Armour Of God: Truth

The Whole Armour Of God: The Belt Of Truth

The "belt of truth" is the first piece of the "whole armour of God" listed in Ephesians Chapter 6. Likewise, "faith" is the first word of "faith, hope and love", (1 Corinthians 13:13, Colossians 1:5, 1 Thessalonians 1:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:8), which is a Bible phrase known to most of the world and another core element of what it is that God brings to humankind, to His children, His disciples and friends.

I see the two, "truth" and "faith", as inextricably linked; what we know to be true is the rock we cling to when everything else feels like quicksand and our inner self cries out to be able to stand firm. Truth is the foundation of whatever faith we may have. This is like the ancient Roman soldier's belt; it was the foundation for his armour, it held his tunic firm and was the securing point for his sword and his breastplate .. without his belt all his specialised soldier equipment would be out of reach or flop about when he had to fight or run!

Presently in Australia we are being asked to increase our level of coronavirus lockdown and this seems to be working; Covid-19 is spreading very slowly here and our Prime Minister is optimistic that most of us will ultimately remain safe from the disease. Even so our lives have been turned upside down.

Where is our rock in these days? Where can we stand? Certainty has become (even more) elusive. But as my lovely Theology professor often insisted: "the answer is always Jesus".

But if Jesus is just an idea to me .. just some proposition that I can assent to or agree with to make me feel better .. if this were so then I would have only the strength of my thoughts to sustain me. I know that I have changed my mind many times, for all kinds of thinking. Can we find something, a rock, that we can stand firm on? Is there a truth that will withstand any shaking, even when our mind is filled with questions, doubts, and even fear. We will need something bigger than our self ..

We will need something we know to be truth, truth as a really solid and un-moving anchor for our soul, for our life .. This will bring assurance, faith and hope, and these together will give us the ability to love .. Where can we find such as this?

Jesus has become "the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6) to more than a billion people. My testimony is that Jesus' truth is now part of my life, my very being .. He is now my "rock" and my "way" the core of my "truth" and the fabric of my "life" ..

What Is Truth?

What is truth? Is this even a valid question? Can I say: "well this is my truth, your truth may be different"? I was brought up to believe that there is an absolute truth and an absolute of right and wrong, and that to steal or tell a lie was really bad. Was this just from my upbringing or something for all humanity?

Some say that everyone has their own understanding of reality, of how the world is, of truth, and that this comes from their family and upbringing, their culture and education, and from the "big stories" they have been hearing since birth. This all appears to make sense until one asks the questions: "What about the certain knowledge that 'I exist' and 'I have consciousness' and that 'I can hug you and know that you are there'? What about all the things that almost every people-group have as core values, as cultural and family truths, no matter how disparate the group or at what time in history?"

Let us consider beliefs like:

All people need love .. ("love" includes compassion, empathy, charity, honor, fairness, freedom, unity, tolerance, and taking responsibility)

All people want to be treated with dignity and respect ..

All people want to be asked rather than told to do something ..

All people want to be given options rather than threats ..

All people want a second chance ..

And more, perhaps: the sanctity of human life? Or equality? Or loyalty? Or respecting others' property and not stealing? Or not misleading others with lies? What about valuing marriage as being primarily for the protection and upbringing of children, and also as a stabilizing foundation of society? What about us all being social and enjoying the company of others, and hospitality and sharing meals, and taking joy in sunsets and flowers, music and beauty?

After researching widely around the world Sissela Bok found: "love", "truth", "respect for life", "fidelity", "equality", "integrity", and "justice" to be common and precious human values.

David Brooks discovered that: "the heart yearns for fusion with another, and the soul yearns for righteousness", and that "there are depths to the soul, and only spiritual and relational food will fill these gaps" ..

Ideas like "I think therefore I am" do not help me. Such words just muddy the waters. I do not exist because I think, I think because I exist and am human. I am uniquely me and I have my thoughts.

Humans are the only creature with a spirit, we are "spirit, soul and body" (1 Thessalonians 5:23). (Angels too have a spirit, they are spirit and live in the spiritual realm). Certainly we may see a soul, or personality, in our dog or our horse. But humans have more, we have a spirit (Matthew 10:20, 22:43, Mark 12:36, 1 Corinthians 12:3, Ephesians 5:19), and this spirit enables us to connect to the spiritual world, and in particular, to God Himself by His Holy Spirit.

