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The Carpenter's Chapel
- Thread starter Jim1999
- Start date
Thursday, March 4, 2004
Acts 12: 5
“Peter therefore was kept in prison: BUT prayer was made without ceasing of the
church unto God for him.”
Stephen was stoned for his beliefs and faith in God. The world gathered more
courage to attack the people who dared to be different. The world killed James the
brother of John, and the world wanted Peter also. Peter was taken captive and
thrown into prison. He was guarded carefully. There were four shifts of four
soldiers guarding one man. Two men on either side of Peter, and I suppose two men
at the door. To further keep Peter, he was chained. Religion saved Peter from
immediate death. It was the Passover, and the world wanted to celebrate a religion,
and so they held Peter’s execution until after the Passover.
One would assume that with this captivity there would be no escape. Here we have
the largest BUT of the church. There “BUT” for the grace of God, go I. There,
“BUT” for this or that we would do this or the other. Oh how often the “BUT”
comes into play and not always in good light. I would give you the world, “BUT”. I
would serve in the church, “BUT”. I would teach a Sunday School class, “BUT.”
Have you ever noticed that good intention always preceeds the bad news ? It is
always an equation, I would, BUT.
We have another BUT here.”Peter therefore was kept in prison: BUT....” Are we
waiting for the rest of the equation? Are we waiting for the bad news? Well, my
friends, this is the BUT of great force. “BUT prayer was made without ceasing of
the church unto God for him”
We have the greatest force at our finger tips, Prayer. How many times have we
heard someone say, “I’ll pray for you” and then think nothing more of it? How
many times have we heard, “I’ll pray” and you know in your own mind that it ends
there? I fear too often we are neglectful often in our good intentions. Here the
church church prayed without ceasing.” As the prison had its guards, so the church
had its watchmen. They set up a prayer chain, and prayed without ceasing. In one
church, we planned an evangelistic week. In preparation we assigned a given hour
for two men to be at the church and pray about this mission. If the week of
preaching did nothing else, it taught the men of the church how to pray. That
church experienced great things for God, and I often reflected and wished I had
done more to keep up the practice of all night prayer sessions. I often think about
the results of this passage in Acts when the church prayed without ceasing. It was
not a solo act, but the act of the church. What if we had continued this practice. We
would have seen men’s chains which bound them in sin fall to the ground. We
would have accomplished far more in mission and missionary support. Oh what a
force for God it would have been.
But the church prayed without ceasing. Peter’s chains were loosed, his guards were
put off and Peter was delivered from their captivity right under their noses. This is
the power of prayer. This can be the power of prayer to-day, IF we are prepared to
commit ourselves to continuous, fervent prayer as the body of Christ.
Lord, teach us to pray. We do not want to walk about with glazed trance-like eyes,
so heavenly minded that we are of no earthly value, BUT as men filled with the
Holy Spirit and power of God that the world will see Jesus in us “without ceasing.”
Cheers,
Jim
Acts 12: 5
“Peter therefore was kept in prison: BUT prayer was made without ceasing of the
church unto God for him.”
Stephen was stoned for his beliefs and faith in God. The world gathered more
courage to attack the people who dared to be different. The world killed James the
brother of John, and the world wanted Peter also. Peter was taken captive and
thrown into prison. He was guarded carefully. There were four shifts of four
soldiers guarding one man. Two men on either side of Peter, and I suppose two men
at the door. To further keep Peter, he was chained. Religion saved Peter from
immediate death. It was the Passover, and the world wanted to celebrate a religion,
and so they held Peter’s execution until after the Passover.
One would assume that with this captivity there would be no escape. Here we have
the largest BUT of the church. There “BUT” for the grace of God, go I. There,
“BUT” for this or that we would do this or the other. Oh how often the “BUT”
comes into play and not always in good light. I would give you the world, “BUT”. I
would serve in the church, “BUT”. I would teach a Sunday School class, “BUT.”
Have you ever noticed that good intention always preceeds the bad news ? It is
always an equation, I would, BUT.
