LIFTING MY VOICE: CHaNgEPART ONE
For I am the LORD, and I do not...: C H a N g E PART ONE For I am the LORD, and I do not change. Malachi 3:6 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forev...
Thursday, 30 April 2020
LIFTING MY VOICE: CHaNgEPART ONEFor I am the LORD, and I do not ch...
LIFTING MY VOICE: CHaNgEPART ONE
For I am the LORD, and I do not ch...: C H a N g E PART ONE For I am the LORD, and I do not change. Malachi 3:6 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. H...
For I am the LORD, and I do not ch...: C H a N g E PART ONE For I am the LORD, and I do not change. Malachi 3:6 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. H...
CHaNgE
PART ONE
For I am the LORD, and I do not change. Malachi 3:6
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do it?
Or has He spoken, and it not come to pass? Numbers 23:19
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
And comes down from the Father of lights,
With whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17
The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8
LORD, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
Or ever You had formed the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting,
You are God. Psalm 90:1,2
If we are faithless, He remains faithful
- for He cannot deny Himself. 2 Timothy 2:13
Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89
The above quoted verses from both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible - and numerous other verses which could be quoted bear witness to the unchanging character and divine attributes of the Living God. The God of the Bible - expressed as the triune God - Father, Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit - can be fully trusted to be true to His character, and to fulfill His Word.
The Bible further tells us that 'God is Love.' 1 John 4:8
and also it says that 'God is Light' in verses such as 1 John 1:5 where it says: This is the message that we heard from Jesus and and now declare to you:God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.
Unlike some other so-called gods of other religions, the One True God is not capricious. His character has not, or will ever change. He is not vindictive. He is both a God of Justice and of Mercy.
Although God's nature and His character never change, those who would be His disciples must change. The Bible tells us clearly that man is separated from God by his sin, as it says in Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, came to earth to be born a baby, grow up into manhood, all the time living a sinless life - then die a cruel death on a Roman cross - as the Word of God states in 2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Romans 5:8 declares that God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Just as a human being starts life as a helpless baby, and in the course of time, grows through various stages of childhood, then into adulthood, all the while maturing physically, mentally, intellectually and socially - with the proper nurturing and tutoring, so too the child of God goes through various stages of growth, of CHANGE.
At the point of salvation, a Christian is born again by the Spirit of God, his or her human spirit being re-created by the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul put it this way: Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Every Christian starts his journey of new life in Jesus as a spiritual "baby", feeding on the "milk" of God's Word, as it says in 1 Peter 2:1,2 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy and all evil speaking,
as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
The writer to Hebrews, believed by many to be the apostle Paul, talks about those who lack spiritual maturity, who come to still rely on milk, instead of solid food (spiritually speaking) because they have not progressed from the first principles of the faith as expressed in Hebrews 6:1,2.
Through daily feeding on God's Word, through study and meditation on the Word of God, through prayer, fellowship with other believers, through praise and worship, both alone and in a corporate body - and through sharing by way of bearing testimony to the goodness of God in our lives, we grow through stages into a place of spiritual maturity , all the while remaining teachable that we may continue to grow.
The goal of the Christian life is not to change for the sake of change, but to be transformed to the image of Christ in us - to become more like Jesus.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:17,18
I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:1,2
The fact that through the redemptive work of Christ's death on the cross "we have been accepted in the Beloved" - we are now sons and daughters of the Most High God by God's grace, does not excuse us from the need to change into becoming more and more into Christlikeness.
As it says in Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love [in all things both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all things into Him [following His example] who is the Head - Christ." AMP. version.
If you have read this blog and would like to know more about how to become a Christian, go online to www.vision.org.au This is the online home of Vision Christian Media in Australia, which includes Vision Christian Radio, broadcasting to well over 700 communities, large and small in all Australian states and territories.
Click on the "Grow you faith" tab, then from the dropdown menu, click on "Looking for God?" God Bless!
