The Life of Jesus Series

Freedom from Bondage

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:18:00 GMT

by Bruce Mackay | Download PDF | Purchase Hardcopy

When Jesus went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, He stood up to read from the book of Isaiah. 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.' Luke 4:18-19.

As Jesus declared His mission and purpose, one significant aspect was to set free those who were in bondage and to bring release and liberty to the captives. It is not hard for us to visualise a person being bound hand, foot and mouth and being held in a prison cell. They would have no freedom to go where they desired, to do what they wanted or to speak freely. It is much harder to imagine a person who is physically free, yet bound in their heart and emotions and in bondage to habits, traditions, sin or the control of others.

Bondage comes in many different forms. Bondage can be the result of upbringing, choices or circumstances. You may be bound through another person's influence on you. It could be drugs, alcohol, immorality, eating disorders or other enslaving habits. Also we can be bound by attitudes such as anger, hatred, jealousy or greed. Whatever causes us to be in bondage, the result is the same. It is like being bound hand, foot and mouth. You are not free to be the person God created you to be, expressing the glory of God in your life.

Eighteen years of bondage

As Jesus was teaching the people in the synagogue, He noticed a woman who was bent over so badly that she could not lift her face up from the ground. She had been in this condition for eighteen years. Jesus called it a spirit of infirmity. As we look at this story, we can learn how Jesus can set us all free from our bondages.

We read in the Gospel of Luke, 'Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, "Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity". And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, "There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day". The Lord then answered him and said, "Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound – think of it – for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?" And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him'. Luke 13:10-17.

This story reveals that it was not only the woman who was bound but also the religious ruler of the synagogue. He was so bound by his religious traditions that he was not free to rejoice and participate in the glorious works of God. Once again, this shows us the many ways we can come under bondage.

Verse sixteen in this passage is pivotal in understanding the freedom that God has for us. Jesus said that this woman is a daughter of Abraham and that she should be free. The phrase 'daughter of Abraham' is a Biblical term meaning you are a spiritual descendant of Abraham. Like Abraham himself, this lady had by faith believed in God and God had given her His righteousness. Therefore, she had the right to be free and no longer bound by this spirit of infirmity. The Scripture says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness'. Rom 4:3. The Bible teaches that God's desire is for us to live by faith in His righteousness as sons and daughters of God.

Sons of God

The desire of God the Father is to have many sons and daughters. It was for this purpose that His only begotten Son, Jesus, came to live among us. The Bible clearly states that Jesus, by the grace of God, participated in the death of the cross for every one of us that He might bring many sons to glory.

When God made Adam and Eve in His image and according to His likeness, He had a purpose. His purpose was that every human would live in the glorious relationship of His life and love as sons of God. Satan also had a purpose and that was to rob, steal and destroy this wonderful relationship between man and God. Through the disobedience of Adam, sin came to every person. 'For there is no difference, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.' Rom 3:22.

But as sin came to the human race through one man, so also, the righteous life of God can come to every person through one man. This one man is Jesus Christ. His purpose is to destroy the works of the evil one. His desire is to release each person from whatever is binding them and hindering them from living as sons of God. The Spirit of the Lord is upon Him to set the captives free that each person may bring glory to God, and that each one of us as sons can fulfil our God-given purpose and identity.

Sons or slaves

For those of us who live in democratic countries, the term 'slave' is quite foreign to us. We would all say that we are free and are a slave to no one. Yet, the reality is we have all found ourselves in bondage or slavery to habits. Some people cannot drive to work without getting angry at other drivers. Others cannot tell a story without lying. Many men cannot see an attractive woman without having lustful thoughts. Some cannot go a day without nicotine, alcohol or some form of drugs. We may be politically free. We may have work rights. But we are all slaves to sin whether it is greed, pride, jealousy, un-forgiveness, bitterness, resentment, hatred, anger or any other selfish ambition. We each serve sin. Sin is our master. We are in bondage.

In chapter fifteen of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells a parable. He said a certain man had two sons. One son took his inheritance and wasted it on foolish living. Having spent all the inheritance, he was without food or shelter and found himself in a pig pen eating the scraps given to the pigs. He came to his senses and thought, 'My father's servants are living better than me. I am named a son but I am living less than a slave'.

The other son stayed at home. But, as we follow this story we realise that even the son at home lived as a servant and not as a son. Instead of talking, relating and sharing in a relationship with his father, he related with the slaves. Rather than participating with his father's friends, he had his own separate group of friends. This grieved the father. The father said, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours'. True sonship is unceasing fellowship and relationship, along with being a joint heir and participating in the full inheritance.

In the days of slavery, a son and slave lived on the same property. They worked for the same man. The difference was their relationship to this man and their length of stay. In the case of the slave, the man was his master. And for the son, this man was his father. When the slave was no longer of any use, he was disposed of. A son remained a son forever.

In the same way, our heavenly Father grieves for His creation. We are to be sons of God in full fellowship and relationship with God. We are to share in the full inheritance of God as sons with Christ. Yet, we are slaves to sin and not free to be sons. Instead of participating with God in His love, light and life we only know grief, brokenness, greed, jealousy, darkness and death. Instead of enjoying the full inheritance of heaven, we live in the poverty and bankruptcy of self-centred decisions. Jesus came to bring freedom to those in bondage.

Bondage to freedom

'Let us return to our story of the lady who had the spirit of infirmity. For eighteen years she could not raise herself up. She was not free to do what God created her to do. She was overtaken by another force or power beyond her ability or strength to change. Are aspects of your life like that? Jesus spoke a word and she was no longer held in bondage. She was free to glorify God as the daughter God created her to be. Our glorious freedom to be sons and daughters of God, like this woman, can only become a reality through the Son, Jesus Christ.

We will again draw attention to the religious ruler of the synagogue and his followers. They were slaves to religious traditions. This blinded their judgement and also robbed them of the joy of relating with the Son of God. Yet, they thought they were doing God's work.

This is exactly what happened to Adam and Eve when they ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God intended for them to eat from the tree of life and live by His eternal life. Rather, Satan deceived them into living by their reasoned assessment of right and wrong and good and evil. We judge and assess according to our knowledge of what we believe is good and evil. We should be living by the life of God that is received through Christ.

We can be governed by our own laws and assessments, believing they are God's laws. When we take what we believe is the law of God and make it our own law, we will judge and assess everyone else according to our expectation of them. In doing so, we not only make ourselves a slave of our own assessments but we bring others into bondage as well. Jesus said of the religious people who lived this way that they were of their father, the devil. Satan was the one who fathered this way of living back in the Garden of Eden. Jesus also said that they were hypocrites because they did this in the name of God. They were bringing forth others as sons of hell, rather than sons of God.

Free indeed

Jesus said to a group of believing Jews, '"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free". They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, 'You will be made free?" Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed".' John 8:32-36.

With this in view, Paul wrote to the Galatians, 'Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ'. Gal 4:3-7.

Are you free indeed? Are you still in bondage or are you free to live as a son of God? The Father has sent His only begotten Son into the world that we may receive the Father's life through the Son. True freedom as a son is to no longer live by our own self-centred, self-directed life, but by the life of Christ. This life is lived in the fellowship of His church. In the context of the church, we can have fellowship with one another and with the Father and the Son.

This is what God desires for you. This is what it means to be truly free from bondage.

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
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Follow Me

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:36:00 GMT

by Bruce Mackay | Download PDF | Purchase Hardcopy

Very early in His ministry, Jesus began to invite people to follow Him and become His disciples. The first record we have of Jesus using the words, 'Follow Me', was to four fishermen. These were Simon, also called Peter, Andrew, James and John. Matt 4:18. In Luke chapter five, we read that these men had returned from a night of fishing and were washing and mending their nets. They were possibly a little discouraged because they had fished hard through the night and had caught nothing. They would have preferred to be cleaning their catch rather than cleaning and mending their nets!

As a recreational fisherman, I know the excitement and anticipation of going fishing. There is always plenty of talk of what is 'on the bite' and the expectation of a great catch. It is a totally different mood when we return, as we do many a time, with not a single fish to show for a lot of money and effort. How much more for these professional fishermen, who needed a good catch to earn a living.

No doubt we all have stories of disappointment and unfulfilled expectations; family dramas, relationship breakdowns, and business ventures. The stories are endless, and yet are true and can be very discouraging. It was in this context that Jesus approached these fishermen.

Teaching the crowds

A crowd of people gathered by the lake that day, eager to hear what Jesus had to say. Jesus asked Peter if He could use his fishing boat. Peter pushed his boat out from the shore, and from that boat, Jesus taught the crowd the word of God. A fisherman's boat became Jesus' pulpit. We learn very quickly that Jesus was a people's person. He was not sophisticated, He cared for the people, and took every opportunity to meet the people just where and how they were. Jesus was unlike the professional religious leaders of the day, who put unreasonable and unnecessary demands on the people. So here, from a discouraged fisherman's boat, the Son of God taught the eager crowds.

Launch into the deep

When Jesus stopped speaking to the crowds, He turned and made a request of Simon Peter, that possibly felt like a piece of heavy wood tied to his heart. He said, '"Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch". But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net".' Luke 5:4-5. Peter initially reacted. 'We have fished and fished, and fished some more, and what have we to show for it; absolutely nothing.' But then, he stopped defending himself and reacting against Jesus. He made a decision that would change his life forever. 'Nevertheless at Your word, I will let down the nets.'

Sadly, most of us just react against what Jesus asks of us. We don't feel He understands our situation or circumstances. We don't feel that what He says is the answer, or even the way to go. We are so full of our own opinions, or the opinions of others, that we are not prepared to listen to and obey what Jesus is saying. We, like Peter, have had enough. We have tried everything that we possibly could try. 'Why ask this of me?' Jesus didn't ask Peter to do anything that he was not capable of doing. Peter was a fisherman; he knew how to fish. So why would Jesus ask him to go out again and let down the net? Peter was sure that this would be a waste of time. He knew that particular fishing spot like the back of his hand and there were no fish there! Peter didn't want to do it.

Jesus doesn't ask any of us to do something that is beyond us. We usually think we know better and so we don't want to do it. If it was something great and mighty, maybe, but not this. But like Peter, God's answer for you possibly lies right at your fingertips. The very thing that has discouraged and disappointed you, is possibly the very circumstance Jesus can use to transform your life. Thankfully for Peter, he stopped reacting and did what Jesus asked of him.

The result of obedience

The immediate result was amazing. The number of fish caught in the net was so great that the net began to break. They were fishing in the same spot with the same net. What was the difference? Obedience to the word of Jesus.

Peter's boat then signalled to their business partners, James and John, to come and help them. And when James and John's boat came, they filled it with fish as well! The catch of fish was so great that both fishing boats were beginning to sink. What a transformation; from discouragement to overflowing joy. The effect was experienced by everyone.

This experience had a very deep impact on Peter. Even though he had caught fish all his life as a professional fisherman, he knew that this was no ordinary man that he was with. He knew that he was in the presence of the Lord from heaven. He now began to experience a new emotion; from discouragement and disappointment to joy and now a deep commitment. He began to be convicted of his sin and said, 'Depart from me for I am a sinful man O Lord.' Luke 5:8.

Facing reality

A true encounter with the Lord Jesus will, at some point, cause us to be convicted of our sinful life. He is holy and we are sinful. We have all sinned and we have all come short of God's glory. There is not one of us who could say that we have never acted with pride, jealousy, greed, deceit, lust, lying or self-centeredness; to name a few. Compared to others, we may be good. But like Peter, when we are face to face with Jesus, we need to face the reality and say as Peter said, 'I am a sinful person'.

Jesus did not disagree with Peter. Neither did He reject Peter because of his confession of sin. The Bible says elsewhere that if we confess our sin, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sin. The issue that we all face is that we cannot remove the guilt and shame of our sin. We are burdened down with shame and guilt as a result of our sin. We are told we shouldn't feel guilty. We are told that we have our rights. Regardless of the efforts of friends, family or professionals, the reality is that we cannot remove the guilt of our sin. Our sin is ever before us. It is there when we put our head on our pillow, and it is there again when we rise tomorrow. Only true confession of sin to Jesus can remove its stain on our life.

Finding our purpose

A conviction and acknowledgement of sin is essential to be a follower of Jesus. It is interesting to note that initially, Jesus came to Peter and not the other way around. This teaches us that Jesus loves us, and He has come to us calling us to follow Him, long before now. How we respond will determine if we will become a disciple of Jesus or just one of the crowd. Jesus assured Peter that he didn't need to fear the future. Jesus was about to lift Peter out of his own self-centred world into the will of God.

God had a purpose for Peter, but Peter had never fulfilled it. He needed to become a follower of Christ to fulfil the purpose God had planned for him. He was to become a disciple of Christ. And his function as a disciple of Christ was to no longer catch fish, but to gather men and women into the kingdom of God. Likewise, for all of us there is a higher purpose. Many never fulfil it as they never choose to obey the words of Jesus. They stay locked in their self-centred, self-directed world of ups and downs, of expectation and disappointment, and of guilt and avoidance. We must meet Christ and move into conviction of sin, be cleansed by Him, and obey His word to each of us. We can then fulfil the purpose that God has planned for us as a disciple of Christ.

Follow me

Having brought their boats and catch to land, the next decision that Peter, Andrew, James and John made, was the most challenging of all! Remember, this was the biggest catch of fish that they had ever witnessed! It was so large and unique that they, who had worked in the industry all their lives, were astonished at such a catch and the monetary value of it would have been enormous. It could possibly have set them up financially for the future. But Jesus saw beyond just money. He saw beyond this life and into the next. He knows that to live in the next life doing the will of God in heaven, we must do His will now on earth. The will of God for these men was to 'forsake all and follow Jesus'.

The call of discipleship is the same for all of us. The only difference is the specific aspects of our life that we are to forsake. We are all different and different things will have a hold on us. The things we trust and depend on will differ for each person. However, the one thing that does remain the same is that we must put Jesus ahead of everything and everyone. When He says, 'Forsake all and follow Me', He is not calling us to forsake our accountability in life. He is not calling for us to stop providing for our families or to stop loving them. He is challenging what we trust in. He is calling us to question and examine our motives, our drive, and our fears. Our lives need aligning in a new way and it starts with putting Christ first, obeying His word to us, and fulfilling God's purpose for our lives.

