By What Authority!

The confusion caused by so many choices is evident from the supermarket to the religious scene. In matters of faith religions clamour for your attention and allegiance. How can you know the genuine from the fraudulent? Not by the wrapper. Seek out the author, creator and the guarantor of the matter.

Christians believe the Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, are their authority and framework for their faith. Such convictions arise out of an understanding of its history, its integrity and survival of every attempt to destroy, discredit and deny its authenticity.  Disciples of Christ Jesus call Him Lord and Saviour because of the cross and resurrection! He accepted the inspiration of the Old Testament by such a statement as Matthew 5:18: ‘truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, nor the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.’ Christians say yes to that also!

When some followers of Jesus couldn’t handle some of Jesus’ teaching they dropped out. Jesus asked the twelve what was their intention. Peter’s reply underscore’s his conviction of the Lord’s authority and the power of His words. ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.’ (John 6:68-69).

Why is the Bible so important?

Many reasons can be forthcoming ranging from historical accounts of former nations and events to prophetic insights, especially concerning Christ Jesus. There are warnings and blessings associated with matters of faith, morality and worship we ignore at our discomfort. Below are some quotes made within its pages proclaiming its authority and thereby claiming the right for Humankind’s allegiance! There is no other book stressing the basis on which we can have confidence in the source and accuracy regarding its authority.

‘I (the Lord God) foretold the former things long ago, my mouth announced them and I made them known; then suddenly I acted, and they came to pass… You have heard these things; look at them all. Will you not admit them? From now on I will tell you of new things, of hidden things unknown to you. They are created now, and not long ago; you have not heard of them before today. Isaiah 48:3, 6-7. 

Do you want to understand the future? Do you want to be prepared for the unpleasant, the unwanted, the unexpected and safeguard your faith, family and future? Read God’s word, especially the prophets and the Revelation.

Why is the Bible so relevant to daily living?

‘The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward.’ Psalm 19:7-11.

Why is the Bible so powerful?

‘You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God…the word of the Lord endures forever.’ 1 Peter 1:23-25

Therefore, in the light of what I’ve read I resolve to feed my heart and mind more diligently with the nourishment of God’s word. It is powerful because it reveals the Eternal God. It is powerful because it is Truth. It is powerful because it takes a person out of moral and spiritual death and gives him/her life and that life is linked to and from Jesus.

Word abuse makes 'Love' suffer

In English it is a four letter word. However, those four letters embrace almost a catalogue of meanings. Today’s blog concludes the 5 imperatives of 1 Corinthians 16:13-14. The word in the Greek is agape and mostly translated love. In the Language of the New Testament love can come under four heading. Eros, Storge, Phileo and Agape express the range of emotional relationships which come under the umbrella of the English ‘love. ‘Let all that you do be done in love’ 1 Corinthians 16:14 NRSV

A man can love his wife and car in the same breath, we can love God or a pet frog or other things too numerous to mention. The English word for love suffers from 'word abuse'. In turn, it produces confusion of understanding.  How easier it would have been to have a range of words, as in Greek, to expound 'love'. So, when Paul expresses this final imperative what word was chosen from the Greek language? Agape! This expresses the highest and most noble insight into expressing love. Whilst it can embrace emotion the word defines love as independent to it. Such love causes the person to rise above personal preferences for the sake of another’s welfare, even as the inconvenience of the one showing agape.

When you read the epistle to the Corinthians it is evident that love was selective, lacking or misunderstood. That is why Paul went to lengths to compile that beautiful piece of love in chapter 13. Agape isn’t bounded by family, cultural or moral fences. It is an open expression of the agape shown to us through Christ and Calvary. This is why such love is costly, behind it and overshadowing it is the cross. It is so easy to get all enthusiastic about following Jesus, who doesn’t need what He offers. Trouble is the Lord puts a two letter word in from of our enthusiastic excitement. “If” is the word of choice and at the same time a sifter of the heart. For “if” points the individual to a cross, personalised and nonnegotiable! Any person who calls Jesus Lord and Saviour has shared in the crucifixion of Christ according to Romans 6. Then the holy Spirit takes that person to the ‘discipleship fitting room’ for the cross the person has been chosen to wear.

How does that relate to agape love in our lives? Primarily in subordinating personal comfort, preference and wisdom to the Master’s honour. This is more than bible reading and worship, important and essential though they be. Love for Christ confronts the personal cross in regards to relationships. In a sense there is often a wrestling match unseen by others except Heaven and the Devil’s realm, which is our Gethsemane. ‘Let all that you do be done in love’ sounds so spiritual and easy, that is until God calls upon you to do something distasteful.