Romans 5:8 declares that God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Just as a human being starts life as a helpless baby, and in the course of time, grows through various stages of childhood, then into adulthood, all the while maturing physically, mentally, intellectually and socially - with the proper nurturing and tutoring, so too the child of God goes through various stages of growth, of CHANGE.
At the point of salvation, a Christian is born again by the Spirit of God, his or her human spirit being re-created by the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul put it this way: Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Every Christian starts his journey of new life in Jesus as a spiritual "baby", feeding on the "milk" of God's Word, as it says in 1 Peter 2:1,2 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy and all evil speaking,
as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
The writer to Hebrews, believed by many to be the apostle Paul, talks about those who lack spiritual maturity, who come to still rely on milk, instead of solid food (spiritually speaking) because they have not progressed from the first principles of the faith as expressed in Hebrews 6:1,2.
Through daily feeding on God's Word, through study and meditation on the Word of God, through prayer, fellowship with other believers, through praise and worship, both alone and in a corporate body - and through sharing by way of bearing testimony to the goodness of God in our lives, we grow through stages into a place of spiritual maturity , all the while remaining teachable that we may continue to grow.
The goal of the Christian life is not to change for the sake of change, but to be transformed to the image of Christ in us - to become more like Jesus.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:17,18
I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:1,2
The fact that through the redemptive work of Christ's death on the cross "we have been accepted in the Beloved" - we are now sons and daughters of the Most High God by God's grace, does not excuse us from the need to change into becoming more and more into Christlikeness.
As it says in Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love [in all things both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all things into Him [following His example] who is the Head - Christ." AMP. version.
If you have read this blog and would like to know more about how to become a Christian, go online to www.vision.org.au This is the online home of Vision Christian Media in Australia, which includes Vision Christian Radio, broadcasting to well over 700 communities, large and small in all Australian states and territories.
Click on the "Grow you faith" tab, then from the dropdown menu, click on "Looking for God?" God Bless!
Tuesday, 28 April 2020
LIFTING MY VOICE: SURVIVAL? OR REVIVAL!!!
LIFTING MY VOICE: SURVIVAL? OR REVIVAL!!!: SURVIVAL? OR REVIVAL ! ! !
My next blog post! COMING SON!
My next blog post! COMING SON!
Thursday, 23 April 2020
LIFTING MY VOICE: WHO ARE YOU?Part TwoAs stated in my previous blo...
LIFTING MY VOICE: WHO ARE YOU?
Part Two
As stated in my previous blo...: WHO A RE YOU ? Part Two As stated in my previous blog post on this subject, my wife and I were blessed and inspired, and challenge...
Part Two
As stated in my previous blo...: WHO A RE YOU ? Part Two As stated in my previous blog post on this subject, my wife and I were blessed and inspired, and challenge...
WHO ARE YOU?
Part Two
As stated in my previous blog post on this subject, my wife and I were blessed and inspired, and challenged again as we watched the DVD of the Kendrick Brothers Christian movie, "Overcomer."
One of the main characters in the film is portrayed as a fifteen year old sophomore student at a Christian School - a teenager who has been told by her guardian grandmother that her father and mother are both dead. As the story unfolds, it turns out that the diabetic man in hospital that John Harrison befriends is the girl's father. At the time of Hannah's birth, the man, Thomas Hill had been on drugs and alcohol and did not want the responsibility of a child.
Since that time, he had become a Christian, as he was faced up with his mortality as diabetes began to take its toll on his health, ravaging his kidneys and taking his sight. He then realised that the number one priority in his life needed to be to get his life right with his Creator God.
As the movie continues, it is revealed that the principal of the school, Olivia Brooks was a good friend of the girl's mother, and she had been paying the girl's fees for her to be at the school. One day, the principal has a heart to heart conversation with Hannah about her life resulting in her leading her in a prayer of dedication of her life to Christ.
