Knowledge and power.

In previous eras there was an encouragement to learn.  Knowledge was touted as the gateway to a better life, job and understanding of creation. Lack of knowledge kept a person or society in ignorance, ill health, poverty and servility. Hosea put it this way 'My people are destroyed by lack of knowledge' (Hosea 4:6). 

 Though still true in many ways, especially in undeveloped countries, there has been a subtle twist to this old proverb. 'Power comes to the ones who control the knowledge'. In the Westernised cultures this is becoming more and more evident and more and more concerning. What Daniel 12:4 foresaw is our daily experience: 'Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.' We are bombarded with news, views, apps, F.B. telephone, newspapers, Hollywood and silicon valley etc. etc. etc. 

However, most of us absorb without discernment. It isn't until we are 'scammed', pilfered, exploited or otherwise hurt that we realise our knowledge was faulty and/or manipulated. This has emerged as a huge problem in recent elections, press briefings on the 'corona-virus' and reporting on persecution of Christians, especially was in Africa. 

What was assumed but nor written in the proverb 'knowledge is power' was the word 'Truth.' It is only Truth which produces helpful and healthy knowledge. It is only Truth that prevents power from dominating, crushing or corrupting those in 'Power.' If Truth was the pre-requisite for issuing information can you imagine the shock-waves through Governments and media, business and relationships and dare it be said, in Denominations and Missions.

Unfortunately, Truth is crucifiable in this World where Untruth, Half-Truths and out right Lies are the masters. Maybe that is one of the issues we have to face as Christians. Jesus is 'The Way, the Truth and the Life' and He was opposed and crucified. But, He could not be entombed but rose again. So it is with Truth. At present in Australia there are those who are 'crucified' for speaking the Truth from a Biblical Worldview. Martyn Iles from Australian Christian Lobby wrote:

Well-respected GP Dr Jereth Kok lost his medical licence because a review board in Victoria didn’t like the way he expressed his opinions about issues like transgenderism on social media.

·        A proposed law in Victoria would prevent Christians from working as chaplains – affecting not just chaplains but also the many students who rely on their care and support.

·        Brisbane mother Katrina Tait faced an inquiry from the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board after she supported ACL’s petition against the promotion of ‘Drag Queen Storytime’ to protect children.

·        A Christian couple in WA, the Hordyks, had their application to become foster parents terminated because of their Christian beliefs. 

We who follow the One, Jesus, who is the Truth and His Word, which is Truth must seek to know Him and be prepared to experience some form of 'crucifixion' for our stand. Take comfort in the fact that our Lord promised to provide and guide and turn our night into day.

Hosea quoted the Lord God as saying 'I desired\mercy, not sacrifice and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.' 6:6. In his final letter, Peter gives good advice for living for the Lord in a godless world: 'Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ' 2 Peter 3:18.

The final word for us in our lifestyle is a quote from Ephesians 4:15, ' Speak (hold) the Truth in love'. Both are, sadly, in short supply.

Ray Hawkins.

 

This I know...

It is time for me to finish my blog postings. I have appreciated the opportunity of sharing my heart, mind and faith with you these past few years. But with the unknown length of time I have ahead of me (I’m not sick, just ageing) I want to pursue some other things.

This, my final sharing with you will be done in two parts. I am using a verse from Paul’s letter to Timothy as the basis of the blog. What Paul wrote expresses my heartfelt gratitude to Jesus Christ and my confidence in Him. The verse is… I know in whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. ( 2 Timothy 1:12.)

I know: There was a time when I didn’t know Jesus in a personal way. I knew about Him. I was impressed by the stories written but Jesus was a stranger, aloof and distant. That changed one day on the footpath outside the Rockdale church of Christ (New South Wales, Australia). It was after the Sunday church service and I knew in my inner being the Lord was dealing with me.

He wanted to know me. This meant I had to know Him! It was a relationship founded upon His invitation and my faith response.  That was sixty years ago.

In whom: Could I have been imagining what I heard within? That was possible but as they say ‘the proof is in the eating.’ The reality of that moment has been proven countless times, and tested more times than I care to remember. Jesus invited me to know Him, not merely to hear about Him or see Him as a noble stranger, but to know Him. This meant He must be my Saviour, Lord, Master, and friend. How was I to grow this relationship? Through knowing His word, being involved in worship of and fellowship with Him. That means sharing with His people. Something strange began to take shape. A new ‘me’ emerged. Hypocrisy slid away. Ignorance was replaced by His word. Faith grew as it confronted the doubts and insinuations which developed.

I have believed. Some will wonder how I, or anyone, can have a personal relationship with Christ. For He is unseen and dwells in the spiritual realm. That is similar to saying a blind person cannot enjoy the warmth of the sun or the freshness of the wind. At first it is hard to define but once experienced, built upon, tested and even neglected for a period (which has its own sense of sorrow), you know the relationship is real.