For me, it follows that the notion that I am made in the image and likeness of my Designer and Creator God makes sense to me in a whole and complete way.

Logical Views And Explanations

Perhaps the most important truths we seek are the Four Big Questions asked by almost every person who ever lived:

1.  Who am I?

2.  Why am I here?

3.  Where did I come from?

4.  What will happen to me when I die? Or, where am I going?

(You may wonder why I have not included the question: "Is there a God or gods?" Well, huge numbers of people deliberately do not ask this question because there is no room in their worldview for a "Yes" answer, because that would cancel out what they believe about the supremacy of humankind and our inevitable progress towards perfection .. so long as we prioritise their priorities and follow their plan).

Most scientists, modernists, post-modernists, humanists, utilitarianists, liberals, and feminists have made it impossible for themselves to discover answers to these four questions; they limit what they include in their research to just what is physically observable. I cannot measure the weight of this thought by putting it on a scale, or see its depth by looking at it through a microscope, yet the thought is real! It came from me. Also, I love my wife and my children, and my whole extended family. So do (mostly) all these people love their families. I know these things to be true! There is so much of life beyond the physical.

Only some widely held faiths, or religions, give satisfying answers to the four big questions; neither science nor psychology have any logically complete or believable answer for any of them. 

Our Universe exists with laws of physics, chemistry, thermodynamics, logic and more. Scientists have calculated that the probability of these laws existing by random chance are so remotely tiny that it would be statistically impossible for the Universe to exist at all! That leaves the reasonable certainty that the laws, and the Universe, were established by an intelligent, sentient, (and benign), being. Even Albert Einstein believed this.

I feel safe, then, in accepting the Creation account in the Bible as true; that we and our world have a loving and brilliantly intelligent Designer, Creator and Sustainer. This belief is supported by our very existence, and the natural beauty, variety and the synchronicity we see all around us (Genesis 1:31, Psalm 8:3).

(Definition: synchronicity - "the simultaneous occurrence of events which appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection" (Oxford Dictionary), or, the complete interdependence of bees and flowers; gut bacteria and mammals).

I believe too that the Bible explains the existence of consciousness, family and our need for community, fairness and loyalty, and of "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).

Beyond that, I also feel safe in believing as true that our wonderful God has revealed Himself to us, and that His purpose in the Creation was to have a people with whom He can bond and communicate forever. The most visible and profound expression of this revelation is in His Son Jesus Christ, who, whilst always being fully God, came to Earth as a human being, in the same image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26) as you and me, and dwelt among us to demonstrate the Kingdom of God in His very presence (Mark 1:15, Mark 4:11, Acts 1:3).

There is massively more evidence about Jesus' existence, life, crucifixion unto death, and resurrection back to life, His subsequent time on the Earth, and His ascension to Heaven, than there is about any other ancient historical figure or series of events. Massively more. And because my Spirit knows this Jesus as Saviour, Comforter and friend, I can know the Bible to be true.

These observations or evidences are not mine alone, they simply confirm what was recorded by people who knew Jesus the man, and were among the more than 500 who saw Him crucified, (a terrible form of punishment that no person could ever survive), and then later as the resurrected Christ. They knew that Jesus was infinitely more than a man, that He was "Lord and God" (John 20:19-31). In John's gospel account it reads as though the Disciple Thomas fully expected his doubts to be confirmed then was amazed, delighted and awe struck when he learned that they were not.

Truth is available to us. It is reasonable, not some mad scheme which we have to tie ourselves in knots to understand.

It has taken me many years to become so sure about truth and who I am in Jesus, and a lot of effort too. I have come to understand that we cannot become Christian just through our experiences or just by learning Christian history and rules. No, Jesus will touch us in some way, give us an experience and a testimony of our own, or let us see another's miraculous testimony. Then we begin to know that something enormous is happening .. we begin to learn about God and His Kingdom from Christians and the Bible and a cohesive picture begins to form, somehow the whole world begins to make more sense .. For me it was after this point that I actually came into relationship with Jesus and fell in love with Him .. and I continued to grow and grow.

Every Christian has their own story of how Jesus found them, brought truth and clarity into their life and transformed their whole existence .. most will share that they had great hardships along the way, but also that it was worth every step of the journey. Having Jesus as "truth" (John 1:14, John 8:32), as the "rock" and the anchor of our life is greater than we could have guessed at the beginning (Philippians 4:7), but we know that it is real, it is truth.

Thank you Jesus.

