As we look back at a momentous, tumultuous and tragedy-ridden
1997, what should we do with the painful past? We cannot change
it. However, we can do wonderful things today and tomorrow: by
the grace of God, by inspiration from the Holy Spirit, and in
the faith that Jesus Christ will finish the work begun in us by
His Almighty Father and ours (Jn 6:44; Rev 1:6).
We should also recognize that within the many dramas we've seen,
and in some cases not seen in these past 12 months, there are
warnings and foreboding for 1998. The patterns, groundwork, and
seedbeds for disasters await to engulf as many as possible with
a suddenness like that of Satan devouring his children.
Around the world demonic hunger lies hidden but ever seeking to
intensify strife, prosper malice, and stoke the fires of turmoil.
Nevertheless, at the end of 1998, even though things will be different
to today, we can be stronger spiritually, healthier psychologically,
richer culturally, and happier socially.
How will things be different from what they are today? For the
past several years, at the end of each year, I've remarked that
the next year would be more dramatic, more traumatic, more demanding
of our best resources. Yes, 1998 will be more difficult than 1997,
both within and without. Friends today may be enemies tomorrow.
People we don't know today may be wonderful friends tomorrow.
Events and circumstances that today seem good may turn into distressing
disasters. On the other hand, blessings foreknown by God, unknown
to us today, will come tomorrow to those who love the true God
and strive with all their hearts to live their lives according
to every word of God. There will be joyfully good and despicably
evil surprises -- close at home and far afield. This is how I
see 1998.
What must each of us do for growth, improvement, and encouragement
in our social, cultural, psychological, and spiritual lives? What
must we do to not lose balance? What must we do to increase our
resilience, our strength, our resoluteness in the difficult times
ahead? What must we do so that our love for God, and for those
God loves as His children, increases and delights us, those we
love, and those who love us?
A PANORAMA OF PROPHECY—including SOME PRINCIPLES FOR LIVING
Jesus Christ makes a comparison between the days of Noah before
the Flood and the last days before His Coming:
The people of God, the children of the seed of Abraham, are given
the same blessing as the friend of God and father of the faithful
received (Rom 9:6-13; Gal 4:28-31; Heb 11:10,39).
We understand that our Redeemer magnified the Law given at Mt
Sinai/Mt Horeb (Is 42:21). He illustrated this in a number of
ways in Matthew 5 with respect to the last few commandments. What
of the first commandments? Consider Ex 20.
The apostle Paul uses extraordinary phraseology in his epistle
to the church of God in Ephesus.
That book of sacrifices and other peculiar laws, Leviticus, has
things to say, that strangely enough, are entirely compatible
with the Sermon on the Mount.
It is startling to realize what LORD, in Hebrew,
YaHWeH, used 5321 times in the OT, means.
This tetragrammaton, or Memra as the Targums use, is a much discussed
name among scholars. Its root means: 'to be', 'to exist', 'to
be present.' So it would be fair to translate I am the LORD
your God, as: "I am the God
(Elohim) who is always with you (i.e., present)").
God is the Almighty who has vowed never to leave us nor forsake
us (cp Jn 17:11,12,26).
Moses continues to quote what the LORD gave him to give to Israel:
Nevertheless, the children of God do sometimes feel
alone, 'deserted', even alienated and unnourished. This is always
a false impression, because God promises never to forsake us nor
leave us. He will finish the work in us that needs to be done
to make us ready. Moses explains:
God is a jealous God and does not want anyone to fail. In His
graciousness He cares for, protects, intervenes, and nurtures
us. A well-known prophecy in Amos says as much:
Those who are called, chosen, and faithful, who are the firstfruits
to God and the Lamb will not be forsaken, will finish the race,
will succeed in the good fight-as long as they endure to the end-and
all by the grace of God.
Now some references in the Minor Prophets:
The Israel of God is to be a holy nation (Ex 19:4-6).