The principal then challenges the girl to read the first two chapters of the Book of Ephesians in the New Testament of the Bible, and to write down all the things God says about her as a child of God. Hannah takes up the challenge and writes out a wonderfully encouraging list of all the benefits listed in these two chapters.
Although the movie is not based on a true story, as I previously said in the first part of this blog, it could well have been. Certainly the list of blessings in Ephesians 1 and 2 are applicable to every person who has been "born again" by the Spirit of God, and who identifies as a Christian.
One of the songs featured in the movie is "Who You Say I Am" by Hillsong Worship. The song written by Brook Ligertwood says in part:
"Who am I that the highest King
Would welcome Me?
I was lost but He brought Me in
Oh His love for me
Oh His love for me
Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I'm a child of God
Yes I am
Free at last, He has ransomed me
His grace runs deep
While I was a slave to sin
Jesus died for me
Yes He died for me
I am chosen
Not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me
Not against me
I am who You say I am"
Great lyrics! Great song!
I am who You say I am!
Back to Ephesians 1 and 2
God says I am:
Blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ
Chosen in Him
Holy and without blame before Him in love
Predestined to adoption as a son of God
Accepted in the Beloved
Redeemed through His blood
Forgiven
An heir of a Godly inheritance in Christ
Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise
A saint
Given Mercy
Given Peace
Lavished with Grace
Given Knowledge of the Mystery Of His Will
Guaranteed An Inheritance
Given Faith
Given Hope
Given God's Power
Made Alive With Christ
Given the Gift Of Salvation
God's Workmanship
Created In Christ Jesus For Good Works
No Longer a Stranger To The Covenants Of Promise
Brought Near By the Blood of christ
Made Part Of One New man (Jews with Gentiles)
Reconciled To God
Given Access To The Father
A Fellow Citizen With The Saints
A Member Of God's Household
A Holy Temple (United with Other Believers)
Being Built Together Into A Dwelling Place for God with Other Believers
As Joseph Prince, Senior Pastor of New Creation Church in Singapore would say: "Can I have a good AMEN?"
The Bible says that we have been redeemed from the pit of hell by the saving work of Jesus on the cross of Calvary - He died a cruel and horrible death that we might have life in His Name!
It is certainly true that, as the Bible says in Acts 4:12 There is no salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. [But by the name of Jesus]
If you have read this blog and would like to know how you can become a Christian, go to www.vision.org.au Click on the "Grow your faith" tab, then from the dropdown menu, click on "Looking for God?" God Bless.
As the movie continues, it is revealed that the principal of the school, Olivia Brooks was a good friend of the girl's mother, and she had been paying the girl's fees for her to be at the school. One day, the principal has a heart to heart conversation with Hannah about her life resulting in her leading her in a prayer of dedication of her life to Christ.
The principal then challenges the girl to read the first two chapters of the Book of Ephesians in the New Testament of the Bible, and to write down all the things God says about her as a child of God. Hannah takes up the challenge and writes out a wonderfully encouraging list of all the benefits listed in these two chapters.
Although the movie is not based on a true story, as I previously said in the first part of this blog, it could well have been. Certainly the list of blessings in Ephesians 1 and 2 are applicable to every person who has been "born again" by the Spirit of God, and who identifies as a Christian.
One of the songs featured in the movie is "Who You Say I Am" by Hillsong Worship. The song written by Brook Ligertwood says in part:
"Who am I that the highest King
Would welcome Me?
I was lost but He brought Me in
Oh His love for me
Oh His love for me
Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I'm a child of God
Yes I am
Free at last, He has ransomed me
His grace runs deep
While I was a slave to sin
Jesus died for me
Yes He died for me
I am chosen
Not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me
Not against me
I am who You say I am"
Great lyrics! Great song!
I am who You say I am!