Jesus speaks quite a bit about being a disciple. As we continue in the Life of Jesus series we will cover what Jesus says we must do to be His disciples.

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
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Healing the Broken-hearted

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:21:00 GMT

by Bruce Mackay | Download PDF | Purchase Hardcopy

Many people suffer from a broken heart. This deep grief that crushes our spirit can be caused by many of life's circumstances. Some reasons may include the death of a loved one, the breakdown of a trusted relationship or the realisation of a foolish action on our part that has caused great grief to others. When we are suffering from a broken heart, we find it difficult to find any consolation, comfort or resolution. Jesus came to heal the broken-hearted. If you find yourself in this situation, then true resolution can be a reality through the Lord Jesus Christ.

The life of Jesus is the fulfillment of many prophecies spoken by holy men of God by the Holy Spirit. The prophet Isaiah said, 'The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn'. Jesus stood in His home-town synagogue, read this quote and declared that He was the One the prophet spoke of, and that He had come to 'heal the broken-hearted'.

A broken-hearted widow

Jesus was a man who did exactly what He said He would do. When He said that He had come to heal the broken-hearted, that is exactly what He did. Jesus and many of His disciples came to a city called Nain. As was common, a large crowd gathered to Him. As they arrived at the gate of the city, a funeral procession was taking place. The dead man was the only son of his mother and she was a widow. The crowd that was proceeding to the burial was overtaken by grief. They cared deeply for the poor woman who had suffered the loss of her husband and now her only son. He was a young man that they all thought had a long life ahead of him.

They found no way to comfort or console her. She was broken-hearted and now she was alone. She could see no hope for the way ahead. A widow in those days was absolutely dependent on her family for food, clothing and housing. Now her only remaining loved one was dead. Her only form of provision was dead. She would have felt that she would be better off dead herself. These are the symptoms of a broken heart. There's no reason for going on, no purpose for living and absolutely no hope.

Compassion

When the Lord saw this broken-hearted lady, He had compassion for her. Compassion is much more than just sympathy. Compassion involves participation. Jesus loved and cared enough about this woman and her circumstances that He was both willing and able to heal her broken heart. Jesus came to the open coffin and touched it. He spoke to the widow's dead son saying, 'Young man I say to you, arise'. Immediately, life came into his dead body causing him to sit up and speak.

Imagine what flowed through the heart of the widow when Jesus presented her son alive to her. Immediately, her broken heart was healed. Her sorrow was turned to joy and her mourning into dancing. The words of Jesus had brought life out of death. In the words of Jesus there is life and there is eternal healing. He has the words of eternal life.

On first reading of this most wonderful event that happened in a Middle Eastern city over two thousand years ago, you could say to yourself, 'How does that help me? How does that heal my broken heart? My loved one is long dead and buried. Jesus didn't come and raise them up. I still have a broken heart'. As we look at how Jesus healed the broken heart of the widow, we also can experience His compassion and be healed.

My wife and I have experienced the sorrow and ache of losing a grandson. In this sorrow, we and his parents experienced the comfort that is found from the word of God at our church, through the fellowship of believers in Christ. Instead of broken hearts sorrowing with no hope, we each found the comfort and peace that can only be found in Christ our Lord.

The church - a place of healing

The church is not to be a man-made institution, but the body of Christ. It is to be the gathering of all who have received the life of God through the Lord Jesus Christ, where each member has submitted to Christ as Lord. Each person is no longer living a self-centered life, but is living for the other. It is in this context that the comfort of Christ can come. This is where the word of Christ can come and bring life to our soul. The church is where the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are actively present. As we sorrow, we receive God's comfort through those who have suffered. And, likewise, we comfort others with the comfort of Christ that we have found through another. We sorrow for the other. This removes self pity and the comfort of Christ abounds.

The comfort of Christ

'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our comfort is abundant through Christ.' 2 Cor 1:3-5.

It is true that our comfort is abundant through Christ. As surely as the widow in the city of Nain received Christ's comfort, we too can receive His abundant comfort. No one goes through life without experiencing sorrow, suffering or affliction, but our sorrow does not have to be without hope. 'But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. Therefore comfort one another with these words.' 1Thess 4:13-14, 18.

Not time and chance

Many broken-hearted people are always asking 'why' or 'what if'. Jesus taught in His sermons that we don't have to live by time and chance, hoping to be in the right place at the right time or fearing that we will be at the wrong place at the wrong time. He said that if we turn from living self-centered, self-directed and self-reasoned lives, and live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, we will have life and know His peace. Just as His word during the funeral procession in the city of Nain brought life and healing, His word that proceeds to those who gather to eat and drink the communion will bring life and healing to all who have an ear to hear.

Sorrow from sin

We have all done things that we regret. There are times when our actions or words can break the heart of another. Or we realise that what we have said or done has crushed our spirit or the spirit of another. One of Jesus' disciples, Peter, found himself in this situation. After pledging his devout loyalty to Jesus and his willingness to defend Him at all costs, Peter openly denied Jesus three times. In addition to this, Jesus had warned Peter that this would happen. When Peter realised what he had done, how he had denied and cursed his friend Jesus, he was broken-hearted and crushed. The Bible says that Peter wept bitterly.

If we are ever in this position ourselves, we will find that all of our relationships are affected and our enthusiasm for life is gone. Unless we are restored and healed through the Lord Jesus Christ, Satan gains an advantage and we will find ourselves oppressed and demoralised. At the same time that Peter denied Jesus, another of His disciples, Judas, also betrayed Him. Judas was broken-hearted by his actions. Tragically, Judas never made an attempt to be restored to Jesus and be healed and forgiven. He died full of sorrow and remorse.

Restoration and healing

Peter didn't immediately go to Jesus for forgiveness. This complicated matters for Peter, because by that same afternoon, Jesus had been crucified. This added to Peter's broken heart. Three days later, when Mary and other women visited the tomb of Jesus, they found it empty. Christ had risen from the dead! There in the garden, Mary spoke to Jesus. She was told to go to the disciples and Peter and tell them to meet with the resurrected Christ. We note here that Peter was singled out. Jesus was eager to meet Peter and heal his broken heart.

Jesus is eager to meet you and heal your broken heart. Are you willing to be healed?

It would appear that this message of Jesus' desire to meet Peter brought hope to him. He ran at full speed to the tomb. Over the next forty days, Jesus and Peter spoke together many times.

Forgiveness

Although we don't have every conversation that Jesus had with Peter recorded, we know through the teachings of Jesus that forgiveness is essential for the restoration of relationships. 'Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?". Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses".' Matt 18:21-22.

The following conversation between Jesus and Peter shows the healing of Peter's broken heart. The grief and other effects that had been caused by his sins were resolved. This enabled him to be recovered to his pathway, calling and purpose in life. 'Jesus said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?". Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?". And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You". Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish". This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me".' John 21:17-19.

We read of Peter boldly following and declaring the Lord Jesus. This one person who was crushed in spirit had been fully restored and recovered. He now was comforting others and seeing them healed through the word of Christ in the church.

'Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.' 1 Pet 1:1-9.

May each of us find healing and recovery. We need to submit ourselves to Christ's Lordship, gathering with others who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. In this church context, we hear and receive the words of Christ that we may be comforted, healed, forgiven and restored. We likewise can comfort others with the comfort we have received.

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
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Jesus Teaches about Prayer

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:45:00 GMT

by Bruce Mackay | Download PDF | Purchase Hardcopy

When we Pray

While Jesus was teaching His disciples and the multitudes of people that gathered on the mountainside, He taught on one of the most basic yet most helpful, vital and essential privileges for all humans – prayer and communicating with the living God. Prayer is a vital reality and necessity for a relationship between mankind and God.

As we discuss what Jesus taught, we will see that prayer is not some mystical event reserved for the elite religious devotee. Prayer is a simple conversation to those who will acknowledge God as their Father in Heaven.

Jesus began His teaching about prayer by saying, 'And when you pray'. He didn't say, 'And IF you pray'. It was, 'When you pray'. Could we ask that question first up? What is it for you? 'When you pray' or 'if you pray'? 'If' implies that you may or may not, but 'when' clearly implies that it happens regularly. Have you ever lifted your heart to your Father in heaven and expressed worship and praise or made a request to Him? Perhaps you did as a child but feel too grown up for prayer now? Maybe during a crisis point in your life you resorted to prayer? Were you heard? Is it just the imagination of the mind? Will God listen? If He does, how will He answer? These are just a few of the many thoughts and questions most of us have asked or have at least thought about.

Before we Pray

In Matthew, the first book in the New Testament, Jesus spoke about three important areas that we must give attention to before we pray.

Matthew 6:5

'And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.'

He says that we must not be hypocrites. Prayer is not a show or a performance. It is not something we just act out to make an impression on other people. We cannot use words to God and about God and then go off and live in a totally different way. God hates hypocrisy. That does not mean we must be perfect before we pray. Quite the opposite, we pray because we are not perfect. We pray because we do need God. But it is being a hypocrite to make out we need God and pray to Him and then go and live and do things as if we don't need Him. We must approach God with a humble and remorseful heart attitude, with no boasting rights of our own. We come to Him as ones who are honoured to have an audience with the living God. Jesus said, 'When you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites'.

The following story was told by Jesus teaching us how to approach God and have our prayers heard.

Luke 18:10-14

'Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men -- extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess." And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, "God, be merciful to me a sinner!" I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.'

Secondly, Jesus said, 'When you pray, go into your room and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place'. Prayer is very personal. Prayer is to be spiritual. Do you have a close relationship with God? Are you His child? Do you know Him as your Father?

We are not automatically children in the family of God. Jesus said we only belong in the family of God if we are doing the will of God. In other words, unless we have made a decision to stop doing our own will and have turned from that to seek to do the will of God, then we are not His children. The Bible also says that, 'as many as received Jesus it was them that He gave the right to be His children.' As children of the heavenly Father, there is a special place in our heart and our life where we can meet and communicate with our Father in heaven.

The third thing that Jesus highlighted was that we must be a believer and not an unbeliever. We will not persuade God that we are true believers because of the many words we use by prayer. God is interested in the attitude of the heart, not the words that we use. God already knows our needs. He is not hanging out to see how well we make our requests known to Him. He is a living Father longing for a genuine heart-to-heart relationship. The Bible also says that 'when we come to God, we must first believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.'

How we Pray

These are the exact words that Jesus said,

Matthew 6:9-13
'In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen.'

It is known to most as the Lord's Prayer. Many of us grew up repeating it but if others were like me, it meant little more than a rhyme or anything else I learnt by rote. We must realise that Jesus didn't give us a prayer to say by rote and just rattle off. That would contradict everything He said about prayer. He said, 'Don't use vain repetition'. Jesus was not giving us the words of a prayer, but rather the clear elements that we should include when we pray. We will now look at these various aspects of prayer as we look at the Lord's prayer statement by statement, and learn from Jesus how to pray.

'Our Father in heaven'

Jesus was teaching us who to pray to. We are not talking to another human or a figment of our imagination. Neither are we talking to ourselves. We are relating to our Father in heaven.

When God made Adam in His image and likeness, we see God's desire for relationship. God was a Father to Adam and Eve and would walk and talk with them in the Garden of Eden. This is a little glimpse of what prayer is - walking and talking with our heavenly Father.

Have you chosen to be His child? Or have you left the heavenly Father out of your life? When did you last go into your room and speak with Him? He loves you. He longs to talk to you. He so loved you that He sent His only begotten Son into the world to die for your sins. Through Jesus, we can find our way back to the Father. Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but by Me.' Right now you can begin to be restored as a child of God. You can come to the Father in Jesus' name and open your heart to Him. You can speak out to Him all that is on your heart. He will receive you, love you and direct your life. A good place to start is to thank the Father for sending Jesus to save us.

Our praying continues as Jesus taught us, 'Hallowed be Your name,' God is holy and He is without sin and is worthy of all honour and worship. If we are to live as His children in relationship with Him, we must worship and serve Him and Him only. When we pray, it is the opportunity to once again establish and settle that reality in our own lives so that if our heart has turned away, we can be restored.

'Your kingdom come'

Through Jesus coming to earth, the kingdom of God has come in flesh. We are to pray that the kingdom of God is established in our flesh; that we live according to the kingdom of God and not the kingdom of Satan, who is the god of this world. This is why Jesus said, 'Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand'. Our self- centred way causes us to live by the kingdom of this world, which is by pride, selfishness, lying, jealously and deceit, to name a few. We judge all matters and all people by our righteous standard. We are to turn from that and pray for the life of the kingdom of God to be alive in us. Read Matthew 5:3-12 for the attitudes of the kingdom of Heaven.

'Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven'

If the kingdom of God is in us, then we can do the will of God now on earth. Jesus was teaching us to pray that we will fully please the Lord. That we pray, 'Not my will, Your will be done'. We each need to meet God daily and ask Him to be working in us, so we do what pleases Him.

'As in heaven as on earth'

In heaven, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit submit to one another, reveal the other, glorify the other, love the other and thus God's work is done. It is in this same manner that we will do the will of God.

Jesus was our example as He only did what He saw the Father do. Jesus did the will of God on earth exactly as it was in heaven.

'Give us this day our daily bread'

Instead of taking for granted that we will have enough food for the day, we should pray about it. Otherwise, we take it upon ourselves as if we are our own little god, with the strength and ability to keep ourselves alive, and as if all things come from our hand.

When we pray for our daily needs, we face the reality that it is God who gives us breath. He holds all things in His hands. He gives or withholds the rain. He causes the sun to rise. He created the miracle of the seed that is sown and multiplies to give us crops. But we are not to pray only for the bread that nourishes our body but the food to strengthen our soul and spirit. Our nourishment for our soul and spirit comes by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. It is for this we must pray; that we may hear His word and obey it.

'Forgive us as we forgive others'

We all need God's forgiveness. Yet God will not forgive us unless we forgive others. Prayer is the opportunity for us to still our heart and mind and let God examine our attitudes. If we have unforgiving attitudes toward anyone, we must let it go and freely forgive. Don't hold on to wrong attitudes. Don't leave our room where we are praying until we have let go of every unforgiving attitude.

