I recently heard a podcast entitled, "Your role in the Christmas story" by Dr Tom Mullins of Christ Fellowship (Florida), who said that the Christmas Story starts not with Jesus, but with John the Baptist.
My daily reading is all about John the Baptist - (I think God is making sure I get the point).
Isaiah 40:3 says,
"A voice of one calling in the desert,
'Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for Him"
John's life mission and ministry was to prepare the hearts of the people for Christ's coming.
There had been hundreds of years since God's people had heard from a prophet, and now John was commissioned to get people ready - the messiah was coming. Their hearts had to be ready to receive Christ.
The religious leaders had created a 'religion' of rules, regulations, hypocrisy and an absence of love. John's message cut all that away. John called for "personal purity and individual righteousness, seen as a refreshing change fron the ritualistic and institutional religion which has developed over the centuries" (Commentary from "The Daily Bible")
Of course, the message of John was that of the Messiah, and more specifically, the lamb that will take away the sins of the world. The King that will remove the religious laws, and replace it with a kingdom of love, grace and a gift of righteousness.
The cross was God's design for our salvation since the beginning of time. Revelation 13:8 describes Jesus as "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world"
The point for us is this: Christ is coming again. He is coming back. Our role in the Christmas story is to prepare the hearts of people for Christ's return. Our whole mission is to "go into all the world and make disciples"
Greg Laurie says this, "A number of years ago, I had the privilege of having lunch with Billy Graham. While I had a lot of questions I wanted to ask, there was one thing I was especially curious about.
I said to him, "If you knew then as a younger preacher what you know now after all these years, what would you do differently?"
Without hesitation, he replied, "I would preach more on the cross and on the blood. That is where the power is."
We need to cut through a 'religion' that has developed over the years of self-help, me-first, and 'what feels good - do it'. Humanism seems to be so popular, and it can be likened to Christianity without Christ. Yet, the message of the cross is the only message that will get the hearts of people ready for Christ's return
What if we don't? What if only give our mission a half-hearted effort? I'm still pondering over last week's Westlife message on Hell, and the horror that people will be destined for if they don't know Christ.
Christ is coming back, and we must prepare the way.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Cliches We love to hate (Courier Mail)
I wonder if cliches are a necessary evil. This courier mail article reports on a survey being taken of the cliches we love to hate. A favourite in church circles is "Let's unpack this"
The problem with trying to eradicate annoying cliches is that we all know what they mean, and so we'd probably end up replacing them with another cliche!
At the end of the day - I think cliches are here to stay. :)
See this article from the Courier Mail:
NEXT time you're at the pub and hear a glass smash, try to resist the urge to call out "taxi!"
If you want to catch up with a work contact, suggest something other than "let's do lunch".
And whatever you do, don't phone someone to "touch base".
That's the verdict of fed-up Australians, who have voted on the most overused and hated phrases in a nationwide survey.
Social researcher Mark McCrindle found politicians, workmates and teenagers the worst cliche offenders.
When it came to political speak, the saying, "I'm not ruling anything out" was the most despised.
But overall, the phrase "at the end of the day" was the most irritating in the English language.
TAKE THE SURVEY HERE: http://www.australiaspeaks.com/
The problem with trying to eradicate annoying cliches is that we all know what they mean, and so we'd probably end up replacing them with another cliche!
At the end of the day - I think cliches are here to stay. :)
See this article from the Courier Mail:
NEXT time you're at the pub and hear a glass smash, try to resist the urge to call out "taxi!"
If you want to catch up with a work contact, suggest something other than "let's do lunch".
And whatever you do, don't phone someone to "touch base".
That's the verdict of fed-up Australians, who have voted on the most overused and hated phrases in a nationwide survey.
Social researcher Mark McCrindle found politicians, workmates and teenagers the worst cliche offenders.
When it came to political speak, the saying, "I'm not ruling anything out" was the most despised.
But overall, the phrase "at the end of the day" was the most irritating in the English language.
TAKE THE SURVEY HERE: http://www.australiaspeaks.com/
Friday, October 10, 2008
Preparation for Serving in the House
It has been said that the most introverted person will influence approximately 10,000 in their lifetime. So, whether we like it or not, we have an influence on others. What we do has an effect on others.
Against this background, when we serve in the House, we have an effect on others, but not just in our friendships, and physical labour.
In Haggai 2:10-14, God spoke to the people who were serving in the House. In fact, the people of Israel were on a project to re-build the temple of God. They were building a place for the presence of God to dwell.
It says this: 10 On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month (again, this was in the second year of Darius), God’s Message came to Haggai: 11 “God-of-the-Angel-Armies speaks: Consult the priests for a ruling. 12 If someone carries a piece of sacred meat in his pocket, meat that is set apart for sacrifice on the altar, and the pocket touches a loaf of bread, a dish of stew, a bottle of wine or oil, or any other food, will these foods be made holy by such contact?”The priests said, “No.”13 Then Haggai said, “How about someone who is contaminated by touching a corpse—if that person touches one of these foods, will it be contaminated?”The priests said, “Yes, it will be contaminated.” 14 Then Haggai said, “‘So, this people is contaminated. Their nation is contaminated. Everything they do is contaminated. Whatever they do for me is contaminated.’ God says so.