Back to Ephesians 1 and 2
God says I am:
Blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ
Chosen in Him
Holy and without blame before Him in love
Predestined to adoption as a son of God
Accepted in the Beloved
Redeemed through His blood
Forgiven
An heir of a Godly inheritance in Christ
Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise
A saint
Given Mercy
Given Peace
Lavished with Grace
Given Knowledge of the Mystery Of His Will
Guaranteed An Inheritance
Given Faith
Given Hope
Given God's Power
Made Alive With Christ
Given the Gift Of Salvation
God's Workmanship
Created In Christ Jesus For Good Works
No Longer a Stranger To The Covenants Of Promise
Brought Near By the Blood of christ
Made Part Of One New man (Jews with Gentiles)
Reconciled To God
Given Access To The Father
A Fellow Citizen With The Saints
A Member Of God's Household
A Holy Temple (United with Other Believers)
Being Built Together Into A Dwelling Place for God with Other Believers
As Joseph Prince, Senior Pastor of New Creation Church in Singapore would say: "Can I have a good AMEN?"
The Bible says that we have been redeemed from the pit of hell by the saving work of Jesus on the cross of Calvary - He died a cruel and horrible death that we might have life in His Name!
It is certainly true that, as the Bible says in Acts 4:12 There is no salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. [But by the name of Jesus]
If you have read this blog and would like to know how you can become a Christian, go to www.vision.org.au Click on the "Grow your faith" tab, then from the dropdown menu, click on "Looking for God?" God Bless.
Friday, 17 April 2020
LIFTING MY VOICE: WHO ARE YOU?Part OneMy wife, Tessa and I have...
LIFTING MY VOICE: WHO ARE YOU?
Part One
My wife, Tessa and I have...: WHO AR E YOU ? Part One My wife, Tessa and I have been greatly blessed over the last fifteen + years by the excellent Christ...
Part One
My wife, Tessa and I have...: WHO AR E YOU ? Part One My wife, Tessa and I have been greatly blessed over the last fifteen + years by the excellent Christ...
WHO ARE YOU?
Part One
My wife, Tessa and I have been greatly blessed over the last fifteen + years by the excellent Christian feature-length movies created by the Kendrick Brothers - Alex, Stephen and now their older brother, Shannon - from Albany, Georgia in the USA. They have produced six films to date as follows:
1. FLYWHEEL
2. FACING THE GIANTS
3. COURAGEOUS
4. FIREPROOF
5. WAR ROOM
6. OVERCOMER
Amazingly, their first film had a budget of just $20,000 but you would have never known it. The movie, "War Room", according to producer, Stephen Kendrick had a budget of three million dollars, but he would not disclose the budget for "Overcomer", saying just that it was more than for "War Room."
Each of the films has a particular theme, and clearly presented Biblical truths designed to inspire and challenge the viewers into a closer walk with God - and for those who, as yet do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour - to take that step of full, unreserved commitment to following the Lord.
Such is the quality of the acting and production of these films, and thankfully because of the distribution by giants of the film world, such as Sony Pictures, most of these movies have premiered in cinemas around the world, many of them grossing in the millions in box office revenue.
For the purposes of this particular blog theme, I am focussing on a few highlights from the most recent Kendrick Brothers movie, "Overcomer".
If you have not seen the movie yet, may we encourage you to get a copy of the DVD, or view online - and be greatly blessed and encouraged and challenged as you are immersed in this Christian-themed human interest story, that, although not a true story, could well be.
I will not detail the story of the movie. If you want to read the plot summary, it is freely available to Google online. The theme of the movie "Overcomer", in a nutshell is "Discovering our True Identity in Christ."
Key characters in the movie are John Harrison, a basketball coach and history teacher at Brookshire Christian School, the principal Olivia Brooks, a hospital patient, Thomas Hill, and his fifteen year old daughter, Hannah Scott - a sophomore at Brookshire Christian School.
After the closure of a major manufacturing plant in the city of Franklin where the school is located, with the result that his basketball team is decimated, John Harrison is coerced by the school principal to coach a cross country one-girl "team". The teenager, Hannah also has to contend with asthma.
