Believers' Compass

BELIEVER'S COMPASS

In approaching this meditation, we come to a subject out of which has already sprung countless sermons and songs, several books and biographies. Admittedly then, we are about to travel on familiar grounds. For this very reason, we must tread cautiously lest we allow previous acquaintance with the text rob us of its ever-present freshness. May the blessed Spirit of truth guide our feet into paths of understanding as we patiently explore this treasure mine together.

 

Our text is a very popular one. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen—Heb.11:1. If we pass over that passage in a hurry, we shall without doubt, see nothing of value other than a superficial impressiveness that would cause us to miss great thoughts which can only be discovered by patient researchers. However, if we draw closer to examine the declaration with care and caution, we shall be rewarded with spiritual insights that would strengthen our belief in God and gainfully brighten our vision of Him. 

 

Faith is described in two ways. First, it is the substance, that is, the certainty of things hoped for. Next, it is said to be the evidence of things not seen. Before we go into any detailed analysis we must note two things which are always in danger of being overlooked even by very sensitive minds. 

Tenses of Our Pilgrim Walk

Tenses of Our Pilgrim Walk 

Scores of people who truly and whole-heartedly confess the Lord Jesus as Lord and Savior are inclined to doubt the certainty of their salvation due to the occasional resurrection of old desires in their lives. This meditation  is therefore devoted to helping us realize our position in Christ Jesus and our responsibility as saints towards the ultimate realization of God’s purpose. It is to this effect that we shall speak of the pilgrim experience under three tenses as applicable to the Christian believer.

 

First, we shall consider God’s position on our past. 

 

For every soul that has trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of sins and has been regenerated by the saving power of the risen Christ, the Holy Scriptures declares an unchangeable fact. We have been saved. The Bible illuminates our understanding with eternal light.  Knowing this that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin-- Rm.6:6-7, For you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God--Col.3:3. The Scriptures are plain. Our old man, that is our old nature of sin was crucified when we believed. No longer are we in danger of the possibility of an eternal loss of our souls. Between us and the dominion of Satan is an impassable gulf. We are dead to sin. Death describes cessation of life, and in this case, insensitivity to the kind of life that once controlled and ruled me. By the entrance of God’s word, my soul has been made to experience an irreversible spiritual revolution. My citizenship as an indigene of Satan’s kingdom is eternally revoked and nothing anywhere can change that fact. Every passion and desire that motivated me yesterday and continued then as the joy of my heart are now separated from me by a difference whose vastness is only captured in the difference illustrated between life and death. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires-Gal. 5:24. 

Suffering

Suffering

 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed,

We are perplexed but not in despair—2 Cor. 4:8

Suffering is a major course in the Christian syllabus. This truth is a stumbling block to many. Often we do not understand why God’s chosen ones should suffer. We typically conceive it to be the consequence of some sin of the sufferer. But this may not be so. Suffering in this world can be and indeed is God’s will for His children. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him but also to suffer for His sake—Phil. 1:29. This Scripture grieves many, others think it is archaic. But God’s ways do not evolve.

 

Forever, O Lord Your word is settled in heaven—Ps. 119:89. Hence the truth remains. God permits suffering and that as a favor to His children. To you it has been granted to suffer for His sake This is the wisdom of God.

 

We have no natural explanations for certain situations we encounter. Suffering, though distasteful to our natural appetites, places us in fellowship with God. That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death—Phil. 3: 10. Suffering, for the Christian, is fellowship with Christ. Christ Himself suffered much in this world. He was made perfect through sufferings—Heb. 2:10

 

In the Temple

     In the Temple      

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him,

And the world did not know Him-Jn.1:10.

           

Jerusalem’s temple buzzed with activity. Old and young alike excitedly flocked into the sanctuary each seeking his own purpose.

            

Various reasons attracted the multitude to the same religious edifice. God Himself was not the only reason that people thronged to Jehovah’s temple.  Mammon, tradition, and self as well were eagerly sought and worshipped there.

            

Joseph and Mary were in the temple, but not for the fellowship of the brethren or to gain understanding of God’s word. The dictates of tradition conveniently explain their presence. Fulfilling the legal requirements of the law was given  precedence over their actual meaning … The parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the Law-Lk.2:27.

            

The wonderful things spoken of Mary’s Child were hidden in her heart, but the realization was obscured to her notice! Seeking the blessing and pronouncements of the high-priest were uppermost in the minds of the young couple in attending the religious meeting.

  

Forgiveness

 Forgiveness

Then Jesus said, “Father forgive them,

For they do not know what they do”-Lk.23:34

 

There is a God who knows your pain.