Think about some of the scenarios possible. ‘Love your enemies,’ but they hate me! Pray for them, feed them, treat them with respect even though they are unrepentant. Justice they will face but we are not the judge, we are disciples. This applies to those with whom we disagree morally and with whom we may debate quite strongly. Fear of contagion may arouse disgust but Christ Jesus calls us to help them if they have needs we can meet. That isn’t condoning, it isn’t even liking the person. It is our obedience to Christ and the price expresses the cross placed upon us. It is allowing the Lord to call them to account at His time and place. It offers us an opportunity to witness to our Lord and Saviour.

Apply this principle of love and personal cross to your own scene and enjoyable relationships. Not always easy is it! Putting oneself ‘out’ for the sake of another can be costly and inconvenient. Why bother? It is the right thing. It is what the Lord delights in. It makes agape a reality (even though it may suffer a little from ungraciousness in the initial stages). It often metamorphoses into a blessing.

Paul concludes these five imperatives on the theme of love because without it the previous four won’t impress God. They will be without substance. They will be the sound of gongs and cymbals (Ch. 13).

In conclusion may I be permitted to rearrange just a little these five imperatives? 

‘Let all that you do be done in love.’ This will require you to ‘keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, and be strong!’

©Ray Hawkins29 Jan. 2017.

Wrongful-mess or Righteousness

Violence against women is headline news and there is much angst about it. However, who will be brave enough to confront some of the things which promote it? Many of the Television shows denigrate women.  The internet is also saturated with material designed to degrade a woman’s intrinsic worth. Add to those, certain religions which treat women as objects for men’s pleasure and second-rate citizens. But, why are such attitudes and actions wrong?

The same question can be asked about child-abuse, same-sex marriage and polygamy. What about abortion, euthanasia, drug dependence, Sharia law and corruption, are these wrong? If so, on what basis are they wrong? Are we beginning to experience the ‘fruit’ of the sowing the ‘seeds of no absolutes?’ Is society’s rejection of absolutes walking us into scary times? The forces which are turning off the lights of life’s absolutes cannot offer any flickering light in their place. This results in a creeping darkness infected by unbridled Wrongful-mess. A Proverb sums it up well: ‘There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.’ (Proverbs 16:25 

There are those in our society who claim it is freedom to be unfettered by moral and spiritual absolutes. Yet, without such unchanging sunlight a darkness envelops the soul and fear begins to roam, demons torment and grief explodes. Only in the Light of absolute righteousness and truth is true freedom able to exist. In the words of an old Proverb ‘Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.’ (Proverbs 14:35) In the context ‘sin’ equals unrighteousness or as I’ve put it ‘wrongful-mess.’ Christian nations which once had a certain moral nobility and godly fervour are being dragged out of the light which exalts. The result, moral and spiritual disintegration and disgrace in the prison of darkness.

The question then arises, ‘where can such absolutes be found?’ If they exist they must proceed from someone who is unchanging, whose words can be trusted who also understands us and desires the best for us. In the face of all who clamour for this title only Jesus Christ and His Word rises above the pack. He practiced what He preached and didn’t back down when faced with crucifixion. If Jesus had remained in the tomb no one would be talking about Him. His resurrection exalted Him as Lord and Saviour. Therefore, His words have the power to light up our darkness and point us to a way out of the darkness.

Across the centuries it is recorded how forces aligned with Wrongful-mess have corrupted and condemned people and society to despair. What is also revealed is that men and women with faith in Christ Jesus took on the darkness. A high price was sometimes paid but slowly the lights of Righteousness, Truth and Hope were switched on. Believers in Jesus Christ as Lord, Saviour Almighty God may be called upon in coming days to pay a similar price. Are we up to it?

 ©Ray Hawkins 1^st June 2015.

Let's Blame God!

God gets bad press whenever something upsets us. Whether it is personal sorrow, inflicted by self or others, God is accused as the perpetrator. The catastrophes of war and disease are said to be preventable, if God did something about them.

During the week of February 1^st 2015 Stephen Fry, well known actor and T.V. personality, added his unflattering assessment about God. Given an opportunity to charge the Creator, who Stephen doesn’t believe exists anyway, he would call Him a monster. There is something within the human psyche which doesn’t want to accept personal responsibility for the world’s turmoil. People want God to stop what they don’t like but ignore what they do like doing, despite the fact God is offended by their actions and attitude. Imagine the howls of protest if the Lord God of Holiness enforced His standard of morality as set out in the Bible.