At the local hospital, Harrison just "happens" to stumble into the doorway of a blind diabetic patient, Thomas Hill, who also turns out to be a former champion cross country runner. As they become friends, John pours out his frustration, at which Thomas asks him pointedly: "Who is John Harrison?" After thinking about the question, he replies that he is a basketball coach, a history teacher, a husband and a father. Then finally: "I'm a Christian."
Thomas's question is really to face him up with the priorities in his life - without condemning him, that his relationship and his identity first and foremost should be that he is a child of the Living God!
What or Who is your identity tied to?
If you would like to know how you can become a Christian, and discover your God-ordained purpose and true identity, log onto www.vision.org.au This is the online home of Vision Christian Media in Australia. Click on the "Grow your faith" tab at the top of the page, then "Looking for God?" God Bless!
I will not detail the story of the movie. If you want to read the plot summary, it is freely available to Google online. The theme of the movie "Overcomer", in a nutshell is "Discovering our True Identity in Christ."
Key characters in the movie are John Harrison, a basketball coach and history teacher at Brookshire Christian School, the principal Olivia Brooks, a hospital patient, Thomas Hill, and his fifteen year old daughter, Hannah Scott - a sophomore at Brookshire Christian School.
After the closure of a major manufacturing plant in the city of Franklin where the school is located, with the result that his basketball team is decimated, John Harrison is coerced by the school principal to coach a cross country one-girl "team". The teenager, Hannah also has to contend with asthma.
At the local hospital, Harrison just "happens" to stumble into the doorway of a blind diabetic patient, Thomas Hill, who also turns out to be a former champion cross country runner. As they become friends, John pours out his frustration, at which Thomas asks him pointedly: "Who is John Harrison?" After thinking about the question, he replies that he is a basketball coach, a history teacher, a husband and a father. Then finally: "I'm a Christian."
Thomas's question is really to face him up with the priorities in his life - without condemning him, that his relationship and his identity first and foremost should be that he is a child of the Living God!
What or Who is your identity tied to?
If you would like to know how you can become a Christian, and discover your God-ordained purpose and true identity, log onto www.vision.org.au This is the online home of Vision Christian Media in Australia. Click on the "Grow your faith" tab at the top of the page, then "Looking for God?" God Bless!
Monday, 13 April 2020
LIFTING MY VOICE: HE IS RISEN ...
LIFTING MY VOICE: HE IS RISEN
...: HE IS RISEN Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o'er His foes He aros...
...: HE IS RISEN Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o'er His foes He aros...
HE IS RISEN
with a mighty triumph o'er His foes
He arose a victor o'er the dark domain
and He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah, Christ arose.
This was the chorus of an Easter hymn written in 1874 by Robert Lowry, a Baptist minister from Philadelphia, PA, in the USA. The hymn had three verses, as well as this chorus.
I remember well the times in years gone by when I attended water baptismal services in several churches here in Australia, and also in New Zealand, where this rousing chorus was sung, each time the candidates for baptism rose up from the water.
One incident in particular stands out in my memory - that of a special time of water baptisms of a number of Christians who were part of a church I was in fellowship in Christchurch, New Zealand. The church was in a suburb called New Brighton, a beachside suburb in that city. From memory, this particular service was held at the swimming pool complex which was a part of the QE2 stadium built for the 1974 British Commonwealth Games.
I remember singing this triumphant chorus a number of times as each person being baptized rose up from the water. How wonderful to be with like-minded Christians publicly declaring our faith in the Risen Christ in that arena, and to be able to join with those being baptized in the celebration of declaration that they had died to their old sinful lives, and were, by faith looking forward to lives energized by the Resurrection power of the Holy Spirit.
Sadly the QE2 complex in Christchurch was a casualty of the devastating earthquake of 2011.