 

Your unspoken griefs are not concealed from Him. The indelible scars of your wounds with all their attendant miseries are not hidden from the One who knows all. Omniscience knows what you’ve gone through and He sees how you have been unjustly treated.

 

This God, however, watches out for your response. You’ve brooded over this injustice for long. Nurturing bitterness as the scars of the past refresh your memory about the ills of which you were a victim is eating up the vitality of your soul.

 

The Lord God calls you to learn from His Son Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus came to His own people but they rejected Him [Jn.1:11]. Though He is the Savior, they referred to Him as a Samaritan [Jn.8:48]. He came as the Deliverer but was regarded as a demoniac [Jn 7:20]. For His love, He constantly gained hatred.

Pathway to Revival

PATHWAY TO REVIVAL 

Our Lord Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem and as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it—Lk.19:41. That our Lord should express His heart in tears upon sighting a city should immediately cause to descend upon us a solemnity that should very reverently and fearfully provoke serious contemplations in the mind of any sober Christian. 

That which should first arrest our attention is that He saw the city. This points us to a fact that transcends merely having visual contact with the city. It implies that the Lord saw that town as it truly was and not as it appeared to be. This is proven in the fact that His tears of grief were immediately connected with what He saw. And with that in mind, we pause to investigate, why did Jesus approach the city at all? What was He looking for? What did He see that made Him take to mourning over the city even before saying a word about that holy metropolis?

To understand the heartbreak of our Lord, let us begin with the city itself. Jerusalem was the one city in all the earth in which God chose to put His name and locally establish His presence [2 Chr.6:6]. No other nation could claim the same. Jerusalem was God’s chosen city to represent Him before all other nations that peopled the world. It stood for the noblest ideals and functioned as the religious headquarters of God’s chosen people and where all other lands had gone apostate and totally rejected the one true God, Jerusalem was meant to stand out differently. But this was far from being the case as was observed by the heart of our approaching Lord.

Ask and Be Blessed

Ask and Be Blessed!

Ask….Seek....knock (Matt.7:7)

 

Never has a verse been more misunderstood, misconstrued and abused than these words of Jesus which forms our opening text. 

Vast numbers of people have treated and indeed continue to treat this Scripture as though it were an blank cheque, issued to materially prosper all who choose to appropriate it. Others insist that the message of the text is that men should persist in troubling heaven with their desires until they get whatever they want. Both schools of thought have prevailed among men so that so-called “Christian ministries” have been discovered to be founded upon these principles.  

Let it at once be said that neither position is a correct exposition of our Lord’s intent when He announced those words. The Son of God did not descend from heaven to show us a spiritual way of amassing financial wealth, neither did He come only to better our lives with material things through the avenue of religion. Christ Jesus is no minister of sin. It is impossible that He would take up the body of flesh just to awaken desires of greed and to tell men that heaven approved of such desires. If nothing else, the Scriptures faithfully document the stern denunciations of The Lord and His apostles over the attitude that seeks to amass wealth and accumulate material substance. Ye cannot serve God and mammon, at once reveal the attitude of men towards money. Money is another deity, when it becomes the focal-point of human devotion. 

The Sound of Silence

 The Sound of Silence 

Heaven appears to be indifferent over the abominable activities that presently dominate the earth. And because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil—Eccl.8:11

But a life destitute of spiritual worth and dominantly evil in its course of existence postulates an ignorance which could be irrevocably fatal. 

Breathing over the habitations of men is a divine silence which in spite of human rebellion, continues to be reserved. Silence in itself is a message on its own. It proclaims in mute eloquence, the necessity for caution.

Recorded throughout the word of God are punitive measures meted out to evil-doers. The children of Israel, in response to the cravings of an uncontrolled appetite gave in to harsh expressions against Jehovah and His messenger. They took God’s silence to mean God’s absence and eventually were made to reap the bitter harvest of their spiritual irreverence [Ex. 17:7, I Cor.10:10].

The Potter and the Rebel



The Potter and the Rebel

So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night Because the sun had set…Gen.28:11 

Jacob was a schemer. 

The consequences of his deceptive nature compelled his flight from the place of blessing [Gen.27:42—43]. Full of trickeries and cunning, he proceeded as a fugitive on the way to Padan-Aram. It was on this journey, that we read, that the sun set when Jacob arrived at a certain place.[Gen:28:11]

The setting sun is the unmistakable sign of impending darkness. More than a mere indication of time, the setting of the sun, as indicated above, is representative of the descent of Jacob into the dark pools of confidence based on natural prowess.

Though Jacob was determined to travel on his self-chosen path, the Way out of his restlessness into the liberty of God’s presence was revealed to him [Gen.28:15, Jn.1:51].

