Issue 26 - Day 7

1 Thessalonians 2

1 Thessalonians 2:10-12
10)  Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
11)  As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
12)  That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

Are you walking worthy of God? You may think you are doing okay, but the standard for how we live our lives is God. The truth it that none of us are worthy. No-one is good enough to make the grade, but God is slowly changing us to be more like him as time goes on, through the power of the word in our lives. So a different question, when people see you, and observe how you live your life are you living in the manner they would expect? The phrase you least want to hear from non-Christian friends is, “Why are you doing that? I thought you were a Christian.” It is not only God that has high expectations, the world also has an expectation of that is worthy of God and what is not. Ask yourself if you measure up?

The second part of this is, how do you behave toward other believers? Could you in all honesty walk up to any brother in Christ and say, “You know how Godly I have been.” It sounds a bit prideful to say it like that, but Paul’s point is that knowing how he acted, we should act the same towards each other. When was the last time you exhorted someone? That means to encourage them to action, to spur them on, motivate them. As a pastor I can tell you motivating people is really difficult, yet we are told to do it. Do you comfort others, helping them through suffering? And do you charge people, that is, do you delegate to them passing on a task from God? The desired result is multiplied action. That is when we will also see growth.

Issue 26 - Day 6

1 Thessalonians 1

1 Thessalonians 1:6-8
6)  And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
7)  So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
8)  For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

Are you an example? Talking to a friend at work once, they were describing their recent holiday, extolling the virtues of Italian culture. They said, “of course, I don’t need to tell you how good it is.” Why tell someone who had lived in Italy, is married to an Italian, speaks Italian etc. that they really should go there? When Paul says that the Thessalonians were examples to those around this was no surprise, in fact he too says, “well, I’m not telling you anything you don’t know.” When others speak of your walk with God, is this how they think of you?

The truth is that in “every place our faith to God-ward is” UNKNOWN. If you are like me then your friends know you are a Christian. Maybe your work colleagues also know. Most people in the area probably don’t even know you exist, so let’s take the concept wider. Do the people of Bermondsey know of the faith of our church to the degree that Paul is speaking of? Sadly this too is not the case, if they even know of us. If we are serious about Christ then we should get out there and make sure that the whole area around where we worship together knows that if they need prayer, if they want anything of God, then this is where to come to. In the same way as everyone knows to go to Iceland for frozen food. We get that right, and we have fulfilled the command of scripture. Go and be an example to everyone you meet, of how to follow God.

Issue 26 - Day 5

Galatians 6

Galatians 6:1-5
1)  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2)  Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3)  For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
4)  But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5)  For every man shall bear his own burden.

As is often in scripture there are two sides to the coin of love one another. One one hand we must help each other, restore those who stray, bear the burdens of those who are struggling. On the other hand We must avoid pride, help ourselves by doing what needs to be done for us, and bear our own burdens. This is not a contradiction.

If you have a problem, do not expect others to fix it for you. If you are following God’s will in this area you will be doing everything you can to bear that burden. When God gives you the strength to get through the trial you can rejoice that you have made it through.

If you see a brother in Christ struggling then help. Do not jump in all, “I am perfect and you need help”, but remember your past struggles also. Our duty is not to shame our brothers (and sisters), but to comfort them and bear the burden together. We are nothing on our own, but together we are the body of Christ. As the famous show would put it - phone a friend, go fifty-fifty (with them), but don’t ask the audience, this is to the glory of God not us.

Issue 26 - Day 4

Galatians 5

Galatians 5:13-16
13)  For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
14)  For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
15)  But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
16)  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Sometimes you wonder, when reading the bible, if you accidentally picked up a bad vampire novel. Since when do we go around biting and devouring each other! Fortunately Paul is encouraging us in our attitude toward each other. How often are you tempted to take a verbal bite out of a friend? If we start on that road then it all becomes one vicious circle with everyone trying to undermine and destroy the reputation and lives of each other. This is not of God, it is how the world works. We are instead called to love and serve one another.