This may seem cryptic, but here is what one commentator says:
"Haggai contends that the temple workers cannot claim to be righteous simply because they are working on the house of the Lord. In fact, if their personal lives are not holy, their involvement in the temple's construction will actually desecrate the holy sanctuary"
People who serve in the House each week are creating a place for God's presence to dwell, just like the people of Israel.
It is our responsibility in that role to keep our personal lives in order. If we don't, it has an effect beyond our own lives. It has a negative effect on what we're building.
Just because we're serving, doesn't make us holy, or cover up disobedience.
We need to take the time each Sunday morning and get our hearts right with God. He can't deal with issues in our life if we don't spend time with him daily and allow Him to speak to us - which God often does through His word.
We also need to take time out, like David, and say, "search my heart, O God. Let me know if there is any uncleanliness" Are there any issues of unforgiveness, pride, jealousy, anger.. I find that I can't think of any until I ask God to show me, and then the list comes out!
Serving in the House doesn't make us holy, but failing to get our hearts right can hinder all that God wants to do in our lives, and others' - especially in the House.
Against this background, when we serve in the House, we have an effect on others, but not just in our friendships, and physical labour.
In Haggai 2:10-14, God spoke to the people who were serving in the House. In fact, the people of Israel were on a project to re-build the temple of God. They were building a place for the presence of God to dwell.
It says this: 10 On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month (again, this was in the second year of Darius), God’s Message came to Haggai: 11 “God-of-the-Angel-Armies speaks: Consult the priests for a ruling. 12 If someone carries a piece of sacred meat in his pocket, meat that is set apart for sacrifice on the altar, and the pocket touches a loaf of bread, a dish of stew, a bottle of wine or oil, or any other food, will these foods be made holy by such contact?”The priests said, “No.”13 Then Haggai said, “How about someone who is contaminated by touching a corpse—if that person touches one of these foods, will it be contaminated?”The priests said, “Yes, it will be contaminated.” 14 Then Haggai said, “‘So, this people is contaminated. Their nation is contaminated. Everything they do is contaminated. Whatever they do for me is contaminated.’ God says so.
This may seem cryptic, but here is what one commentator says:
"Haggai contends that the temple workers cannot claim to be righteous simply because they are working on the house of the Lord. In fact, if their personal lives are not holy, their involvement in the temple's construction will actually desecrate the holy sanctuary"
People who serve in the House each week are creating a place for God's presence to dwell, just like the people of Israel.
It is our responsibility in that role to keep our personal lives in order. If we don't, it has an effect beyond our own lives. It has a negative effect on what we're building.
Just because we're serving, doesn't make us holy, or cover up disobedience.
We need to take the time each Sunday morning and get our hearts right with God. He can't deal with issues in our life if we don't spend time with him daily and allow Him to speak to us - which God often does through His word.
We also need to take time out, like David, and say, "search my heart, O God. Let me know if there is any uncleanliness" Are there any issues of unforgiveness, pride, jealousy, anger.. I find that I can't think of any until I ask God to show me, and then the list comes out!
Serving in the House doesn't make us holy, but failing to get our hearts right can hinder all that God wants to do in our lives, and others' - especially in the House.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
A Sign of the Times
For quite a few years now, I've had an interest in the end time prophecies - not at fanatical levels to spook out the neighbours, but I certainly like to keep this on my 'radar'.
When I first did some research on the subject, there were some aspects that stood out:
a. The 10 nation government in the Europe region;
b. The fact that America was no where to be found in end times prophecies;
c. The dominance of China;
d. The prediction that the Euphrates river will stop flowing;
e. An army of 2 million
There are many more prophecies, but I see these signs taking shape already - as follows:
a. The European Union is most likely the vehicle that will be the 10 nation government. The Euro currency is already in place. At the moment, there are more than 10 nations, but watch this space;
b. This morning, I read this article a fairfax newspaper: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/world/how-did-it-get-to-this-america-shatters/2008/10/06/1223145254099.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2 Essentially, it predicts the end of the US dominance the global arena within a very short time
c. China is clearly already one of the big players in the world today. There is already a saying that when China sneezes financially, the rest of the world catches a cold. More facts to come.
d. The Euphrates River runs through Turkey, Syria and Iraq. It is the largest river in southwest asia. However, due to significant dam projects (22 dams and 19 power plants) in Turkey and Syria, there are conflicts over water use. In fact, there have already been occasions where the river has stopped flowing temporarily to allow the dams to be constructed. There is constant fear that water will not reach iraq because of the heaving use by Turkey and Syria.
e. In 2005, China released a newspaper report of maintaining an army of 2.3 million people. http://www.china.org.cn/english/government/116577.htm Needless to say that at the time of the prophecy, and certainly for many many years, an army of 2 Million was unthinkable. It is now a reality.