Favourite "Truth" Bible Verses

•  God leads us in His truth (Psalm 25:5)

•  God delights in truth (Psalm 51:6)

•  Jesus is grace and truth (John 1:14)

•  Jesus is truth (John 8:32)

•  Truth will set us free (John 8:32) (free from Satan's lies and his tyranny over our lives)

•  God's Word is truth (John 17:17)

•  Everyone who is of the truth listens to Jesus' voice (John 18:37-38)

•  Guard the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15)

•  Walk in the truth (2 John 4).

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105)

"Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.  But be doers of the word, and not hearers only .." (James 1:21-25).

"For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ" (Galatians 3:27 NIV).

Note 1: The Full Armour of God: From Ephesians 6:10-18

• The belt of truth - Truth is Jesus - John 1:14

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2020/04/armour-of-god-truth.html

• The breastplate of righteousness - Jesus is our righteousness - 2 Corinthians 5:21

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2021/01/armour-of-god-breastplate-of.html

 

• Our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace - Jesus is the Gospel, this was a mystery until He gave us the Church - Ephesians 1:9

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2021/11/armour-of-god-shoes-of-good-news.html

• The shield of faith - Jesus is our shield - 1 Peter 1:5

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2020/03/armour-of-god-shield.html

• The helmet of salvation - Jesus protects our mind - 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV and Amplified

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2020/10/armour-of-god-helmet.html

• The sword of the Spirit - Jesus is our only weapon, the Word of God, invincible in spiritual battles - John 1:1 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2020/09/armour-of-god-sword.html

• And pray in the Spirit - continually, without ceasing - Romans 8:26 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2015/11/in-their-image-prayer.html

Bless you Jesus. So lovely, so complete.

Amen.

Permalink for this post

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Amen.

Armour Of God: Shield

Shield, Rock, Protector

After our workouts in the gym and the pool Trish and I were kicking back in the steam room at our local sports centre. (This may sound very glamorous but it is a facility in our local Shire; it serves many in our community, is very practical and affordable; thousands of kids have learned to swim there, people do aerobics and Pilates, and many new-Australians come to learn to speak English-as-a-second-language, generally it is a busy place).

A couple of friends also came into the steam and after greetings we began to talk about the coronavirus (Covid-19) which is having such a profound and growing impact on the whole world. After a few minutes I realised that there was no fear or uncertainty in our conversation. Each one of us spoke with an assurance that we had a sure shield, a solid rock, a certain protector. This is not to say that none of us would contract this disease or go short of food or be cut off from our work or family (or our sports complex).

No, our assurance was that our sure shield and solid rock and certain protector would protect us from harm, from a greater harm than we could endure or would be good for us (2 Timothy 2:12-13). In our heart-of-hearts we know that none of us will be separated from Jesus, or prevented from knowing the love of God, or be unable to give testimony of His eternal saving grace and power ..

We recognise the seriousness of the world situation and that even in our tiny corner of this quite-remote and sparsely-populated island-nation we may be severely affected, yet there was an encouraging sense of God's deep and enduring love present among us. Many of the words we spoke came straight from Scripture, they were simply part of our conversation, and those Bible verses were immediately clear to each one of us, verses we have known for years, which speak of our Saviour, redeemer, teacher, and Lord, and of His love for each one of us and for the whole world:

"But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head" (Psalm 3:3).

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" (Psalm 18:2).

"For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?" (Psalm 18:31).

"As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry" (2 Timothy 4:5).

Since that time I have been enjoying the memory of being with mature Christians; my delightful wife Trish and our friends, our Christian brother and sister. It seems to me that we four have walked enough with Jesus that we have each received peace from Him: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).

Over the years that we have been believers I see that Jesus has constantly been building us up (1 Peter 2:5), growing us (Ephesians 4:11-13), so that we are now becoming disciples (Acts 14:21-22). By now we know Him, we have seen Him working.

This knowing Jesus our Saviour and Lord, and our Abba Father God, and our Helper and Comforter Holy Spirit, has grown our faith. Because of all our testimonies we are able to be “certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). Thus our faith becomes our shield. Our “shield of faith” (Ephesians 6:16) is Jesus and His love for us, each one.

We are among those who will cleave to Jesus, and keep Him in our focus: "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). "Cleave" is an intransitive verb and means to adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly! It is such a great word to describe how I long to be with my lovely Lord Jesus.