We have another BUT here.”Peter therefore was kept in prison: BUT....” Are we
waiting for the rest of the equation? Are we waiting for the bad news? Well, my
friends, this is the BUT of great force. “BUT prayer was made without ceasing of
the church unto God for him”
We have the greatest force at our finger tips, Prayer. How many times have we
heard someone say, “I’ll pray for you” and then think nothing more of it? How
many times have we heard, “I’ll pray” and you know in your own mind that it ends
there? I fear too often we are neglectful often in our good intentions. Here the
church church prayed without ceasing.” As the prison had its guards, so the church
had its watchmen. They set up a prayer chain, and prayed without ceasing. In one
church, we planned an evangelistic week. In preparation we assigned a given hour
for two men to be at the church and pray about this mission. If the week of
preaching did nothing else, it taught the men of the church how to pray. That
church experienced great things for God, and I often reflected and wished I had
done more to keep up the practice of all night prayer sessions. I often think about
the results of this passage in Acts when the church prayed without ceasing. It was
not a solo act, but the act of the church. What if we had continued this practice. We
would have seen men’s chains which bound them in sin fall to the ground. We
would have accomplished far more in mission and missionary support. Oh what a
force for God it would have been.
But the church prayed without ceasing. Peter’s chains were loosed, his guards were
put off and Peter was delivered from their captivity right under their noses. This is
the power of prayer. This can be the power of prayer to-day, IF we are prepared to
commit ourselves to continuous, fervent prayer as the body of Christ.
Lord, teach us to pray. We do not want to walk about with glazed trance-like eyes,
so heavenly minded that we are of no earthly value, BUT as men filled with the
Holy Spirit and power of God that the world will see Jesus in us “without ceasing.”
Cheers,
Jim
NaasPreacher (C4K)
Well-Known Member
Friday, 6th March, 2004
Obstinate has gone back home. Christian and Pliable continue on their way and their discourse continues.
Christian: Come, neighbour Pliable, how do you do? I am glad you are persuaded to go along with me. Had even Obstinate himself but felt what I have felt of the powers and terrors of what is yet unseen, he would not thus lightly have given us the back.
Pliable: Come, neighbour Christian, since there is none but us two here, tell me now further what the things are, and how to be enjoyed, whither we are going.
Christian: I can better conceive of them with my mind than speak of them with my tongue: but yet, since you are desirous to know, I will read of them in my book.
Pliable: And do you think that the words of your book are certainly true?
We must pause here for a profound thought. Pliable has been questioning Christian about why he is so sure of what he believes. He is preparing to share with Pliable some of the things he is looking forward to when Pliable asks him why is so sure of what he believes. Christian’s reply is that he has read theses things in his Book. Pliable then asks him why he is so sure of what he reads in the Book and Christian replies:
Christian: Yes, verily; for it was made by him that cannot lie (Titus 1v2).
Christian mention Titus 1v2, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began”
What a great, unequivocal promise, “God, Who cannot lie.” There is something God cannot do, and that is to lie. This theme runs throughout scripture; “God is not a man, that he should lie; …” ( Numbers 23v19); “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:” ( Hebrews 6:18)
The Hebrews passage is especially helpful. It is IMPOSSIBLE for God to lie, and that gives us strong consolation. God did not lie when He said “for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” God did not lie when He said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” God did not lie when He said, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 40v10).
There is not much we can trust today, but we can trust the written word of God, for, in Christian’s words – “it was made by Him that cannot lie!”
Obstinate has gone back home. Christian and Pliable continue on their way and their discourse continues.
Christian: Come, neighbour Pliable, how do you do? I am glad you are persuaded to go along with me. Had even Obstinate himself but felt what I have felt of the powers and terrors of what is yet unseen, he would not thus lightly have given us the back.
Pliable: Come, neighbour Christian, since there is none but us two here, tell me now further what the things are, and how to be enjoyed, whither we are going.
Christian: I can better conceive of them with my mind than speak of them with my tongue: but yet, since you are desirous to know, I will read of them in my book.
Pliable: And do you think that the words of your book are certainly true?
We must pause here for a profound thought. Pliable has been questioning Christian about why he is so sure of what he believes. He is preparing to share with Pliable some of the things he is looking forward to when Pliable asks him why is so sure of what he believes. Christian’s reply is that he has read theses things in his Book. Pliable then asks him why he is so sure of what he reads in the Book and Christian replies:
Christian: Yes, verily; for it was made by him that cannot lie (Titus 1v2).