Other times of water baptisms carried out in a public setting vividly etched in my memory were those when I was in fellowship at the Southport AOG church on the Gold Coast in the 1970's, where because the church met in a rented hall, there was no 'purpose-built' pool for water baptisms. The church went to a nearby river public swimming area. Under the leadership of the Senior Pastor, Tom Whiting, those being baptized made a public stand for Jesus Christ, while Pastor Whiting boldly announced in his deep rich Welsh accent for all to hear the reason why we were there and doing what was taking place, according to the Word of God.
Easter has come and gone for this year, 2020, and Christians around the world have remembered the agonizing death of their Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ on the cruel Roman cross on a hill called Calvary outside of the city of Jerusalem in Israel. Good Friday is the day we remember the crucifixion of Christ as prophesied in the Old Testament many hundreds of years before the event.
Jesus spoke of His crucifixion on a number of occasions. One example is recorded in John 12:31-33 "Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself."
This He said, signifying by what death He would die.
Jesus also prophesied His own resurrection from the dead. He knew, without a doubt that, although He had to die a horrible death on the cross, He would be raised back to life the third day following.
Luke 18:31-33 Then he took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.
For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again."
Another instance where Jesus confidently prophesies His death and resurrection is in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 12:38-40 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from you."
But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."
Just as the prophets of old, and Jesus Himself prophesied, on the morning of that first "Easter Sunday," as the day began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
The exciting reality of this time continues to be related by Matthew in the last chapter of the Gospel account: And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.
His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.
And the guards shook for fear of him; and became like dead men.
But the angel answered, and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
He is not here, for He is risen as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." (verses 1-6)
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ and resurrection from the dead on that first Easter Sunday are historical facts which happened at well documented points in time.
Because He took our place on the cross, and overcame hell and death - being raised to life again, to live evermore, those who have put their trust in him since that time have been released from the power and penalty of sin, and have experienced newness of life, and renewed hope from the God of Hope.
He is Risen! He is Risen indeed.
If you have read this blog and would like to know more about how to become a Christian, go online to www.vision.org.au This is the website for Australia's Vision Christian Media. Click on the tab Grow your faith, then "Looking for God? God Bless!
He arose a victor o'er the dark domain
and He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah, Christ arose.
This was the chorus of an Easter hymn written in 1874 by Robert Lowry, a Baptist minister from Philadelphia, PA, in the USA. The hymn had three verses, as well as this chorus.
I remember well the times in years gone by when I attended water baptismal services in several churches here in Australia, and also in New Zealand, where this rousing chorus was sung, each time the candidates for baptism rose up from the water.
One incident in particular stands out in my memory - that of a special time of water baptisms of a number of Christians who were part of a church I was in fellowship in Christchurch, New Zealand. The church was in a suburb called New Brighton, a beachside suburb in that city. From memory, this particular service was held at the swimming pool complex which was a part of the QE2 stadium built for the 1974 British Commonwealth Games.
I remember singing this triumphant chorus a number of times as each person being baptized rose up from the water. How wonderful to be with like-minded Christians publicly declaring our faith in the Risen Christ in that arena, and to be able to join with those being baptized in the celebration of declaration that they had died to their old sinful lives, and were, by faith looking forward to lives energized by the Resurrection power of the Holy Spirit.
Sadly the QE2 complex in Christchurch was a casualty of the devastating earthquake of 2011.
Other times of water baptisms carried out in a public setting vividly etched in my memory were those when I was in fellowship at the Southport AOG church on the Gold Coast in the 1970's, where because the church met in a rented hall, there was no 'purpose-built' pool for water baptisms. The church went to a nearby river public swimming area. Under the leadership of the Senior Pastor, Tom Whiting, those being baptized made a public stand for Jesus Christ, while Pastor Whiting boldly announced in his deep rich Welsh accent for all to hear the reason why we were there and doing what was taking place, according to the Word of God.