Paul exhorts us to be always ready to stand (Ephesians 6:13-14), and to equip ourselves (as we already have been taught to do and know how to do), in mighty armour, every part of which is Jesus Himself. The armour covers every part of us, spirit, soul and body. And "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" (Ephesians 6:16). We can be protected even from direct attacks against our person. "So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you" (James 4:7 Amplified).

My prayer is that you are blessed during this time and that Jesus helps you to be a blessing to others .. Praise Him ..

Amen.

Favourite Bible Verses

"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand" (Psalm 40:2).

"We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds" (Psalm 75:1).

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,  who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:3-5).

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome [those evil spirits], because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

"for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4).

Jesus is building us up: "you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5)

Jesus is growing us: "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,  to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up  until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-13)

We are becoming disciples: "They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch,  strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. 'We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,' they said" (Acts 14:21-22).

"Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead me and guide me" (Psalm 31:3).

The Full Armour of God: From Ephesians 6:10-20

•  The belt of truth - Jesus is truth - John 1:14

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2020/04/armour-of-god-truth.html

•  The breastplate of righteousness - Jesus is our righteousness - 2 Corinthians 5:21

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2021/01/armour-of-god-breastplate-of.html

•  Our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace - Jesus is the Gospel - Ephesians 1:9 

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2021/11/armour-of-god-shoes-of-good-news.html

•  The shield of faith - Jesus is our shield - 1 Peter 1:5 

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2020/03/armour-of-god-shield.html

•  The helmet of salvation - Jesus protects our mind - 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV and Amplified 

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2020/10/armour-of-god-helmet.htm

•  The sword of the Spirit - Jesus is our weapon - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 and John 1:1 

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2020/09/armour-of-god-sword.html

•  And pray in the Spirit - Romans 8:26 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17 

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2015/11/in-their-image-prayer.html

"For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ" (Galatians 3:27 NIV).

"Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe - Christ's life, the fulfillment of God's original promise" (Galatians 3:27 Message).

Thank you Jesus. So lovely, so complete.

Permalink

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Amen.

Keeping It Simple

Keeping It Simple: 2 Corinthians 4

Blessed

Over the past couple of years Jesus has had me spend lots of time in Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 4. When this happened I would ask Him, "Why there?" For these times and this chapter it has seemed that I have been in pain; both shoulders separately, a knee, a tooth, a foot. I believe that Jesus is encouraging me to "keep it simple, keep your focus on me and on us, on our relationship, on who we are, where we are, and where we are going!" (verse 18).

Mostly chapter 4 declares how blessed we (and the world) are that God has gotten hold of us and set us to work: "by the mercy of God we have this ministry" (verse 1). We are here to participate with Jesus in whatever He is doing on the Earth. Really, there is little else in life that is not peripheral. We are to "proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord" (verse 5) in everything we do and say. We are to be centred on Jesus; it is spiritual, and relational, and will change us, each one, from the inside. Our ministry will be costly to us, a sacrificial offering to Jesus and to the people He gives us to share with (verses 8-12).

Our side verge garden was desolate ..

This reminder of our true perspective is precious, it is so easy to get caught up in every-day life and to be smothered by complexity. Thankfully, my identity is in Jesus (Colossians 1:27), and my value as a man, brother, husband, father and grandfather flow from that; my joy in hugs and music, in nature, and as a cook and at meal times with family and friends, comes not from my years of learning and my skills but because Jesus has given me a place in the world. He has surrounded me with people and has nurtured me my whole life.

Encouraged

Paul adds: "therefore .. we do not lose heart" (verse 1). I ask, "what has this to do with that?" Then I see that, because Jesus has given us our "ministry", we have purpose in life, we are involved and kept busy doing something worth-while, we now have more than just intrinsic value. For most of my working life I did work I really enjoyed, I always grew in my jobs and, almost always, earned enough to keep body and soul together and to have a measure of dignity in my community. This was precious to me and made getting out of bed easy. Now that I no longer work at a paid job I still need the same encouragements; they now come from Jesus, my Abba Father and wonderful Holy Spirit, and from the people around me. I find that Paul's observation is true, I "do not lose heart". There is a promise in these words, that things will sometimes be tough, but we are equipped to get through, to persevere and grow; "you will receive what He has promised" (Romans 5:3-4, Hebrews 10:36, 2 Peter 1:4-8).