Christian mention Titus 1v2, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began”
What a great, unequivocal promise, “God, Who cannot lie.” There is something God cannot do, and that is to lie. This theme runs throughout scripture; “God is not a man, that he should lie; …” ( Numbers 23v19); “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:” ( Hebrews 6:18)
The Hebrews passage is especially helpful. It is IMPOSSIBLE for God to lie, and that gives us strong consolation. God did not lie when He said “for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” God did not lie when He said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” God did not lie when He said, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 40v10).
There is not much we can trust today, but we can trust the written word of God, for, in Christian’s words – “it was made by Him that cannot lie!”
Monday, March 8, 2004
Acts 13: 11
“And now, behold, that hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not
seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell upon him a mist and a
darkness; and he went about seeking someone to lead him by the hand.”
This verse is referring to Elymas the magician. He did all he could to dissuade
others from receiving the gospel, the message of God, in Christ Jesus. There are
many to-day who do much the same. They use their office of power and persuasion
to lead the sheep astray. God has other designs. God has separated His servants, His
messengers, to deliver the gospel and whoa betide those who would hinder the work
of God There will be dire consequences. We may not see the immediate results
to-day, but they are there. Inside the soul of these people is discontent and unrest.
They are always anxious souls. One does not have to serve in ministry long before
you meet them. Yes, some are even inside the church, and they walk in the right
clothing, but lack the inner grace. The heart remains hardened to the things of God.
Beware dear brethren that we do not grieve the Holy Spirit by our behaviour. God
will act harshly and He will act quickly.
I am reminded of the story of the atheist who went about challenging the existence
of God. I cannot verify that this story is true, but it establishes a point. When he
gathered a crowd, he pointed to heaven, shook his fist, and said, “God, if there be a
God, If you exist I challenge you to strike me dead.” He looked to heaven, then he
looked about the crowd, and drew jeers and jocularity about his boastings. “There”,
he said, “There is no God.” He walked away. Whilst walking home through the
wooded path, a great flash of lightning struck him and killed him instantly. God
does not want an audience. Indeed, God does not need a witness. His hand is swift
and it is sure. He answers even the requests of the unsaved.
This man, Elymas, or Bar-Jesus claimed the name the son of Jesus, but Paul calls
him the son of the devil, he calls himself one of wisdom and knowledge, but is
reduced to beggar status. He once misled the people and now must find someone to
take him by the hand to find his way in the world.
We may think we are the wise ones, but God will reduce us to nothing. In this
instance, the Lord’s quick hand upon the magician has good results. The proconsul
believes the message that the missionaries had brought them. Verse 12 “Then the
deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of
the Lord.” This shows the importance of those times in church when we give time
for personal testimonies. Often people asked me how to witness to this cult or that
religion. They think I will give them great knowledge about what practices these
other religions follow. My answer is always the same. Tell them about Jesus, and
what He has done in your life. It is the best witness one can give. It is
demonstrating the sure hand of God upon a life, which was once adorned in filthy
rags, and now in the robes of the Kingdom.
Lord, help us to always be prepared to have an answer for the hope that is within
us. Help us to tell about Jesus, and His redeeming grace.
Cheers,
Jim
Acts 13: 11
“And now, behold, that hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not
seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell upon him a mist and a
darkness; and he went about seeking someone to lead him by the hand.”
This verse is referring to Elymas the magician. He did all he could to dissuade
others from receiving the gospel, the message of God, in Christ Jesus. There are
many to-day who do much the same. They use their office of power and persuasion
to lead the sheep astray. God has other designs. God has separated His servants, His
messengers, to deliver the gospel and whoa betide those who would hinder the work
of God There will be dire consequences. We may not see the immediate results
to-day, but they are there. Inside the soul of these people is discontent and unrest.
They are always anxious souls. One does not have to serve in ministry long before
you meet them. Yes, some are even inside the church, and they walk in the right
clothing, but lack the inner grace. The heart remains hardened to the things of God.