In salvation we are freed from sin, we are freed from the law, and we are freed from judgement for our sins, though not the consequences of our actions. Sadly, many believers use that freedom to sin more. Paul says elsewhere, “Shall I sin more so that grace may abound? God forbid!” We are freed so that we can serve God, and each other. We are freed to be able to love one another.

What are you practically doing to serve and love your brothers in Christ? What are you doing to love your neighbour as yourself? Do you even know what their needs are? Talk to them, pray for them and act.

Issue 26 - Day 3

Galatians 4

Galatians 4:4-7
4)  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5)  To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6)  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7)  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Here in England there are two ways in which you can become primary carer for someone who is not your own child. You can foster, or you can adopt. If you foster it is usually on a temporary basis, though it can be longer term, even permanent. However the child concerned only has to obey your authority. They have no rights to inherit from you, or act on the same legal footing as your actual children. If you adopt then in the eyes of the law it is as if you had given birth to that child.

When the only way to God was by the law, as it was before Christ came, this was a fostering situation in many ways. Anyone wishing to be part of that had to become a proselyte Jew. Obey God, be part of the family, but that is as far as it goes. Christ came and changed it all. Suddenly anyone could come to him and be adopted. It is as if we were born of him. In fact Jesus described it as being “born again” of the Spirit. We really are children of God now.

Another side to that is that no believer can say, I am the way I am because I was born that way, because of my upbringing etc. Since you came to know God you are born anew. The way you were born now is holy, a son of God.

Issue 26 - Day 2

Galatians 3

Galatians 3:22-25
22)  But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
23)  But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24)  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25)  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

The eternal dichotomy is presented to us again today. You cannot gain salvation by works. You cannot maintain salvation by works. In fact, if you attempt a life of works you are doomed to be judged and fail by those same works. We must live by faith, serve in faith, and keep the faith. Yet at the same time, faith without works is dead. Our works give evidence to our faith!

To put it in simple terms. We all learn to read in school. Some read faster than others, some learn from their parents before going to school. However, we all had to be taught how to read. We needed a teacher. As you get older you can read for yourself, and no-longer require a teacher. Does that mean you no longer need to read? Some go on through life not reading much at all, and their lives suffer as a result. You have to read just to get through the day, from road signs to food labels.

It is the same with Christ. The law of works is a teacher to reveal sin and bring us to salvation. having learned we have to continue in the good works we have learned, not ditch them because school has finished. Use the law to learn to live by faith, then do it. You are now free to do all the great stuff God has prepared you to do, not free to sin as you wish. Let’s get focused.

Issue 26 - Day 1

Galatians 2

Galatians 2:11-14
11)  But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
12)  For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
13)  And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
14)  But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

Have you ever done something daft that has results in others following your stupidity? The classic trick is to glance at a corner of the room as if there is something there and try to get everyone looking to see what it is. It is surprising how many fall for it. Whenever you are in a position of authority, whether by job position, seniority, or just leading a group of people in a given task they will look up to you and copy you, just as Barnabas copied Peter. Your non-believing friends likewise will look to you as a measure of what is morally right, even when they refuse to believe.

So we have two areas to focus on. Firstly, what are you doing that may lead others astray? It may be culturally correct, even politically correct, but if it is not right according to the bible then you should not be doing it. Secondly, in what ways are you blindly copying others? Have you checked their actions against scripture? Did you read the passages from the sermon on Sunday to check the preaching? Have you read the whole chapter today to check this?

Issue 25 - Day 7

Galatians 1

Galatians 1:6-8
6)  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7)  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8)  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

We tend to think ourselves immune to perversions of the gospel in Baptist churches. Many of us are fixed in our ways over the bible version we use, and the basic doctrines we teach. When we think of perversions of the Gospel we are quick to point the finger at other denominations. Paul rightly warned the Galatians against false teachers that had entered into the church. Anyone who preaches any gospel other than that found in scripture is to be avoided, they are cursed. So we avoid spending time with other Christians whose denominational or doctrinal roots differ from ours, then act suprised when we are accused of being insular. This is all a problem, but not the worst.