                                                         

Towards the end of chapter 4, (verses 15-16), Paul again writes "we do not lose heart", this time he is acknowledging the impact that our unique "ministry" has on others in the world, recognising that if we truly do what it is that Jesus asks of us, others will come to the truth of the Gospel and to a saving relationship with Jesus. Thus "grace extends to more and more people" and this will "cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God" (verse 15). Two reasons to "not lose heart"! Hallelujah!

but little by little we were given plants ..

Paul emphasises simplicity right through this chapter, and reminds us to be transparent, to be honest and straightforward and free in our dealings, to care for our conscience and to be true to God, whom we serve, to our born-again self, and to those we encounter (verse 2).

It was a great moment, years ago, when I realised that Jesus had included me into His team .. here He tells me, in Paul's lovely metaphor, that He, Jesus, is my "treasure", (not anything of me), and that I am a "jar made of clay" (verse 7), a simple vessel to hold this "treasure"; not fancy, not exclusive, but functional and workmanlike, and perhaps most of all, fragile; I need Jesus' careful handling in the bustle of life if I am not to be cracked or broken (verse 7). A beautiful image!

We think of Paul as a hero who, through his devotion to Jesus and great writing skills, has influenced so many over generation after generation. He had dedicated followers who assisted him in so many ways, and he was often honoured. But, so often in his letters, he tells us of his many and terrible hardships .. (Romans 8:36, Acts 16:23, 2 Corinthians 6:4-5, 2 Corinthians 11:21-29)!

Paul reminds us in very plain language that the life of a follower of Jesus is rich and full, yet also often fraught with pain, difficulties and reversals. Even so we are able to persevere ".. afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed .." (verses 8-12). In these days we know this still to be true .. "jars of clay".

Paul was fragile yet he must also have been very tough, and so in love with Jesus that he was able to see past his troubles. He kept things simple.

For me, a big part of the simplicity of life is gratitude. Every day I look for Jesus' outpourings of grace (John 1:16) "For from His fullness we have all received grace upon grace". I am aware of being grateful most of the time .. this leads me to remembering that I am loved, particularly by my family and those near to me, but more especially by Jesus, and our Father and Holy Spirit, our counselor and comforter. Quite amazing really .. me ..

Veiled

Along the way Paul points out that not everyone is as blessed as we are. Sadly not everyone can "see" Jesus with spiritual eyes. Indeed the spirit of this world (1 Corinthians 2:12, Ephesians 2:2, 1 John 4:3) is at work in people to "veil" (verse 3-4) or block every aspect of the Gospel, and is keeping them in darkness (verse 6), in the negativity and sin, (our rebellion, disobedience and wickedness), that you and I used to know before we were set free.

My wife Trish and I have seen this in people; for a time Trish was talking to a lovely single mum about Jesus and life in Him, the woman was desperately unhappy and listened to what Trish shared but she could not see or hear. She could not let go of her worldview and accept Jesus as her Saviour and Lord. Trish and I came to understand that we were struggling against spiritual forces; sadly all our prayer and care seemed not to be enough.

The same inability-to-see appears to affect people who hold "politically correct" or atheist views; their positions are irrational and can easily be shown to be based on falsehoods, yet the people adhere like glue. These days I am asking Jesus about this .. how is it that "the weapons of our warfare" (2 Corinthians 10:4) seem to be so ineffective in this battle? And, how can we pray and speak to bring the light of Christ to these misguided ones, these who are doomed if they continue on their present path.

we filled the spaces and now it is so lovely!

Keeping It Simple?

So .. keeping it simple: Jesus has given us work especially for each one of us, "this ministry" (verse 1), and we will only make it through (verse 15) if we focus on Him (verse 18), as it is His work (verse 5). We are ordinary and fragile (verse 7), so are to rely on His strength (verse 10) and push through past our troubles (verses 8-9); we are being "renewed every day" (verse 16).

Although we are to "speak" (verse 13), "Jesus Christ as Lord" (verse 5), and "commend ourselves to everyone's conscience" (verse 2), so that "grace extends to more and more people" (verse 15), some will be "veiled" (verses 3-4), they will be unable to hear the gospel or see Jesus (John 12:21). But we will be able to continue and press on in "His life" (verse 11) and "not lose heart" (verses 1,16).

Bless us all. Amen.

Permalink

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Praise Jesus.