The theme is picked up by Paul and he makes it clear that the
nation God is for is the Church (Rom 10:14-21; also Mt 21:43;
1Pet 2:9). In Genesis 49:22-24 we read of the Shepherd, the Stone
of Israel, coming out of Joseph. We know that Jesus Christ, the
Chief Cornerstone of His Temple, the Church of God, is from Judah.
Yet Genesis 49 says the Stone of Israel is from Joseph. So we
must conclude that God is speaking figuratively. What does He
mean? Scripture is consistent in this parabolic usage in that
it says that Ephraim, the firstborn of Joseph, is the firstborn
of God (Jer 31:9). Other Scriptures are equally sure in saying
He is from Judah (Is 28:16; 1Pet 2:6-9). May I offer an explanation
for this apparent paradox. Some history is necessary first.
Ephraim was the son of Joseph by an Egyptian, Asenath (probably
meaning "she belongs to the goddess Neit"), the daughter
of Potipherah ("he whom Re [the Sun God] has given"),
the High Priest of Heliopolis, the City of the Sun, the temple
of Satan in Egypt (Gn 41:45,50-2; 46:20).
Joshua, (the name in Hebrew is equivalent to Jesus in Greek;
'saviour', or 'salvation'; Yesu in Aramaic [Neh 3:19]),
an Ephraimite (Num 13:8; 1Chr 7:27), was chosen by Moses to lead
a counter attack on the Amalekites, who were the first nation
to attempt to destroy Israel in the wilderness (Ex 17:8-10). The
Amalekites seem to be representative of the worst aspects of hatred
toward God's people (Dt 25:19; 1Sam 15:1-3; Jgs 6:3-5,33-4; Ps
83:1-18). Joshua was the man who stood guard at the tabernacle,
symbolic of guarding what is precious to God, the place at which
the people of god worship Him (Ex 24:13; 33:11). The first six
chapters of the book of Joshua show us how he led the conquest
of the land with Jericho, symbolic of Babylon falling utterly
(Josh 6:17; Rev 17:1-2; 18:2). It was under Joshua's leadership,
as a type of the Saviour, that the children of Israel were circumcised
(Josh 5:6:12), typical of the spiritual circumcision necessary
for all to enter into the Promises (Rom 2:29; Jer 4:4; 6:10; 9:25-6).
In Joshua 24 we read his final address to Israel, whose primary
warning is that they would, as in the past turn to other elohim.
He urges them to be faithful to the true God (vv15-27). It is
interesting that a "stone" is said to have heard their
agreement to the covenant made (v27). Is this not typical of the
Rock of Israel, the Cornerstone of the Church?
Jeroboam, who lead the northern tribes in rebellion against
Solomon and disunity with Judah and Levi, was an Ephraimite (1Ki
11:26; 2Chr 13:6-10). This major historic event seems to be a
parable and prophecy of ongoing splits and divisions among the
people of God with few remaining faithful to the true God. Most,
led by the blind, live in idolatry but deny God's view of their
actions (Ex 20:1-7; Ps 96:5-6; Is 66:3-4; Ezk 14:3-7; Zeph 1:4-6;
Zech 10:2; 1Cor 10:14; Col 3:5; 1Jn 5:21; Rev 2:14,20; 18:4).
Since the Bible is a mighty literary work, with much poetic usage
and figurative language (Mt 13:10-7), one needs to consider the
use of allusions, parallelisms, parables as means of amplifying
what is written. On these bases I view the references to Ephraim
as the firstborn and the Shepherd coming out of Joseph in the
same way as the Ezekiel 16:2 reference to Jerusalem having an
Amorite father and a Hittite mother. Likewise in Revelation 12
we find the Church giving birth to the Son of God (Rev 12:1-6).
Ephraim is symbolic of those God is seeking to redeem first and
who had gone into idolatry and are lost sheep. Those who return
as a remnant (2Chr 34:9) are firstfruits and are brought into
cohesion with those who have been called earlier (Mt 20:1-16;
The Parable of the Vineyard Workers). These firstfruits
(who have come out of Egypt and were 'married' to a foreign god
[Mal 2:11,14,15]) will lead with the returning Jesus (Joshua)
in the overthrow of Babylon (Jericho), and will assist Jesus Christ
in the overthrow of the nations (Amalekites; cp Haman in Esther)
which are ruled by the God of this world. At this point may I
suggest that readers go back and re-read this section. You will
conclude even more for yourselves.
