Stand Fast In The Lord

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Exodus 14,15 and 1Thessalonians 3

In the stunning conclusion to the 10 plagues, God demonstrated His might to the Israelites in the crossing of the Red Sea and the vanquishing of the Egyptians. As we recall the events than took place before, we see indeed how a single person's pride brought a mighty empire to it's knees. As the ministers of Pharaoh pleaded, "...knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?" (Ex 10:7) Yet even so, Pharaoh would have none of it till finally he himself perished in the Red Sea. It is no wonder that there has been no archaeological evidence of this bit of ancient Egyptian history. It was such a shameful and painful period than subsequent Pharaohs sought to wipe off any evidence of such an incident.

In the last phrase of the "Song of Moses" in Ex 15, the writer wrote:
Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.
Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
The LORD shall reign for ever and ever. ~ Ex 15:16-18

This is the type of our status in Christ. (c.f. 1Co 10:1-4) God has purchased us with the blood of Christ (1Pe 1:18-20).Our heavenly inheritance awaits us (1Pe 1:4), being joint heirs with Christ (Rom 8:17). Such rich glory! Such wondrous love!

This was the sentiment echoed as we continue our reading in 1Thess 3.
v. 8 is a short but powerful statement - "For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord."
Just as trials and tribulations came upon the Israelites, Paul tells the brethren that even faithful workers of God should expect afflictions and persecutions and they were not to be affected negatively as a result.
Very often, the suffering of others seem to affect us more. We cannot wrap our minds around why people of great faith can suffer. Thus Paul wrote to encourage the brethren to continue to stand fast. That would be the greatest comfort that they could give Paul and his fellow workers. (1Th 3:7,8)

The expression "stand fast" is a single word "steko" in Greek, which literally means being stationary. Paul exhorted the Corinthians to be "stedfast, unmoveable" (1Co 15:58), both conveying the idea of being stubbornly fixated. Hang on! Never sway! Hold on to the everlasting truths of His Word. The exact opposite of that being "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine" (Eph 4:14).

Truly, there's no greater joy than hearing children of God walk in truth (3Jn 4). And our hope and prayer that we continue to stand fast in the Lord, come what may, that those who watch over us may give a joyous account (Heb 13:17), that we may be found as good and faithful servants, entering into the joy of our Lord. (Mat 25:21,23)

in Him
Paul

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13

Signs

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Exodus 7,8 and Mark 16.

Exodus 7 begins the account of the 10 plagues. We talked about this heart "hardening" process sometime back. Basically, when man choses to disregard God, God will allow exactly that to happen! It is interesting to note that even the Egyptian magicians had to concede defeat yet Pharoah remained unconvinced. It reminds me of the exchange between the rich man and Abraham in Luk 16:19-31. In the last pitch, he rich man implored Abraham to allow him to warn his brothers, yet Abraham said "...If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." (Luk 16:31). Sometimes, we hear unbelievers saying that if there were a Jesus today performing miracles, they would surely convert. Or would they? When someone has made up his mind about something, it is well nigh impossible to change his thoughts, however convincing the evidence. The Pharoah's case is a classic example where one is hardened not for the lack of evidence but in the face of evidence! Of such, it is pointless to reason with them, but only pray for a softening of heart if God wills.

Mark 16 is where we find the famous declaration in v.15,16
Mar 16:15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mar 16:16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

How some can misunderstand the crystal clear wording and meaning is beyond me. I have come across a denominational "pastor" who claimed that we cannot take the "gospels" as "doctrine" (as opposed to the epistles)! Whatever happened to Jesus' warning in John 12:48? Oh yes and John 3:16? It's just an encouragement you know, for our exhortation and learning since it's from the gospel not the epistles. I doubt any respectable Christian (used here accomodatively) would subscribe to that!

What can throw some off track is the seemingly same context that v.17,18 are mentioned in.
It is true that in the first century, certain believers had miraculous gifts. This was first preached by Peter on the day of Pentecost (Act 2:38).
The apostles no doubt had such gifts as well. The part about handling serpents was given an example in Paul in Act 28:5-6.

So if we need to be baptized today for salvation, then should signs also follow us?
The quick answer is given immediately 2 verses down:
"And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."