By blaming God for personal issues and the mess the World is in gives people a sense of moral superiority. It makes them judges of what should be and innocent victims when reaping what they have sown. What is also revealed is an ignorance of why the nations, societies and individuals are in such a sorry and warlike state. To reject the very existence of God doesn’t solve the problem. It actually compounds the despair and injustices with hopelessness for wrong can never be righted by a higher entity. To have a sense of God but no framework by which to understand Him (or Her or It) will give rise to all types of weird and not so wonderful images.

The God who seems to be silent and invisible has not left Humankind in the dark about His Being. He has spoken! He has left His imprimatur upon Creation (see below for some references). He has raised up certain scribes through whom He has made His defence for why things are as they are in the World. At the same time this God of holiness and truth has expressed what He requires from each of us and that there is a future accounting. More than that, what has been recorded promises a whole New World Order in which righteousness, truth, grace and love rule. Unfortunately, this means that those who curse God and reject righteousness and truth are denied entrance.

Where can we find the mind of the vocal God and signposts pointing to places where His presence is felt and ‘fingerprints’ are evident? In the 66 books called the Judeo-Christian Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Some may still want to accuse the Author of these books as being out of touch with our human condition. “You don’t understand what I’m facing, feeling or fleeing!” Such thinking is a universe away from reality. Here is the wonder of the invisible God, untouchable by sinful people. He has come into our world and in our form and within world history. The Bible revealed Him as Jesus (Greek translation of the Hebrew Joshua) who lived in Israel under Rome’s occupation. He understands the Human situation more than we can ever realise. Because of that He has set in motion Heavenly forces to usher in new beginnings and a new relationship with God and a hope which stand with you in the darkest of times.

How can anyone be sure of this promise?
Consider who Jesus is, what He has taught but more than that, what He achieved. For when He was crucified this Jesus became the vilest of the vile and the lowest of the low. How? He was cursed by National leaders, forsaken by friends but that wasn’t the issue. Jesus willingly identified with you, me, all creation in our blaming God the Father for our sin, indifference, plight, although Jesus in and of Himself was sinless. In essence Jesus said to the Father “put all their offences on me. Let me bear your Judgement upon them. Use this unjust verdict of the cross to offer forgiveness, hope and a new lifestyle for men and women”.

What a wonderful ideal. How do we know it happened and does the offer still stands? Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Because the good news of His triumph is still being offered and people are being transformed from hopelessness to

godliness and purpose. This doesn’t mean believers in Jesus will be immune from life’s sorrows and uncertainties. What it means is they have an understanding of why the world is a mess and what the Lord has done to change it.

Let Jesus lift you out of the ‘blame game’ and into the ‘acclaim game’ of gratitude to God. For whether the World likes it or not, God will have the last word. Because of faith in Jesus His word will be “welcome”. Reject Jesus as Lord and Saviour and insist on blaming God for ‘whatever’ is to hear the dreadful last word “depart”.

Some Bible readings.

Psalm 19.

Isaiah 53.

Romans 1.

Hebrews 1.

Hebrews 4

©Ray Hawkins February 15 2015

The Devil is a Pervert

 When we look at creation we are faced with a dilemma. It is beautiful, awesome and amazing. Then we see cruelty in the animal kingdom, disease and decay. Somehow something has perverted it. We look at Humankind and see brilliant minds, creative geniuses, adventurers and people with talents to heal, teach and care. But at the same time there are terrorists, predators, criminals and so much suffering. How has this perversion happened?

The World Book dictionary describes the word ‘pervert’ as ‘to lead or turn away from the right way or from the truth.’ It also adds ‘to change from what is natural or normal’ especially in regard to sexual behaviour.

Philosophy and religion seek to explain it and present innumerable explanations. The best insight, however, is found within the pages of the Judeo-Christian Bible. People may reject its account in Genesis or explain it away as poetical or mythological but they have no better explanation. Sure some parts raise questions which are not answered in this blog. Still what is stated in plain language makes sense.