Jesus continued saying, 'And do not lead us into temptation'. There are multitudes of things that tempt us daily. There are the lusts of the eyes, the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life. We are also so drawn by the rights and wrongs of life. We assess every person we relate with according to what we believe is right or wrong. Jesus said, 'Pray that you are not drawn this way'. When we are drawn by these assessments we stir up sin in us and our love for one another is affected. This leads to the next aspect of prayer that Jesus taught.

'Deliver us from the evil one'

The evil one works by both flattery and accusing. He accuses us before God day and night. Jesus said, 'Pray that you be delivered from being an accuser of others and in like manner a flatterer'. God doesn't just throw out accusations. He clearly convicts us about something that we have done that we may turn from it. He doesn't accuse others to us, so we must not. God gives honour to reality, not flattery to puff us up. Let us pray that we are delivered from both modes of functioning.

Jesus concluded His guidelines to prayer by giving the glory, honour and praise to whom it belongs. 'For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, amen.' Incidentally, 'Amen' simply means, 'So let it be done'. So concluding prayer with 'Amen' is an affirmation that you believe and agree with what is prayed.

In another conversation about prayer, Jesus said, 'Men ought always to pray and not faint', and 'the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak'. Because of the truth of this, we must not give in to our own weak and tried attitudes. Rather, daily give ourselves to pray as Jesus taught us God relates. If you find yourself in a situation where you have not lived by Jesus' teaching, where your behaviour has caused broken relationships, whether this is in your marriage, your family, your church, your workplace or even with your neighbour, then Christ can bring you back, freeing you from that behaviour. You can be set free from your alienated position and be joined to Christ. As you are joined to Christ, the love of God can work in your life. Being joined to Christ is being established in His body, the Church. In such a relationship, God is able to work in our lives and recover what was broken, and join us according to His purpose and will. But it will take our willingness to be restored, to face up to and work through every broken relationship, being fully accountable for our responses. However difficult that seems, the love of Christ is working in you to bring it about.

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
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Jesus Teaches on Forgiveness

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:40:00 GMT

by Bruce Mackay | Download PDF | Purchase Hardcopy

'Please forgive me' are sometimes the hardest words to come out of our mouth. Yet, to the hearer, they are powerfully impacting and very hard to ignore or refuse response. We have all found ourselves on both sides of the fence; on one hand knowing we need to ask someone's forgiveness and on the other hand, hurting and longing for the one who has offended us to just say, 'Sorry', and ask for forgiveness.

Much emotional trauma stems from unforgiveness. Unforgiveness leads to resentment, bitterness, anger and hatred. Many family and social behavioural problems come from anger and hatred. In fact, in the most serious yet not uncommon circumstances, what started as unforgiveness has led to murder.

The subject of forgiveness is foremost in Jesus' teaching. In fact, Jesus made it absolutely clear that unforgiveness is the most serious sin to harbour in our heart. He said that if we do not forgive the one who has sinned against us, we will not receive forgiveness from God our Father. Unforgiveness will take us to an eternal hell.

'For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.' Matt 6:14-15.

We all want and need our heavenly Father's forgiveness. In fact, we seem to almost think that it is God's duty to forgive us. We don't always consider the degree of offence we have brought to God. He is God; He should just forgive. Yet, when we have been offended and sinned against by another, we almost feel it is our right to not forgive them. After all, they wronged us – why should we let them off by forgiving them?

To make it clear about the need to forgive, Jesus told a story.

Peter came up to the Lord and asked, 'How many times should I forgive someone who does something wrong to me? Is seven times enough?' Jesus answered, 'Not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!'

This story will show you what the kingdom of heaven is like. One day a king decided to call in his officials and ask them to give an account of what they owed him. As he was doing this, one official was brought in who owed him fifty million silver coins. But he didn't have any money to pay what he owed. The king ordered him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all he owned, in order to pay the debt. The official got down on his knees and began begging, 'Have pity on me, and I will pay you every cent I owe!' The king felt sorry for him and let him go free. He even told the official that he did not have to pay back the money.

As the official was leaving, he happened to meet another official, who owed him a hundred silver coins. So he grabbed the man by the throat. He started choking him and said, 'Pay me what you owe!' The man got down on his knees and began begging, 'Have pity on me, and I will pay you back.' But the first official refused to have pity. Instead, he went and had the other official put in jail until he could pay what he owed. When some other officials found out what had happened, they felt sorry for the man who had been put in jail. Then they told the king what had happened. The king called the first official back in and said, 'You're an evil man! When you begged for mercy, I said you did not have to pay back a cent. Don't you think you should show pity to someone else, as I did to you?' The king was so angry that he ordered the official to be tortured until he could pay back everything he owed. 'That is how My Father in heaven will treat you, if you don't forgive each of My followers with all your heart.' Matt 18:21-35.

In this parable, the first official called before the king to give account for his debts, is like you and me giving account of our life to God. If you were to calculate the amount this man owed into our currency it would be around $600 million dollars. It is no surprise that that is a huge debt and is not the sort of money that you could easily lay your hands on. We are not told how this man accumulated such a debt. Perhaps he was a business man who received government assistance to do a large project and the whole thing failed. We don't know, but we do know he was in debt and it was time to pay up. It would cost him everything, even his family. Note his response to the king. He fell in front of the king, begging for pity and mercy saying that if he was given more time that he would be able to repay the debt. The king knew that even if he gave him the rest of his life, he would never be able to repay $600 million dollars!

In asking for mercy and patience, he was asking the impossible and promising the impossible saying, 'I will pay you all'. This is the true picture of us. Our sin against God is so great. All the lies, the deceit, jealousy, anger, lust, greed, and the list could go on and on. Think of day after day after day where we have not even given our Father in heaven a thought, let alone put Him first in every decision we have made. No, our sin against God is likened to a $600 million dollar debt that we have no capacity to repay. In fact, an eternity in hell could not repay our sin against God.

Yet, like this man, we can call on the name of Jesus and plead for His mercy and forgiveness. Because of God's love for us and Jesus dying for our sins, we can be forgiven of our sin. In this story, Jesus told of how the king had compassion on this man's debt and not only spared his life and his family but he freely forgave him of his debt and told him that he now owed nothing. He was forgiven and he was free.

What relief, what joy, what freedom – he had, in fact, received $600 million dollars and owed nothing. The Bible says that when one sinner repents, there is joy in heaven. When we turn to Christ and accept that we are the sinner and that He died for our sin, we can know the joy of an eternal debt forgiven.

You would assume that this forgiven officer would throw a party in thanks for the king's generous forgiveness. But no, his thankfulness was short-lived. He met someone who owed him money, around $10,000 in our currency. A reasonable sum of money, but in comparison to the $600 million dollar debt that he had previously had, it didn't even register. The forgiven man demanded the $10,000. The man owing him the money also fell down and made the exact same plea for mercy and patience. Not unreasonable, as $10,000 is a viable amount to raise and pay back. Despite the compassion shown to the forgiven man, he did not do likewise. No forgiveness or compassion was offered, only demand. 'You owe me, you pay me; I won't forgive.'

I wonder how we all stand on that one? To be honest, most of us have no argument if someone shows compassion to us and freely forgives us. When it comes to forgiving another, we have good memories and hard hearts. We know every detail of where we were wronged and want to extract every last inch of our right to justice from the offender.

Please be assured that this is not written to make light of what may have been done to you. Many have suffered at the hands of others in the most horrible ways. We all need to know God understands, He cares and He has compassion. Many don't realise that Jesus actually stepped in and carried your pain and suffering in His body on the cross. Jesus sympathises with us because He has suffered it all. While Jesus hung on the cross, bearing all our sin and all our suffering, He said, 'Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing'. He showed the way in forgiving. He was innocent and without sin and suffered more than any other human has suffered and yet, He forgave.

It is vital to remember that, as Jesus carried your undeserved and unprovoked suffering, you are not innocent of other things. He also suffered for our wrong doing. He suffered and took the penalty of the sin of your abuser. The death of Christ opens the way for forgiveness on every side.

It is interesting to note that those who have suffered as victims at the hands of others never find release and peace until they forgive. It is not a case of whether they deserve forgiveness or that forgiveness will let them off the hook. Trust the Lord in these matters. Don't allow your life to be consumed by the deeds of others. Don't spend your life looking for justice, fairness or revenge. Accept Christ's forgiveness and forgive others from the heart.

As we come back to the story that Jesus was telling, the king heard that the man he had shown compassion towards and forgave of his debt would not forgive another man of his debt. The original debtor was called back to the king and he said:

'"You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?" And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. "So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses".' Matt 18:32-35.

So here is the truth of Jesus' teaching regarding forgiveness. He freely forgives all who come to Him with a broken, sorrowful and repentant heart. He asks that we do the same to others. If we do not forgive, God will not forgive us. Ultimately, unforgiveness on our part becomes the unforgiveable sin.

Whatever has happened to you, don't hold unforgiveness in your heart. Don't be your own judge and jury. Trust in Jesus who shares in your pain that He will judge right. You don't have to defend or prove yourself. Why grow bitter and resentful because of what others have done to you. Freely receive the forgiveness that is yours through Christ and freely give your forgiveness toward those who have sinned against you.

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
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Jesus Teaches on how to Enter Heaven

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:04:00 GMT

by Bruce Mackay | Download PDF | Purchase Hardcopy

Jesus continued to teach from the mountainside. As soon as He had finished teaching on the nine attitudes for true happiness, He moved right onto the subject of how to be right with God so that we can enter the kingdom of heaven. Everyone wants to go to heaven! We all hope we will make it. But how? By what means? What is the criteria? Do all roads lead to heaven?

Many people have opinions. Some say to just do the best you can; God understands that He can't ask for anything more than your best effort. Others say you must be baptised; while others insist that you must belong to a certain religion. There is an old song about getting to the pearly gates where Peter says something to this effect: 'It'll be right, mate. You're a good bloke. Just come on in.' Nice thought, but is it true? Who is right? How do we know? Where is heaven? What is it like? Can anyone be certain about going to heaven?

In this article, we will examine what Jesus, the Son of God, said about entering into the kingdom of heaven. Jesus clearly taught how to have God's life abiding in us now, and how we can dwell in the presence of God now and for eternity.

Our own Righteousness

'For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.' Matt 5:20.

This statement of Jesus challenges us and provokes serious consideration. To enter heaven, our righteousness must exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. The scribes and Pharisees were the most law-abiding group of people living at that time. They were fanatical about keeping the smallest detail of the law. Their whole existence was to do what was right. How could anyone match them, let alone exceed them in moral goodness? What did Jesus mean? Was He excluding everyone from heaven? If the answer to that was on the basis of moral goodness, then yes, Jesus was excluding everyone from heaven. Because as the wisest man to ever live said, 'There is not a just person on earth who does not sin'. The Bible also says there is none righteous, no not one, and that all have sinned and all people have fallen short of God's holy standard.

When Jesus said that to enter heaven, our righteousness must exceed the highest moral standards ever set, He was saying two things. Firstly, we cannot enter heaven because of our own goodness. No one is good enough. Secondly, He was showing us that there is a righteousness that is not according to our laws and moral goodness. There is a righteousness that is of God. Jesus was setting us free from the shame and condemnation of sin and failure. He knows our weaknesses; He knows that we fail and He knows our sin. Jesus was saying, 'I am not judging you on the basis of good and bad or right and wrong'. Jesus didn't come to condemn us. He came to save us.

A great example of this is when these scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman they had caught in the very act of adultery. These crusaders for moral righteousness, these who boasted of their good works, were the very ones of whom Jesus said, that if we are to enter heaven, our righteousness must exceed. This event teaches us what Jesus meant by our righteousness exceeding theirs.

If Jesus was asking for moral goodness from the law, then He had no choice but to stand with these men and condemn this sinful woman. On the other hand, if He was talking about a righteousness from God that is apart from the law, which is motivated by love and doesn't condemn, then what was He to do? Let us join this most interesting event in the life of Jesus.

The Righteousness from God

'Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?" This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first". And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more". Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."' John 8:3-12.

We see from this event that being accepted by God is not on the basis of good and bad. We have all sinned and Jesus is able to forgive us our sins. He is the only one who can forgive us. More than forgive us, He is the light that keeps us from going back into the darkness. When we, by faith, receive Christ as Lord of our life, we have light and we have eternal life. We no longer live by shame, guilt and condemnation. The Bible says that the righteousness of God is not according to the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the righteousness of God. When we believe from our heart that Christ died for our sins and receive Him as Lord and Master of our life, we then receive the righteousness of God that exceeds the righteousness of our own moral goodness.

When Christ is our righteousness, we don't become lawless. In the same conversation on the mountainside, He said that He didn't come to remove the law but to fulfil it. When He is our light and our life, we are able to do His works by His life and ability. God has prepared a way of living for each individual. Christ will enable us to live this way and do His will so that we fulfil all righteousness.

Salt of the Earth

When Jesus said, 'You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men', He was saying that when we do the works that He has prepared for us, His righteousness permeates our society, just like salt flavours and preserves food. But if we stop doing His will, if we return to try to live our life by our own righteousness, or if we turn back to wilful sinning, we are like flavourless salt – useless, tasteless and of no value. I am sure we have all had the experience of thinking that a little salt would really enhance this meal. We pick up the salt shaker and nothing comes out. Perhaps the moisture has got in and no matter how many times you bang that shaker on the table, or poke it with a fork, it is useless. No salt. It is only good manners that stop us from throwing the shaker out the window!

When we receive Christ as our righteousness, we are free to live the way God purposed for us. We are free to be and do His righteous works. We are the salt of the earth. If we do not continue in this way, we are like useless salt.

Light of the World

Jesus also said, 'You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.' Jesus taught us how we can continue to walk in the light that comes from His life.

When we receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our righteousness, it is like a lamp being lit. I am sure we have all been camping at some point in our life, when the night is cloudy and there is no light from the moon or the stars. Light a lamp; and we find that we don't have to keep falling over everything. We know how to negotiate a safe path. So it is with our life. We receive Christ and we have light. Nothing has changed, except that we know where to walk so as not to stumble into sin. But how do we keep it that way? How do we continue to proceed and negotiate the obstacles that everyday living throws at us? How do we know we are making the right decisions? What do we say 'yes' and 'no' to?