I'll continue with the Minor prophets.
Psychologists have long studied the factors that contribute to
troubled marriages, but have devoted relatively little time to
finding out what makes good marriages succeed. Marriage should
reflect the very best principles of healthy relationships. If
we do not continually recognize the all-encompassing influences
of Satan we shall not fight the good fight of faith, nor shall
we overcome what must be overcome (1Jn 5:4,5)
Judith S. Wallerstein, co-author of the book, The
Good Marriage: How and Why Love Lasts, listed nine "psychological
tasks" as the pillars on which any marital relationship rests.
She is also co-author of an earlier book, Second Chances,
which is about the tragedies of divorce especially upon children.
Both books are well researched, sensible, and realistic.
The first psychological task of a happy marriage is "to
separate emotionally from the family of one's childhood so as
to invest fully in the marriage and, at the same time, to redefine
the lines of connection with both families of origin."
We need to see ourselves as 'members' of three families
of origin. There is our human family, which in some cases
has been an awful experience, psychologically damaging, and even
terrifying for some. I have dealt with this in some detail in
the past (See the sermon Emotional Maturity). Like
the apostle Paul, like David, like Rahab, like Esther we have
to live in the present and see the future God offers (Jer 20:14-18,
then vv7-13; Phil 3:8; Is 61:1-6a).
As children of disobedience our parentage was in Satan (Eph 2:2,3).
This damage is consistently poorly comprehended because we lack
in abhorrence of what is evil (Rom 12:14). Adam and Eve rejected
the parentage of God and accepted the delusions and allurements
of the parentage of Satan. God's people must vehemently reject
the perversities of Satan's fatherhood and wholeheartedly embrace
the love of God, the Father of all the saints.
Childhood is viewed by the apostle Paul as:
The Christian family of origin is in the fatherhood of God and
motherhood of God's Church (Gal 4:26). Unfortunately, Satan has
given too many a taste of the motherhood of a church which is
more akin to sexual abuse within a human family. Trust vanishes.
Grief, anguish, and confusion prosper (Rev 17:5,6; 18:20). Notice
God's view of the motherhood of the Church!
The second principle is: "Build togetherness based
on mutual identification (Our identification is with God, with
the Son of God, with all the saints of old and today's precious
children of God). Togetherness is also based on shared
intimacy (the love, mercy, and grace of God) and an expanded conscience
that includes both (marital) partners, while at the same
time setting boundaries to protect each partner's autonomy."
Conscience should be clean, pure, and all its recesses filled
with the Light which is of God. We are to love one another (1Jn
4:7-5:5). We must be willing to be our brother's keeper (Gn 4:9),
for this is based on the Law that says, "Love your neighbour
as yourself!" and "Do to others as you would have them
do to you!" We should have the courage and love to rebuke
and help one another (Mt 18:15-8; 2Thess 3:14,15; Tit 3:10; Heb
3:13; Rom 14:1; 15:1,2).
Compare this with Paul's instructions in Phil 1:3-11:
The parable of the sower tells us that there will be losses (Mt
13:1-23). On the other hand Christ tells us that there are others
(Jn 10:16), and still others called at the last minute to work
in God's vineyard (Mt 20:1-16). Like parents we must love, cherish,
protect, nurture all the children of God. Each child is different,
and each child requires creative considerations. Yet each of us
is ultimately responsible for working out his own salvation (Phil
2:12,13).
Fourth & fifth:. "Realistically confront and master
the inevitable crises of life. Maintain the strength of
the marital bond in the face of adversity. The marriage should
be a safe haven in which partners are able to express
their differences, anger and conflict."
In the world we are exposed to a culture that more and more finds
laughter in perversities. Good humour is insightful and is descriptive
of realities.