Easter has come and gone for this year, 2020, and Christians around the world have remembered the agonizing death of their Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ on the cruel Roman cross on a hill called Calvary outside of the city of Jerusalem in Israel. Good Friday is the day we remember the crucifixion of Christ as prophesied in the Old Testament many hundreds of years before the event.
Jesus spoke of His crucifixion on a number of occasions. One example is recorded in John 12:31-33 "Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself."
This He said, signifying by what death He would die.
Jesus also prophesied His own resurrection from the dead. He knew, without a doubt that, although He had to die a horrible death on the cross, He would be raised back to life the third day following.
Luke 18:31-33 Then he took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.
For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again."
Another instance where Jesus confidently prophesies His death and resurrection is in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 12:38-40 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from you."
But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."
Just as the prophets of old, and Jesus Himself prophesied, on the morning of that first "Easter Sunday," as the day began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
The exciting reality of this time continues to be related by Matthew in the last chapter of the Gospel account: And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.
His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.
And the guards shook for fear of him; and became like dead men.
But the angel answered, and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
He is not here, for He is risen as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." (verses 1-6)
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ and resurrection from the dead on that first Easter Sunday are historical facts which happened at well documented points in time.
Because He took our place on the cross, and overcame hell and death - being raised to life again, to live evermore, those who have put their trust in him since that time have been released from the power and penalty of sin, and have experienced newness of life, and renewed hope from the God of Hope.
He is Risen! He is Risen indeed.
If you have read this blog and would like to know more about how to become a Christian, go online to www.vision.org.au This is the website for Australia's Vision Christian Media. Click on the tab Grow your faith, then "Looking for God? God Bless!
Thursday, 9 April 2020
LIFTING MY VOICE: THE CRUX OF THE MATTERSubtitle: The Conundrum Of T...
LIFTING MY VOICE: THE CRUX OF THE MATTERSubtitle: The Conundrum Of T...: THE CRUX OF THE MATTER Subtitle: The Conundrum Of The Cross The apostle Paul stated in 1Corinthians 1:18-25 For the message of the cr...
Wednesday, 1 April 2020
LIFTING MY VOICE: AN UNSHAKEABLE KINGDOM(Continued)In Matthew 7:24-...
LIFTING MY VOICE: AN UNSHAKEABLE KINGDOM(Continued)
In Matthew 7:24-...: AN UNSHAKEABLE KINGDOM (Continued) In Matthew 7:24-27, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus admonishes His hearers with these words: &qu...
In Matthew 7:24-...: AN UNSHAKEABLE KINGDOM (Continued) In Matthew 7:24-27, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus admonishes His hearers with these words: &qu...
AN UNSHAKEABLE KINGDOM
(Continued)
In Matthew 7:24-27, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus admonishes His hearers with these words: "Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."
Never before in my lifetime has there been a crisis of international proportions, such as the one we are facing today with the COVID-19 pandemic - where whole nations are coming to a standstill, with tens of thousands losing their jobs, where all international travel by air or by sea has ceased, where strict social distancing measures have been put in place, where gatherings of more than two people are deemed illegal and subject to heavy fines and/or imprisonment.
Makeshift hospitals are being hastily erected in some countries, rolling out hundreds of ICU bed setups, ventilators are being manufactured en masse to meet the expected demands, and doctors and nurses and dentists scramble to find enough surgical masks to meet the demand.
As I stated in the first part of this blog, Bible believing Christians should not be too surprised that we are facing global health crises as the one now impacting the nations, in the form of the coronavirus. Jesus Himself prophesied that, in the last days, there would be many natural disasters and pestilences that would shake the planet before His return.
I shared with my wife recently that I cannot help but wonder if we are getting ever closer to the last days scenarios played out in the Bible, with the rise of a One World government, led by a "charismatic" leader, who the Bible refers to as the Antichrist. This one will come as a man of peace, with a strategy to bring a coordinated world response to conditions that affect nations around the world - to bring a sense of order to a world in disarray. Without going into detail, Bible teachers who have studied Eschatology - the doctrine of Last Things generally are in agreement that this man will be closely aided by a religious leader whom the Bible calls "the false prophet."