Beware dear brethren that we do not grieve the Holy Spirit by our behaviour. God
will act harshly and He will act quickly.
I am reminded of the story of the atheist who went about challenging the existence
of God. I cannot verify that this story is true, but it establishes a point. When he
gathered a crowd, he pointed to heaven, shook his fist, and said, “God, if there be a
God, If you exist I challenge you to strike me dead.” He looked to heaven, then he
looked about the crowd, and drew jeers and jocularity about his boastings. “There”,
he said, “There is no God.” He walked away. Whilst walking home through the
wooded path, a great flash of lightning struck him and killed him instantly. God
does not want an audience. Indeed, God does not need a witness. His hand is swift
and it is sure. He answers even the requests of the unsaved.
This man, Elymas, or Bar-Jesus claimed the name the son of Jesus, but Paul calls
him the son of the devil, he calls himself one of wisdom and knowledge, but is
reduced to beggar status. He once misled the people and now must find someone to
take him by the hand to find his way in the world.
We may think we are the wise ones, but God will reduce us to nothing. In this
instance, the Lord’s quick hand upon the magician has good results. The proconsul
believes the message that the missionaries had brought them. Verse 12 “Then the
deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of
the Lord.” This shows the importance of those times in church when we give time
for personal testimonies. Often people asked me how to witness to this cult or that
religion. They think I will give them great knowledge about what practices these
other religions follow. My answer is always the same. Tell them about Jesus, and
what He has done in your life. It is the best witness one can give. It is
demonstrating the sure hand of God upon a life, which was once adorned in filthy
rags, and now in the robes of the Kingdom.
Lord, help us to always be prepared to have an answer for the hope that is within
us. Help us to tell about Jesus, and His redeeming grace.
Cheers,
Jim
NaasPreacher (C4K)
Well-Known Member
Amen - may that prayer ever be on out hearts and minds.
NaasPreacher (C4K)
Well-Known Member
Tuesday, 9th March, 2004
Christian has just told Pliable that the reason he can go on is that there are great promises written in his book, and that the book was made by “Him that cannot lie.” Pliable then asks for what other promises are in the book. Christian replies that there are great promises about life in heaven as follows.
Christian: There is an endless kingdom to be inhabited; and everlasting life to be given us, that we may inhabit that kingdom for ever (Isaiah 65v17; John 10v27-29).
Pliable: Well said. And what else?
Christian: There are crowns of glory to be given us; and garments that will make us shine like the sun in the firmament of heaven (Matthew 13v43; Titus 4v8; Revelation 3v4).
Christian: There shall be no more crying nor sorrow; for he that is owner of the place will wipe all tears from our eyes (Isaiah 25v8; Revelation 7v16,17; 21v4).
(Christian shares the company we will have in heaven, and then…)
Pliable then asks how these blessings can be received to which Christian replies:
Christian: The Lord, the governor of the country, hath recorded it in this book; the substance of which is, if we be truly willing to have it, he will bestow it upon us freely (Isaiah 55v1,2; John 6v37; Revelation 21v6, 22v17).
In Christian’s last comments he shares the “freeness” of the blessings he had been talking about. Let’s take a look at Christian’s passages:
Isaiah 55v1-2 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Revelation 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Look at those marvellous word! “Come ye, buy…without money and without price…The Father giveth…I will give…freely…let him take freely.” Oh what a marvellous blessing! What tragedy we would face if we had to try and purchase God’s wonderful gift of eternal life. No one of us would have any hope. Christ provided that gift through His one time sacrifice on the old rugged cross. “For it is by grace ye are saved, though faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” What does man do when he tries to earn that gift? If righteousness could come by keeping the law or by good works then Christ died for nothing (Galatians 2v21). Those who are still striving to earn their way to eternal life must be made aware of God’s free gift! Those who have received this gift should wake daily praising God and giving thanks for God’s free gift!
Christian has just told Pliable that the reason he can go on is that there are great promises written in his book, and that the book was made by “Him that cannot lie.” Pliable then asks for what other promises are in the book. Christian replies that there are great promises about life in heaven as follows.