The Church is to be a place of sanctuary and safety for all who
are called. It is a House of prayer for all peoples with their
diversities of tastes. And the Church is surely a House of Joy
and Peace (Is 65:14; 9:3; 12:1-6; 56:7-8; Ps 126:1-3).
A seventh principle is: "Nurture and comfort each
other, satisfying each partner's needs for healthy dependency
and offer continuing encouragement and support." We must
be alert to our spouse's needs. Ask yourself: "What does
my spouse need? What can I do for my marital partner that is good
and needful?" This principle applies to children, neighbours,
brethren. If we are aware that this principle is true, but neglect
to carry it out then the relationship is being destroyed. If someone
is not aware that this principle is true, then that person is
dead and cannot know a good relationship.
Let's look at a few verses in Romans 12 which espouse wonderful
principles:
May our God bless you all in His Will and His Way as you face
another year!
Before describing the things that we all should do, and do better
during 1998, let's go through a scriptural panorama of some prophecies
and God's demands for righteousness.
Gn 6:11-3 The earth (in the days of Noah before the Flood)
became corrupt before God and was filled with violence. 12 (The
Son of) God looked upon the earth (probably at the instruction
of the Father and in response to Noah's prayer which included,
with despairing sighs and grieving cries, descriptions of the
abominations being done on the earth [Ezk 9:4]), and indeed it
was corrupt. All humanity had corrupted their way (of life) on
the earth. 13 (The Son of) God said to Noah, "The end of
all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence
through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth."
We should recall Jesus' words in the Olivet prophecy:
Mt 24:36-41 Of that day and hour no one knows, not even
the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 But like it was in
the days of Noah, so also will it be (just before) the
coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in the days before the Flood,
they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage
(Some aspects of society's life would seem normal), until the
day that Noah entered the Ark, 39 and did not know until the Flood
came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son
of Man be.
In the last days there will be a general denial and unawareness
of the imminent Coming of Jesus Christ. People will scoff and
ask: "Where is the Promise of His Coming?" (2Pet 3:4).
40 Then two men will be in the field (working together):
one will be taken (in resurrection; not rapture) and the other
left.
Now that is odd. When we consider prophecies we think we understand:
Revelation 12 and13, Daniel 11, 2Thessalonians 2, Matthew 24,
and the like: do we not find it strange that someone who is resurrected
at Christ's Coming would be working in the fields with someone
who is not? You'd think that those to be resurrected would be
in hiding, praying fervently, or at least incredulously excited
as they watch the events in the heavens.
41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be
taken and the other left.
See Mt 25:1-13, Rev 10:5-7; 11:9-10; 16:15 which are other indicators
of unpreparedness in the world.
Gn 12:3 recalls the words of God as expressed by Jesus
Christ: "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse
him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall
be blessed" (also [to Isaac] Gn 27:29; in Num 24:9
Balaam prophecies about blessings to Israel. Since vv.17-19
make it clear this is end-time prophecy, this blessing is applicable
to the Church).
The Son of God in blessing His sheep expresses of His Father's
Will. Likewise the children of God carry the responsibility of
bearing the Name of God in ways that make godliness very visible
to others: to spouse, children, friends, neighbours, classmates,
workmates, and enemies.
Ex 20:1-3 God (the Elohim who is the Son of God and carries
His Father's Name(s) [Ex 23:21 "My Name is in Him!"]
spoke all these words (as expressions of what the Father expects),
saying: 2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you
out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage (The Son
of God did the Will of the Father in leading Israel out of Egypt.
The same principle applies to us today). 3 You shall
have no other gods before Me."
The Hebrew, Elohim, speaks of the Divine Structure, i.e., the
Family of God. Elohim, apart from being a Name,
also denotes a system of deity, or godhead. Most scholars say
that "Elohim" refers to the plurality of God's majesty.
A forthcoming paper will show that this is not the case.
Eph 3:14-15 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family [pasa
patria, every fatherhood/family] in heaven
and earth is named.