The believers were imbued with miraculous gifts to "confirm the word". It was for the purpose to establish the word just as Jesus had patterned. Just as there was a time a purpose for the Old Law, there was a time and purpose for spiritual gifts. Wherefore, Paul wrote that they would be "done away" (1Co 13:10). Just like our childhood toys, as Paul goes on to explain, was good for a season, but if one were to hang on to them through adulthood, that would certainly not reflect very well on one's mental state!
Again we see the pattern as mentioned earlier in the case of the rich man and Abraham. The fully revealed word of God is all sufficient! And if one would not be convinced of God and His plan by it, no amount of miracles would do the job. In fact, even in the days of Christ, people even claimed they were the works of the devil! (Mat 9:34).

So it remains for us today to continue to study God's word and trust in His instructions and promises. Only with which can we be truly pleasing to God.

in Him
Paul

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. ~ 1Corinthians 10:13

God's Infinite Ways

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Isaiah 53-55 and Mark 13:1-20

Opening the OT readings is the well-known Isa 53, the entire of which is Messianic in nature.
This was also the portion of which the Ethiopian eunuch had been reading from, when Philip had approached his chariot in Act 8:32,33.
Isa 55 is a fitting conclusion in response to the glorious plan that God had laid out before the foundation of the world (1Pe 1:18-20)

We note of
1) God's infinite wisdom
Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Truly, as Paul wrote "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1Co 1:25)
Man can never find spiritual peace from the carnal! True treasure lies up above and not of this world. We would all do well to submit to God's wisdom by following His Word! Stop the second guessing. Stop the human traditions and bias. Stop the worldly rationalising. Just trust and obey!

2) God's infinite mercy
Isa 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
God is ever ready to receive the penitent! God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked! (Ezk 18:23). As Peter reaffirmed, the Lord wants all the come unto repentance (2Pe 3:9)
Yet His mercy is only extended to those who would forsake evil and turn to the Lord. "Turn us again"! was the Psalmist's cry, thrice over in Psa 80. Most surely, our constant prayer is for tender, contrite hearts, only with which can be found pleasing to Him (Psa 51:17).

3) God's infinite will
Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Our Lord Jesus, in his final hours of great anguish and stress, prayed thus:"...O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Mat 26:39) and then again "...O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done." (Mat 26:42)
God's will and power through His Word is everlasting from creation till the end. Jesus said 4 times over, "I am Alpha and Omega" (Rev 1:8,11; 21:6; 22:13). God's Will will be done, only question is, what is man's response to that? He has willed for a plan of salvation for man, yet it remains our choice to either accept or reject Him.

Our prayer and hope for all to recognise the infinite ways of God and turn to Him, for He is just and merciful to those that call upon Him.

in Him
Paul

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. ~ 1Corinthians 1:25

But My Salvation Shall Be For Ever

Dear class,

Happy Chinese New Year to the Chinese brethren and happy holidays to all!

Today's readings are taken from Isaiah 50-52 and Mark 12:28-44

In Isaiah 50 onwards, Isaiah continues his discourse from chapter 48 in review and rebuke of the Israelite nation. Turning to a positive, encouraging note, Isaiah exhorts the people to follow after righteousness and not trust in perishable mammon.

The people are reminded of the greatness of God in all His wonders evident in nature and demonstrated to the Israelites.
v.9-10 is a reminder of God bringing the Israelites out of Egypt (c.f. Ex 13:9). "Rahab", which means "proud, strength" and "dragon" symbolically refers to the physically powerful and most probably in this case refers to Egypt, as we read on in v.10.
In general, the people are reminded not to be fearful of the worldly oppressors. (v. 7,12)
These, as are the sufferings of the people were but temporal and as long as Israel turned to God, He will offer succor that is without annulment.

Certainly reminds us of the teachings of our Lord in Mat 10:28 - And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Truly, nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God, if we were to turn wholly unto Him (Rom 8:38,39)
Our trials on this earth are but for a moment, to remind us of a greater glory to come. Wherefore Paul exhorts us to seek after things "not seen", which are eternal, instead of that which are temporal (2Co 4:17,18).
And what a great comfort that Isaiah reminds us that salvation from God is not temporal but forever! (Isa 51:6,8) A salvation found in an everlasting kingdom (2Pe 1:11), for a peculiar people sanctified in Christ (1Pe 2:9; Heb 10:10).

Even as we go about our festivities, let us be continually be grateful to the providence of God and keep our sights upon the things which are above and lead others to do the same. (Col 3:2)

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. ~ 1Corinthians 1:25

The Word of God Shall Stand Forever

Dear class,

The readings today are taken from Isaiah 39, 40 and Mark 10:1-31

Isaiah 40 is a glorious chapter depicting the glory and might of God. It includes the prophecy of the ministry of John the baptizer (v.3-5; c.f. Mat 3:3; Mar 1:2,3; Luk 3:2-6; Jhn 1:23), and one of the passages that proves the scientific foreknowledge of the bible (v. 22 - about the earth being round).

