Wednesday 21 July 2021

HOW DO WE OVERCOME THE WORLD'S TRIBULATION?

Amid the many challenges posed to believers during this global pandemic, how do we remain strong and resilient, instead of sinking into despair?



Christ: I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. And whoever is born of God overcomes the world, and the victory that overcomes the world is our faith.

Who is it that overcomes the world, but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?  

Conclusion: Those who BELIEVE in CHRIST are able to overcome the world’s tribulation.

(John 16:33, 1 John 5: 1, 4-5)

Let's spend some time meditating on these deep truths.

If we believe in Christ, no matter what happens to us on earth:

1. God's presence is with us.

2. God's grace will sustain and empower us.

3. God will supply all our needs.

And even if we should pass through the valley of the shadow of death, we need not fear for we will soon pass into the afterlife to spend time with God in eternity.    

Our body and soul may be decaying and degenerating. But our spirit is safe in the arms of God. 

Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ, provided we keep ourselves in the love of God, continue to abide in Christ and obey His commandments.   

However, if we are still attached to the world's trappings and accoutrements, instead of being centered in Christ, the believer's hope and victory will not be our portion.   




Monday 19 July 2021

TWISTING THE TRUTH

 

 


When we say ‘God is a consuming fire’, does it mean that God will burn away our confusion and fear?

In trying times, like in this pandemic season, it is understandable that many believers need comfort and encouragement. In this respect, “Grace for Purpose”, a motivational Christian portal with its own Youtube channel, is highly relevant and often meets their needs.

But one of its videos on prayer has some serious issues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8mrfq6SNIU

The video clip at 9.05 minute states that ‘God is a consuming fire’ (Hebrews 12: 29), meaning that He is powerful and holy. That is true. I agree with it.

However, it goes on to say this means God will burn away the confusion and fear in our lives. This is not what this verse, Hebrews 12: 29, says.

To understand the ‘God is a consuming fire’ verse better, we have to view it in its proper context—from the passage where it was taken:

“See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shakenthat is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.

(Hebrews 12: 25-29).

But, alas, this is what you would expect from a site called “Grace for Purpose” that twists God’s word (in this case Hebrews 12:29) to offer a soft, ear-tickling brand of Christianity that treats God as our servant who exists to serve us. Undoubtedly, this type of ‘seeker sensitive’ message of God’s favour and blessing attracts many. It does not spell out what we need to do if we have sinned and need to repent. It downplays God’s holiness and judgment while it elevates His grace, love and mercy, much to the delight of many believers.

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

So what is the correct interpretation of ‘God is a consuming fire’?

Fire is a metaphor for God’s anger and righteous judgment on humanity.

In Deuteronomy 4:24, we read about God’s intolerance of false gods (idols): “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”  He won’t tolerate rivals who compete for man’s worship and allegiance.

In the New Testament, the concept of fire being linked to judgment is seen in John chapter 15. Christ warned that believers (branches) who fail to abide in Him (Vine) will be burned—that is come under judgment: "If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned" (John 15:6).

What does abide in Christ mean? Put simply, it means to obey His commandments: "Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us" (1 John 3:24).

Furthermore, “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36).

Juxtaposing these three verses (John 15:6, 1 John 3:24 and John 3:36), we come to the conclusion that if we fail to abide in Christ—willfully choose to disobey His commandments—we will be burnt (face God’s judgment).

In conclusion, ‘God is a consuming fire’ does not mean that He will burn away believers’ fear and confusion—a promise—as this “Grace for Purpose” video seems to suggest.

On the contrary, ‘God is a consuming fire’ is a serious warning against falling away. If believers reject or disobey God, they will face His wrath and judgment; they will be burnt as that is what fire does best. The righteous judgment of God is not something to be trifled with. In fact, the main theme of Hebrews is this: Warning new believers against apostasy.

In trying times, like in this pandemic season, it is understandable that many believers need comfort and encouragement. In this respect, sites like “Grace for Purpose” excels and often meets their needs.