The worst problem for the Galatians was that they had already left the gospel of truth. The worst problem for us is the same. When you look at the gospel we preach, and say we believe, the gospel that brought us to salvation, does your life match up to the word? If the person who led you to the Lord were to visit you today, would they look at your life in disbelief and say, that’s not what I taught you! It is normal that we fail. No-one is perfect, but we are being perfected by Christ. If you are not changing to be more like him then maybe you are reading but not doing. Let the words of scripture move from your head to your heart and get into action. Don’t just say the right things, be the gospel daily. Seek God now and repent once more.

Issue 25 - Day 6

2 Timothy 4

2 Timothy 4:2-5
2)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3)  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4)  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5)  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Following yesterday’s rather depressing reading, yet again we are told how people will turn from the truth. People would rather hear made up stories than the truth of God’s word. This is evident around us. It has become ever easier to find “entertainment”. How many times have we held events at the church and those we invite have instead stayed in to watch TV, or gone out to the cinema. Maybe even sat down with a good book, or surfed the internet. None of these things are wrong in themselves, but they are fables, made up stories, that people prefer to hear rather than the truth. No-one likes the truth because it means they have to change.

What do we have to do therefore? Have patience, and keep speaking the word of God in every situation. God has given us a task to fulfil, our ministry. It is to take the gospel to everywhere we go, and to everybody we meet. We will come under attack. Throughout history men and women of God have suffered and died because they would not give up following him. we must do the work of the evangelist. We must stay true to God’s word. Do not be dragged into the world’s view, loving fiction more than God.

Issue 25 - Day 5

2 Timothy 3

2 Timothy 3:1-4
1)  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3)  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4)  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

All too often we get caught in the trap of thinking God is nice. Now ‘nice’ means pleasant, originally it meant ignorant. In either sense God is not nice, he is just and righteous, generous, beautiful and many other things. Likewise the bible is not just filled with positive uplifting messages of hope. later on this chapter does turn to the solution, but the start here is all doom and gloom. It’s bad, and it’s going to get worse! there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it is a train. Politicians would have you believe that things are getting better. The reality, and the truth from the bible match up. These are the last days, and they are going to get worse.

Take a look at recent changes in the laws of England. The bill to make gay marriage legal has just reached parliament. That sounds like un-natural affection to me. Southwark in the last few years has had more new strip clubs and betting shops then ever before. This is because the law has allowed it, and it is definitely due to lovers of pleasure. Even in schools we see that pupils are no longer respecting authority. Disobedience and lack of thankfulness have become normal.

The good news is this means we are ever closer to the return of Christ. Time is running out, so don’t waste it. People need to know him before it is too late.

Issue 25 - Day 4

2 Timothy 2

2 Timothy 2:15-17
15)  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16)  But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
17)  And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

How many people do you know who are full of vain babblings? We have a friend who seems unable to have a conversation in less than the thirty minutes it takes to add on her life story to a simple question, or at least that is how it seems. We live in a society that has to fill every minute of every day with sound. Any silence and people will try to fill it. The result is vain babbling. It is NOT good to talk, it is good to communicate. Whenever I do the school run I am amazed at how many there have moved from vain babbling to fill their empty speech with profanity. In order to fill five minutes with the simple statement, “hello”, they pad their sentences with fifty swear words. What is actually said either numbs the listener so they are insensitive to anything, or hurts when the words themselves are taken at face value.