Genesis chapters one and two tell us the World was created good. Chapter three introduces the Perverter! He is termed the ‘Serpent.’ Most people imagine this person as a snake. The term comes from the word ‘shining ’ and describes  Seraphims in Isaiah 6:2.(the perverter is able to appear as an angel of light – 2 Corinthians 11:14 – and could well have impersonated a serpent to achieve his perversion of Humanity. The curse on the snake reveals complicity and a warning. Study the Scriptures and see this ‘shining one’ to be an angelic being who rebelled against God and turned away (perverted himself) from God’s truth and holiness. Revelation 12:9 gives the final unmasking of this creature. He is defined as ‘the great dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world.’ As you read the Bible you become aware of his insidious perverting of God’s word, creation and worship.

Genesis unfolds the Devil’s approach. He deceived Eve through making her doubt the honour of God. He did this by casting doubt upon God’s word. She in turn beguiled Adam into breaking the explicit prohibition he had received from Yahweh about eating of the fruit. This act of neglectful disobedience, urged on undoubtedly by the Perverter, turned both Adam and Eve away from God. Something took over their soul and their mind. It is called falling short of what the Lord had created them to be. It is a walking in the darkness of self-interest rather than the Light of God. They had been perverted!

The Devil is also the perverter of Godly worship. As the deceiver, the Devil has offered people myriads of ways to worship. They range from Idolatry to Atheism. Failing that he infiltrates and corrupts Communion, songs/psalms/hymns and makes the pulpit an ego centric opportunity to distract from the Gospel. The sad story of five of the seven churches in Revelation chapters two and three makes the reader aware of that. In Australia Christians are shuddering at the unfolding stories of perverts in clerical uniform who have abused young and old. Such behaviour is the imprimatur of Satan’s perversion in the heart towards the sanctity of another, of marriage and the principle of chastity before marriage.

Another aspect of the Devil’s perverted nature infecting the human soul is seen in people’s attitude to creation. While the Psalmist looked at the earth and the heaven’s and saw God’s handiwork (Ps 8) people choose to see ‘chance.’ Evolution is the mantra of science. The dictionary says mantra comes from Hinduism meaning ‘instrument of thought.’ That in turn comes from the root ‘man think.’  Strange how people can see the wonder of creation in the micro or the macro dimensions and give credit to ‘nothing’ for all creation’s complexity. Then there are those who worship creation (Pantheists) and at the same time sever it from the Creator. Some environmentalists are prone to a similar folly.

The Bible gives understanding on Creation, Morality, the human soul and Spiritual matters (and much, much more) and how they have been perverted. Can you understand why the Devil, the perverter doesn’t want people to read it or believe it. It unmasks him. It reveals his purposes. More to the point it declares his ultimate judgement. (Revelation 20.) He has the World under his pernicious and perverted spell and wants to keep it that way. However, God will not be defied. He set about overthrowing the perversion and the damnation inherent in what the deceiver has done. This is the message of Christmas and of the Passover (Easter). It also underpins His command to repent (turn back to God) and obey the Truth (His word).

© Ray Hawkins

 

(A fuller explanation of God’s reclaiming from the Pervert’s grip creation and humankind can be found in my short devotional books ‘Bethlehem’s Warrior Baby’ and Captured by Calvary.’ These are available in Christian bookshops or Amazon in paper back or Ebooks)

There's a Moral Whirlwind Forming

Cyclones, typhoons and whirlwinds are not chance events. They require a combination of weather patterns for them to form. When such conditions exist it is only a matter of time before their destructive fury is felt.

In the moral and spiritual realm of society there is a similar principle. Things do not change overnight for good or ill. Rather, there are seemingly small steps taken which either lead a society into the pit or up to the mountain top. If a person took the time to seriously consider the World scene surely they must sense a moral whirlwind forming. Living, as I do, in a Western Christianised Democracy the ‘weather’ conditions for our country experiencing a moral ‘cyclone’ is on red alert.

Hosea saw the moral and spiritual whirlwind forming in his time. It struck the Northern Kingdom called Israel. The nation had forsaken the covenant with God, were prosperous and idolatrous and immoral. They also neglected the poor. ‘They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.’ (Hosea 8:7) What Hosea wrote has implications for societies today. As in his day so it will be in ours, the innocent suffer, God is cursed for allowing what was sowed to be reaped and a society collapses.

Our country is envied around the world for its prosperity and safety. Its history isn’t perfect but through it all the principles of the Christian Faith gave it a strong foundation for moral and spiritual strength. Over recent decades this foundation has been chipped away by various hostile forces and ideologies. How has this created conditions for whirlwinds of chaos, destruction and sorrow? Simply by degrading or denying moral and spiritual absolutes on which a stable and secure society can face life and experience certainty with enjoyment.

