Sunday, December 16, 2012
Friday, November 30, 2012
Meditation 1 Corinthians 8.6
'For us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord Jesus Christ through whom are all things and through whom we exist.'
This gem of a verse, located in a somewhat obscure section of the Bible, unlocks some of the most profound questions of life - why am I here?, where am I going??
The first pronouncement is that of a supreme being, outside of our small world. One who chooses to connect with us as a Father relationship. Everything has come from his architectural, powerful and loving design, so that the highest purpose for our existence, is FOR HIM.
Just like the teaching of John, Paul here declares that Jesus Christ as the Lord from heaven was and is the one through whom God the Father makes all of creation happen. ( no surprise then if Jesus could operate outside the laws of nature and walk on water)
The most significant part is that our intended , intelligent part in the design of God, comes into play only through Jesus Christ. This is the purpose of the ages, that in all things, all people should find their significance, their fulfilment in Jesus Christ, the Lord now in heaven.
Independence from God is an insult to God. Rejection of Jesus the Son of God is rebellion against the very purpose of our existence.
How blessed are those who find Christ as their all in all, and we in Him
JRM
This gem of a verse, located in a somewhat obscure section of the Bible, unlocks some of the most profound questions of life - why am I here?, where am I going??
The first pronouncement is that of a supreme being, outside of our small world. One who chooses to connect with us as a Father relationship. Everything has come from his architectural, powerful and loving design, so that the highest purpose for our existence, is FOR HIM.
Just like the teaching of John, Paul here declares that Jesus Christ as the Lord from heaven was and is the one through whom God the Father makes all of creation happen. ( no surprise then if Jesus could operate outside the laws of nature and walk on water)
The most significant part is that our intended , intelligent part in the design of God, comes into play only through Jesus Christ. This is the purpose of the ages, that in all things, all people should find their significance, their fulfilment in Jesus Christ, the Lord now in heaven.
Independence from God is an insult to God. Rejection of Jesus the Son of God is rebellion against the very purpose of our existence.
How blessed are those who find Christ as their all in all, and we in Him
JRM
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Great God / small God
Yesterday I was watching a debate between Richard Dawkins and John Lennox (www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0ulbd0eLxw ) . The point was made - how could so a being so great as to make the spectacular universe, be interested in a speck of dust on distant earth? The point is reasonable enough, but this is just the wonder of it all - He is!
We mere mortals measure so much by size. God measures so much by intelligence ( knowing about ). Intelligent about the created universe, intelligent and involved in the operation of the world, intelligent and responsive to the people of the world, intelligent and concerned for the future of humanity.
This was the teaching of Jesus - that even the hairs of our heads are all numbered, and not a sparrow falls but that He knows. This of course becomes mind boggling - but so does the capacity of a modern computer and more mind boggling is the capacity of the human brain to process so much so quickly, to store so much for so many years, and then to recall the sights, the smells, the words, the music, the emotions the information, the calculations etc etc etc - all this and more stored on a gluggy mass of grey matter maintained by eating carrots !!!
Well, if our capacity is so extreme, how much more the mind that designed the brain. Neurosurgeons may discover or repair, but none can make a brain. And more amazing is the reality that the original code writer put the details of the development of the brain into the almost invisible code of DNA
Jesus in his teaching insisted that God clothes the grass of the filed so as to present a beautiful lily, and insisted at the same time, that God was intimately interested in the well-being of each creature. He encouraged us to call this mighty , intelligent God "our Father" !!
" Big enough to make a universe, yet small enough to live within my heart"
John McKee
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS5-YJacjal
We mere mortals measure so much by size. God measures so much by intelligence ( knowing about ). Intelligent about the created universe, intelligent and involved in the operation of the world, intelligent and responsive to the people of the world, intelligent and concerned for the future of humanity.
This was the teaching of Jesus - that even the hairs of our heads are all numbered, and not a sparrow falls but that He knows. This of course becomes mind boggling - but so does the capacity of a modern computer and more mind boggling is the capacity of the human brain to process so much so quickly, to store so much for so many years, and then to recall the sights, the smells, the words, the music, the emotions the information, the calculations etc etc etc - all this and more stored on a gluggy mass of grey matter maintained by eating carrots !!!
Well, if our capacity is so extreme, how much more the mind that designed the brain. Neurosurgeons may discover or repair, but none can make a brain. And more amazing is the reality that the original code writer put the details of the development of the brain into the almost invisible code of DNA
Jesus in his teaching insisted that God clothes the grass of the filed so as to present a beautiful lily, and insisted at the same time, that God was intimately interested in the well-being of each creature. He encouraged us to call this mighty , intelligent God "our Father" !!
" Big enough to make a universe, yet small enough to live within my heart"
John McKee
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS5-YJacjal
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Risen
Luke brings his record of Jesus to a beautiful conclusion:
If Jesus was truly risen from the dead, then the world would never be the same again - and so it was, and so it is! His resurrection vindicates His claim to be the Son of God. Now by God, He is declared to be Lord and Christ (Messiah). He is appointed to be the future judge of all. By Him alone is made available justification from guilt and condemnation.
As He came to those floundering disciples with His peace and blessing then, so today the living Lord Jesus comes to His own as the risen Shepherd and overseer of their souls.
The implications for the future are enormous -- He will gather His followers into the Fathers house, He will come as King of Kings, He will make all things new.....................etc
What should be our reaction? The Bible as our compass takes us to one place worship and obedience.
Luke's record of Jesus concludes with Jesus blessing them as they worshiped Him. So may we!
J. McKee
If Jesus was truly risen from the dead, then the world would never be the same again - and so it was, and so it is! His resurrection vindicates His claim to be the Son of God. Now by God, He is declared to be Lord and Christ (Messiah). He is appointed to be the future judge of all. By Him alone is made available justification from guilt and condemnation.
As He came to those floundering disciples with His peace and blessing then, so today the living Lord Jesus comes to His own as the risen Shepherd and overseer of their souls.
The implications for the future are enormous -- He will gather His followers into the Fathers house, He will come as King of Kings, He will make all things new.....................etc
What should be our reaction? The Bible as our compass takes us to one place worship and obedience.
Luke's record of Jesus concludes with Jesus blessing them as they worshiped Him. So may we!
J. McKee
Monday, October 22, 2012
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
"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
Friday, September 28, 2012
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
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
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)