We have a far better word to speak, yet so often we keep quiet. In the programing world I am continually seeking out new technology and code tricks so i am on the cutting edge and am ready to answer in any situation. In our walk with God we need to do the same. Study the word, then you will be ready to answer anything. If a handyman comes to put up a shelf and forgets to bring his drill they are mocked. If we come to speak to a friend and forget the tools of the Word of God then we also become a mockery. Study, and rightly divide the Word, then rightly divine how to apply it in any situation.

Issue 25 - Day 3

2 Timothy 1

2 Timothy 1:13-14
13)  Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
14)  That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

What is it that has been committed to us? What is it that we must keep by the Holy Ghost? Speaking of Timothy, it is written for us a few verses earlier. Paul laid hands on Timothy and prayed for him. God gave Timothy a gift. For Timothy that gift was an extraordinary ability to communicate sound teaching. All pastors need this gift, and not all have it, but Timothy did, and Paul warned him to hold on to it, to exercise it, and not let it go. What is your gift? What has God given you? It could be anything from the gift of hospitality to the gift of administration, from the gift of teaching to the gift of music. All gifts given by God must be used or they will go. When I was growing up I learned to play the cello. I was getting close to grade eight. I haven’t touched a cello in years, and although I can still play one if called upon I am no where near as good as I was. I do still use the musical ability I learned on other instruments, but the ability to make a cello sing is gone. Do not let spiritual gifts go the same way. Use them.

Timothy’s particular gift was in teaching. He had learned from Paul, and now was teaching others. We are all teaching others at the very least by our actions, either good or bad. However, are you holding on to sound teaching and passing it on? Who can you look to and say, look at how they are teaching others. I taught them that. This is not pride, but seeing God’s word fulfilled in our lives. Learn and teach, the cycle is endless. But always hang on to the best teaching, test every word against scripture, and pass it on.

Issue 25 - Day 2

Titus 3

Titus 3:2-4
2)  To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3)  For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4)  But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

“Judge not, lest ye be judged”, is how this is said in other places in scripture. This puts a bit of a different spin on it however, “love others, as Christ hath love you.” When you see people do you judge them? when they make mistakes do you forget the times when you made the same mistake? Our duty is to help them through these trials so that they too can know the love of Christ in that area of their lives.

A few years ago I was sitting outside the basilica of St. Peter in Rome with a friend. As we eat our packed lunch we began to judge the people in the queue. In order to get in the guards would decide if their shorts, skirt or dress were two short, or their top to low. Basically if you showed too much skin you didn’t get in. So our conversation went along the lines of, “in”, “in, “no chance”, “in”, “no”, “in”... and so on. Eventually we turned to discussing solutions instead. If we had brought a load of cheap trousers, or sarongs we could have made a fortune.

Our attitudes usually declare if we think someone should be allowed into the kingdom of God. He decides that! Instead think how to help people get in. Make a difference by witness, not a judgement. You were once the same.

Issue 25 - Day 1

Titus 2

1 Titus 2:3-5
3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

This is not just a set of rules for old women, nor even a set of instruction for younger married women. The chapter deals with everyone. But I think this passage reflects badly on our society. “Aged women” are ignored as irrelevant at best, no-one teaches anyone anything. No-one listens to teaching even in schools. Young women do not know how to love their husband, nor young men to love their wives, often preferring not to marry at all. Especially here in central London the majority of parents do not know how to love their children. They fail to discipline, they fail to provide (child poverty is at an all time high), and they don’t spend any time with their children.As a church we are a little better, but we have room to improve. Discipleship needs to be ongoing, not just in spiritual matters, but also in practical things. What are we teaching our youth? What are those married a while teaching the newly married? What are we teaching about bringing up children? Our neighbourhood is in desperate need of these things, and we must be doing our part as children of God.

Pray for older people that they would teach and be respected. Pray for the younger that they would learn, and learn to love. Pray for families in this area that through our witness they may come to know God and receive his answers to the problems they face in their lives, day by day.