Jesus gave us the answer. It's where you place yourself. You are now the light in the lamp. Jesus said, 'Put yourself on a lampstand and not under a basket'. The Bible explains what a basket is. It is a woven implement that was used for measuring commodities. The Bible also explains what a lampstand is. It was made of pure gold and, symbolically, means the church.

Revelation 1:20 says, 'The seven lampstands are the seven churches'. Jesus said to place yourself right in the church. Don't allow your life to be covered by the woven, measured ways of man that filter the light, like from under a basket. These are man's religious systems that don't allow each person to express the fullness of Christ's life. But when we place our life in a true expression of the church, it is like our lamp is on a lampstand. We can know the will of God and we can live in the light with every other member of the church. In such relationship and fellowship, we can navigate through life without ending up in situations we regret – not only for ourselves, but for our whole households.

Parents, let us keep the words of Jesus. If we want our children to live godly lives, then let us also see them established with us in a church fellowship that lives in the love of God. There is righteousness that is apart from the law. It is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ. When we live by this righteousness, we will not be lawless, but we will be like salt and light.

The need to turn to Christ

Let us go back to our story of the woman caught committing adultery, and the scribes and Pharisees. Who walked away forgiven? Who had light and life for living? The scribes and Pharisees didn't stay, they left knowing they had sin. Despite their good righteous efforts, they did not find forgiveness and continued on, stumbling in the darkness of their own righteousness that is from the law. The sinful woman didn't need any convincing of her sin. She needed light and life from heaven so that she could be free to live the life that God had planned for her. She found this reality through believing the words of Jesus.

Jesus says to all of us, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: "I desire mercy and not sacrifice". For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.'

Is your righteousness and expectation of entering heaven based on what you believe is right and good? Or, have you realised that you are in need of a heavenly 'doctor' who is able to forgive and give to you the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ?

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
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Jesus Teaches on Interpersonal Relationships

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:58:00 GMT

by Bruce Mackay | Download PDF | Purchase Hardcopy

We spend our entire life interfacing with fellow humans. How we interact in these interpersonal relationships determines the quality of life we enjoy. Without relational interactions with other humans, our lives would have virtually no meaning or purpose. Yet, it is our interpersonal relating that creates most of our difficulties.

Imagine life without any interaction with another human. No arguments, no fights, no obligations, no misunderstandings, but also no love, no joy, no laughs and no life. Obviously, the answer to interpersonal relational difficulties is not to withdraw from or avoid interaction with others, but rather to learn how to relate in a meaningful, honouring and constructive way.

Because of this reality, Jesus made it His priority to teach us how to relate in every type of relationship. In many ways, all of Jesus' teaching addresses our responses in relationships. However, a large section of the sermon Jesus spoke when He was with His disciples on the mountains, by the Sea of Galilee, was focused specifically on our interpersonal relationships.

Attitudes of the Heart

Jesus made it clear that if we are to live in peaceful harmony with one another, it requires us to change our heart attitude towards one another, not just our outward behaviour. Jesus said that, 'Throughout the history of the human race, a murderer is put on trial, but I say to you, if you are angry and hate from the heart, it is the same as murder'.

For example, it is possible for a person to plot a murder, the plot fail and no murder take place. The person who plotted the murder cannot be found guilty of murder by a court because no murder took place. But surely that person is guilty because murder was in their heart and their intent. It goes without saying, and is an understatement to say, that the relationship between a murderer and their victim is broken. Likewise, when we are angry with another person, our hate has murdered the relationship.

Jesus taught the same about adultery. Adultery can take place in the heart. For this reason, many marriages are greatly affected or destroyed even if there hasn't been any actual physical adultery. Because lust and adultery is taking place in the heart of a person, the relationship is affected. Honour, trust and openness are broken. The relationship moves into pretence and a lie starts to be lived. A heart separation has taken place. This stops us being one with our spouse.

Nothing undermines individual worth or human relationships more than anger, hatred, contempt and lust. These attitudes destroy relationships. Jesus taught that we must not be controlled by any of these emotions as they are fuelled by pride, jealousy and revenge, and the result is the same as murder and adultery.

Relationships in the Family

Family relationships consist of husband and wife, parents and children, and sibling to sibling. How we relate within these relationships impacts directly on society and our eternal life. They also contribute to our personal well being.

The Bible teaches that our earthly family relationships are to be based on the heavenly family relationship. That is, the relationship between God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. This heavenly relationship functions by love, trust and offering. As each member of the Godhead honours and gives worth to the other, nothing is done for self-glory or selfish intention. Each lives for the other. The relationship between them never ceases.

Jesus said that this is the way a marriage is to function. It is entered into forever based on love, trust and offering, each toward the other. Jesus taught that the answer to a difficult marriage was not divorce (unless of course, it had become irreconcilable through adultery). Divorce has become an accepted answer to husband and wife relationships. Interestingly, at the time of writing this article, Australian Law totally agrees with the teaching of Jesus. 'Marriage is a life-long union between a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others.'

Every society knows the destruction and devastation caused by broken marriage relationships. We need to turn our focus away from Hollywood and gossip magazines. This is not where we will find relational joy and worth. Rather, if we turn our heart to Christ and obey His words we will find that He will not only be able to save our soul, but restore our lives, marriages and family relationships.

Relationships within Society

In the course of life we all come across difficult situations in which we are unsure how to relate. Jesus said not to live by the mode of retaliation. Don't have the attitude of an 'eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth'. That only leads to more violence and only escalates the problem. Jesus said not to retaliate if someone is over and against you. 'Turn the other cheek.'

Jesus Himself was our example. Jesus was innocent of all sin and yet He was punished for our sin. He had His beard pulled out, was punched, spat on, whipped, mocked and crucified. He did not retaliate. He didn't open His mouth. If Jesus had opened His mouth to defend Himself, or if He reviled His attackers, He would have become a sinner Himself and no longer a perfect sacrifice for our sin. Can we be like Jesus? We can receive His life and live by His strength. The following are further things Jesus spoke about. They describe the way God's children should live.

'If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you, do not turn away. You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy". But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?' Matt 5:40-46.

Relationships in the Church

As brothers and sisters in Christ, our yes is to be yes and our no to be no. We must be totally reliable, trustworthy people and people of our word. We should not have to add to our statement or have to qualify it or make others prove that what they say is true. It is either 'yes' or 'no'.

Our love and hospitality should extend beyond our close circle of family and friends. We should extend our hand to the poor and needy, and those who cannot return the favour. In the same manner, Jesus taught that we are not to 'big note' ourselves and boast about our offerings and good deeds. We should not be seeking the praises of other people. If we are genuinely giving, it is hypocritical to let everyone know so that we become the focus. Jesus said to do your charitable deeds in secret so only your Father in heaven sees.

The other important relational issue Jesus addressed was that we quickly resolve any issue that another brother or sister in Christ has against us. Before we come to the communion table and bring our offering, we must first be reconciled with our brother. The communion proclaims the Lord's death; it is the place where all can be reconciled, cleansed, forgiven and fully redeemed. We cannot eat and drink the communion of love and forgiveness and hold a wrong attitude in our heart toward another. Some respond by not taking communion. But that is not what Jesus taught. That is refusing to deal with the relational problem. We must first go and be restored in our relationships.

True Values

Jesus compares our sinful heart attitudes with our physical body that we sin with. He says that we would be better off maimed or blind than to sin in our heart. The eternal soul and spirit is of more value than our temporal physical body. Yet we spend more time on our body than our spirit. The Bible teaches us that if we live by Christ's life and not by our own passions, we can be changed from presenting our physical body parts to sin. We can present the members of our body as instruments for righteousness. Who and what we choose to serve will determine whether we continue in sin or live the righteous life of Christ.

Will we be slaves of sin or slaves of righteousness? The only possible way to live by the interpersonal relational standards that Jesus asks of us is to become a slave of Christ. Again, which will it be – a slave of sin or a slave of Christ?

Perfected in Love

Jesus said, 'Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect'. The love of God is perfect. It is complete and it lacks nothing. Our failing love causes failure in our interpersonal relationships. The good news is that we can be changed. We can live and relate with God's perfect love. Jesus did not speak on this high standard of relationships to have us condemned as failures – ever trying but always failing.

The love of God sent Christ into the world. He brought the love of the Heavenly Father with Him. He demonstrated it toward us in that while we were enemies and sinners, Christ died for us. Jesus rose from the dead and sent the Holy Spirit. All who will believe and obey will receive the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, the love of God is poured out into our lives. It is poured out into our soul and spirit so that we can love as He loved. We can be made complete in love, enabling us to live as Jesus asked us to live in our interpersonal relationships, even toward those who are against us.

Anger, hatred, pride, contempt, lust and every other sinful emotion that breaks relationships can be changed and removed. We can be made complete in love, and relate as God relates. If you find yourself in a situation where you have not lived by Jesus' teaching, where your behaviour has caused broken relationships, whether this is in your marriage, your family, your church, your workplace or even with your neighbour, then Christ can bring you back, freeing you from that behaviour. You can be set free from your alienated position and be joined to Christ. As you are joined to Christ, the love of God can work in your life. Being joined to Christ is being established in His body, the Church. In such a relationship, God is able to work in our lives and recover what was broken, and join us according to His purpose and will. But it will take our willingness to be restored, to face up to and work through every broken relationship, being fully accountable for our responses. However difficult that seems, the love of Christ is working in you to bring it about.

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
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Jesus Teaches on Money

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:54:00 GMT

by Bruce Mackay | Download PDF | Purchase Hardcopy

Money is one of life's daily essentials. With credit cards and the internet, we may not handle cash as much as we used to, yet every adult is involved with money as their trading currency on a daily basis. Throughout history, trading for life's essentials has been an aspect of daily life. Therefore, it is not surprising that Jesus would include money in His teaching to His disciples and the multitude on the mountainside. So, along with attitudes for true happiness, how to enter heaven, prayer, forgiveness and so on, Jesus taught us how our attitude to money has eternal consequences.

We would all agree that while money is essential for buying and selling, it is both a blessing and a curse. It is a blessing when it provides the essentials of life; food, clothing, shelter and other comforts and pleasures. It is a blessing when it can help others who are in need of life's essentials. But what a curse money can be, when the love for it is so great that it causes greed, stealing, cheating, the breaking of families, and even murder. Sadly, this happens regardless of whether we are rich or poor. Jesus taught us that it is not the amount of money that is the issue, but our attitude to it.

Money - a false security

The fundamental philosophy of the western world is to accumulate as much money and as many assets as you can. By doing this you will ensure your future is secured. So, most of us put as much as we can into superannuation funds, some get a share portfolio, and the so-called 'lucky ones' have some investment properties to go with it. The recent global financial crisis has proved how false such security is. The words of Jesus came true.

Matthew 6:19

'Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.'

Billions of dollars were wiped off in a matter of hours. People's plans for the future were shattered. All our compulsory superannuation was worth considerably less than it had been only days before. It vanished in the same way as a thief just stealing it away. If the words that Jesus spoke, 'Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal', are so accurate and our financial advisors so wrong, surely it would be wise to listen to what else Jesus said about money.

Matthew 6:20-21

'But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.'

Why try to secure this earthly life that is only temporary as well? Jesus was saying, 'What about after death?' What are you doing to secure your life once you die? If you only try to secure your earthly life, you will be lacking once you die. Even though we all know that we could die at any moment, or be suddenly killed in an accident, we do very little to prepare for that inevitable moment. We must lay up treasure in heaven where there is true eternal security.

What is our attitude?

We will relate a true story from the life of Jesus that strongly illustrates our attitudes. It shows that over and over again, we put our focus and trust in finances and security for this earthly life, when both are totally temporary and we have no security over either of them. Finances can disappear in one day on the Wall Street stock exchange and our lives cannot be guaranteed to the next breath.

So why do we have this attitude, that gives priority to that which is so temporary, with little thought, if any, towards that which is eternal? The young man in the following story knew that he should secure his eternity, but his heart attitude was wrongly focused.

Mark 10:17-22

'Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, honour your father and your mother'".' And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth". Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me". But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.'

One thing he lacked, because of his overwhelming love for money. His heart was fixed on money, therefore, his treasure was not Christ and heaven. Because where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Our treasure and heart are one

Matthew 6:21

'Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also".'

Quite simply, where your money is, and what you do with it, is where your heart will be – your focus of life. We see it with a young child. They may want a toy and every time you are at the shops they want this toy. As a parent, you know it's too expensive. They have had their birthday and Christmas is a long way off. They go on and on and on because their heart is set on this toy. You tell them to save for it. Constantly, they will be at their money box counting their treasure. Do they have enough? Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. This is not restricted to a child with their heart set on a toy; it continues into young adulthood and old age.

I heard a story of a boy who was saving up for something he wanted to buy. He accidently dropped a coin in his mother's very expensive vase. He stuck his hand in and grabbed this coin, which was such a treasure to him because he needed it to buy this toy he had set his heart on. He held the coin tightly in his fist. The next problem came when he couldn't get his hand out of the vase. He screamed and his mother came running, but no amount of effort could get his hand out. What were they to do? The vase was worth hundreds of dollars and it had been in the family for many generations. The boy's father was called home from work. It seemed they had two options: remove the boy's hand or smash the vase that was of both monetary and sentimental value. Obviously, amputating their son's hand was out of the question. Finally, out with the hammer and smash went the valuable vase, and the boy's mother gasped as it disintegrated into dozens of pieces. There was the boy with his fist closed tightly holding his coin as he said, 'At least I didn't lose my money!' All he had to do was let go of his coin, straighten his fingers and he could have removed his hand. But his heart was set on his treasure, causing hundreds of dollars and years of history to be lost; all for a ten cent piece!

Our treasure and our heart are one. Multitudes upon multitudes are hanging onto their earthly treasures while forsaking eternal life. Money itself is not the issue, but rather where our treasure is. We need to set our mind on Christ and His eternal purpose for our lives so that we live our lives according to His will, so that we are laying up treasure for after we die. God has a wonderful purpose for each of us, which includes every day of our earthly life and our eternity. If we set our mind, will and heart on Christ and not money, then Christ will provide everything we need, both now and in the life to come.

Jesus said, 'But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you'. Matt 6:33. Seek Him first before anything else and we will not lack the necessities of life. Your treasure and heart are one.