What do I believe about Jesus?
 Time and space are too limited for an adequate reply. Suffice to write that across sixty years and a church based ministry spanning over fifty years I have found Him faithful. Jesus is faithful to His Word. He is faithful to His name and titles. He is faithful to His personal promises to people such as you and I. Jesus promised never to leave or forsake those who trust in Him. But, what is His reaction to the times I have smeared my calling, broken His trust, played on the edge of the darkness, grieved His Spirit or doubted His

grace? Discipline falls, but not divorce. Pruning is applied, not removal from His presence. Silence falls, but not separation. His intentions are to bring me to repentance, to an awareness of my stupidity that generates a heartfelt cry for His mercy, forgiveness and cleansing. The unseen scars on my soul are evidences before the angels, the demons and my conscience, Jesus is my Lord, Saviour and healer! He is faithful and His power liberating.

And am persuaded: Certain memorials were erected by Israel as a testimony to some act of God on His people’s behalf. They expressed the nation or the individual’s intention of wanting to honour the Lord. What observers thought of those cairns is not the issue. I have certain unshakeable events in my life which makes me bow in adoration and gratitude before Him.

Without explanation I list: being accepted into Bible College; meeting my future wife,

Mary. Having the Lord confirm to us separately and indelibly His will to marry. Guiding and providing for us in our self-supporting church planting ventures. Mission trips to Africa. Purchase of a house. The gift of writing books.

Atheists may laugh, philosophers may scratch their heads and readers may put it down to luck. But ‘I know!’

That He is able: After walking with Him hand in hand with Mary we have emerged with a confidence in our Lord’s strength. That word ‘able’ is the word for power, ‘dunamis’. This power is evident in the Gospel for it lifts a person out of eternal death into eternal life. The cross displays Christ’s power to anyone who believes in the crucified and risen Lord. It is His power (1 Peter1:5) which alone can keep us safe and secure. We are unable to save ourselves, nor keep ourselves saved. Christ alone has that ‘dunamis’. He alone is our boast. 

To be concluded next week

©Ray Hawkins February 18^th 2018.

 

The explosive power of the Cross.

The name for the explosive ‘dynamite’ comes from the Greek word ‘dunamis.’ That’s some indication of how the writers of the New Testament viewed God’s power. The word is used to describe the works of Christ in healing people, neutralising Satan’s control of people and in rising from the dead.

Is that relevant to people in this century far removed from Christ’s day? As He is the unchanging Lord and His word is alive and active too, it has exciting implications. In writing to the Corinthian church the Apostle Paul explained how Christ’s power is inherent in the Cross. In what way? In the impact the message of the death, entombment and resurrection of Jesus has on people. Some stumble over it! Many think it stupid! However, for others it has a life transforming, destiny changing, relationship enriching explosive effect.

That and much, much more is wrapped up in the word salvation. When the Gospel is shared and believed it become the power of God within the believer’s life. Those things which pollute our memory, offend our conscience, cripple our self-esteem, make us fearful of death and facing God and a myriad of other things are exploded. God has dealt with them at the cross of Christ. When a person accepts that fact, personally, then the Lord’s power does an eternal make-over. The past is done away in His sight. He opens up a new era for you (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Does it last? Without a doubt. Countless the testimonies to that fact. From the New Testament the one I stand amazed at is found in 1 Timothy 1:11-17. He was a murderer, blasphemer, outwardly religious, violently arrogant. He called himself the chief of sinners. However, the grace of the Lord Jesus and the power of the cross changed him. He became the greatest of all missionaries. His testimony is that if the explosive power of the cross of Christ did that for him, it will change anyone. The condition which lights the ‘fuse.’ Hearing the message of Christ and the cross then believing it!

In his final letter before being martyred under Nero’s decree Paul wrote, he had finished the race, kept the faith and looked forward to meeting the Lord. One of his final instructions to Timothy was ‘Preach the Word!’ What word? The word of the cross is foolish to those who perish, but to those who believe it is the dynamite of God for salvation.

1.The power of the cross                                         3.The power of the cross,

Is the Word of Calvary!                                          The message from Calvary.

Promised through prophesy,                                Forgiveness now offered.

Fulfilled in history.                                                 Heaven now opened.

Unveiled, the mystery                                            Sin’s penalty now paid

Of His majesty                                                         Wrath now pacified,

            As                                                                                   By

Emmanuel,                                                               Taking our condemnation,

Son of God,                                                               Suffering our judgement,

Redeemer,                                                                 Purging our defilement,

Who was called, Jesus!                                           When they crucified Jesus!

2.The power of the cross                                       4.The power of the cross

The purpose of Calvary                                           Cancelled the shame of Calvary

Planned before creation                                         Transformed into glory

To secure our salvation,                                         That resurrection morning

Birthed in Bethlehem                                            When the angel declared,

Fulfilled in Jerusalem                                            “He is not here. He has risen”

                 As                                                                                    Now

The promised One,                                                  He is Saviour and Lord,

Suffering Servant,                                                   With a Name above all names,

Passover ‘Lamb,’                                                      Before whom all creation bows.

To be Messiah Jesus!                                              The Word of Calvary’s cross –

                                                                                                       Jesus!                 

copyright Ray Hawkins April 2017.