Peace

..

There is a peace that comes after sorrow

   Of hope surrendered, not of hope fulfilled

A peace that looks not upon tomorrow

   But calmly on a tempest that is stilled.

A peace that lives not now in joys excesses

   Nor in the happy life of love secure

But in the unerring strength the heart possess

   Of conflicts won while learning to endure.

A peace there is in sacrifice secluded

    A life surrendered, from will and passion free

Tis not the peace that over Eden brooded

    But that which triumphed in Gethsemane

The world

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.       John 3.16

This precious verse from the Bible, here quoted from the ‘Authorized version’, remains forever relevant.

I desire to highlight just one word  -  ‘world’

Most religions promote the idea that God loves only a select people. Jews, Muslims, and some Christians try to limit God’s love to a favoured few. John, the writer was privileged to grow up as a devout Jew, but after travelling with Jesus, and being taught by the Holy Spirit, said  - “God so loved the world”

This may well include the thought that God loved the whole ‘cosmos’, for He made it perfectly and for a purpose. But I think the focus here is on the fact that God love all the people of the world – the good , the bad, the rich , the poor, all nationalities, all tribes, everyone!   His love is all embracive in spite of our unworthiness.  His love is more than general, it is particular, as He knows and cars about each individual.  He certainly does not love the wicked habits or sinful deeds done in defiance of His standards, yet He loves.

His love is not going soft on sin. His love is expressed best by what He did to win back wandering humans to Himself  - He GAVE His ‘Only begotten Son’ - Jesus Christ. This is a subject for another day.

I want you the reader to catch the truth that God loves you.

You may not feel it, but if you believe it you will be blessed!

Apathy

Laodicea

The church of Laodicea presents a vivid picture of the age in which we live. Luxury living abounds on every hand while souls are dying for want of the Gospel. Christians are wearing crowns instead of bearing a cross. We become more emotionally stirred over sports, politics, and television than we do over Christ.  There is little sense of spiritual need, little longing for true revival. We give the best of our lives to the business world, then turn over the remnants of a wasted career to the Saviour. We cater to our bodies which in a few short years will return to dust. We accumulate instead of forsake, lay up treasures on earth instead of heaven. The general attitude is “ If I don’t pamper myself who will? Let’s get ahead in the world  and give our spare evenings to the Lord.” This is our condition on the eve of Christ’s return.

William MacDonald   “Believers Bible Commentary”

Politics

Is the Bible interested in politics?

For sure – the history of Israel is so much about political establishment and demise. The book of Daniel is almost all about politics in Babylon and beyond.

The involvement of Jesus or rather the non involvement, in the politics of His day is outstanding considering the circumstances of that time. The last book of the Bible is like the writings ofDaniel – almost all about the conflicts of world powers.

Please notice this preface to the last book of the Bible (Revelation):

“To Him who loved us and loosed us from our sins (His priority) in His blood (by sacrifice, not by poltical power), and made us a kingdom (apart from the kingdoms of this world) of priests to His God and Father (unselfish function in the spiritual realm), to HIM be the glory (the honour of a monarch), and the dominion (when the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of God and His Christ) unto the ages of the ages. Amen”          Revelation 1.

This preface statement sets the purpose of the book and the agenda of God for eternity.- the final political triumph of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let me put it another way like Acts 15:

‘God calling out of the nations a people (washed, sanctified, justified) for a priestly function now, but in His own future time, these same people raised up under one king (of the house of David), are to rule and intercede over the whole earth.’

Thus the Christian has this very high calling, to represent as an ambassador   God’s exalted king. He is the ruler of the kings of the earth. Earthly politics and politicians are so fickle. We as disciples of the one true Lord, are to represent the enduring King – the eternal one who became dead and now lives forevermore.

My involvement in present politics??  Just like the Master, my priority should be rescuing people from sin and Satan,  reconciling the lost to God. (2 Corinthians 5)

It is an interesting study, to review the life of Christ relative to the Roman oppressors, the religious zealots and the Jewish leadership of His day. He like the Maccabees could have  pursued political freedom, but to the disappointment of His followers, He chose victory by the path of sacrifice.

‘Take up the cross and follow Me’ is not the language of a political warrior. It is the language of an obedient servant, doing the Father’s will.

John McKee

The Book of books

The Bible

The Bible comes to you as a gift. Take time to read it often.

Much of it is history— God making the earth and people. It gives details of God relating to people and nations. Some of it is God’s rules for the

Israelite nation.

In the centre is the songbook that speaks much about the experiences of the songwriters along with praise to God Almighty. Often we can relate to this.

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are records of the life and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. The accounts should be read and reread. By these we learn much about who Jesus is and what He has done.

The letters written by Peter, Paul, John etc are the explanations about Jesus  and what His followers should believe and do. The Lord promised the Holy Spirit would guide the apostles to teach us truth.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth” John 16:13

Some Bible verses stand out as golden gems

Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.”     John 14.6

The New Testament provides abundant instructions on what it means to ‘follow Jesus as Lord.’ - e.g. ‘Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly”

One of the themes that runs through the Bible is the recurring evidence that all of humanity is inclined to do wrong and by this offend God. Along with this is the theme of God seeking the wandering people and making it possible for all to be forgiven. The teachings of the Lord Jesus are bright with the hope of eternal life in heaven for those who believe in Him.

To understand how God relates to us today, carefully read twice the letter to the Romans.

Recommendation:  Read the history of Genesis (much of which is distressing)

Then read the Gospel of John (God revealed in His Son Jesus Christ).

Clue to enjoying the Bible  -  Before you read, ask “LORD help me to

understand today”  and as you hear His voice to you, remember the words of Mary -”Whatever He say to you, do it!”

Bibles are available to those who do not have one

johnmckee@internode.on.net

God's promise

Our Great High Priest