Money - a false happiness

One of the 'thou shalt nots' of God's commandments is, 'Thou shalt not covet'. To covet something is to desire something strongly when it is not God's will for you to have it. We are not to be greedy for something that belongs to someone else. Also, don't spend your efforts in trying to possess more and more things, thinking that will bring happiness and contentment.

Jesus said, 'Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses'. Luke 12:15. Jesus was saying that contentment and happiness have absolutely nothing to do with money and possessions. Therefore, don't covet or be greedy for a new lounge, television, car, and so on, because where does it end? When is enough, enough? Don't be consumed with things that can be here today and gone tomorrow. Rather, desire after things that are eternal. The following statement from the Bible is one of the clearest and wisest pieces of advice we could hear regarding money. It clarifies what Jesus taught on our attitude to money.

1 Timothy 6:6-11

'Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.'

When highlighting some of these statements, we find 'godliness with contentment is great gain'. A discontented person is hard to live with and impossible to please. Learn to be content with what you have now. We brought no possessions into this world and we take none with us when we die. We must learn to be content with our lives as if we were to die today and be buried tomorrow. What would be our priority? Not possessions, not how much money we earned, what shares we had or the size of our bank account. Our priority would be righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness. These are things we should desire after. This is where contentment and happiness is found.

Who do you serve?

Does money serve you, or do you serve money? Jesus said that a person can only serve one master. To try to serve two masters ultimately means that we will end up not pleasing either of them. It is impossible to serve God and serve money. We must learn to let money be our servant. It is not the amount of money we have, whether we have a lot or little, it's how we use it. Are we in bondage to it? Are we free to use it in serving God, or do we draw back from fully giving ourselves to follow Christ as His disciple because it may cost us more than we are willing to give? The following is a story Jesus told about people giving money.

Mark 12:41-44

'Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a penny. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood".'

When Jesus said, as in the case of this widow, that one cent is more than all the gold coins being given, then clearly, it is not how much we have to give and serve God, it is who and what we serve. Are we are a servant to Christ or to money? We all find ourselves in a crisis of decision at various times in our lives, and the greatest and most vital decision we will ever face, will be choosing to be a disciple of Christ. Will we forsake all, that Jesus may be Lord of all? Like the rich young man we spoke of earlier, there will be at least one thing that will make that decision very difficult. In fact, it will be a life-defining moment. What is the one thing that stops you from being a disciple of Jesus Christ?

Our focus in this article has been on money. Do you love money or possessions more than Christ? Does financial security now take priority over heavenly riches? What is the one thing that stands in the way for you? Perhaps it is something else; friends, family, or your past. Whatever it may be, Jesus is Lord. Therefore, bow your life down to Him and call on Him to be your Lord. Jesus said to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and everything you need will be added to you.

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
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Jesus Teaches on Stress

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:17:00 GMT

by Bruce Mackay | Download PDF | Purchase Hardcopy

Does this generation face more stress than previous generations? Is it that we are more aware of the effects of stress? Thirty years ago very few talked about life being stressful. In these days, it is high on the agenda in all walks of life. There are more books, courses and funding on the topic of stress than we could possibly imagine. Again, is it that there is more stress or is it that we have become aware of the damaging results of stress? Whatever answer we give, I am sure we have all seen or experienced the devastating result of a person not being able to overcome in their struggling life. Either we overcome in the midst of stress, or stress will overcome us.

While with His disciples and teaching the multitude from the mountain side, Jesus spoke clearly on how to not worry or be overtaken with stress.

Matthew 6:25-34

'Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.' It will be noticed by what Jesus says that He isn't giving a self-help talk with ten steps on how to conquer fear and anxiety, so that you can rise above the challenges of life. Rather, He doesn't remove, or remove us from, the challenges of life. He introduces us to the loving Father in heaven, who cares deeply about each individual and about every aspect of our life, down to the smallest detail. He shows us how to live in the 'now', having no need to worry about tomorrow.

Do you know the heavenly Father?

In His discourse on this subject of worry and stress, on five occasions Jesus referred to our Father in heaven. A relationship with Him is the answer to stress. Many find it difficult to conceive, understand and appreciate that they have a loving, caring heavenly Father. Many have not known a loving, caring earthly father, so they cannot relate to a loving fatherhood. Please read the following statements about the heavenly Father:

Psalm 27:10

'When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me.'

Psalm 113:4-9

'The LORD is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, who dwells on high, who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth? He raises the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy out of the ash heap, that He may seat him with princes - with the princes of His people. He grants the barren woman a home, like a joyful mother of children. Praise the LORD!'

Psalm 103:3-5

'Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.'

There is a quaint story of an old lady who was living in London while the German bombing was happening in World War 2. Her neighbours noticed that she had not responded to the air raid sirens and was not in the appointed bomb shelter. When the 'all clear' was given and they returned to their homes, the concerned neighbours immediately checked on this old lady to see that she was O.K. She was bright and having a cup of tea and had slept right through the bombing. When asked why she never came to the bomb shelter, she quoted from the Psalms:

Psalm 121

'I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.'

She said, 'If my heavenly Father never slumbers or sleeps, there is no point both of us being awake, so I take Him at His word and trust Him.'

I don't believe the Lord is encouraging us to be irresponsible, but Jesus is saying if you know the heavenly Father, you won't worry or stress.

Another way of appreciating and understanding the Father in heaven is to look at Jesus. Jesus said, 'If you have seen Me you have seen the Father'. Jesus clearly reveals the nature and life of the Father. Read the life of Jesus and a loving, thoughtful and caring Father is expressed.

Know the Father through Jesus

The only way that we can have a relationship with the heavenly Father is through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.' Jesus is the way to the Father. Each of us is separated from God through sin. We are all like sheep that have gone astray; we have each turned to his own way. It is only through the Lord Jesus that we can be restored to God to be His sons and daughters. Through Christ, we are gathered to the Father as a hen gathers chicks under her wings. The fullness of our purpose for as long as we live is experienced through Christ and there is never a need to be anxious or stressful when He has already planned tomorrow. Jesus said, 'Do not worry about tomorrow, today'. When we come to a place in our life where we have turned from our own self-centred way, and trust our life to Christ, we will find rest for our souls. Sin causes anxiety. A relationship with the heavenly Father through Jesus removes our sin and anxiety.

Divided loyalties cause stress

Jesus said that we are not to serve two masters; otherwise, we will have divided loyalties. It is impossible to be at peace when our loyalties are divided.

There was a family Jesus would often visit. On one particular occasion, one of the sisters had quite an outburst of reaction and frustration due to the worry and stress she was under. Jesus said, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things'. Martha was with Jesus, but she also wanted to impress people by her good cooking. She was focused on herself, her visitors, Jesus and her family, and the result was stress. Serving two masters will always rob us of peace.

We are living in an age when loyalties are demanded from many quarters; employers, pleasure, finances, family and clubs etc. This issue of divided loyalties will tear us up if we do not make a clear uncompromising choice to put Jesus first in all things. He is the Lord of all and must be Lord of all our life. Every other demand in life finds its place, level and priority under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. If He is first, we will be able to give sufficient attention to every other need and still be at peace. If we do not, we will be tossed and turned like a cork in the ocean, trying to please this one this way while trying to give loyalties that way, while neglecting something else. When Jesus is Lord, everything else falls into order; otherwise, life works like this example.

You get a stern talk from the boss that jobs are going to go if the performance from the staff is not better. You know that you can't afford to be out of work. You decide to put your work as the priority. Before long, you are receiving complaints from your marriage partner and family, that they never see you and they feel they don't fit into your life anymore. At the same time, you get a letter from the sporting club or school saying that they desperately need people to volunteer more time. You begin to get anxious. You need the job but you love your family and feel obligated to the school or club. Where should you give your loyalties? So you try to give more time to your family and knock back some overtime to help the club. Anxiety builds up because you now fear you will lose your job and you don't end up fully pleasing anyone, all because you have divided loyalties.

Three areas of distraction

Jesus spoke of three areas that distract us from allowing Jesus to be Lord of all our life. They are the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches and the desire for other things. When our heart and mind are not set and focused on trusting in our heavenly Father, we will be overtaken by the cares of the world. We live daily with pressing issues and concerns, but they are not answered by focusing our heart and mind on them. Most of them cannot be changed, no matter how much attention you give them. You can think and focus day and night on them but the only result will be chronic anxiety; likewise, when we trust in money. We are deceived into thinking that money takes away worry and anxiety, when in fact it increases our stress levels. When we desire other things, it becomes a bottomless pit. 'The eyes of man are never satisfied.' There is no end of things to occupy our thinking and time. We must set our heart and mind on our eternal life. The heavenly Father and His kingdom are unchangeable and unshakeable, and Jesus is Lord of God's kingdom. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Do not worry

Matthew 6:31

'Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?"'

Right in the middle of Jesus teaching, He talked about our everyday needs; food, drink and clothes. These three things are needed every day by every person, and are obviously the most vital needs of daily survival. We can do without many other things we think we need, but we cannot survive without food, water and clothing. Jesus said that if you will trust the heavenly Father you will never go without these necessities. Just look at the sparrows, they don't spend the night awake in their nest stressing and worrying if there will be a worm or crumbs for them the next day. Look at nature, even where there has been no attention given, flowers appear and the grass grows. You are more important than birds, flowers and grass. Do not worry!

Pray instead of being anxious

Stress is a part of everyday living, but when it moves to worry and anxiety, it begins to have a negative effect on ourselves and those around us. Anxiety comes when we are not seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Jesus made it really clear that if we place Him and His ways first, then we will never lack the necessities of life. Conversely, if we are anxious about life's issues, it is evidence that the Lord is not first in our life. Paul in the Bible explained it this way: be anxious for nothing, but by prayer and supplication make our requests known to God.

Many people pray about their anxiety and the result is that they become more anxious. Don't pray about your anxiety; pray about the matters that are making you anxious. As you pray to the Father about these things, you will have understanding of how to seek first the kingdom of God.

While we are double-minded, focusing on all the needs and problems, we are not putting the Lord first. We are putting these other things first and, therefore, become troubled and anxious. Praying about these matters puts the Lord as our focus, and God's peace which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. Jesus also said not to get ahead of ourselves. Don't focus on tomorrow's troubles. Today has enough of its own. In other words, if you will take each day as it comes, you will manage; but start adding tomorrow's worries on top of today's and it will overtake you. One day at a time is important.

The Bible also teaches that to put the Lord first and not to be anxious, we need to focus and meditate on the things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, virtuous and praiseworthy, and of a good report. I wonder how much time our minds, through movies, magazines, music etc. cause us to be focused on everything that is not noble, pure, lovely, virtuous and praiseworthy. No wonder we are anxious and lack peace.

Worry the absence of peace

Peace is the abiding character of a follower of Jesus. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Also, Jesus gives light to those in darkness and in the shadow of death, and will guide our feet into the way of peace. The presence of Jesus brings peace. The disciples were gathered in a house full of fear and anxiety. Jesus entered and said, 'Peace', and the fear disappeared and there was abiding peace. Likewise, on the boat in the midst of a storm, Jesus brought peace.

Do you know peace in your life? The question is not, does everything go smoothly? But do you know peace or worry? The two cannot abide together. If it is worry then you need to receive Jesus into your life and with that He will put your life at peace. He will lead you to trust your heavenly Father who loves you and knows and cares for your needs.

With Jesus in your life as your Lord, He will lead you in the way of righteousness and peace. You will have the strength and courage to no longer focus on the cares of the world but pray about all things and the peace of God will rule in your heart.

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
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Jesus Teaches on True Happiness

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:09:00 GMT

by Bruce Mackay | Download PDF | Purchase Hardcopy

Every person desires true happiness. It is the quest of every human, regardless of culture, country or religion. The longing for happiness lies deep in the heart of everyone. Yet few find true happiness. Why? Why do all search for and desire true happiness, but so few find it, keep it and live it?

Could it be that we search in the wrong places? The things we think will bring happiness actually don't. Many a millionaire has declared that they thought money could buy happiness, just to be disillusioned. How many have walked the aisle in marriage, believing that the result would be true happiness, only to be disappointed as their many expectations could never be met? Others have thought that success would bring happiness, yet it only brought depression. No one can say that true lasting happiness has been found through money, sport, knowledge or fame. It may have brought some temporary pleasure, but not lasting happiness. The search for true happiness can be like chasing the wind or trying to hold water in our hands. It is elusive.

No wonder crowds of people would follow Jesus and sit and listen to His words, because He spoke about true happiness and lasting peace and joy.

Two kinds of happiness

There is a temporary happiness. This comes to us when the circumstances are just right; when things are pleasant and we are free of troubles. As we all know, this can never last. Circumstances can change in an instant and, with them, happiness evaporates. If we were really truthful, even in ideal circumstances happiness can be missing. We can still be troubled within. We are still unsettled about our children, our future, our finances or relationships. Something eludes us. The happy moment we experience still seems to fall short of what we long for deep within. This first type of happiness is only temporary and shallow. It always disappears and the desire for true happiness remains.

There is a happiness that comes from God. It is a happiness that lasts. It brings an inner peace regardless of circumstances. No matter what situation or difficult circumstance that we face (and we all face them), true happiness remains. In fact, it can even grow stronger in adversity. The happiness through Jesus is a contentment that fills the soul, even if the eyes are filled with tears. True happiness is not based on success or failure, wealth or poverty, fame or obscurity. As we journey with Jesus, we will learn what He taught on true happiness.

Jesus dispels the myths that society say will bring happiness

The general attitude of society is that being wealthy will solve every problem and that if every problem is solved we will be happy. Just listen to the conversation in the lunch room of a work place. 'How are you today?' - 'I'll be great if I win Gold Lotto.' - 'Is everything OK? You look troubled.' - 'Nothing that a million dollars wouldn't fix! Jesus dispelled this thinking and said that a person's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.

'Then one from the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me". But He said to him, "Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?" And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?' So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry."' But God said to him, "Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?" So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.' Luke 12:13-21.

The man in this story felt that material possessions equaled peace and happiness. He felt that he had 'arrived'. The problem was that his focus on wealth and possessions had blinded him to eternal and spiritual realities. Jesus also said, 'Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also'. Matt 6:21. His heart was in the things he had accumulated; his earthly treasures.