Incidentally, Isa 40:8 is one of the first verses quoted to me (by sis Irene in fact!) when I was a young convert.
"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." An excellent exhortation to the young babes in Christ and the most mature Christians alike.

In this disposable age, the "simple" solution to deficiency is increase! Not enough food? Buy more. (Instead of preventing waste) Not enough space? Get a bigger place.(instead of stopping the purchases!) Not enough money? Work more! (Instead of just being content with what we have)
Unfortunately, when it comes to spiritual matters - not enough faith? Do we spend more time working on it?

Brethren, we need to constantly remind ourselves - our life here is but a span. It's but a preparation phase for an eternity to come. Oftentimes, we live as if we want or could stay here forever! There's no way we could bring our worldly possessions with us. There's no way our worldly possessions could make us right before God. Yet far too often, we put our time and trust on things that perish. Recall the parable of the rich fool:
Luk 12:16  And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
Luk 12:17  And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
Luk 12:18  And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
Luk 12:19  And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
Luk 12:20  But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
Luk 12:21  So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Indeed as James mentioned, upon what can we boast about tomorrow?

Jas 4:13  Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
Jas 4:14  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Jas 4:15  For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
Jas 4:16  But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

We can but only trust in God's word and put our focus in preparing for the eternal, not the temporal! As Paul exhorts, we would do well to set out affections on things above and not on things on earth (Col 3:2).
The Word stands forever! And indeed it is the Word by which we will be judged (Jhn 12:48). Bearing in mind we all have to give account to God (Rom 14:12).
The concluding verses in Isa 40 gives us great comfort even as we strive to live our lives righteously before God -

Isa 40:29  He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Isa 40:30  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
Isa 40:31  But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Let us continue to "wait upon" (i.e. serve) the Lord as good and faithful servants so that we may stand in eager anticipation of entering into the joy of the Lord (Mat 25:21,23), knowing very well His Word stands forever and what He says, He will surely bring to pass.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. ~ Galatians 6:1
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. ~ Galatians 6:10

Not Against Us

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Isaiah 37, 38 and Mark 9:30-50.

In Mark 9:40 - For he that is not against us is on our part.
It seems that the Lord has pretty broad guidelines! Does this passage gives the green light to the numerous Christian religions out there, that seem to proclaim Christ?

First of all, as usual, we need to examine the entire context. Jesus was addressing an issue among the disciples.
The problem first began earlier in yesterday's passage. The disciples were beginning to be full of themselves. I wrote previously on Jesus' explanation of the disciple's failure to cast out the demon - they were faithless because they did not follow instructions (note not the other way round!). But back to the matter here, we see this growing pride in the disciples, having being endowed with miraculous gifts and experienced some success. Even to the point of arguing who was greater, right under the nose of their master! It is with this nose in the air attitude that the disciples condemned the man who was casting out devils. They were really not interested in whether what he did was right but that this guy was trying to make them look bad! Hence, Jesus answer to bring back the focus of the matter - he had cast out demons in the AUTHORITY of Jesus. That was all that mattered. If he had an attitude problem, he will answer to God (c.f. Mat 7:21-23). Jesus went on to chastise the worldly attitude of the disciples, exhorting them to remove their worldly ways and finally even addressed the issue they had sought to hide from Him (v.34) in the final verse of the passage. Wherefore, even Paul exhorted us to season our speech with salt! (Col 4:6)

Secondly, as we've always emphasised, we need to take the SUM of the Word. In passages like Mat 12:30, Luk 11:23, Jesus paints a much more stringent requirement.
But in actual fact, when we properly understand Mar 9:40, Jesus is essentially talking about the same thing. What does it really mean by "not against"?
Jesus taught us to love Him is to keep His commandments (Jhn 14:15). Even works that had the semblance of righteousness could be condemned if not done truly in accordance to God's word! (Mat 7:21-23). Thus we see that "not against" is really just referring to one category - with God. In order to be truly "not against" God, it had to fit the bill as God laid out!
Any so called Christian religion that merely proclaims God in name is useless if it does not follow God's commandments in spirit AND in truth (c.f. Jhn 4:24).

Let us not be deceived, but continue stedfastly in our daily walk to constantly seek to be with God and not against Him!

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. ~ Galatians 6:1
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. ~ Galatians 6:10