Over the past century or so children were fed the theory of evolution as the basis for understanding who they were, how the world came into being. Ultimately they were fed the lie that they were mere offspring of chance or ‘space junk.’ At the same time the Christian view of creation, life and morality was lampooned, undermined and discarded by so many of these impressionable young people. They are now part of the ‘weather conditions’ for the approaching moral whirlwind and they haven’t a place of refuge.

What then are the ‘climate’ indicators pointing to onrushing destructive forces? What are their intentions? Simple, destroy our Christian heritage. By believing people are basically offspring of nothing, according to evolution, that means they are worthless. Therefore, murder through abortion or euthanasia cannot be a crime. There isn’t any higher authority before whom we are accountable. A judge recently declared that incest could one day be viewed in the same manner as same-sex marriage which people are now beginning to accept accepting (unfortunately). He has been stood down, at least temporarily. But his comments ring true. Why? Because there isn’t any absolute foundation on which to reject such disgusting actions. A Christian Defence Force person was dismissed from the Army because he challenged the Army’s involvement in the immoral and political Mardi-Gras parade. The Army’s involvement in such political activity goes against their own charter. It was because of his Christian belief on which he would not back down he was dismissed. It is alright to defame Jesus but woe-be-tide anyone who does it to Mohammed or any other religious leader.

There are other factors also in play as the whirlwind forms. The Christian Bible shows them up for

what they are and what they end up creating and destroying. Occult and pagan practices, drugs, slavery and sexual deviant behaviour to name just a few. Perhaps the term Lawlessness gives them a blanket covering. The word isn’t about criminals. It is about a society rejecting the moral and spiritual framework for a safe, secure and happy life. Lawlessness is a conscious rejection of such teaching as the Ten Commandments, personal accountability before God the heavenly judge, Creation and sin, Heaven and Hell, forgiveness, grace, holiness and mercy.

Does the Bible offer any place of Refuge from the onrushing fury of an uncontrollable whirlwind? Yes! It is a moral and spiritual place of safety constructed by Christ Jesus and made plain in His Word, the Bible. It says each of us are made in the image of God although we have spoilt it by our ignorance, indifference or rebellion to His word. Because of His love God set in motion a plan to offer each of us a safe haven from future judgement and the whirlwinds caused by Human lawlessness. That is the message of the death on the cross by Jesus. His resurrection from the tomb is our guarantee of His success. Now He can offer you forgiveness, a new beginning and safety from eternal destruction. Faith in Christ doesn’t guarantee a trouble free time. It does assure you of His presence, over-ruling and of one day sharing in His glory. In time, keeping His commands and teachings saves you from a lot of sorrow, shame and even sickness. He gives you a fulfilled life even under harsh conditions with a hope no one can crush.

The whirlwind is forming. Don't be caught up in its moral and spiritual degradation, destruction and ultimate futility.

Triple 'J' versus Triple 'N'

No, this isn’t a battle for ratings by two radio stations. It isn’t a wrestling match by two sides of three each. This is a battle for the mind and destiny of individuals and nations. It has consequences far beyond a play on words.

An old quote by a railway station sticks in my mind: ‘What you eat today walks and talks tomorrow.’ Turn that saying around and make it say: ‘What you believe today will guide your life and destiny.’ This undergirds the very issues of ‘J’ and ‘N’. The triple ‘J’ team points out Jesus, Justice and Judgement.’ The triple ‘N’ team comprises, No God, No absolutes and No Judgement.

If ‘N’ is correct we live in a world without a moral and spiritual compass. It makes every person a ‘god’ and therefore they expect due allegiance. What we witness in much of life is a classic battle of ‘the gods.’ However, beyond that, the cry for justice is meaningless. What do we mean by the term? Justice requires a standard. That standard requires absolutes. Breaking the standard implies judgement. There’s the problem for atheists, evolutionists or those who believe either death ends everything or we all go to heaven: Where is judgement exercised and justice meted out?

If we imagine it will be in this life then we are disillusioned and irrational. Where is judgement given to the Mafia bosses who rule by terror, live in luxury and die feted? Where is justice for all those who were never caught before death who abused children, corrupted individuals and institutions, even countries? What about the drug barons, war lords and slavers? Where is accountability to the religious wolves posing as sheep who rip apart the body of Christ, the Church? These pariahs of life imagine that belonging to the Triple ‘N’ team is to win. Their victims die as losers screaming for judgement to fall on the depraved destroyers of their lives.