Christian: There is an endless kingdom to be inhabited; and everlasting life to be given us, that we may inhabit that kingdom for ever (Isaiah 65v17; John 10v27-29).
Pliable: Well said. And what else?
Christian: There are crowns of glory to be given us; and garments that will make us shine like the sun in the firmament of heaven (Matthew 13v43; Titus 4v8; Revelation 3v4).
Christian: There shall be no more crying nor sorrow; for he that is owner of the place will wipe all tears from our eyes (Isaiah 25v8; Revelation 7v16,17; 21v4).
(Christian shares the company we will have in heaven, and then…)
Pliable then asks how these blessings can be received to which Christian replies:
Christian: The Lord, the governor of the country, hath recorded it in this book; the substance of which is, if we be truly willing to have it, he will bestow it upon us freely (Isaiah 55v1,2; John 6v37; Revelation 21v6, 22v17).
In Christian’s last comments he shares the “freeness” of the blessings he had been talking about. Let’s take a look at Christian’s passages:
Isaiah 55v1-2 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Revelation 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Look at those marvellous word! “Come ye, buy…without money and without price…The Father giveth…I will give…freely…let him take freely.” Oh what a marvellous blessing! What tragedy we would face if we had to try and purchase God’s wonderful gift of eternal life. No one of us would have any hope. Christ provided that gift through His one time sacrifice on the old rugged cross. “For it is by grace ye are saved, though faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” What does man do when he tries to earn that gift? If righteousness could come by keeping the law or by good works then Christ died for nothing (Galatians 2v21). Those who are still striving to earn their way to eternal life must be made aware of God’s free gift! Those who have received this gift should wake daily praising God and giving thanks for God’s free gift!
NaasPreacher (C4K)
Well-Known Member
Grace denying, works salvation folks can drive me nuts if I am not careful!
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Acts 13: 43
“Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious
proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to
continue in the grace of God.”
Every preachers dream. The potential believers want to hear more about God’s
grace. Would to God, that we to-day, should be so compelling in our preaching and
witness, that the listeners crave to hear more. The first disciples had limited much
of their work among the Jews. They were building a Jewish Church. This was not
the intention of God, and God showed them by opening doors of opportunity among
the Gentiles. In verses 46, 47 “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, it was
necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you...” It was
God’s design to reveal the plan of salvation through the nation Israel. Proselytes
were received, but they had to convert. So it is in the church to-day. Those who
would enter must convert. They must become Christians. They must be born again.
There is no such thing as a hyphenated Christian. It is all or nothing. Now then”
“but seeing you put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life,
lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set
thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends
of the earth.”
It is then that we experience the great doctrines of predestination and election:
Verse 48: “...and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” The action of
God came upon their lives. They were first ordained to eternal life, and then they
believed. They believed because they were drawn of God unto eternal life. Like the
hymnwriter, “We love Thee because Thou first loved us...”
We also learn the lesson of opportunity here. When the gospel is rejected by some,
we move on because God has another willing audience somewhere, and it is our
duty to find them. How? By being faithful in the preaching of the word to the ends
of the earth. When one door closes, God graciously opens another door.
Verse 50 tells us that the trouble makers stirred up the women...”But the Jews
stirred up the devout and honourable women and the chief men of the city,,,,” They
knew how to reach the husbands. The apostles were telling these devout and
honourable women that it was not enough, and they took it personally. They failed
to see the gospel and understood it as an attack on their character. It was once said,
If we cannot reply to his philosophy, attack him personally. Against that there is no
answer. Here is a good example for keeping ourselves pure before God and before
men. If they attack our message, we have an answer. If they attack us personally,
there is nothing more to say. Far too many people go on the defensive when
attacked personally. Forget it! Get on with the task at hand, and preach the truth. All
the while one is defending his own character, he is losing valuable time preaching
the truth. The most important thing in our Christian lives is that we stand tall in the
righteousness of Jesus Christ. As frail men, we will always fall personally. We will
never satisfy everyone, but the clothes of Jesus are always pure, whilst our best
finery is but rags and filth.
Lord, help us to see Jesus afresh and realize His righteousness is the key to life.