This was to inform treacherous Jacob that his self-chosen ways had, for its banner a darkness endorsed by the frown of heaven. The sun had set. It refuses to shine over all such ways that men choose for themselves. Instead the only true Way to fullness of life was revealed to Jacob. All other ways lead to death [Prov.12:14].
 

Intercession

 Intercession

We live in perilous times.  All over the world, turbulent visions confound world powers. Global insecurity exposes the impotence of peace-movements, while moral decline is steadily being accepted as a universal culture. 

 

Governments of the world may have diagnosed the various social and moral ailments, which threaten societal health. Yet, they are confirmed powerless, as their remedies do nothing to procure the healing of these wounds. 

 

Pharaoh, one-time most powerful ruler on earth, saw visions of ruin [Gen. 41:1-7]. Nebuchadnezzar, ex-global potentate, favored with apocalyptic glances into ages unborn, saw the certain destruction of the ungodly [Dan.2:31-35]. 

 

In both cases, righteous men whose devotional lives are attuned to the frequency of genuine spirituality, arose to arrest the situation. Joseph standing before Pharaoh, in the former case, gave his advice with the voice of one who, in secret, had maintained an unbroken fellowship with the Almighty. Daniel in the latter case spurned royal favors and even imperiled his own life for the greater task of seeking the face of God. 

 

Sanctify Yourselves

 Sanctify Yourselves

   In a great house… vessels of gold and silver…wood and clay,

 some for honor and some for dishonor—2 Tim.2:20  

 

David's call to the priests was, “sanctify yourselves.” The ark of testimony which was the symbol of God's presence among His people was heading for its place of rest [1 Chr.1:12-14]. And all who would travel with it in outward proximity must be set apart in the Spirit of holiness. Previous attempts to accompany the ark on its journey based on mere zeal and carnal enthusiasm invited the wrath of God and brought down His judgment upon such disastrous presumption [1 Chr.15:13]. 

 

Likewise, believers are called to be holy as God is holy [1 Pt.1:16]. If we would be outwardly identified with the name and purpose of the Lord Jesus, who is God with man, as was the ark on earth, we must desist from everything that dishonors God‟s name and attempt to frustrate His purpose in this world [2 Tim.2:17, 2 Cor.6:14] 

 

The contents of the ark are revealed to us, it had the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant-Heb.9:4. These items contained in the ark are full of spiritual significance. The manna speaks of the Lord Jesus as our bread from heaven [John 11], Aaron's dry rod budding and blossoming with life tells of Christ as our Resurrection and life [John 8.] and the tablets declare the Lord Jesus to be God's covenant of truth with mankind [John 14:6]. Any who choose to identify with the Lord Jesus and His cause in this world must have fed on the heavenly manna, experienced the power of resurrection in his soul and must have received the truth about Christ in whom are hid all treasures of the Godhead [Col.2]. 

 

Service to God and to Man

Service to God and to Man 
                                                                                                            

  And I was with you in weakness, and

in fear and in much trembling—1 Cor.2:3 

Weakness, fear and much trembling would undoubtedly leave much to be desired in a preacher by the standards of a twenty-first century Christendom.

 

The persistent call and clamor for a superior race is not merely limited to certain unwise military despots in history. This same passion has been and is still being echoed from the pulpits. It really is no wonder that godhood is consistently being proclaimed by the preachers of the day. One simple survey of “Christian bookstores” would immediately expose a contradistinction between today’s faith and Christianity as experienced and practiced by the apostle Paul.

 

By acknowledging his weakness among God’s saints, Paul simply declared that in spite of his faith, he was not exempt from the experiences common to all men. Though a proven and attested servant of God, he was nevertheless vulnerable to the imperfections common to humanity.

Issues of the Heart

 

ISSUES OF THE HEART

 

In this world of increasing spiritual darkness, there exists a pressing need for divinely illuminated minds. No tribe or nation naturally produces such people. Yet, needed urgently are men in whom the Spirit of heaven resides. It is the only way out of the mysteries that surround us.

Ancient Babylon and her king very vividly illustrate our present meditation. King Nebuchadnezzar the undisputed lord of the Babylonian empire had been visited in his sleep by visions that later troubled his spirit when he arose from sleep.

Becoming anxious, restless and troubled, that mighty ruler summoned with great urgency all the wise-men within the borders of his kingdom. Almost without delay, we see the royal court already hosting a national convention of every type of spiritual science.

Whom Shall I Send?

Whom Shall I Send?