Into this arena jumps the triple ‘J’ team. Jesus, Justice and Judgement bring a moral imperative for life. The ‘J’ team declares that this world is unfair and therefore unjust. Some perverted principle, power or person usurped creation and plays out its wickedness through the lives of people. Jesus is recorded as entering this world to deal with such poison. To do that He had to confront it, drink it, experience its killing power on behalf of the world. To break its power required His personal resurrection from the tomb. Only then could there be verification of victory. Here is the utterance that shatters the universe “Jesus, He is not in the tomb. He is Risen!” He is the testimony that offers a moral compass for living in time and eternity. Jesus is the guarantor of a future judgement day.

How can we be sure of this? It is the testimony of secular and sacred history. The existence of the Christian Church points to it. Lives transformed from the realm of Triple ‘N’ with its despair are an ever present testimony. Read the bible and sense the risen Lord’s presence. Jesus tells us that before Him every knee will bow. Every person will be accountable for his or her faith, unbelief and actions. Christ’s Jesus standard is Himself and His Word. When will this take place? After death comes the Judgement, Hebrews 9:27. and Revelation 20.

Those in the Triple ‘N’ team will know Heaven’s justice through Judgement. As there are degrees of rewards to those in the Triple ‘J’ team so there are degrees of punishment for those outside it. Both are eternal (Matthew 25:46). Some feel God is unfair to do such a thing. Such views are the warped thinking of those who don’t believe in God anyway. They really don’t have any concept of righteousness, justice, accountability and the Supreme Judge of all things. His judgements flow from His intimate knowledge of each of us. He looks at us to see whether or not Jesus is our Lord and Saviour. His decision is flavoured by His holiness, mercy, truth and justice.

The ‘N’ crowd may hypnotise themselves into imagining oblivion waits and therefore they will escape any form of judgement. The bible describes the after effects of such believing as producing an eternal weeping and gnashing of teeth. Those who cling to Jesus and belong by faith with Him in the ‘J’ team will know the price paid to belong has an eternal reward. In this world the Lord says to His followers they will not experience justice because they belong to Him. However, as Christ’s followers they are to give justice, express love and to live faithfully. Jesus is our moral compass. He will be our eternal reward.

The bible has forecast the end result of the contest between Triple ‘J’ and Triple ‘N’. Read it especially in the Gospel of Matthew and the book of Revelation. For followers of Jesus throughout eternity ‘J’ will stand for joy, jubilation and justice.

Boundary Breakers of the Law

The book of Proverbs has great sayings about life and relationships. The one in chapter 29:16 is so apt for our world today. A look down history’s ‘corridor’ verifies its truth. ‘When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases …’

What do we mean by ‘transgression?’ It means crossing the boundary into unlawful territory. When the sign says ‘keep out’ and you don’t. Why would such conditions prevail under the rule of the wicked? Usually such reigns are cruel and oppressive. The standard set is what the unprincipled, the oppressed and the unrighteous will follow. If all that they can expect is defined by this life then the saying ‘let us eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die’ rings true.’ Perhaps we could rearrange the saying a little. ‘Let us cheat, lie and be violent for tomorrow we die.’

When religion overtly or covertly endorses such attitudes what was meant to erect boundaries actually destroys them. The treatment of women of all ages, as ‘things’, is in the news as they are used and abused by violent men! From Papua New Guinea to Pakistan, from the Western to Eastern cultures men crash the barriers of respect and restraint. The tragedy of child abuse and slavery has destroyed so many lives. So true is Proverbs 29:2b ‘When the wicked rule, the people groan.’ In Australia a Royal Commission is being set up to investigate corruption in the Union movement. There are numerous areas around the world which also needs such a Commission.

When the wicked smash the boundaries ‘Hell’s horror’ stalks the land. However who defined the boundaries? 1 John 3:4 ‘Sin is lawlessness.’ The word for sin means a falling short of a standard. Which standard? Mohammed’s! He was a mere man who fell short of the standard. Buddha? Offered fine words for selfish living but also missed the standard. The standard must be set by the Lord God of Hosts, the Creator. He has recorded these in the Bible. No other book can measure up to its standard. No other book can endure the scrutiny it has endured. No other book spells out the benefits for staying within the boundaries. No other book reveals dire consequences for breaking through the moral and spiritual boundaries God has set. No other book reveals the way to restore the broken boundaries and lives. No other book points the person to the One, Jesus Christ, who can give you a clean heart and a new beginning. He also gives the power and wisdom to live within the boundaries.

