Idols or God

A helpful response:

“We also are men of like passions with you and proclaim the good tidings that you should turn from these vain things (idols) , to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. Who in generations gone by suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. And yet He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you from heaven rain and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.”

Acts 14

This response has some significant detail. I focus on just two.

God has chosen to let the “nations walk in their own ways”. This explains much of the Old Testament history – God was knowable, but humanity chose their own ways without God. This concurs with the teaching in Romans 1 – ‘They chose not to know God , so God gave them up..................’. History is full of  times when God interrupts the course of human rebellion, calling people to repent eg Nineveh, but the sad response prevails  :- “every man does that which is right in his own eyes”

The second point is that God did give them witness of Himself. He, unlike the idols, is invisible. Yet His power, His handiwork, His wisdom and His kindness can still be seen. This response by Paul, alludes to the ‘fine tuning ‘ of the earth. God designed the seasons and sends the rain to sustain and cheer humanity. Many other things point to the greatness of God eg DNA code, but rain remains a reminder of the kindness God.

Thus the call goes out – “turn from vain things to the Living God.”

Objective of teaching

"The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."

           1 Timothy 1:5

Living with God

Living with God

The Christian life could be summarized in three words

“I believe God”

The Apostle Paul uttered those profound words when life seemed at its lowest. Yet it was by faith that not only he survived,  but also the two hundred and seventy six people with him. They had other plans, but Paul’s choice to go God’s way prevailed and no one was lost in the shipwreck. (Acts 27)

So it is for us. Beginning with God is important, but living with God is also important.

Faith accepts that God is real, that God has revealed Himself, and that He has revealed His ways for us. Faith believes that God is personal and interacts with people. Faith claims the promises of God as meaningful and powerful in ones’ life. Faith endures beyond the natural to know and trust the one who is invisible and wise.

This is why reading God’s word, the Bible, and prayer are important – hearing God’s promises and communicating to  God our dependence on Him.

johnmckee@internode.on.net  - questions welcome

Beginning with God

Someone may well be asking - "Where do I begin, to be right with God?"

An old promise still hold good today:

"You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart"  (Jeremiah 29:13)

The Lord Jesus Christ repeated this:

"Seek and you will find"  ( Matthew 7.7)

Paul directed the people in Athens to " seek God   .... He is actually not far from each one of us." (Acts 17.27)

Let me share with you a promise 

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. "

Everyone  who believes in Him , will not be put to shame "   ( Romans 10.9-11)

In the quiet of your own soul, you can know HIM.

johnmckee@internode.on.net

The Blessing of the Lord

“God blesses those who realise their need for Him”

                                                 Matthew 5.3NLT

This first line of the sermon on the mount summarises the whole discourse. Other translations use “poor in spirit” and that is good. We ought not to be conceited, haughty or proud. But I think the NLT has captured the real point of the whole discourse. It is about a relationship with God as Father, that creates a reflection of God’s character along with a childlike dependence upon Him. This creates peace and stability as well as security.

The kingdom of God is characterized by this – a people who are insufficient of themselves, who look up to God as holy and God as Saviour and Lord. These are the ones He can teach to pray. The prayer the Lord taught the disciples was not about informing God concerning what He already knew, but expressing to God Almighty how much we need Him.

The blessing of God on ‘those who feel their need of Him’, leads to a walking with Lord.  To trust Him for every daily need, in obedience to His directions . This gives stability when the inevitable storms of life arrive. Such are ‘kept by the power of God.’ (1 Peter1)

I had thought that with study and age, I might have developed a sense of capability and confidence. And at times I have tried that position, only to fail. Rather I have learned the deep meaning of the simple prayer “ Lord help me” – whether in the details of everyday living , or in service for the Master. And thus this single line from the sublime teaching of Jesus Christ the Lord, has become very precious to me. I trust it will likewise be precious to you.

It is so much like the first line of Psalm 23 – “The Lord is my Shepherd,  I shall not want”

He becomes our all sufficiency, and ‘His strength is made perfect in our weakness.’(2 Corinthians 12)

J McKee

Trust in God

Mystery?

If the man, Jesus of Nazareth, was truely the Son of God, why was He so slow to let people know? He even commanded the demons not to speak about Him.

This is indeed the beauty of God’s character. He wants us to know Him, not through some public list of qualifications (as is done by celebrities and prominent people), rather He wants us to discover Him through the activity of His character. This is “knowing” God through personal interaction in the present.

When John the Baptist announced the presence of the Messiah, he said ‘He is among you, whom you do not know’’. This is just like God would do (in Old Testament appearing as an angel)  - in humanity taking up servant status – “He came not to be served but to serve.” (Mark 10, Philippians 2)

Study of the scriptures is good and essential to knowing about God, but more precious is the experience of ‘knowing’ God in the interactions of daily life. He loves, He reveals, He chastises, He cares and in His sovereign power overseas our lives.(1 Peter 2)  One we can trust in the big issues and the small issues of life.

If you don’t know Him, seek Him today. Discover His greatness and His interest in the small detail of your life.

John McKee