Walking for God - The Word of God

Teaching is all about communicating what to do, and who God is.
Admonishing is all about communicating what NOT to do, and why God says no.
Singing is all about what you are full of overflowing.

In your walk with God, letting the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.   

Listen Now

Issue 24 - Day 7

Titus 1

Titus 1:8-10
8)  But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
9)  Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
10)  For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:

My first challenge of the day. Are you given to hospitality? I don’t mean, do you invite people round for Sunday lunch on a regular basis, though that is a good start. I mean, when people drop in (and the fact they feel they can is a good indicator things are going right in the first place) do they feel welcome? Are they likely to run into someone else when they drop in? I know I have a cultural advantage in that we expect people to drop in, and expect them to stay and eat with us, if we are eating and so on. But, the same is taught in scripture, so if your cultural heritage does not match up to scripture then change. Be the one that people come to for advice, that everyone knows will listen, will take things calmly and give a godly answer to all things. But be a lover of hospitality.

Challenge number two, do know the word of God? I am good at quoting scripture, though not to the level the Jews of old were, quoting whole books. I struggle to give references for the quotes at times. Memorising scripture helps a lot. But when you are asked a question, is your first thought to say what the bible says? You need that word in your mouth to give encouragement, and to correct those that teach bad doctrine. Never be afraid to stand on the word of God. People may argue the interpretation, but no-one can argue with the words of God.

Issue 24 - Day 6

1 Timothy 6

1 Timothy 6:11-12
11)  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12)  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

There are many things we need to flee in this life, but how much more important what we follow after? Every summer I have a choice of being in London, or Monte San Biagio (near Rome). Of course it is important to leave London and start the journey, however while on that journey, nobody really cares if I have left London. I could leave London in any direction. The important matter is that I take the road to (and a little beyond) Rome. As a man, or woman of God, you have left behind your start point in sin. The question is, what road are you following? Is it the road of righteousness, destination God?

Five things we are encouraged to follow after, with two actions. Follow righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness. All these things are attitudes. From them flows action. If you have an attitude of love toward someone then you will seek do things to help and please them. With a righteous attitude you will seek  to do the things that are right in the eyes of God, and so on. All our lives are drive by our underlying attitudes and we must cultivate these godly attitudes in our lives.
As far as actions are concerned we are instructed to fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life. To use the trip to Italy example again, fighting the fight is like putting your foot down on the motorway and taking the most direct route, watching the TomTom for traffic warning so as to avoid them. Finally live eternal life starting now.

Issue 24 - Day 5

1 Timothy 5

1 Timothy 5:11-13
11)  But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
12)  Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
13)  And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

First, some context. The early church took over the role that families provided, being a wider family. Unfortunately, this led to many families offloading their elderly folk on the church. In the culture of the times if your husband died, unless you had sufficient savings, you had to be looked after by your family, or you would be out on the street. Consequently the church began to look after those with no family, but some families took advantage in the same way as some take from the welfare system when there is no need. Regarding younger women in this situation Paul basically said, don’t worry, they will marry again soon and their new husband will take care of them.

The result of being given free welfare was disastrous. They got lazy, started circulating as gossips, and forgot their faith. Paul was not saying these women were inherently tarts. No, they first took advantage of the church, and as a result had forgotten that the church is here to worship God not as a welfare system. So they also forgot God.
We often let things slip in small things first. Usually daily readings are the first to slip. “I’ll do it tomorrow!” However, let slip in one area, and before you know it you will be walking away from God. Turn back, he is waiting. More importantly, be on guard against the little things. Stay strong in the Word.