From the earliest ages of humanity until present times, the conflict between good and evil has been continuously expressed in bitter confrontations between God’s people and various giants. While we observe that man himself has never been able to conquer in this battle, we do not fail to notice that Jehovah has been active on behalf of his people.

However, the giants that confront God’s people today seem to be having the upper hand and even dictating the terms of the battle so that we are tempted to question the reality of divine activity. Yet we know that the Lord never slumbers. Both history and the Scriptures testify to His activity in the affairs of men. In this meditation, we shall take up the study of the battle between David and Goliath as a pertinent case to our generation.

The scene of the war as depicted by the sacred penman is a most fearful sight. Israel, the army of the living God, is portrayed as challenged and openly defied by the Philistine camp. We encounter fear within the Israeli camp, stripping the soldiers of hope and banishing courage from their midst. Great trepidation of the enemy characterized the captains of Jehovah’s army even before an arrow was released from the Philistine camp.

Go and Do Likewise

 

 GO AND DO LIKEWISE

We all must dread and avoid that dangerous situation wherein a person’s mind is accurately informed with biblical expositions on a merely intellectual plane while his spirit remains unaffected by the same truths.

No matter how mentally exercised an individual is in the knowledge of the Bible, the infallible teaching of our Lord stands sure, it is the spirit that quickens, the flesh profits nothing—Jn.6:63 The Lord refers not to the  Holy Spirit in that passage. He was using a figure. That which the Savior meant was that the spirit of a thing is the life of that thing. The flesh or body of a person is of no use without his spirit. The spirit is the essence of life. It is the spirit which animates and quickens anyone with life.

 

This figure the Lord used to teach His audience that unless they entered into the very spirit of His teachings, mere acquaintance with His outward form would profit them nothing. Notice that He said those words to a congregation that was closing in on Him only for the supply of earthly bread [Jn.6:26].

 

Fight the Good Fight

             Fight the Good Fight

 

Athens in ancient Greece is one of the most outstanding cities of all time. Its unique place in history is widely acknowledged throughout the world for its beauty, splendor, commerce and above all excellence in education. Its poetry, literature, arts and philosophies has greatly influenced modern thinking and has continued to win the wonder of elites in all generations.

Amazingly, one man saw differently. Amidst the material splendor and vast intellectual wealth of Athens, we read that the apostle Paul saw that the city was given to idols.-Acts.17:16.This without doubt was an exceptional estimate of Athens. The majority could never have agreed with the apostle. Athens was a city with everything heart could ever wish for. Intellectual or material, Athens boasted of the best this world had to offer. Students and sculptors, architects or artistes, every visitor to the ancient city will return with so much to wonder about.

It was in spite of the wonderful attractions of that vastly organized society that the apostle evaluated the land and its people with a different spirit. As believers, Paul’s example offers godly instructions to us and so this contemplation focuses on how Christians can bring the touch of God upon a generation that sees itself as Post-Christian.

Peril of the Hour

  PERIL OF THE HOUR
 

Our fathers during their generations on earth always looked forward to the coming of rain. A little delay in annual rainfall was to them unacceptable. Periods of drought or lack of rainfall was considered a bad omen which indicated that something had gone wrong. Prolonged drought was always interpreted to be the result of much sin which can only be remedied by appeasing the gods. Rainfall was so important to our ancestors that they would go any length to offer ritual sacrifices no matter how costly, provided the return of rain was assured. 

Today, the mere sight of gathering clouds is enough to disrupt business proceedings and even empty our streets within the twinkle of an eye. Rainfall is no longer seen as a blessing, as a matter of fact, if men had the power they would have since shut the heavens over themselves. Let the sky show the slightest promise of rainfall and adults will be seen scampering off the streets, mothers can be sighted in great panic making hasty phone calls to the schools of their children, while farmers who ordinarily should rejoice at the prospect of rain are the first to begin to tremble and grumble.
 

Sodomy: The coming dimension

Sodomy: The Coming Dimension

 

Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom; Give ear

 to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah--Isaiah 1:10

 

Prophet Isaiah’s choice of words in indicting Israel calls for serious attention. That stern servant of God while announcing his denunciations on the Lord’s professing people addressed them as Sodom and Gomorrah.

If we carefully study the context in which our opening text was uttered we notice that the people of God were not literally practicing sensual indulgence such as describes the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Yet the Lord designated them by those terrible names which have altogether come to be identified with and even represent perversion and profanity. This necessarily implies that some very appalling principle of evil was prevalent among the Israelites.

To investigate the spiritual import of heaven’s intent when the Lord through His messenger decided to refer to His own as Sodom and as Gomorrah, we must first consult with the Holy Spirit on that which ought to be the normal state of things.