Cheers,
Jim
Acts 13: 43
“Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious
proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to
continue in the grace of God.”
Every preachers dream. The potential believers want to hear more about God’s
grace. Would to God, that we to-day, should be so compelling in our preaching and
witness, that the listeners crave to hear more. The first disciples had limited much
of their work among the Jews. They were building a Jewish Church. This was not
the intention of God, and God showed them by opening doors of opportunity among
the Gentiles. In verses 46, 47 “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, it was
necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you...” It was
God’s design to reveal the plan of salvation through the nation Israel. Proselytes
were received, but they had to convert. So it is in the church to-day. Those who
would enter must convert. They must become Christians. They must be born again.
There is no such thing as a hyphenated Christian. It is all or nothing. Now then”
“but seeing you put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life,
lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set
thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends
of the earth.”
It is then that we experience the great doctrines of predestination and election:
Verse 48: “...and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” The action of
God came upon their lives. They were first ordained to eternal life, and then they
believed. They believed because they were drawn of God unto eternal life. Like the
hymnwriter, “We love Thee because Thou first loved us...”
We also learn the lesson of opportunity here. When the gospel is rejected by some,
we move on because God has another willing audience somewhere, and it is our
duty to find them. How? By being faithful in the preaching of the word to the ends
of the earth. When one door closes, God graciously opens another door.
Verse 50 tells us that the trouble makers stirred up the women...”But the Jews
stirred up the devout and honourable women and the chief men of the city,,,,” They
knew how to reach the husbands. The apostles were telling these devout and
honourable women that it was not enough, and they took it personally. They failed
to see the gospel and understood it as an attack on their character. It was once said,
If we cannot reply to his philosophy, attack him personally. Against that there is no
answer. Here is a good example for keeping ourselves pure before God and before
men. If they attack our message, we have an answer. If they attack us personally,
there is nothing more to say. Far too many people go on the defensive when
attacked personally. Forget it! Get on with the task at hand, and preach the truth. All
the while one is defending his own character, he is losing valuable time preaching
the truth. The most important thing in our Christian lives is that we stand tall in the
righteousness of Jesus Christ. As frail men, we will always fall personally. We will
never satisfy everyone, but the clothes of Jesus are always pure, whilst our best
finery is but rags and filth.
Lord, help us to see Jesus afresh and realize His righteousness is the key to life.
Cheers,
Jim
NaasPreacher (C4K)
Well-Known Member
Thursday, 11 March, 2004
The Slough of Despond
Christian and Pliable of fallen into a bog called the Slough of Despond. After struggling there Pliable makes his way to the home side of the slough and leaves Christian on his own.
More about the Slough in the next devotional. For now let us consider the problem of being stuck in the Slough. There are two responses to this difficulty: Pliable gives up and returns home and Christian struggles until he is plucked out of the Slough. What happened to Pliable? I think the problem is one that happens much to often. People can be drawn to a profession of faith by all of the blessings of heaven. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy the glories of heaven forever. That is an easy choice an often can be made in the flesh. What happens then when the going gets tough? Like Pliable, folks may say, “You didn’t tell me about this!” In my opinion Christian was not yet saved for he still bore the burden of sin on his back. Pliable clearly was not saved and turns back at the first sign of trouble. What was it that kept Christian on the right track? Unlike Pliable he had an awareness of sin which was heavy on his back. I am not sure that we should present salvation as a ticket on the “Glory Train” but must always deal with the “sin problem.” Once folks are truly aware of the immensity of their sin that should provoke them on to true, genuine salvation.
One more note. Christian could not make his own way out of the Slough. He needed the assistance of Help sent by God to get out of the miry clay and to be set back on the right path. Salvation is not the work of man, but it is accepting the gift of God’s help.
The Slough of Despond
Christian and Pliable of fallen into a bog called the Slough of Despond. After struggling there Pliable makes his way to the home side of the slough and leaves Christian on his own.