We should not fail to notice that all the heavenly hierarchies
(the 24 elders, cherubim, archangels, other angelic orders, and
the firstfruits to be resurrected at Christ's Coming), unified
by the Holy Spirit, are grouped in 'families'. Unity is by the
Holy Spirit.
Lev 19:1-3,12,15-8 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Speak
to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to
them: 'You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.
3 Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and
keep My Sabbaths: I am the LORD your God. 12 And
you shall not swear by My Name falsely, nor shall you profane
the Name of your God: I am the LORD."
Do we think that swearing by God's Name only means what we too
often see those who do not know God doing? Hardly! Surely, if
our behaviour, speech, and attitudes are not according to the
Will of God, then we, who carry the Name of God and the Son of
God, are misrepresenting our God. This is false use of His Name.
15 You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial
to the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty. (The church
culture we had become inured with gave more to the mighty and
too frequently misjudged the weaker.) In righteousness you shall
judge your neighbour. 16 You shall not go about as a talebearer
(slanderer; gossip; false accuser) among your people; nor shall
you take a stand (as a false witness; in revenge) against the
life of your neighbour: I am the LORD. 17 You shall
not hate your brother in your heart (pretend to like, but actually
hate. The rebuking wounds of a friend are better than the kisses
of an enemy.). You shall surely rebuke your neighbour (as
you would a brother who does wrong), and not bear sin because
of him. 18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against
the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbour
as yourself: I am the LORD" (God is present
by His Spirit; Ps 139:1-7).
In the last two months of Moses' life (Dt 1:3) he reiterated much
of what had happened to them and gave Israel profound warnings
about the end-time. Deuteronomy 32 is a most dire and pessimistic
prophecy about the failures of Israel. This entire fifth book
of Moses recounts Israel's history in the wilderness as parables
for God's people to heed today (1Cor 10:6,11).
Dt 4:1,2,9 Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the
judgments which I teach you to observe, that you may live, and
go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers
is giving you. 2 You shall not add to the word (as
the religious leaders in Christ's day were guilty of) which I
command you, nor take from it (cp Rev 22:18-9),
that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which
I command you. 9 Only take heed to yourself (Be aware of what
is happening to you.), and diligently keep yourself (Like David,
ask God to search your heart and reveal to you what is going on
in the depths of your being.), lest you forget the things your
eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days
of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren.
Pressures will continue to increase during 1998 to cause people
to forget and forgo the good things they know, and to turn to
smooth things, fables, delusions (Is 30:8-14; 66:4-5; 2Tim 4:3-4;
2Pet 2:1-3). A significant number have given up on all connections
with any church. Surely our Christian example, example inspired
by the Spirit of God, should influence others for good.
Dt 6:4-5 Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is
one! (How is God one? Why do so many ignore the biblical definition
obtained by examining the use of the word "one"? Why
be limited to the mathematical and Neo-Platonic notions? Because
the carnal mind hates the true God. It prefers a god that is a
'Nothing', and is not subject to the Law of God, neither can it
be [Rom 8:7]). 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all
your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
One of the mightiest of the prophets, Isaiah, cites the LORD:
Isa 44:8 Do not fear, nor be afraid. (The majority of
persecutions and wars against 'heretics' have been against those
who do not agree with "orthodoxy" in its definition
of God. Since this is the primary cause for hatred, then there
is cause for human fear). Have I not told you from that time,
and declared it? You are My witnesses (i.e., live
by the Power of the true God, Who is despised by those who hate
you). Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock.
I know not one.
See the following Scriptures which help define the Work
of God: Jn 17:3; 6:29; Ex 34:10; Ps 64:9-10; Jer 48:10;
1Cor 15:58; 16:10. When good and blameless parents see a child
of theirs go adrift, they eventually realize that there are external
influences, beyond the family, that have distorted perceptions
of who and what they are, as parents, in the mind of the 'lost'
child. There is parallelism in the loss of the children of God
(Mt 13:1-23; 20:1-16; 21:33-46). The Church of God does not scatter
her children. Those who are God's servants doing God's work do
not mistreat God's children (Jn 6:29; 10:10-4).