However, “Grace for Purpose” should not stoop to the level where it twists scriptures, throws out basic rules of exegesis, treats God like a servant and turns a grave warning into a soothing promise. That would mean turning the gospel into sanctified, motivational messages.

The gospel is not merely about encouragement and motivation but also about self-discipline, correction, rebuke and self-denial:

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

POSTSCRIPT

This passage in Hebrews chapter 12 above is based on Exodus chapter 19 when God came down to Mount Sinai while Moses went up the mountain to meet Him in order to receive the Ten Commandments. The warning God issued to Moses is not to let the priests and people to come up the mountain for God is holy and they will be consumed by fire. God is holy and man is sinful. If they attempt to approach God, without being sanctified, they will be consumed in His presence. For God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12: 29).

RELATED POSTS

THE DIVINE MAKEOVER

Harbouring an image of God that is attractive and agreeable has its dangers.

Love and mercy are important attributes of God. He is slow to anger, quick to forgive and chose us while we were yet sinners. He loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.

But He is also a God of justice and righteousness. “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you” (Psalm 89:14). He is also a Holy God, a consuming fire, to be feared and revered (Hebrews 12:29).

https://bit.ly/3hNZvsb

 

EIGHT KEY TENETS OF HYPER-GRACE DOCTRINE REFUTED

When red flags go up at popular beaches, it means there are dangerous undercurrents that endanger lives. Stay out of harm’s way. Similarly, in the spiritual realm, we need to raise red flags whenever there are dangerous false teachings so that impressionable believers will not be entrapped.

http://bit.ly/1ibPiTU

 

GRACE AND TRUTH

Half-truth: The Law came through Moses but grace came through Jesus.

Whole truth: The Law came through Moses but grace AND truth came through Jesus.

http://bit.ly/1MEout5

 

GRACE AND LAW

Have God’s moral laws become irrelevant for believers saved by grace? Does grace do away with the Law?

https://bit.ly/2TiTZ7d

Friday 2 July 2021

CREATOR AND FRIEND

The Creator of the universe is almighty. Yet, He is also a personal God who cares for man.       


The circled, tiny white dot in the picture above is earth—taken by the Voyager spacecraft in the vicinity of the distant planet, Saturn.


When I consider the heavens, the work of Thy hands, what is man that you are mindful of him and care for him (Psalm 8:3-4)?

  

The almighty God created the vast universe with all the mind-blowing collection of planets, stars, galaxies and constellations. Yet He has an interest in the affairs of man.

Two thousand years ago, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to die on the cross for the sins of man. Christ took the punishment in man’s place when He died on the cross. He became the scapegoat for man, bearing the punishment for sins which man rightly deserves.

Why did God do this? The purpose is to reconcile sinful man to Him.

  • "For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19a).

  • “To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

Those who believe in Christ will have their sins forgiven, will be able to connect with God and be assured of a place in heaven in future—provided they remain faithful.  https://bit.ly/3hdS3pZ

Such an amazing Godso mighty that He created the universe—yet so personal in His love and care for man ... that He longs to relate to man.

Though Christ had no sin, our sins were attributed to Him when we believed in Him. Our sins were imputed to Christ—He took the penalty that our sins deserved.

“For our sake God made Christ to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Christ we might become the righteousness of God”  (2 Corinthians 5:21).

This is called imputed righteousness—ie. we take on Christ’s righteousness when we believe that He died for our sins at the cross.

The invitation is open. Anyone who believes in Christ will be saved from future judgment because Christ has paid the price, bearing the punishment for sins which man rightly deserves.

Would you accept God's offer of reconciliation?

“For God loved the world so much that He gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not die but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

“To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).    

Isn’t it mind-boggling that the Creator of the universe can be our friend?

“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends” (John 15:15a).

RELATED POSTS

WHY SALVATION IS CONDITIONAL

 

                                        For the answerhttps://bit.ly/3hdS3pZ

 

RECONCILIATION: BECOMING GOOD FRIENDS

Even a two-year-old child can be taught the meaning of the word ‘reconciliation’. It happens when two parties who were once enemies with one other agree to become good friends.

https://bit.ly/3wjcNAK