If you took the time to look at society you will notice some interesting facts. It is the Law of the Lord Jesus which is attacked by the nice and not so nice lawless ones. As one ‘T’ shirt worn by a young women put it ‘No god, No shame.’ Such an attitude leads to ‘No shame, no blame’ and ultimately they hope ‘no consequences and no condemnation.’ In every case the ‘T’ shirts will be wrong. However in the meantime that personal view will spill over and dominate politics, morality and the treatment of the unborn, the aged, infirm and the needy around the world. It is such lawless people, views and behaviour the Lord Jesus declared His people must resist. Indeed Jesus calls upon us to be boundary riders preserving righteousness, truth and caring for the poor and despised. It is by such men and women of faith Proverbs 29:2 speaks about ‘When the righteous are authority the people rejoice.’

Jesus made a promise. To walk with Him will prevent you from walking in the darkness of the lawless. To walk with Jesus is to walk in His light of righteousness, truth and grace. It will be a blessing to some. Others will be offended, guilt-ridden and curse you. However as you live within the boundaries He has set, you will know a hope, peace, health and meaning no lawless participant will ever experience. By the power of our risen Lord Jesus, He will keep us safe. By His grace we will measure up to His standard.

The Dark Side of God

The Dark Side of God.

That which is Abominable in His Eyes

Love – the word we like to hear about God’s character, His essential being. It is true and it makes people feel warm and comfortable. This is even when they are living contrary to His standards. To imagine that the God of Love has a ‘Dark side’ is either, ignored, rejected or threatening.

Over the next couple of blogs I’d like to have a look at what the Bible reveals concerning the Eternal Lord’s ‘dark side’.

Certain practices humans perform are described as being abominable to God.  That is, they are detestable in His sight and worthy of His righteous condemnation. I’d like to list them. Most I’m sure you will say ‘Amen’ to. But will you agree with them all?

Proverbs 6:16-19: Six things the Lord hates, seven are an abomination to him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that hurry to run to evil, a lying witness who testifies falsely and one who sows discord in a family.

Proverbs 11:1 A false balance, 12:22 lying lips, 17:15: one who justifies the wicked are all an abomination to the God of the Bible.

We know that all idolatry is detestable to God for it has devastating effects on the health and spiritual life of a person and community. Check out Deuteronomy 18:9-14 and 12:29 onwards. Idolatry is so closely linked to sexual perversion which destroys the very meaning and symbolism of marriage. The Lord has made plain His framework for Marriage in Genesis 2 and Ephesians 5:22-33.

Deviant sexual practises and perverse behaviour are listed in Leviticus 18. With an uncompromising bluntness we read of God’s severity upon such behaviour. Why? Because it destroys the very soul of the people involved. It corrupts what God intended to be holy and unique between a man and a woman. It demeans souls and shatters relationships of trust and protection. It also pollutes the very landscape and community it infests. Leviticus talks about incest, sexual activity with animals and same sex marriages. Leviticus 18:30 sums it up ‘So keep my (Yahweh’s) charge not to commit any of these abominations…and not to defile yourselves by them: I am the Lord your God. (emphasis added).

The Lord’s judgement upon such practices is holy and just. ‘Whoever commits any of these abominations shall be cut off from their people.’ (Leviticus 18:29) It even goes beyond this. In Revelation 21-22 it is evident that such behaviour excludes any entrance into Heaven.

Is there any escape?

Only by the grace of God and the fact that such behaviour in mind and body requiring punishment has been dealt with at the Cross of Christ. He offers cleansing, forgiveness, a new beginning and power to overcome the past.  1 Corinthians 6:9-10: ‘Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers – none of these will inherit the kingdom of God. And this is what some of you used to be. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.’(Emphasis added) 

 Christ Jesus is God's 'lighthouse' to lead us out of the darkness

God has given us an escape from His ‘Dark side’ and into His light and love. This is open by a personal commitment of your life by faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. His grace then transforms you from being condemned into being accepted.

Ray (now on God’s bright side) Hawkins

Dynamic Aging

Why the Bible is Important to me #7.

Where Dynamic Aging Begins

 

My mother-in-law with siblings (the Telfers of South Australia)

Dynamic aging is about meaning not muscle. It can be possessed by the weak and the invalid yet missed by the strong and healthy. Dynamic aging requires living in a spiritual dimension rather than being hypnotized by the secular. The dynamics for all of this begins on a battlefield.