Dt 8:3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger (Israel
hungered physically as a type for those who will enter into His
Promise [Heb 11:39-40]), and fed you with manna which you did
not know nor did your fathers know (They did not understand that
the manna symbolized the Bread of Life, which they refused to
hunger for), that He might make you know that man shall not live
by bread alone (i.e., that which is 'humanly measurable' and 'visibly'
provided); but man lives by every word that proceeds from the
mouth of the LORD (whose true meaning is comprehended by the Spirit
of God working in the child of God).
We know well, (Do we indeed?), that God prophesied a famine of
His word:
Amos 8:11 "Behold, the days are coming," says
the Lord GOD, "That I will send a famine on the land, not
a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the
words of the LORD.
This is consistent with the prophecies in
Dt 32:29 Oh, that they were wise, that they understood
this, that they would consider their latter end!
Foresight, vision, the capacities to extrapolate correctly into
the future are needful. How will what I am doing today unfold
into the future? Where will I be as a result of what I think,
feel, and do now? Is that where I want to be? What inevitable
effects will follow what you now do? We must answer questions
about where our present motives, thoughts, feelings and
behaviour will take us. Denial brings confusion and disaster.
Amos 9:9 For surely I will command, and will sift the
house of Israel (see the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:1-23;
Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:1-15) among all nations, as grain (the good
seed cannot be lost) is sifted in a sieve; yet not the
smallest grain shall fall to the ground. 10 All the sinners of
My people shall die by the sword, who say, 'The calamity shall
not overtake nor confront us.'
Isaiah [28:14,15] speaks of the arrogance and folly of those falsely
confident in God who believe they cannot be lost. Also see Matthew
7:21-3; 25:1-13.
Mic 4:6-7 "In that day," says the LORD, "I
will assemble the lame (Is this referring to those who are crippled
or legless, or is it referring to those who are unable to go where
they would really like to?), I will gather the outcast (those
exiled, alienated, and rejected) and those whom I have afflicted
(those God loves, He chastens); 7 I will make the lame a remnant,
and the outcast a strong nation; so the LORD will
reign over them in Mount Zion from now on, even forever.
Here is a selection of fascinating Scriptures which speak of the
remnant: 2Chr 34:9; Is 1:9; 10:20-3; 28:5,6; Ezk 9:8;
Joel 2:32; Zeph 2:9; Rom 9:27-9; 11:4,5; Rev 12:17.
Nah 1:7 The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble;
and He knows those who trust in Him (because He loves those who
love Him, who trust Him, who walk in His Faith).
Hebrews 12:26-8 interprets Haggai 2:6-7 as applicable to the Church.
The people of God are to experience a violent shaking, of massive
earthquake proportions, so that all that is self-made, man-made,
is not founded on the Rock, will utterly collapse.
Hag 2:6-7 For thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Once more (it
is a little while [before it happens]) I will shake heaven
and earth, the sea and dry land; and I will shake all nations,
and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill
this temple (the Church) with glory,' says the LORD of hosts.
Malachi is perversely misrepresented by some self-styled 'prophets'.
The book exposes, among other things, a condemned ministry
Mal 2:7-9 "For the lips of a priest (i.e., the ministry)
should keep (protect, develop, and teach) knowledge (i.e., the
knowledge of God and the Son whom He sent), and people should
seek the law from his mouth (not his unfounded opinions, but the
provable Truth so that godly fruits result); for he is the messenger
of the LORD of hosts. 8 But you have departed from the Way; you
have caused many to stumble at the Law (Many have become totally
disillusioned, lost, distrustful of all, even of their own capacity
to recognize godliness). You have corrupted the Covenant of Levi,"
(which is the covenant of life and peace, v5) says the LORD of
hosts. 9 "Therefore, I also have made you contemptible and
base before all the people (There is massive loss of credibility
by the ministry-and deservedly), because you have not kept My
ways but have shown partiality in the Law" (Mt 23:17-24).
A BETTER FUTURE—OUR PRESENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Before addressing some specifics each of us must do and must do
better we need reminding that Satan rules the world. Our struggles
are against principalities, powers, evil forces propelling trends,
culture and events.