Veiled

Can Not And Will Not See

Sometimes things seem to not make sense. We can see different elements of something and they look "right" but the whole thing just doesn't gel. I believe that often this not-gelling has a spiritual cause; something is present in the spiritual realm which prevents things in the physical world from following the laws of logic or science. I think I see something similar with some dear people.

Not everyone is as blessed as we Christians are. Not everyone can "see" Jesus with spiritual eyes (Matthew 5:8). Indeed the spirit of this world (1 Corinthians 2:12, Ephesians 2:2, 1 John 4:3) is at work in people to "veil" or block every aspect of the Kingdom of God and to keep them in darkness, in the negativity and sin that you and I used to know before we were set free (2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Galatians 5:1).

Recently, (for 50 cents!) I was able to buy a copy of Richard Dawkins' famous book, "The God Delusion". Very quickly I could see that this author, a famous biologist and professor, is one for whom Jesus' Gospel is "veiled"; he just can not and will not see. I don't have a PhD degree like Richard Dawkins but I can tell you that his book contains few facts, indeed what are stated as facts are mostly extravagant suppositions which have never been empirically proved by anybody. 

Dawkins denies the spiritual realm, so is out of step with 4 out of every 5 people in the world (82% of all humans recognise spiritual reality, (Pew Research Centre)), thus he is unable to see where everything comes from; he cannot explain anything of the Universe, neither the millions of stars and planets, nor light, nor even life itself. No explanation is presented without huge leaps of imagination which include popular theories as to possible, (yet in terms of physics, chemistry and thermodynamics; impossible) development scenarios.

Mr. Google tells me that our beautiful blue planet weighs approximately 5,974,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 kilograms! This does not include our neighbours the Moon and the Sun, or the rest of our Milky Way or the other Galaxies. Lots more kilograms! Dawkins assures us that all this and more came into being with a Big Bang which he cannot explain, neither can he tell us where the Bang came from, as he assures us that nothing, (that's right, nothing), existed beforehand!

Faith tells us that God eternally exists, and that He spoke, and on His breath the Universe was created (Genesis 1, Job 26:9, Psalm 8:3, Psalm 74:16, Psalm 104:19 , Psalm 147:4, Jeremiah 31:35, John 1:1-4, Colossians 1:15-16, Hebrews 1:10).

The Bible makes it plain that God is Lord of the Creation (Colossians 1:16-17) and will determine its scope (Psalm 8:3), including its life-span (Hebrews 1:10-12). 

I have witnessed and experienced many miracles which are supernatural events, and, just as I am convinced that those were real and that they came entirely from God, so I can also believe that He spoke and the Creation came into being. It did not come from nothing as atheists and evolutionists would have us believe, no, it came from God, who declared it all to be "very good" (Genesis 1:31). We know from our life experience that it is very good. So we are not veiled but spiritually alive (Romans 6:11), we can see Godly things (John 12:21, John 16:16, Hebrews 2:9).

Irrational Belief? No!

Richard Dawkins talks about faith. He defines faith as an irrational belief in something, a belief with no foundation. 

(This sounds to me like peoples' faith in the Theory of Evolution, they must have an uncritical faith as no-one can offer any proof that anything complex ever "evolved" from something less complex. There are heaps of studies and reports which claim such things but there is nothing which truthfully describes an actual evolution-of-a-new-species event. "Evolution of the Species" is just a theory, an idea, and now for many, a belief system, and a "foundation" of their worldview). 

If a person cannot see God and His Kingdom then I guess that person might grasp at any idea which will give a sense of identity and purpose, otherwise life could be very empty.

But my faith is not simple in this way, or shallow. I am a person of faith because I have considered many alternative theories for existence and life, have read and researched countless scientific, philosophical, historical and theological papers, and the Bible. I have closely observed nature with all its species, or "kinds" (Genesis 1), its symbiosis, its complexity (1 Corinthians 15:37-40) and its ability to sustain itself (Colossians 1:17) and reproduce itself (Genesis 1:22,28). 

I have considered the "fruit of the Spirit"; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23), and loyalty and empathy, and creativity and beauty and fun, as well as faith; none of these can be satisfactorily explained by Richard Dawkins or by Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. My faith is based on my conviction that these attributes of humanity all came from God, and none could ever have come by random chance. I now know who God is, I know His character and nature, and I trust Him. These are the foundations of my faith.

Also, I am alive in the spiritual realm, (Romans 8:10), and have met and developed a deep and personal relationship with the Lord of all the heavens and the Earth, and, on top of all that, I have seen and experienced many, many miracles; supernatural things, events beyond natural laws: people amazingly healed, and catastrophes miraculously averted, which science can not explain.

