The lawmaker

I recently asked one hundred people this question:

“Who should decide what is right and what is wrong?”

The common answer was      -   “me”

Some answered     -  “God”

Herein is identified the great cause of confusion. The religion of ’ME ism’ has claimed greater authority than God. An example -The tenth commandment condemns covetousness as sin. The Lord Jesus Christ exposed greed as evil.

Yet our world promotes selfishness and greed as a virtue!

In the same questionnaire I asked ‘what is the meaning of repent.’

 Almost no one knew.

‘Expressing sorrow for doing wrong’    ...  is the only path that leads to God.

There is a way back to God

From the dark paths of sin

There is a door that is open and all may go in

At Calvary’s cross is where you begin

When you come as a sinner to Jesus.

JESUS

‘Jesus is the sweetest name I know’

Well that is true, but what does that name truely represent?

I would like to list some unique highlights of His life and ministry

He revealed the Father.

He unmasked the devil.

He restated very clearly existence after death.

He insisted on final judgement at His return

He taught the resurrection of the dead.

His expression of love was not only in words but in action.

He spoke truth with more authority than Moses.

His exposure of sin was direct

His claims to be the Christ, the Son of God were unmitigated.

He prophesied His death and resurrection.

He predicted the destruction of the temple, just as it happened.

His passion for forgiveness and restoration of the lost was obvious.

The curse of hypocrisy He denounced.

His care for children and other demeaned ones was obvious.

His commission to the apostles was clear – to speak about HIM

I write this because many people young and old have imagined a Jesus of their own liking. Some like ‘gentle Jesus, meek and mild’, other try to copy him as the healer. Other limit Him to being a prophet.

We do well to let all the words of Christ dwell in us richly – Colossians 3

John McKee

A song in the night, a song in the day

“Let all those who take refuge in you, rejoice”  Psalm 5

Many Psalms express personal troubles and grief. But the reason it has become a song, is the final victory is in the LORD. Trials and stress cause us to cling to God Almighty. Our strength is insufficient. His strength and favour and kindness enables us to overcome.

As we take refuge in Him, we are caused to rejoice.

The Psalm is set in a time of conflict and difficulty. The writer points out another secret to his overcoming.  Each morning he seeks the LORD. He asks that the LORD  prepare and make clear the way. And in the midst of confusing situations, that God will vindicate His own righteousness.

We do well to follow this example – begin the day with God. Let Him take control. And when difficulties persist find answers in God , not self.

johnmckee@internode.on.net

Why read the Bible?

Truth is too good to be viewed as a list. The word of God offers a faithful description of reality. The difference between a flourishing and a failing life frequently hinges on where we have made the effort to discover and live in reality. This is why we want to understand Scripture.

ML

The return of Jesus Christ

Most Christians are happy to think that the Lord Jesus Christ will return and put things right.

But I ask the important question – what do we want to see achieved by His coming?

I will give a list and you can decide:

1             Set Christians free from pain and suffering.

2            Establish justice in the world.

3            Take revenge for persecuted Christians.

4            Raise those who have died.

5            Restore Israel to faith in the Messiah.

6            Remove all unbelievers.

7            Establish His throne in Jerusalem

8            Vindicate God as creator and judge.

9            Reward faith and faithfulness.

10         Declare to all, that Jesus is the Son of God.

11          Wipe away all tears of grief and sorrow.

12         Judge all sin, violence, blaspheme, rebellion etc

13         .......................................

14         ................................................................

Each one of us should stop and consider the answer – is it ourselves we are thinking of, or is it others, or is it the Lord!

My personal answer is :- I long to see the rejected Lord Jesus vindicated as the Son of God, the true Messiah, the only Saviour for the world.

“Amen ,  even so come Lord Jesus”

Mark 12

Mark 12

In chapter 11, the Lord has presented Himself to Israel at the right time   (Daniel 9),   in the right place (Jerusalem),   in the right manner ( on a donkey).

A crowd rightly received Him, but the leaders of the Jews rejected Him saying ‘Who is this’. Likewise they rejected His forerunner  - John the baptiser.

Mark 12:

1   By a  parable He identifies Himself as the “Son”.

2   In answer to the tax question, He presents scriptural wisdom.

3    Responding about the resurrection – He unveils His intimate knowledge of heaven.

4   The response to the question of the scribe, brings to the fore His full knowledge of the Old Testament scripture  and the ultimate meaning of life.

5   By quoting Psalm 110, He claims to be greater than king David, yet heir to David’s throne , yea rather a greater throne. King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

I recommend you read this chapter through and see the objective teaching of the glory of the Lord.

John McKee

Who is God

Who is this God that has loved the whole world?

In the book of the Revelation His glory and grace are beautifully combined:

Alpha and Omega  (the beginning and end of Divine revelation)

Beginning and end  (the original cause and final culmination of all created things)

Who gives the water of life freely (the only source of true life and eternal life)

“I will be his God and he shall be my son” ( Although so great, this God chooses to connect and relate to us creatures as family)

Much more is revealed of His holy judgements, His brilliant throne, His multivaried attendants, but the most breathtaking revelation is the mighty one coming out of the throne -  the Lion who appears as the Lamb. He indeed is the representative of God to us humans. He is God’s Son, the Word, the Christ.  He said of Himself “I am Jesus”!

Trust Him today

johnmckee@internode.on.net