Rev 12:9 Satan is the deceiver of the whole world.
With this background to the difficulties of living godly lives
in the world, of personally experiencing the battle of flesh against
the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh (Gal 5:17; Rom 7:14,15),
let us consider some principles of Christian living. In doing
this I'd like to make parallels between the individual's relationship
with God, with spouse, with family members, with brethren, with
neighbours.
Jn 12:31 Satan is the ruler of this world.
2Cor 4:4 The god of this world has blinded mankind to
the Light of the Gospel.
2Cor 11:13-5 False ministers, appearing as servants of
righteousness, but are agents of Satan who comes as an angel of
light, preach false gospels.
Eph 2:2 The prince of the power of the air works in the
sons of disobedience.
Eph 6:12 We continually wrestle against Satan's principalities
and powers enshrined in civilization's structures that make society
what it is.
1Jn 5:19 The whole world lies in the power of the Evil
One (cp Mt 6:13).
1Cor 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood
as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put
away childish things.
Faith is based on maturity, not immaturity; discernment, not gullibility;
informed experience, not uninformed childishness; godly knowledge,
not fantasy, not illusions, not delusions, not blind opinions.
Immaturity relies on the rush of the present cultural environment,
whereas godly maturity overcomes the world with Divine reason
and good sense.
Isa 54:1,5-10 "Sing, O barren (wife; the Church,
as in Ezk 16 and Rev 12), you who have not borne (There
are feelings of desolation, of threat, and of lack of growth numerically)!
Break forth into singing (the joy of the latter rain upon the
Church; Joel 2:23-7; Hos 6:1-3), and cry aloud, you who have not
laboured with child! For more are the children of the desolate
than the children of the married woman (type of Hagar; Gal 4:22-8;
There are more children in the house of Sinai than in the New
Jerusalem; Heb 12:22-4)," says the LORD. 5 For your Maker
is your husband, the LORD of hosts is His Name;
and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called
the God of the whole earth. 6 For the LORD has called you like
a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, like a youthful wife when
you were refused," says your God. 7 "For a mere moment
I have forsaken you, but with great mercies I will gather you.
8 With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; but
with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you," says
the LORD, your Redeemer. 9 "For this is like the
waters of Noah to Me; for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah
would no longer cover the earth, so have I sworn that I would
not be angry with you, nor rebuke you. 10 For the mountains shall
depart and the hills shall be removed, but My kindness shall not
depart from you, nor shall My Covenant of Peace be removed,"
says the LORD, who has mercy on you.
Surely this helps us to comprehend why Jesus Christ says to us
that we must endure until the end (Mt 24:12,13). He understands
our feelings and our needs (Phil 3:10; Heb 2:18; 4:15).
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every
prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your
fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being
confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work
in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7 just
as it is right for me to think this of you all (Notice how deeply
Paul identifies with the saints that God loves), because I have
you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains (in prison) and
in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers
with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how
greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more
and more in knowledge and all discernment (Love is not
blind. 'Love' which is not discerning, and not based on godly
knowledge is not Love), 10 that you may approve the things that
are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till
the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness
which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
The third principle: "Embrace the daunting roles of
parenthood and absorb the impact of a baby's entrance into the
marriage (When a new person comes amongst us we should feel and
respond as God does who is drawing that person to Himself). The
couple must learn to continue the work of protecting their own
privacy." This is well illustrated in Paul's exposition in
1Cor 2:6-16 of the effects God's Spirit has in revealing not only
the wisdom of God, but the capacities to see oneself as God does.
The result is that one is judging oneself according to the entire
Word of God. This kind of love of God and His Word casts out all
fears (1Jn 4:18).
Rom 12:9,17-21 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor
what is evil. Cling to what is good. 17 Repay no one evil for
evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with
all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give
place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I
will repay (Lev 19:18)," says the Lord. 20 Therefore "If
your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink;
for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head (Prov
25:21,22)." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome
evil with good.
