glory be to our great God

John McKee

Change ??

The story of life seems to be - a good beginning, a wandering independence. a reality check and then the hardening of the clay according to the attitudes, habits and direction taken. Occasionally some peoples' lives are turned around to change track. Most people however, follow the instinct of their genetic makeup and conform to the world in which they live.

Would you dare to be different ? Would you let the compass of the Bible change your attitude, your devotion, your motives, your goals, your direction of life?  I hear some-one interrupt and say : ' I thought being a Christian was intended to make my life better,  not different! ' - well yes and no.

     The preaching of Jesus insisted on 'repentance' ( to change ). This of course begs the question - change what , and how , and why ?  So many people make the mistake  of changing their words, their ways in an effort to cultivate religious habits, all the time missing the priority of first being changed on the inside. Most of all God wants to change our attitude to Him. It may not seem natural to worship an unseen creator, yet this is our highest privilege . Many refuse to accept Jesus as the Son of God, yet it is this that determines the order of our life and our destiny in eternity. The rebellious nature of humans, objects to yielding to Jesus Christ as Lord, but this is the very change that cures our many woes.

         I trust that you can see that these internal, fundamental changes are essential to  a good life, and an eternal relationship with God, that will give us hope beyond the grave.

          Take time out today to bow both your knees to God Almighty, believe in your heart that Jesus who died and rose again is indeed the Son of God, and let  Him, his word, his example, his love, his commands etc take control in your life! Then you will be able to sing -
          " What a wonderful change in my life has been has wrought
                        since Jesus came into my heart"


Contact for seekers -  johnmckee@internode.on.net

Salvation Gods way

Compass

    The interesting thing about a real compass is that it works without batteries, without a computer etc. It  is effective because of invisible magnetism!

      So the Bible makes sense when  read with the assistance  of the Holy  Spirit.  --  pray today for His guidance and you will not be disappointed.


JRM

Compass

On the sea of life, for dark days and bright, we need  a compass to direct our way!


       The advice of others is helpful, the experience of older people may yield wisdom but the only trustworthy guide  is the Bible.


Did you consult it today ???


Maybe you don't have  a Bible, or need help to understand  -- 
 email   johnmckee@internode.on.net