Babylon Blog - Part 2

Set Apart From The World – Understanding Babylon - Part 2

---

“And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:” Genesis 5:3


This week we see how sin re-enters the world and the significance of Babel being born in sin.  In Genesis 6-9:1-17 God redeems the World and saved Noah and his family and made a covenant with them.  Within the next 10 verses Sin re-enters the world. Genesis 9:18-29 (comparing to the Fall)

1. Noah drinks of the fruit of the vine – Eve ate the fruit of the tree
2. Noah is uncovered (Naked) – Adam and Eve see they are naked
3. Ham sees the shame of His father – Ham sees Noah in a sexual way, we do not know from scripture exactly what this means but we know that it was seeing Noah naked in an non - innocent (sexual) way.  – Adam and eves eyes are open to their own and each other’s nakedness and they feel shame.  

Whenever we see redemption soon after Sin re-enters the world – except when Jesus ultimately pays the price.  Look at Genesis 19:30-38 Lot is saved from Sodom,

1. He drinks the fruit of the vine,
2. He is naked,
3. His daughters sleep with Him.   

Today two areas that the world struggle with are drunkenness and sex.  

Babylon

Genesis 10:6Ham has 4 sons

1. Cush – Ethiopia
2. Mizraim – Egypt
3. Phut – Persia
4. Caanan – Humiliated (servants to Shem and Japheth descendents)

Genesis 10:8-10Cush begat Nimrod Nimrod builds a kingdom made up of Babel, Erech and Achad and Shinar (these all make up Babylon) Calneh is part of Assyria and then vs 11 – Asshur builds Nineveh (Assyria)
So Sin re-enters the world through Ham – His descendants make up the main areas which battle against Israel – Egypt, Assyria, Babylon and Persia.  Today these same areas battle against Israel – Why? Because the Sin of Ham has passed down through the ages.  

What does this tell us.

• Sin is ever present in this world.-  Romans 5:12
• We need redemption -Romans 6:23
• We need to guard ourselves against the ways of the world - Galatians 5:19-21

• Shem and Japheth cover the shame of their father – His shame is not on them

• We are covered by the blood of Jesus – we are reborn and the sins of our fathers are no longer on us.  

• We now need to look at what we should do: -Galatians 5:22-25

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

How do we do this?

Issue 24 - Day 4

1 Timothy 4

1 Timothy 4:1-3
1)  Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2)  Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3)  Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

We are surrounded by false doctrine, and Paul warns Timothy to be on guard against it. Here Paul explicitly denounces those who advocate celibacy as teachers of false doctrine. It is somewhat ironic therefore that as little as 250 years later St. Jerome launched the celibacy debate that continues today, basing his views on his perception of the life of Paul. Claims that christians should be vegetarian, which is not what the bible says, did not come into the mainstream until  200 years ago, with groups such as the Seventh Day Adventists, but even before that there were those that advocated going vegan as a form of fasting. They rather miss the point that fasting means not eating, and sometimes also not drinking. Either you fast, or you are just not finishing your dinner. In both cases, the bible is clear, so why fall into this false teaching?

Paul is clear, we know the truth. What is the truth? It is the word of God. There is no excuse for being drawn into silly practices when even the bible itself tells us to check everything against scripture. So, first and foremost we must spend time in the word of God. Not just reading, but digging deep to understand what it says. God gave us his Spirit in us to enable us to understand. So the next time you hear any teaching, compare it to scripture. Check what the passages really say in context, and throw out anything that does not match up to the truth.

Issue 24 - Day 3

1 Timothy 3

1 Timothy 3:2-5
2)  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3)  Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4)  One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5)  (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

There are two things we can draw from this passage. Firstly, regarding the church we can see that many churches are acting in error. We must be on our guard to avoid such error in our own church, and on the alert when we encounter churches with this error, for if they miss the obvious here, what other clear doctrines of Christ have they erred in? The requirements for bishops/pastors or elders, and likewise deacons later in the passage are the same in this respect. Are they eligible for the role if their children are running riot? No, being able to rule their own house well is one of the proving grounds. Can they fulfil all the criteria only as a married man with children. How many single people, or women are in leadership these days? And how many troubles result from ignoring this clear teaching.