'And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry".' Luke 12:19. He had no heavenly treasure, therefore he had no heart for God and His life. Many possessions had brought about an invincibility to his thinking. Jesus made it clear that to put material possessions ahead of spiritual well-being is foolish.

'Fool, this night your soul will be require of you'

You cannot put a price on a soul. Money and possessions cannot add one second to our life. Once we have died, our earthly possessions hold no value to us. They are worthless. We come into the world with no possessions and we leave it the same way. We must find happiness and contentment in what we can take with us when our soul is required of us. This is why we must find true happiness and contentment apart from earthly possessions.

Many of us are worried about the opinions of others. We must firstly be concerned that we are not a 'fool' in God's opinion. Jesus said, 'So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God'.

How can we be rich toward God?

This is first understood by what it cost Christ to restore us to Himself. God the Son, being equal and one with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit, offered Himself to become a man. Yet, the price He paid went further, as He made Himself of no reputation, and lived as a servant. He paid the full cost by laying His life down in death, even the death of the cross. He treasured us so much that He purchased us, not with silver and gold, but with His own precious blood.

God has declared the value of an eternal soul – His life. For us to be rich toward God we must put the same value on our soul and place it in His hands. We give ourselves fully to Him, putting Him and His life above all else. The apostle Paul expressed how to be rich toward God this way.

'If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore, put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.' Col 3:1-5.

What robs us of true happiness?

It is very difficult to experience true happiness while we are anxious and have no peace. There are myriads of things that can make us anxious; finance, health, family, a busy program, staff, work - and the list continues to go on. We spend a lot of our time worrying about the past. What we did or didn't do and how we did it or even what we said. 'Did they really mean that?' 'I hope they didn't take me the wrong way.' Our mind goes on and on about the things of the past. We also spend our time being anxious about the future; what might happen next. But we seem to spend very little time living in peace right now. True happiness is when we are not living in or dwelling on the past or anxious about the future, but are able to enjoy 'the now'.

Through Jesus Christ, the peace of God can guard our hearts. Having a relationship with the living God is the only genuine way to remove anxiety. Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth and the life'. John 14:6. He has opened a way for us to know God and receive the life of God. He says that He will never leave us nor forsake us. God can forgive and restore the past. So why be anxious about the past? Let God heal and restore. God knows the future, so we can confidently trust our tomorrow to Him. There is no need to be anxious about a future that we have no control over. 'Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.' Phil 4:4-7.

Jesus lived His time on earth fully as a man. As God, He limited Himself to all the emotion, pain and feelings that every human experiences. He trusted fully on the life of God the Father. He experienced tiredness, hunger, thirst, sorrow and betrayal. Yet He was never anxious. He was at peace. He knew that His life was in His Father's hand, and if we are in the hand of the all-knowing, all-seeing and all-powerful God, we have the recipe for peace and true happiness. Why would we be anxious?

We can receive the same life and live as sons of God. Through prayer, we can bear whatever situation we are in to be content. Sometimes in life we will have abundance and at other times we may be in real need. Yet through Christ we can be strengthened, be at peace and be genuinely happy, experiencing the joy of the Lord.

Another false belief

The advice most people give is to 'look after number one', because if you don't put yourself first, no one else will. Jesus, again, contradicts this. 'He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.' Matt 10:39.

'Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works".' Matt 16:24-27.

Nature also teaches us this. For a tree to bear fruit, its seed first goes into the ground and dies. The fruit it bears is not for itself, but is a gift to all who will partake of that fruit. New life and abundant fruit is the result of the seed going into the ground to die.

Jesus taught us that if we tried to put ourselves first and looked after 'number one', then there would be no fruit of happiness. But if we would deny ourselves for Christ, we would find abundant life in Christ. Jesus said, 'I have come that you might have life and have it in abundance'. This abundant life that Jesus spoke of is His life from above – a life of joy in Christ.

Be of good cheer

'Be of good cheer', is a statement that Jesus made on several occasions. One of the occasions was to do with finding joy in a world of conflict and sorrow. He taught that He had overcome those pressures of the world that rob and destroy, and found peace and joy. He taught that it was possible for His followers to also overcome through prayer and the enabling presence and life of the Holy Spirit.

'Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.' John 16:22.

'These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.' John 16:33.

On another occasion, Jesus said, 'Be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven you'. Forgiveness of sins would be the most important reality for true joy and happiness. Sin robs us of peace. Sin brings guilt and shame. Sin leaves our soul in darkness. Sin stands in the way of open relating. Sin separates us from God. We have no power or capacity to forgive and remove our own sin. No man can forgive sin. Jesus, only, can forgive our sin. He came to earth that He might take away the sin of the world. Christ died for our sins. Happy is the person whose sins are forgiven and for whom God has removed all record of sinful deeds.

Jesus invites you to come confessing your sin to Him and accepting that it was your sin that He bore on the cross. Turn to Him, call on Him to be your Lord and receive His life. Jesus taught very clearly that for His life to be in us we must participate and abide in the fellowship of the body of Christ which is His church. He said, 'If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.' John 15:10-11

It is His joy that enables us to have our joy full. His disciple John said that this is experienced through the fellowship of the body of Christ which is the church.

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
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Jesus Teaches on the Two Ways of Living

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:39:00 GMT

by Bruce Mackay | Download PDF | Purchase Hardcopy

As Jesus continued His teaching from the mountainside near the Sea of Galilee, He spoke of two ways of living. He said that there was a narrow gate and a wide gate. The wide gate opened up to a broad way. The narrow gate opened up to a narrow, difficult way. We must remember that the reason for a journey is its destination. In my youth, I was a very keen surfer and I went down many off-road pot-holed tracks, looking for a good wave to ride. The destination was my focus. If the wave was good, the journey was worth it, no matter how difficult.

If both paths led to the same destination, then it would seem reasonable to take the wide gate and the wide, easy path. Life does have a destination. We all must die; our earthly life must end. But that is not the end of our journey. We all have a living soul. We never cease to exist. Where will you spend eternity? Jesus made it clear, that it depends which gate you enter and which path of life you journey on. Do you know your destination? Do you know the way? Eternal life is through the narrow gate and the difficult way. The wide gate and the broad, easy way lead to eternal destruction.

Why two gates?

Firstly, it is important to say that God does give us the dignity of choice. Many ask: 'Why does God allow evil?' or 'Why do such bad things happen to good people?' For God to not allow evil and to stop bad things happening, He would have to remove our free will. We would be robotic with no power to choose. But of course, the moment we have a will and the power to choose, we must accept that there are always consequences to our decisions.

We live in an age that pushes our freedom of choice and independence, but focuses very little on being accountable when it comes to consequences. Think about your life and the many choices you have made. All of us in hindsight, because of bad outcomes, may have wished we had made a different decision. But at the time of the decision, before knowing the outcome, we would not have been happy if we didn't have the power to choose. God has given us the power to choose, but also calls us to be accountable for our choices.

Jesus, in His love for each individual, presents us with a choice – a wide gate and a narrow gate. There comes a point in everyone's life when they are confronted with real-life choices. Therefore, it is vital that we recognise our accountability when making life choices, knowing that they carry eternal consequences.

Some people find it very difficult to make decisions. They keep putting off making a decision. They would love for someone else to make their decisions for them. The reason people don't like making a decision is because they want to remove themselves from the frontline of accountability. If it doesn't turn out, a least they didn't make the decision and they can keep their options open.

When it comes to which gate and path of life you choose, each individual is totally accountable and there is no third option. It would be true to say that by not choosing the narrow gate that leads to eternal life, you are choosing the broad and easy way, because the wide gate and broad way is the way of self-centred living.

Let's take a moment to be honest with ourselves. In most situations, we view life from the basis of what affects us. We are the centre of our own world. Jesus made it clear that while we are living our lives from this self-centred base, we cannot do the will of God. We are on the broad way that leads to destruction.

The Bible says that we are like sheep gone astray, 'every one of us have turned to our own way'. 'There are none who are righteous, no not one... For there is no difference, all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God.'

How to choose the narrow gate

To enter by the narrow gate and journey on the narrow way to eternal life and heaven, we must turn around. We must turn from being the centre of our own lives. You must turn from being in the driver's seat and give Jesus the controls of your life. We have sinned and we must turn from our sin. The good news is that Christ has died for our sin. The wages of our sin is death and hell. Jesus Christ took our sin and, while hanging on the cross, He paid the wage for our sin. He paid it in full. Jesus, who had no sin of His own, took our sin and became sin for us. Because of this, we can be forgiven and live by His righteous life.

The entrance to the narrow way, to the righteous life of Christ, is the cross of Christ. Not a crucifix or a piece of jewelry, but the place where Jesus died and suffered. We enter the narrow gate by being accountable and admitting that the suffering that Jesus went through was for me. We each must acknowledge that, 'It's my sin that is causing Jesus to die on the cross. I am the sinner. He is dying for me.' As I own my sin and accept that it is for me that Christ died, I can receive His forgiveness and receive His life, and start a new life on a path leading to eternal life.

Jesus constantly called people to choose. He never left anyone in doubt about what it meant to follow Him. He never tried to soften the call or leave the fine print until they signed up. Rather, Jesus calls us and provides a way that leads to eternal life, leaving the choice totally to each individual, making very clear that it's our own accountability. Will you choose the narrow gate today?

Life on the narrow way

The narrow way of Jesus is a confined pathway, but we don't walk it alone. Jesus is with us every step of the way. He will never leave us or forsake us. In fact, once we choose to submit to Christ and turn from our own way, we begin to realise the way is easier than we imagined. On the narrow way of eternal life, we are yoked to Christ.

Matthew 11:28-30
'Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.'

To understand what it means to be yoked to Christ let us form a picture in our minds. We are living in the days of Jesus when the mode of transport was walking or by animal. A farmer needs to plough his field. He has an experienced bullock that knows how to plough a straight furrow. He has a new animal that is young and strong, but has no experience. If he puts the plough on the new bullock, anything could happen. If he yokes the new animal to the old animal, the young animal will learn and walk a straight path. If we will be yoked to Christ, He will keep us on the narrow way that leads to life.

Those who choose the narrow way are also making a choice to stop being a hypocrite. Jesus hates hypocrisy. He says to stop judging other people. Stop finding fault with others. Jesus said it this way:

Matthew 7:3-5
'And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, "Let me remove the speck from your eye"; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.'

It doesn't take any spiritual maturity to find fault with someone else. But it does take spiritual humility to face up to our own faults and acknowledge them. If we will confess our faults and humbly own up to our slips and mistakes, Jesus is faithful to forgive.

The narrow way is a life of total dependence on Christ. Each step of the way we are to ask, seek and knock.

Matthew 7:7-12
'Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.'

Of course He knows what we need. But if He just hands it out without any relational connection, He is just some Secret Santa. He wants us to ask. He wants fellowship with us, to meet heart to heart.

I know as a man that I hate asking for directions. It seems like it is an admission of weakness and failure. That is exactly the point. Jesus wants us to know that we can't make it on our own. We can't earn our way to heaven. We cannot proudly charge along this narrow, confined pathway to eternal life. We must humble ourselves and ask and ask and keep on asking. We need to show our total dependence on Christ. If you ask, you will receive.

Asking, seeking and knocking also draw us into a relationship with God. God is inviting us to come into His household and build a relationship. God is relationship and He desires that each of us participate with Him in our needs for life.

Jesus went on to say that the people who don't join in fellowship with Christ, and don't ask and seek God's will, are lawless ones. Such a person will be cast out of His presence because He doesn't know them and they haven't established that close, living, obedient relationship.

Matthew 7:21-23
'Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord", shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? " And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!"'

These are some of the saddest verses in the Bible. Verse 23 speaks of people actively doing religious good deeds but being cast into outer darkness. Even good, religious works can be self-centred. They can be serving our agenda. We must be willing to forsake all and be committed to do His will.

Do you know Him? Does He know you? Do you have a relationship with Christ? Does His life dwell in you? Are you pleasing Him or are you just pleasing yourself? Have you entered by His narrow gate? Are you daily living on His pathway for your life?

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
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Living Water

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:28:00 GMT

by Bruce Mackay | Download PDF | Purchase Hardcopy

During one of the many journeys Jesus made with His disciples, they passed through the region of Samaria. While His disciples went to purchase food, Jesus rested near a well. It was the middle of the day and He was hot, tired and thirsty. While He was waiting, a woman came with her pot to draw water from the well. Jesus asked her for a drink and this then led to a most interesting and insightful discussion.

From the discussion between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, we learn about Jesus, everlasting life, worship and how to receive the gift of God. These subjects will be the focus of this article as we look at another event in the Life of Jesus. This story can be found in the Gospel of John 4:1-26.

Jesus

From this meeting and conversation, the first thing we notice about Jesus is His humility. This lady was not of a high reputation. Traditionally, Jews and Samaritans didn't mix, let alone a man and a woman, and definitely not with women of low morals. From this we learn that Jesus was not governed by nationality, skin colour, religion, employment or life-style. Jesus was interested in her well-being and her relationship with God. He knew all about this lady and, despite her sinful past, her many divorces and de-facto relationships, and her different religion, He cared for her. He loved her in purity and desired that she receive God's life. He said, 'I can give you the gift of God … living water that will become in him a fountain of living water springing up into everlasting life'. John 4:13.

Jesus hasn't changed. He is interested in everyone. He desires to meet us all regardless of our past, our faults, our shame or perhaps even our 'goodness'! It is the individual He loves and longs to have a relationship with. Let us look in on this conversation and learn how we can receive 'living water' from heaven.

Living Water - everlasting life

Jesus answered and said to her, 'Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life'. John 4:13-14. Jesus compared God's gift of everlasting life to water.

Natural water only quenches our thirst for a short time and then we need to drink again. Living water satisfies our soul and spirit for eternity. We are born with human life, with needs and desires. These needs don't ever seem to be met and our desires lead us to make self-centred responses which cause us to sin against others. Regardless of how hard we try, we revert to self-centred responses which are sin. We all look for happiness that will last. This Samaritan woman had been married and divorced five times and still wasn't content. We are all sinners and there is nothing that this human, worldly life can offer that will fully satisfy. It won't satisfy any more than salty water will, on a humid day.