In the Bible book of Amos we read about God’s ultimatum to Israel. The nation was intent on doing its own thing even in the face of the Lord God’s discipline. His words to the nation are applicable to everyone at a certain point in time. Amos 4:12: ‘Therefore thus I will do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel’.

God called upon the people to engage in an act of war. A contest of strength, will and therefore control. Who will be Sovereign? Such a contest appears uneven and stupid. However within the spiritual realm it is fought out everyday by some one, somewhere. Can you remember when you thought about taking God on when He asked you to let Him be your Sovereign?

The weapons at our disposal to defeat His right to our lives are the following.

A) Personal righteousness,

b) all religions lead to Heaven and

c) the pleading of ignorance.

What is the weapon the Lord raises against us? His word! Hebrews 4:12-13: ‘Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intents of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account’.

We know our goodness will not stand before the holiness required by the Lord. Everyone fall short of their own standard, what hope when measured by God’s? One strike and you are out. How many strikes do you imagine are against you?

A) is answered. We may not like what Jesus said in John 14:6 but it is either true or false. Who would dare make Jesus out to be a liar when He said ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’.

B) is answered.  Pleading ignorance is never an excuse. It is a person’s responsibility to seek out the truth and accept it. Jeremiah 29:13: ‘When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart’.

C) is answered. We break His word, we win the fight.

The trouble is the Bible remains unbreakable. More than that our moral and religious armour melts at the mere waving of the Scriptures across them!  We realise our nakedness. We are defenceless. What are our options?

Run! But where can we hide?

Surrender! Dynamic aging can begin at that point of time.

We kneel in submission. Our Lord and Sovereign, Jesus, lifts us up and calls us conquerors. 2 Chronicles 30:8  ‘Do not be stiffed-necked as your ancestors were, but yield yourselves to the Lord and come to his sanctuary, which he has sanctified for ever, and serve the Lord your God, so that his fierce anger may turn away from you’.

We engage in a self justifying war without any possible victory when we take up our weapons against God and His word. Remember, God has the last word. Will it be ‘Depart into outer darkness’? Or will it be ‘Come into the joy of the Lord’?  

The victory comes when by faith we make Jesus Christ as our sovereign Lord and Saviour. A new, dynamic, eternal and challenging life begins.

This is  a chapter out of my  future devotional called  'Dynamic Aging.'

Ray (growing old with Christ) Hawkins

God's Messages in Stone #4.

The Foundation Stone for…

My grandson was building a tower of interlocking blocks. It was broad based and patiently erected. Trouble came when its height was excessive and also when floor vibrations increased. It shook. It rattled. It collapsed. Then the tears flowed and tantrums erupted.

Foundations are essential for any edifice to endure the pressures placed upon it. This is also true for an individual life, a family  or nation. One of the sad aspects of living a reasonably long life is to see the truth of this in the lives of those you know. They built their life on money, pleasure, fame, success and even religious observances but their lives crashed because of either no foundation or inadequate ones.

We have been considering Jesus Christ in various roles as ‘The Stone.’ He is the rejected Stone, the Crushing Stone now consider Him as the foundation Stone. ‘No one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ’ (1 Corinthians 3:11).

Jesus is our foundation for our Faith.

He is the fulfilment of Isaiah 28:16: ‘Therefore thus says the Lord God, I am laying in Zion a foundation stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation.’ The Bible reveals the Name, the character, the work and words of this person.  He cannot be undermined by evolutionary theory, higher criticisms or religious counterfeits. His claim is contained in many passages. A very graphic expression is found in Matthew 7:24-29 in the parable of the wise and foolish builders.

Jesus is our foundation for Redemption and forgiveness.

In the Old Testament He is the promised one. Check Genesis 3:15. The substitutionary one Isaiah 53 and the coming one Daniel 7.  (Many other passages can be written). The crucifixion, entombment and resurrection of Jesus, known historically, made Him our foundation for Salvation.

Jesus is the foundation on which to build our lives.

In the midst of our earthly living many foundations are offered.  When tested by the various storms of life they will topple. Jesus supplies us with a foundation on which to build; a morality which is pleasing to God and health giving to self and family; hope that takes us through savage times and ultimately into the presence of the Father.  

There are many other facets about a life built upon Jesus we could consider. Get a Judeo-Christian bible and discover them for yourself.  Jesus didn’t say building your life upon His character, cross, and word would be easy. What He does promise is that you will stand in life’s storms. More than that, you will stand in the Father’s presence and know acceptance.

(Ray (locked into the Foundation Stone) Hawkins.

Next week What Jesus makes us – Living Stones.