This is probably one of the greatest challenges possible that
demands consistent daily effort - an effort whose strength is
by the Spirit of God.
Rom 15:1-7 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings
of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please
his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even
Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The
reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me (Ps 69:9b)."
4 For whatever things were written before were written for our
learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures
might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant
you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ
Jesus,
6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore receive one another,
just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.
The sixth principle for our consideration is: "Use
humour and laughter to keep things in perspective and to avoid
boredom and isolation."
Ps 126:1-3 When the LORD brought back the captivity of
Zion (the gathering up as in Jer 23:3,4; Ezk 34:22,23), we were
like those who dream (Is it true, or is it a dream?). 2 Then our
mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then
the response among the nations will be, "The
LORD has done great things for them." 3 The LORD has done
great things for us, and we are glad.
Do we grasp what God is doing for us? Do we show deep appreciation
for the rescue God has effected upon us and will continue to show
us in the Way?
Isa 56:7-8 I will bring them (those who have been sought
out) to My Holy Mountain, and make them joyful in My House of
Prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be
accepted on My altar; for My house shall be called a House
of Prayer for all nations." 8 The Lord GOD, who gathers the
outcasts of Israel, says, "Yet I will gather to him others
(cp Jn 10:16) besides those who are gathered to him."
These are the kinds of anticipations that we should rejoice in!
Rom 12:10-5 Be kindly affectionate to one another
with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another;
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly
in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to
hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not
curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those
who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set
your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not
be wise in your own opinion.
Eighth & ninth principles are: "Establish a rich
and pleasurable sexual relationship and protect it from the incursions
of the workplace and family obligations." "Keep alive
the early romantic, idealized images of falling in love, while
facing the sober realities of the changes wrought by time."
To illustrate these principles I'd like to read and expound a
little on a few amazing verses from the Song of Solomon
(1:1-4,7-8) from my favourite translation, Today's English
Version or otherwise known as The Good News Bible.
The most beautiful of Songs, by Solomon.
The Bride speaks to her Beloved
2 Your lips cover me with kisses;
The Bridegroom responds:
The whole poem expresses deep mutual love.
Your love is better than wine.
3 There is a fragrance about You;
the sound of Your Name recalls it.
Love rejoices and delights in the Name of the Beloved.
No woman could keep from loving You.
The love of the disciples for one another is such that others
should feel deprived. Love in marriage should be such that both
are envied by those not experiencing that love.
4 Take me with You, and we'll run away;
be my King and take me to Your room.
There is constant desire to cry out for the Kingdom of God (Mt
6:10; Rev 22:20)
We will be happy together, drink deep,
and lose ourselves in Love.
The Love of God for His children is an experience of such growth
and expansion of the heart that it overwhelms. The passions for
God's Way become inexpressible.
No wonder all women love You!
Again, all churches should see those loved by Jesus Christ as
blessed beyond measure.
7 Tell me, my Love,
Where will You lead Your Flock?
Christ leads His sheep (Jn 10:4,16) and we should have genuine
faith in His leading us.
Where will they rest from the noonday sun?
Why should I need to look for You
among the flocks of the other shepherds?
Doubt and delay may cause one to seek 'answers' and 'shelter'
with 'shepherds' who are not His shepherds.
8 Don't you know the Place,
CONCLUSION
Loveliest of women?
Go and follow the Flock;
find pasture for your goats
near the tents of the shepherds.
True shepherds nurture, protect, and care for the sheep, who work
to stay together, until the Good Shepherd comes in all His splendour
and carries out His vengeance upon those who destroy His sheep.
We should be fully assured that if we each follow the biblical
instructions given here, though 1998 will prove a difficult, distressing
and perplexing year as we go through the storms, droughts, attacks
-- at the end of 1998 each should be richer and stronger in godly
social skills, in cultural values, in psychological health, and
in spiritual power. Our relationships with God, with the Son of
God, with our spouses, with our children, with our brethren, with
our classmates, workmates, and neighbours should be far better
in the eyes of God.