These are just a few, but with the events unfolding in America at the moment, this prompted me to reflect on the signs of the times.
When I first did some research on the subject, there were some aspects that stood out:
a. The 10 nation government in the Europe region;
b. The fact that America was no where to be found in end times prophecies;
c. The dominance of China;
d. The prediction that the Euphrates river will stop flowing;
e. An army of 2 million
There are many more prophecies, but I see these signs taking shape already - as follows:
a. The European Union is most likely the vehicle that will be the 10 nation government. The Euro currency is already in place. At the moment, there are more than 10 nations, but watch this space;
b. This morning, I read this article a fairfax newspaper: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/world/how-did-it-get-to-this-america-shatters/2008/10/06/1223145254099.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2 Essentially, it predicts the end of the US dominance the global arena within a very short time
c. China is clearly already one of the big players in the world today. There is already a saying that when China sneezes financially, the rest of the world catches a cold. More facts to come.
d. The Euphrates River runs through Turkey, Syria and Iraq. It is the largest river in southwest asia. However, due to significant dam projects (22 dams and 19 power plants) in Turkey and Syria, there are conflicts over water use. In fact, there have already been occasions where the river has stopped flowing temporarily to allow the dams to be constructed. There is constant fear that water will not reach iraq because of the heaving use by Turkey and Syria.
e. In 2005, China released a newspaper report of maintaining an army of 2.3 million people. http://www.china.org.cn/english/government/116577.htm Needless to say that at the time of the prophecy, and certainly for many many years, an army of 2 Million was unthinkable. It is now a reality.
These are just a few, but with the events unfolding in America at the moment, this prompted me to reflect on the signs of the times.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Neglecting to Read your Bible
From a Blog by Bill Muelenberg:
On the Reading of Scripture (Or the Lack Thereof) There is no question that the church of Jesus Christ in Australia (and in much of the Western world) is not exactly in great shape. The church is very far way from where it is supposed to be. And it is certainly not having the impact that it should be having.
There are of course many reasons for this. But one clear reason has to do with our lack of devotion to the word of God. This fact was even picked up in the secular press not long ago. It involved a large study of Australian Christians and their Bible reading habits. It turns out there is not much of a habit at all. Regular reading of God’s word seems to be on the decline. Here is how one press account explains the situation:
“Of those Australians who go to church, 21 per cent read their Bible daily, 14 per cent open it a few times a week and 6 per cent once a week. But 24 per cent said they read their Bibles only occasionally, 18 per cent hardly ever and 17 per cent said they never read the Bible on their own as a private devotional activity, according to the research, which is based on the 2006 National Church Life Survey of 500,000 people who attended church from 22 denominations.”
It continues, “The most diligent Bible readers are Pentecostals, with 72 per cent saying they read the holy book daily or a few times a week, followed by Baptists (62 per cent), Anglicans (46 per cent), Lutherans (41 per cent) and Uniting (43 per cent). Dragging down the other denominations are Catholics, of whom 59 per cent confess they rarely consult their Bibles.”
Well that explains a lot. If we are not reading the word of God on a regular basis, then we will not be functioning the way we are meant to be. Indeed, we will be going backwards, spiritually speaking, if we neglect the Bible. http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/2008/10/02/on-the-reading-of-scripture-or-the-lack-thereof/
On the Reading of Scripture (Or the Lack Thereof) There is no question that the church of Jesus Christ in Australia (and in much of the Western world) is not exactly in great shape. The church is very far way from where it is supposed to be. And it is certainly not having the impact that it should be having.
There are of course many reasons for this. But one clear reason has to do with our lack of devotion to the word of God. This fact was even picked up in the secular press not long ago. It involved a large study of Australian Christians and their Bible reading habits. It turns out there is not much of a habit at all. Regular reading of God’s word seems to be on the decline. Here is how one press account explains the situation:
“Of those Australians who go to church, 21 per cent read their Bible daily, 14 per cent open it a few times a week and 6 per cent once a week. But 24 per cent said they read their Bibles only occasionally, 18 per cent hardly ever and 17 per cent said they never read the Bible on their own as a private devotional activity, according to the research, which is based on the 2006 National Church Life Survey of 500,000 people who attended church from 22 denominations.”
It continues, “The most diligent Bible readers are Pentecostals, with 72 per cent saying they read the holy book daily or a few times a week, followed by Baptists (62 per cent), Anglicans (46 per cent), Lutherans (41 per cent) and Uniting (43 per cent). Dragging down the other denominations are Catholics, of whom 59 per cent confess they rarely consult their Bibles.”
Well that explains a lot. If we are not reading the word of God on a regular basis, then we will not be functioning the way we are meant to be. Indeed, we will be going backwards, spiritually speaking, if we neglect the Bible. http://www.billmuehlenberg.com/2008/10/02/on-the-reading-of-scripture-or-the-lack-thereof/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