Psalms 40v2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
More about the Slough in the next devotional. For now let us consider the problem of being stuck in the Slough. There are two responses to this difficulty: Pliable gives up and returns home and Christian struggles until he is plucked out of the Slough. What happened to Pliable? I think the problem is one that happens much to often. People can be drawn to a profession of faith by all of the blessings of heaven. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy the glories of heaven forever. That is an easy choice an often can be made in the flesh. What happens then when the going gets tough? Like Pliable, folks may say, “You didn’t tell me about this!” In my opinion Christian was not yet saved for he still bore the burden of sin on his back. Pliable clearly was not saved and turns back at the first sign of trouble. What was it that kept Christian on the right track? Unlike Pliable he had an awareness of sin which was heavy on his back. I am not sure that we should present salvation as a ticket on the “Glory Train” but must always deal with the “sin problem.” Once folks are truly aware of the immensity of their sin that should provoke them on to true, genuine salvation.
One more note. Christian could not make his own way out of the Slough. He needed the assistance of Help sent by God to get out of the miry clay and to be set back on the right path. Salvation is not the work of man, but it is accepting the gift of God’s help.
Friday, March 12, 2004
Acts 14: 8
“And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his
mother’s womb, who never had walked.”
In this verse we see the impotence of the natural man to the word of God. He cannot
respond, he will not respond to the clarion clear call of God to repentance. When we
were yet without strength Christ died for the ungodly.
When this man, crippled from birth, heard the word of the Lord, he stood up and
realizing his feet were holding him, walked. Unlike modern times where we have
fancy scooters and walkers to assist us in walking, these people had to beither
carried to a spot, or drag their bodies along the ground. If only many realized his
lost estate and how poorly he looks, struggling step by step just to take the next step.
Wen Jesus comes into the equation things begin to balance out. Instantly we can
stand and walk. We garner a cursory knowledge of God, but still have a host to
learn. This is the most dangerous stage of the Christian walk. The new convert has
enough knowledge to enter the Kingdom, but not enough to facilitate navigation.
This is the period when some fall away. Thus we learn the importance of discipling
soon upon conversion. Far too often we supply the new Christian with a bus ticket
to heaven, but we neglect to give directions on how to get there.
An interesting note about this passage is this. The apostles never complained when
the crowd talking about killing them. They didn’t hang about either, but they didn’t
complain. Here we have the crowd essentially elevating the apostles to divine status,
and they object strenulously. “The gods are come down to us in the likeness of
men.” Verse 11, And then in verse 14 “ Which when the apostles, Barnabas and
Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people...”
There is only one message to proclaim, and there is only one Saviour to be
worshipped. How often does a people lift up a man, pour praise upon him and then
turnabout and pull him down? He should not have been elevated in the first place.
Here Barnabas and Paul are instantly putting everything in proper persepctive.
“Sirs, Why do ye do these things? We also are men...” We need always to be ready
to give God the fully glory and divesting ourselves of any pride whatever.
Cheers,
Jim
Acts 14: 8
“And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his
mother’s womb, who never had walked.”
In this verse we see the impotence of the natural man to the word of God. He cannot
respond, he will not respond to the clarion clear call of God to repentance. When we
were yet without strength Christ died for the ungodly.
When this man, crippled from birth, heard the word of the Lord, he stood up and
realizing his feet were holding him, walked. Unlike modern times where we have
fancy scooters and walkers to assist us in walking, these people had to beither
carried to a spot, or drag their bodies along the ground. If only many realized his
lost estate and how poorly he looks, struggling step by step just to take the next step.
Wen Jesus comes into the equation things begin to balance out. Instantly we can
stand and walk. We garner a cursory knowledge of God, but still have a host to
learn. This is the most dangerous stage of the Christian walk. The new convert has
enough knowledge to enter the Kingdom, but not enough to facilitate navigation.
This is the period when some fall away. Thus we learn the importance of discipling
soon upon conversion. Far too often we supply the new Christian with a bus ticket
to heaven, but we neglect to give directions on how to get there.
An interesting note about this passage is this. The apostles never complained when
the crowd talking about killing them. They didn’t hang about either, but they didn’t
complain. Here we have the crowd essentially elevating the apostles to divine status,
and they object strenulously. “The gods are come down to us in the likeness of
men.” Verse 11, And then in verse 14 “ Which when the apostles, Barnabas and
Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people...”