Secondly, do you know if one day your father, current or future husband, or you yourself will be called by God to leadership? Of course not, but it could happen, so do your part now to make it possible. Children obey your parents, parents, learn to be good parents. everybody learn patience, hospitality, sobriety and so on. These are good things in anyone’s walk with God, and prepares you for any future plans God may have for you. This chapter has an instruction for everyone, so don’t skate over it because you are not a pastor.

Issue 24 - Day 2

1 Timothy 2

1 Timothy 2:1-4
1)  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2)  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3)  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4)  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

We are not too bad at praying for the Queen. They say that our current queen has been prayed for more than anyone in the world other than Pope John Paul II. We are probably not bad at praying for the prime minister, members of parliament, and even heads of schools and the police force. But, when did you last pray for your boss? When were you last doing some team work, and prayed for the leader of that team? When did you last pray for your husband, or your parents? These are all people in authority.
If you are still living at home the number one authority figure in your life should be your dad. He needs praying for, so that you can lead a quiet and peaceable life. It’s not easy being a dad, I should know! So get praying. pray for your mum also. She is running the day to day business of the family. It is not easy making sure there are meals to eat, washing is done, everyone is at the right school/club/sports event at the right time. And for many mum’s they also have jobs as well. Dad may be helping, but mum needs a lot of prayer.
What about at work? Have you ever wished your boss was more understanding, less irritable, less demanding and would pay you more? Well, pray for him, or her. Maybe their home life is a nightmare, maybe travel to work is a disaster, maybe they are stressed out. So pray, and see God work.

Issue 24 - Day 1

1 Timothy 1

1 Timothy 1:14-16
14)  And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15)  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16)  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

In this day and age the world is full of motivational speakers. One of the most motivating speakers of current times is Dick Halt, now over seventy, the story is partly his, and partly that of his son Dick, who was born with cerebral palsy, unable to walk or talk. In fact doctors said he would live life a vegetable. He defied all odds to graduate from college, and even more amazing, the father/son team have competed in nearly 1000 marathons and triathlons, and five iron man races, with Dick towing, or pushing his son over the course. Amazing dedication and teamwork. They would have got nowhere unless Dick and his wife had not started out knowing their son could not communicate, but wanted to. Could not walk, but wanted to run! Knowing he could not, they did something about it.
Paul, realising he was the chiefest of sinners did something about it. We must recognise the same and do likewise. But the story of Paul, not just his conversion but also his life, is there for us as the greatest motivational discourse on the Christian life. Paul went through trials, imprisonment, beatings, shipwreck and illness. He travelled widely, preached, taught, demonstrated Christ to rich and poor. He worked at times and was provided for at others. He lived his life for Christ, and it is documented for us as an example, so that we can do likewise. Read it and put it into practice!

Issue 23 - Day 7

Philippians 4

Philippians 4:8-9
8)  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9)  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

This is the bottom line. If we are to have the mind of Christ, what must we do today? if we are to be likeminded, how should we think today? If we are to experience the peace of God, how will that come about today? The answer is simple, if you want your life to tick over like a well oiled engine then focus on good things, fill your life with the praise of God, and he will be with you.

A while ago a friend of mine had a call from his wife. She had been out in their brand new BMW X5, and had just filled up with diesel. Oops! Thankfully she did not even get out of the garage before realising the mistake, and the garage were able to help. Another friend of ours filled up his diesel truck with petrol, and did not realise until the engine coughed and died a short while down the road. Serious damage to the engine.

We are like these cars. if you fill up with the wrong stuff it just won’t do you any good. You might be okay for a little bit, but as soon as that stuff starts running through your life it will start to break. We have learned of Christ, we have heard from him, we have received from him. What is so difficult in just doing what we already know we should be doing? Jesus took this one stage further and said, “Seek the Me with all your heart, and I will take care of the rest” (my paraphrase). It really is that simple. Fill up with a focus on God, let only good stuff into your life, and the things of this world will not fit in.