The living water is God's life. It is everlasting life from God. This is not just life that exists forever. It is the fullness of God that makes our spirit alive and causes a well of peace, joy and love to spring up. It's God's life. We can live in His will and His purpose. It is spiritual. The eternal life of God meets and satisfies our deepest desires.

Jesus is the only One who can give us this well of water, the everlasting life of God. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God who came for the very purpose of giving divine life to all who will believe. The heavenly Father has granted Jesus to have this life within Himself. Whoever believes and receives the Son has life, or living water, and whoever does not receive the Son does not have this well of living water.

On another occasion, Jesus expressed this same principle in another way. 'Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water".' John 7:37-38.

Worship

As Jesus and the woman spoke, they compared religions, rituals and methods to worship God. Jesus made it clear that the worship that is accepted and received by God is not according to rituals, buildings or location. It is a relationship that is pure in spirit and truth. This relationship is not hypocritical. It is in truth and reality with no pretence and no covering up. The Holy Spirit leads us in all truth. He brings truth and reality and directs us according to God's plan for our lives. Only worshippers led by the Spirit can genuinely worship in truth, because they have found truth. Their worship is founded in thankfulness for His guiding truth and it comes from the deepest realm of the heart.

One of the deep desires in each of us is to be real. We hate pretence in others and yet, because of our longing for acceptance, we often act in a false way toward others. Because Jesus will receive us as we are, we don't have to be false and we don't have to respond out of insecurity or inferiority. Our acceptance is not based on performance, but on the fact that Jesus has chosen to love us just as we are.

This Samaritan lady was able to meet Jesus, receive His love and life, and drink from His well of living water, because even though Jesus knew all about her and her past, she didn't try to deny it, or lie, or cover it up. She simply acknowledged the truth and received life.

The gift of God

Everlasting life is God's gift to all who will receive it. 'The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.' We all know the difference between wages and a gift. A wage is payment for work done and a gift is something given and not earned. The wage for our sin is separation from God. The gift of God is His life, His forgiveness and His Spirit that enables us to be His children. But it is a gift. We cannot earn it. He has purchased it by giving His life for us when He died for our sins. It must be received. It has been purchased for all who are willing to receive it.

Try and imagine yourself in this next scene. You have spent a large amount of time and effort to purchase a gift for someone. You really wanted to bless them with this gift. You knew they would benefit from it and you also knew they could never get it for themselves. Then at the time of giving it to them, they choose not to receive it, or say that they will buy it from you. You're left standing there. Do you feel hurt, offended, sad? What do you say? All you can manage is, 'But it is a gift, especially for you. Please receive it'.

Many people respond to Jesus this way. They act as though they don't need or want living water. Or, they try to earn it and work for it. Remember, living water is a gift of God. It is not earned by works. It is received by grace through faith.

The Samaritan woman received God's gift to her that day. That day, when her sinful life was exposed and the gift of everlasting life was offered, she made no excuses for her sin and did not crawl away in shame. She became free to be who God had always purposed her to be. She went straight back to the city and said to the men, 'Come see a man who told me all the things I have done'. John 4:29.

'And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me all that I ever did". So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His own word. Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world".' John 4:39-42.

The saviour of the world

Jesus is indeed the Saviour of the world. He is your Saviour. Will you receive Him like the Samaritan woman did?

We will finish this article with the words of Jesus, who alone has the words of eternal life, the words of the living water.

John 4:13-14
'Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life".' John 4:13-15.

'Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgement, but has passed from death into life.' John 5:24.

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
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Nine Attitudes for True Happiness

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:07:00 GMT

by Bruce Mackay | Download PDF | Purchase Hardcopy

Jesus taught that true happiness is based on our attitudes. He sat on a mountainside and taught His disciples regarding attitudes that bring blessing, contentment, peace and true happiness.

The Bible speaks of nine gifts of the Spirit and nine fruits of the Spirit. The following passage lists nine attitudes that Jesus taught us regarding true happiness.

'And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you".' Matt 5:1-12.

The word 'blessed' used in these verses is sometimes translated 'happy', and means 'favoured by God'. In this article, we will refer to 'blessed' as true happiness.

Attitude One: An Attitude of Spiritual Poverty

In this statement, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven', Jesus was teaching on the need to have an attitude of total dependence on God; to not be self-sufficient or self-reliant.

Many are raised and taught that being independent and self-reliant is something to seek after. This is not what Jesus taught. Jesus taught that true happiness cannot be experienced without an attitude of total dependence on God; a person who is not puffed up in their own attitudes and opinions. A person with an abundant pride is not poor in spirit.

Every ability and talent we have has come from God anyway. There is nothing we can boast in of ourselves. We must not confuse independent, self-reliant attitudes with hard work and living in an accountable way. Jesus did teach us to work, but to remember that it is God who gives us the strength, talent and ability to do it. So, even in achievements, we remain poor in spirit.

Being aware of our spiritual poverty is the first attitude toward true happiness. This attitude of being poor in spirit causes us to turn to the source of life. We realise how helpless we are to live as we should apart from God. When we come in sin and weakness to God, we discover His love, His mercy, His graciousness, and we experience His forgiveness and His strength to live His life, which results in true happiness.

To summarise, the first attitude to true happiness is to acknowledge our own utter helplessness and put our whole trust in God for our spiritual, emotional and material well-being.

Attitude Two: An Attitude that Grieves and Mourns

When Jesus said, 'Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted', He was speaking hope to us all. We have all known times of grief. We are rarely prepared for it as it often comes suddenly. Sadly, many do not find comfort, only deeper sorrow, despair and loneliness.

When we grieve and mourn, well-meaning comments like, 'She'll be right mate', 'Hang in there', 'You'll feel better in a while', or 'Look on the bright side', do little to bring comfort. Before we look further at the comfort Jesus was speaking of, it may be helpful to understand a little more about the attitude of mourning.

The mourning that Jesus speaks of is not self pity or the bitter cry of the victim. It is the mourning of the culprit, the guilty. It is a mourning for our sin; our recognition of our offences before a loving, holy God. The Bible says godly sorrow leads to repentance. It causes us to hate our sin and turn from it. Self-centred sorrow only leads to bitterness that is never satisfied.

Only when we mourn in this way can we be comforted. There is comfort for the person who sorrows with a godly sorrow. It is the comfort of Christ who fully identifies with us. The Bible says that Jesus has compassion and is gentle toward those who are ignorant and going astray, since He Himself was also subject to weakness, having been tempted at every point as we are, yet without sin.

Jesus lived without sin, yet having faced every trial, temptation, pain, suffering and grief that we face, He is able to comfort all who mourn.

Attitude Three: An Attitude of Meekness

'Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.' Matt 5:5.

Meekness is not a word commonly used in our everyday vocabulary, nor is it commonly practised. To be meek is to be humble, submitted, gentle yet strong. A good definition would be 'bridled strength'. Not unbroken and wild but bridled, able to be led and directed. Jesus said, 'Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.' Matt 11:28-30.

Through being yoked to Christ, we can have a change of attitude. Instead of being reactionary, angry, sulking and full of complaints, we can have an attitude that gives value to others without being undignified ourselves; showing self-control, rather than angry outbursts, even when we are unjustly treated. With an attitude of meekness we can be friendly, caring, encouraging and gentle toward others because we are strong in our identity through Christ. Such a person experiences true happiness. They are no longer fighting the world. They can now inherit all the good things God has placed on this earth and are laying up treasure for the new heaven and new earth that Christ will bring about.

Attitude Four: An Attitude that Hungers and Thirsts for Righteousness

'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.' Matt 5:6.

We can all relate to being hungry and thirsty. When we are thirsty, nothing else satisfies like a long, cool drink. I remember many occasions travelling through India being hungry, hot and thirsty. Each time the bus stopped, eager sales people would be selling roadside food and homemade soda water. I would longingly watch as locals satisfied their hunger and quenched their thirst. What I would have done to join them; except that the potential risk of contaminated food and polluted water left me unsatisfied. I must ask myself: do I have the same longing for righteousness? Or, am I happy to fill my life with things that pollute? The things I read, look at and talk about?

'Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.' Phil 4:8.

Jesus calls us to an attitude that longs for righteousness as we would hunger for good, satisfying food and thirst for good, pure water. He doesn't want to fill us with things that will destroy us. Rather, He fills us with His righteousness.

Jesus said, 'For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.'Matt 5:20.

When Jesus was speaking about righteousness, He was not referring to moral goodness or law keeping. That was the righteousness of the Pharisees. He called us to be filled with a righteousness that is not bound by our assessment of right and wrong. It is not us trying our hardest to be better. It is being hungry and thirsty to be in right relationship with God and with man. And Jesus promises that He will fill us with His life which enables us to live right in every situation and context.

Attitude Five: An Attitude that Shows Mercy

Jesus said, 'Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy'. Firstly, what does it mean to be shown mercy by God? God shows us compassion and pardons our sins. He hears us and forgives us, even when we have been stubborn and rebellious.

King David sinned against God. He had taken another man's wife and, in the process of trying to cover it up, he deceived and plotted the man's death. David cried out to receive mercy. Let's read his cry for mercy.

'Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitudes of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.' Psa 51:1-3.

God heard his prayer and David received God's mercy. If we are to receive mercy we must also be merciful. We must forgive if we are to be forgiven. True happiness is found when we have an attitude of mercy, showing compassion to others.

Attitude Six: An Attitude that Turns from Sin

Jesus taught, 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God'. Pure in heart! How is that possible? We were born in sin. We have all sinned. There is none pure, only God. It's because our heart is sinful that we must have an attitude that turns from sin. An attitude that is quick to acknowledge our sin and bring it into the open. The attitude that David had when he prayed,

'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.' Psa 51:10-12.

Sin separates us from God. There is no true happiness when we are separated from the source of all love and joy. Sin causes us to withdraw because of shame. We try to cover our sin up and put on a good face, but it has a way of eating us out on the inside. Sin finds us out, regardless of how well we have hidden it. When we are trying to sleep, our sin is before us. When we wake, it comes to mind again. There is no happiness in that way of living. Jesus taught that if you want true happiness you need an attitude that turns from sin, confessing it to God and forgiving one another. This is the only way to have a pure heart and see God.

Attitude Seven: An Attitude that Makes Peace

'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.' Matt 5:9.

Jesus taught that if you are to be a son of God living in true happiness then you must be a peacemaker. Quite a challenge in a world that seems to have little peace! From the extremes of the battlefields to the overstressed mum in the kitchen, the common statement is, 'Can I just have a bit of peace?!'

Before we can live at peace in our day-to-day living with our family and where we work, we must first make peace with God. If our relationship with God is broken, we have no hope of making peace with our fellow man. We make peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus taught that if we are to receive forgiveness from God we must forgive others. We must make peace, where possible, with all. Jesus showed us the way of peace. It was through offering up His life. To be peacemakers we must put off every personal attitude and prejudice that hinders us from forgiving others and living in peace with them.

Attitude Eight: An Attitude that Doesn't React Against Persecution

'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' Matt 5:10.

Jesus does not give a 'glossed over' view of what it will be like to be one of His true followers. Followers of Christ will suffer persecution. It happens because of Jesus. He taught that if He was persecuted then His followers will be also.

This proved to be true. The first-century Christians were persecuted constantly. Instead of decreasing, persecution has continued to this day. In fact, in the last one hundred years there have been more followers of Christ persecuted and put to death than in the previous 2,000 years put together.

There is a deep hatred that exists towards Christ and His followers, particularly from the world's system of politics, finance and the media. Persecution is happening and will continue until the end.

Jesus promises that when a person is persecuted for the sake of His righteous life and they have an attitude that doesn't react against it, they will be blessed and favoured with His joy and true happiness. They will experience the joy of eternity in heaven.

Attitude Nine: An Attitude that Doesn't Retaliate When Falsly Accused

'Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.' Matt 5:11.

Jesus emphasised the need to have such an attitude because there will always be those who speak all kinds of evil lies about followers of Christ. He said that in the last days the love of many will grow cold. People will become offended and betray one another.

It is extremely challenging when falsely accused to not retaliate and try to defend yourself. Jesus is our example. If our joy is to be full, and we are to rejoice and be exceedingly glad, we must learn the way of Christ.

Peter, a follower of Christ, expressed it this way. 'For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: "Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth"; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.' 1 Pet 2:19-23.

If we live by these nine attitudes we will find favour with God and experience eternal happiness in Christ.

An Attitude of Spiritual Poverty
An Attitude that Mourns and Grieves
An Attitude of Meekness
An Attitude that Hungers and Thirsts for Righteousness
An Attitude that Shows Mercy
An Attitude that Turns from Sin
An Attitude that Makes Peace
An Attitude that Doesn't React Against Persecution
An Attitude that Doesn't Retaliate When Falsely Accused

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
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So Great a Salvation

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:12:00 GMT

by Bruce Mackay | Download PDF | Purchase Hardcopy

God's love knows no limits and no boundaries. His love is unconditional. The love of God is toward all people of all languages. It reaches out to every human heart regardless of our actions, attitudes or beliefs. His love is able to save us from our sin regardless of our lifestyle or our past. God came to earth as the person of Jesus Christ to give us God's life. His love is a gift that can forgive our sin and set us on a path to live fully pleasing God for the rest of our life. His salvation then continues beyond the grave, that we may live with God for all eternity.

The acceptable year of the Lord

While on earth, Jesus lived in the land of Israel. At that time, Israel was occupied by the Romans. On almost all occasions when Jesus spoke, His audience was people who had been raised and taught from what we know today as the Old Testament Scriptures. When Jesus quoted or spoke from these Scriptures, His audience knew exactly what He meant. The following statement recorded by Luke is a quote from the Old Testament prophet, Isaiah.

'The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.' Luke 4:18-19.

Jesus had proclaimed His mission. His salvation was to the poor, the broken-hearted and people enslaved by habits; to those who have lost their way and need light for their path, and to the oppressed. He included all this in the statement, 'The acceptable year of the Lord'. He was proclaiming God's great salvation to all mankind.