There is only one message to proclaim, and there is only one Saviour to be
worshipped. How often does a people lift up a man, pour praise upon him and then
turnabout and pull him down? He should not have been elevated in the first place.
Here Barnabas and Paul are instantly putting everything in proper persepctive.
“Sirs, Why do ye do these things? We also are men...” We need always to be ready
to give God the fully glory and divesting ourselves of any pride whatever.
Cheers,
Jim
NaasPreacher (C4K)
Well-Known Member
Monday, 15th March, 2004
The Slough of Despond lays behind. It is still there for the filth of the world continues to pour into it. Some, like Pliable are turned back by the trial. Others, like our Pilgrim, aware of their burden of sin cannot help but go on.
Now Christian meets another on his road to the gate. He meets Mr Worldly Wiseman from the town of Carnal Policy. After greetings, Mr Worldly Wiseman tries to offer some advice. After discovering that Christian became aware of the burden after reading about it in his book, Mr Wiseman’s poor advice is to ignore what Evangelist has told him go to the home of Mr Legality to rid himself of the burden. He points him to Sinai where Legality lives in the city of Morality. Fortunately, he is turned off from that path when he sees Evangelist. After telling of his encounter with Mr Worldly Wiseman, Evangelist begins instructing him:
Evan. Then said Evangelist, "Stand still a little, that I may show thee the words of God." So he stood trembling.
Then said Evangelist, "See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall we not escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven" (Hebrews 12v25). He said, moreover, "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him" (Hebrews 10v38). He also did thus apply them: "Thou art the man that art running into this misery; thou hast begun to reject the counsel of the Most High, and to draw back thy foot from the way of peace, even almost to the hazarding of thy perdition."
The first thing that Evangelist does is to draw Christian’s attention back to where he should have been in the first place, the Word of God. In the story Worldly Wiseman never refers to the Word of God, only human wisdom. The only way to find the right direction is in the Bible. It is the ONLY guide. He then quotes Hebrews 12v25, but the verse we want to see today is Hebrews 10v38 – “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.”
The meaning is clear here. The just shall indeed live by faith, but the proof of the reality of that faith is that it endures, it continues on. James tells us that true faith works, here we see that true faith endures. Pliable’s false faith was deterred by the Slough of Despond. Real faith is never turned back. Is your faith real? Is it genuine? Does it endure the trials of life?
The Slough of Despond lays behind. It is still there for the filth of the world continues to pour into it. Some, like Pliable are turned back by the trial. Others, like our Pilgrim, aware of their burden of sin cannot help but go on.
Now Christian meets another on his road to the gate. He meets Mr Worldly Wiseman from the town of Carnal Policy. After greetings, Mr Worldly Wiseman tries to offer some advice. After discovering that Christian became aware of the burden after reading about it in his book, Mr Wiseman’s poor advice is to ignore what Evangelist has told him go to the home of Mr Legality to rid himself of the burden. He points him to Sinai where Legality lives in the city of Morality. Fortunately, he is turned off from that path when he sees Evangelist. After telling of his encounter with Mr Worldly Wiseman, Evangelist begins instructing him:
Evan. Then said Evangelist, "Stand still a little, that I may show thee the words of God." So he stood trembling.
Then said Evangelist, "See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall we not escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven" (Hebrews 12v25). He said, moreover, "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him" (Hebrews 10v38). He also did thus apply them: "Thou art the man that art running into this misery; thou hast begun to reject the counsel of the Most High, and to draw back thy foot from the way of peace, even almost to the hazarding of thy perdition."
The first thing that Evangelist does is to draw Christian’s attention back to where he should have been in the first place, the Word of God. In the story Worldly Wiseman never refers to the Word of God, only human wisdom. The only way to find the right direction is in the Bible. It is the ONLY guide. He then quotes Hebrews 12v25, but the verse we want to see today is Hebrews 10v38 – “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.”
The meaning is clear here. The just shall indeed live by faith, but the proof of the reality of that faith is that it endures, it continues on. James tells us that true faith works, here we see that true faith endures. Pliable’s false faith was deterred by the Slough of Despond. Real faith is never turned back. Is your faith real? Is it genuine? Does it endure the trials of life?