Regarding the Antichrist, the apostle Paul writes, describing him in 2 Thessalonians 2, where he is referred to as the Man of Lawlessness.
Now brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and concerning our gathering together unto Him, we ask you not to let your mind be quickly shaken or be troubled, neither in spirit nor by word, nor by letter coming, as though from us, as if the day of Christ is already here. Do not let anyone deceive you in any way,. For that Day will not come unless a falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself as God. Verses 1-4
Evangelical Bible-believing Christians firmly believe that the Word of God teaches that the Lord Jesus Christ will return one day for the Church, those who are born again and fully trusting Him - in what is called "The Rapture" - the great "snatching away", as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet call of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall ever be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Another passage in 1 Corinthians 15:50-55 throws more light on this wonderful event for expectant followers of Christ.
Never before in my lifetime has there been a crisis of international proportions, such as the one we are facing today with the COVID-19 pandemic - where whole nations are coming to a standstill, with tens of thousands losing their jobs, where all international travel by air or by sea has ceased, where strict social distancing measures have been put in place, where gatherings of more than two people are deemed illegal and subject to heavy fines and/or imprisonment.
Makeshift hospitals are being hastily erected in some countries, rolling out hundreds of ICU bed setups, ventilators are being manufactured en masse to meet the expected demands, and doctors and nurses and dentists scramble to find enough surgical masks to meet the demand.
As I stated in the first part of this blog, Bible believing Christians should not be too surprised that we are facing global health crises as the one now impacting the nations, in the form of the coronavirus. Jesus Himself prophesied that, in the last days, there would be many natural disasters and pestilences that would shake the planet before His return.
I shared with my wife recently that I cannot help but wonder if we are getting ever closer to the last days scenarios played out in the Bible, with the rise of a One World government, led by a "charismatic" leader, who the Bible refers to as the Antichrist. This one will come as a man of peace, with a strategy to bring a coordinated world response to conditions that affect nations around the world - to bring a sense of order to a world in disarray. Without going into detail, Bible teachers who have studied Eschatology - the doctrine of Last Things generally are in agreement that this man will be closely aided by a religious leader whom the Bible calls "the false prophet."
Regarding the Antichrist, the apostle Paul writes, describing him in 2 Thessalonians 2, where he is referred to as the Man of Lawlessness.
Now brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and concerning our gathering together unto Him, we ask you not to let your mind be quickly shaken or be troubled, neither in spirit nor by word, nor by letter coming, as though from us, as if the day of Christ is already here. Do not let anyone deceive you in any way,. For that Day will not come unless a falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself as God. Verses 1-4
Evangelical Bible-believing Christians firmly believe that the Word of God teaches that the Lord Jesus Christ will return one day for the Church, those who are born again and fully trusting Him - in what is called "The Rapture" - the great "snatching away", as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet call of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall ever be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Another passage in 1 Corinthians 15:50-55 throws more light on this wonderful event for expectant followers of Christ.
When the above-mentioned scenarios play out in real time is really not able to be predicted with any accuracy. God has given us some clues as to the signs of the times, but only the theologically foolish try to set dates - as many have done in the past, only to be left "with egg on their faces" so to speak.
It was interesting to read a few days ago that Gordon Brown, a former British PM floated the idea of having a temporary global government to tackle the twin health and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus.
I couldn't help but think there must be those who are seriously contemplating the need for a "global government", which leads to the thought that there would need to be a "one world leader" to take over-all responsibility. Interesting stuff!
Maranatha! Even so, Come Lord Jesus!
If you would like to know how you can be assured of your eternal salvation in Christ, to become what the Bible calls being born again: Go to
www.vision.org.au Click on the Grow you faith tab, then "Looking for God?"
God Bless.
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