When Jesus said that He had come to 'proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord', the people knew exactly what He was saying. He was quoting from the Old Testament book of Leviticus which said that this acceptable year of the Lord was a year of Jubilee; a year of salvation, restoration and freedom. On the Jubilee year, every slave was released and families were restored back together. Everyone's property was restored back to the original owner. Those who had fallen on bad times and lost land and homes, or had been forced to work as slaves, were set free. Everything they lost was restored. It was a time of great joy, great jubilee and great restoration. In the 'acceptable year of the Lord', the love of God touched the heart of every person. Each person could start anew.

All things new

We often come to a point in our life when we would love to be able to start again; a point where we know that we would like to do things differently. We find ourselves the victims of hard times. Perhaps we were forced to make choices under pressure and regret it. Jesus Christ came to make us new. When He died on the cross, He gathered up all our sin, all our mistakes and all our regrets and He nailed them to His cross so that when He died, our sin died with Him. Jesus' audience knew that in the year of Jubilee, you could start again. Every debt was forgiven, all land was restored to its original owner and all slaves were restored to their place in the family.

Through Jesus Christ, we can be a new creation. We can know our past is forgiven. We can be restored to who God intended us to be. We can live as His child, with His life. Our slate can be wiped clean. This, however, is only possible through Jesus Christ.

The Bible says that 'if any person is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new'.

Turning from the old

The Bible is very clear about how we can start again in Christ. We must fully acknowledge our sin and failure. We must make no excuses or pass the blame, but be fully accountable. We find it hard to admit our own guilt. From the first sin in the Garden of Eden we see how Adam and Eve each blamed the other. Also, they tried to cover up what they had done. There is no point acting like children, trying to hide from our parents or gluing up the ornament we just broke to try to make out that nothing has happened. Jesus sees right through our cover-ups. He knows our sin. After all, He suffered the pain of it as if it was His own. We must face Him with our guilt, thanking Him that He took our place.

To face Him we must turn from going our own self-centred way. The Bible calls this 'repentance'. We turn from sin, from the old way of living, and turn toward God. As we turn to God, we are to have faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible expresses it as 'repentance toward God', which means turning from our sinful self towards a holy God. Then it says, 'And faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ'. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and no one can meet God apart from Jesus Christ. While we hang on to anything of our old way of living, we cannot experience the new life in Christ.

Living in the new

The new life that God has for you began before the creation of the world. God the Father had a desire to have many sons. God the Son offered His life to the Godhead to be the vessel of new creation for many sons to be born of God. The Bible expresses the result of His offering this way:

'I will declare the decree:
The LORD has said to Me,
"You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You".' Psa 2:7.

'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.' John 3:16.

The only begotten Son of God came to earth carrying the seed of new life for all who will believe. Jesus carried to the cross our new name, given by God before the foundation of the world. We can receive our new heavenly name when we surrender our life up by accepting Christ's death for us. We can then be born of God through Christ and become sons of God. The life we live from that point on is to be Christ's life.

A new creation in Christ

The apostle Paul, who wrote a large section of the Bible, expressed it this way, 'It is no longer I that lives, but Christ lives in me. The life I live now is by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave His life for me'. Having turned from our sin and received our new life from God, we must offer ourselves in the body of Christ. The body of Christ is the church. As we meet and relate amongst others who have received new life in Christ, we lay our life down to serve and love the other. In this context, we live by Christ's life. We are in Him and He is in us, so it is Christ's life that we are living. The old has passed, the new has come and we are set free of the past to live now what God had planned for us before the world began.

When Jesus stood and proclaimed the acceptable year of the Lord, He was calling and inviting all mankind to be restored to God's wonderful new life that He has for us.

Following the day of the Lord

As expressed earlier, Jesus was quoting from the prophet Isaiah and all His audiences were familiar with the passage of Scripture that Jesus quoted from. They would have been very aware that Jesus didn't finish the quote. Once He had said, 'the acceptable year of the Lord', He stopped. He didn't quote the whole statement which says, 'And the day of vengeance of our God'. Clearly, before God comes in wrath and vengeance, there is a period of grace and mercy.

We are now living in this period of grace and mercy, but it will be followed by God's wrath. After Jesus was crucified, buried and rose from the dead, He was on earth another forty days before He ascended to His Father in heaven, to the glory He had before. During this time, He spoke of His return and what would take place in the last days. He warned of the need to take hold of His great salvation before His return, because with His second coming the day of wrath and vengeance will come. Jesus commanded His disciples to go into all the world and make disciples; to teach them, baptise them and establish them in His church. Those who are living as His committed followers will escape His day of wrath.

During this acceptable year of the Lord, is the time to make ourselves ready and be fully restored in His new creation before the great day of wrath and judgement.

So great a salvation

It would be hard to imagine in the year of Jubilee, that people would not take the opportunity to have all that was lost restored. It is even more amazing to think that multitudes of people neglect God's great salvation that is provided through Jesus Christ. They neglect the salvation that removes our sin and restores us to God's plan and purpose for our life; a salvation of love that removes us from the kingdom of darkness to become sons of God, to live in the kingdom of Christ. The Bible says, 'How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?'

As the writer of this article, I am compelled on God's behalf to urge you not to neglect this great salvation. Accept God's love and mercy. We have an appointment with death that we cannot postpone forever. At that appointed time, we will give an account to God for our life. He will only accept into His presence, life that has come from Him. This is the life of Christ, received through His only begotten Son, which is lived in the fellowship of church life.

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
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Setting the Oppressed Free

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:14:00 GMT

by Bruce Mackay | Download PDF | Purchase Hardcopy

Jesus declared to the people His mission statement when He stood up in the synagogue. Luke 4:18-19. Within that mighty proclamation, He said He would 'set at liberty those who are oppressed'. What good news! Jesus would heal and set free the oppressed and downtrodden, the crushed and bruised. Ever since Satan oppressed Adam and Eve through his deception and their disobedience, the human race has been downtrodden by oppressors, leaving it crushed and bruised. Many today find themselves in this situation. The purpose of this article is to make clear that we don't have to stay crushed and bruised, but rather through Jesus we can become 'healed victors'.

The compassion of Jesus

When Jesus looked on the multitude, He saw the condition of their souls. He saw that they were bruised and downtrodden like lost, scattered sheep with no shepherd. Jesus had compassion on each individual and He healed them and set them free. Jesus was a man of compassion. The Bible says of Jesus, 'A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoking wick He will not put out'. Isa 42:3. Luke, in his Gospel, gives us a little snapshot summary of Jesus' love and compassion for each person. 'And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples, and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.' Luke 6:17-19

Jesus not only showed His compassion by setting the oppressed free, He also experienced what it was like to be oppressed by others. The Bible says Jesus was despised, rejected, forsaken, afflicted, bruised and crushed. He became a man of sorrows as He bore our affliction and pain. He took our place and became downtrodden, bruised and crushed for our sake that we may be set free. On the day of His crucifixion, after He was beaten with whips, the soldiers took Jesus into the governor's palace and they all gathered around Him. Among other things, they began to mock Him and spit on Him. This is true oppression when people take pleasure in spitting on a half-dead person! Spitting doesn't hurt the body but it is intended to degrade the soul; and it does. There is no record of anyone wiping the spit from the face of Jesus. As Jesus hung on the cross, bearing our sin, the spit on His body, mixed with His blood, demonstrated His compassion. He was despised, bruised and downtrodden so that the oppressed of the world might go free.

Satan the oppressor

Just as Jesus is the author of 'life' and 'light', and 'peace' and 'truth', Satan is the master of all oppression and the father of lies. He keeps us victim to the many circumstances and choices that happen in our life. God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:38

Satan's method is to keep us as victims, attributing blame to others or our circumstances. He is even happy if we blame him. He would have us blame anyone and everything as long as we do not take accountability for our own responses. Many people are innocent victims, but we are all accountable for how we respond and act and with what attitude we live. Jesus will heal and deliver us when we meet Him in full accountability for our actions and attitudes. We will never meet Him and experience Him setting us free from oppression while we remain victims, attributing blame. This is a most vital key for being set free. Therefore we will address this further.

A woman healed

Let us look at an incident in the life of Jesus on earth and witness Him setting the oppressed free. 'So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him. Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well". Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My clothes?" But His disciples said to Him, "You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, 'Who touched Me?'" And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction". Mark 5:24-34.

In this incident, we have a woman who had a physical affliction. In her desire to be made well, she ended up worse off. You could say she was an innocent victim of the medical system. The result of the suffering and humiliation at the hand of others, that had cost her every cent she had, left her bruised, downtrodden, ashamed and oppressed. She had tried everything and every method for wholeness, but only grew worse. Healing and change only came when she put her faith and trust in Jesus. Because she was so downtrodden she didn't have the confidence to face straight up to Jesus. She hid in the crowd. Yet, she had the faith that she would be healed if she could touch the clothes of Jesus. Some people become so consumed with their problem and so overtaken by the unjust treatment they have received that they cannot hear God's word to them and have no place for faith. They have allowed their situation to remove all trust. They grow worse and further oppressed.

The next step Jesus took would seem extremely uncaring. He made her come out of the crowd, even though she was trembling with fear. Jesus knew she had to face Him as an accountable person. She had to meet Him in truth, whatever the shame. We also notice that Jesus didn't take up the charge against her oppressors. That would never set her free. Justice doesn't change our oppressive situation. Jesus didn't come to improve the justice system of the world! He came as the friend of sinners. He came to save and make whole all who would meet Him and be accountable for their own sin and responses. When Jesus returns the second time as He promised, He will judge the oppressors. But now He is healing the oppressed. This lady came and opened up her soul to Jesus. She didn't come as a victim. She told Jesus the truth regarding herself and she found peace. 'And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction". Mark 5:34. Jesus set her free from her oppression.

The truth sets us free

Jesus is willing to set us all free to be sons of God. To experience this we should know the truth.

Did you know that God loved you and chose you to be His child before He created anything?
Did you know that He chose you to be in Christ before you were even born?
Did you know Jesus never came to condemn you but to save you?
Did you know that even though you have suffered injustice, you have still
sinned against God in your thoughts, words and actions?
Did you know that your freedom to be a child of God comes by you facing your sin and not by making right other people's wrongs?
Did you know that Christ died for our sins, was buried and on the third day rose from the dead
Did you know He established the church, which is now His body on earth, to be the place of your healing and salvation? The place where you can be set free to live as a disciple of Jesus?
Did you know He raises the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy out of the ash heap that they might sit as sons of God with all the family of God in heavenly places?
Did you know that the purpose that Jesus, the Son of God, came to live on the earth was that He might destroy the works of the devil?
Did you know that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father but through Him?

Our response

Jesus said, 'Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light'. Matt 11:28-30.

Like the woman in the story, we must come with faith, knowing that to touch the Lord Jesus is to know change. We must put off our victim attitudes, humble ourselves and open our lives to the Lord Jesus. He will not reject us. We come confessing our sin, our attitudes and our responses. Whatever others may have done to cause these things, we are the ones who are oppressed. We are the ones in need of wholeness. We must meet Jesus as a sinner. One of the greatest hindrances to going free is our inability to confess our sin in these matters. We are so overtaken at the injustice and overpowering of our oppressors or abusers that we find it hard to face that we have participated in sin. Even though the abuse was against our will, we must accept we have still participated contrary to the will of God. This is why we suffer guilt and shame. This is why we must first confess our sin to Jesus. Christ died for sinners. Come to Jesus fully accountable and He will give you rest. To receive forgiveness from Christ, we likewise must forgive those who have sinned against us. Jesus said that if we don't forgive others, neither will our heavenly Father forgive us. Mark 11:25. From the cross, having suffered wrongfully from others, Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them'. Luke 23:34.

Along with this, the Scriptures say, 'Be yoked to Christ'. Christ's life is now expressed in His church, the body of Christ. To be yoked (joined) to Christ is to find a gathering of disciples of Christ who are committed to living according to the teachings of the Bible. Be joined to these ones who are participating together in love towards one another in Christ. When we are joined, and when we are participating with others in the love of God, we will learn of God's ways. We will find ourselves being set free from oppression. The bruised and crushed will find rest and peace for their souls.

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
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The Life of Jesus Series

Freedom from Bondage

Eighteen years of bondage

Sons of God

Sons or slaves

Bondage to freedom

Free indeed

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF Christian Resources

Follow Me

Teaching the crowds

Launch into the deep

The result of obedience

Facing reality

Finding our purpose

Follow me

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF Christian Resources

Healing the Broken-hearted

A broken-hearted widow

Compassion

The church - a place of healing

The comfort of Christ

Not time and chance

Sorrow from sin

Restoration and healing

Forgiveness

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF Christian Resources

Jesus Teaches about Prayer

When we Pray

Before we Pray

Matthew 6:5

Luke 18:10-14

How we Pray

'Our Father in heaven'

'Your kingdom come'

'Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven'

'As in heaven as on earth'

'Give us this day our daily bread'

'Forgive us as we forgive others'

'Deliver us from the evil one'

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF Christian Resources

Jesus Teaches on Forgiveness

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF Christian Resources

Jesus Teaches on how to Enter Heaven

Our own Righteousness

The Righteousness from God

Salt of the Earth

Light of the World

The need to turn to Christ

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF Christian Resources

Jesus Teaches on Interpersonal Relationships

Attitudes of the Heart

Relationships in the Family

Relationships within Society

Relationships in the Church

True Values

Perfected in Love

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF Christian Resources

Jesus Teaches on Money

Money - a false security

What is our attitude?

Our treasure and heart are one

Money - a false happiness

Who do you serve?

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF Christian Resources

Jesus Teaches on Stress

Do you know the heavenly Father?

Know the Father through Jesus

Divided loyalties cause stress

Three areas of distraction

Do not worry

Pray instead of being anxious

Worry the absence of peace

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF Christian Resources

Jesus Teaches on True Happiness

Two kinds of happiness

Jesus dispels the myths that society say will bring happiness

'Fool, this night your soul will be require of you'

How can we be rich toward God?

What robs us of true happiness?

Another false belief

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
Christian Resources

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
Christian Resources

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
Christian Resources

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
Christian Resources

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
Christian Resources

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
Christian Resources

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
Christian Resources

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
Christian Resources

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
Christian Resources

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
Christian Resources

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
Christian Resources

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
Christian Resources

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
Christian Resources

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
Christian Resources

Author: Bruce Mackay | Citywide Christian Fellowship - Cairns | CCFC
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
Christian Resources