Another side of being "veiled" is that those who are veiled tend to hide true things any way they can. Sadly, Richard Dawkins' book, "The God Delusion" does include ridicule, scorn, mockery, derision, and misrepresentation about anything to do with faith or religion, and particularly towards Christians, Christianity and Christian theology (Hebrews 10:33). Dawkins is so smart, but he appears not to understand that to prove your argument it is best not to attack those with whom you disagree, but to argue the issues, logically and with demonstrable proofs. So sad ..

Hope and Help

For those people we know who are "veiled" and cannot see Jesus, we can pray .. John wrote that we "have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth" (1 John 2:20), and "As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him" (1 John 2:27).

We can pray that this anointing is given to all those who are on our heart. Jesus went after the lost and the lonely, the damaged and the mistreated - the world often has little room for such as these, but Jesus' desire is that "none should perish" (2 Peter 3:9). These ones are already in our hearts, let us be as Jesus for them. This is what Saint Francis of Assisi meant: "preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary, use words". Hugs are brilliant too ..

Bless us all. Amen.

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Praise Jesus.

New Covenant: Prophetic

God's Prophetic Gifting

In 1516, the year before he nailed his manifesto to the Cathedral door and (unknowingly) began the Christian Reformation, Martin Luther was teaching the book of Galatians at Wittenberg University in Germany. In his letter to the Galatians Paul reminds the people that only faith in Jesus will bring them into salvation, that none of their traditions or religious practices will help at all, indeed, they will get in the way of a saving faith. It seems that Martin Luther was convicted by what Jesus showed him in Scripture and he then taught his students. He was at Wittenberg as a priest and a theology professor; "theology" is another way of saying "God" together with "study and understand", "engage with", "ponder".

At that time the Christian Church was worldly and corrupt and did not look to Jesus, its Head (Ephesians 1:22, Ephesians 5:23, Colossians 1:18), instead it relied on Church tradition and its hierarchical leaders.

Most Christians had no idea of the content of the Bible. The entire leadership of the Church appeared to be deaf to God's Word in any form.

The book of Galatians and the whole Christian Gospel came alive to Martin Luther, it was revealed to him by Jesus, (the Word of God), Himself, by His Holy Spirit. Martin then felt convicted to publicise his insight by nailing a manifesto containing 95 perceived problems with the Church, to the Cathedral door.

This was God's prophetic gift at work - God using His people to share His thoughts with the world.

A similar "reformation" is happening among many of our Lord's people today, not just in one central figure. Scripture seems to be speaking with a fresh clarity. Christians are more alert to what Jesus is saying and doing - the prophetic gifting is coming more alive in us (1 Corinthians 12:8,10).

It is so encouraging to see how the Church is hearing from Jesus and growing - this is not like a field of corn with every plant coming along and developing like all its neighbours. No, it is more like a vast forest or an ecosystem where some things are growing and multiplying really well while other plants or species, or all of another region, seem not to be growing or multiplying much at all, and may even be shrinking or dying off. (See Note 1).

The parts of the Church where I spend my time seem to be getting more "born again" and more "Spirit filled", which is what Jesus' Word tells us to expect when the going gets tough (John 16:33, Romans 5:3-5, 2 Thessalonians 1:4, Hebrews 12:1). 

Christian people seem to be assimilating more into their "born again-ness" (Galatians 5:22-23) and showing more fruit from being "filled with the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:1-11), particularly in their ability to hear what God is saying through Jesus and by His Holy Spirit (Matthew 10:20, Mark 13:11, John 16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:13); this can be called "hearing God's prophetic voice" and, Scripture tells us, is a normative part of the life Jesus wants for us.

Paul wrote: "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially the gift of prophecy - the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort - the one who prophesies edifies the Church.  I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy" (1 Corinthians 14:1-4 abridged).

I am not suggesting that we will all be the Isaiahs and Haggais of our time, but rather that we will more clearly hear from our Father and from Jesus so that we can get on with doing our part to complete God's work on the Earth: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10).

We are being made ready for Holy Spirit to empower us and encourage us to act for the Kingdom of God (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Hearing clearly from our Lord Jesus encourages and enables us to be more "totally available" for Jesus, and "radically obedient" to Him.

Jesus grows us, not just a little bit, but amazingly, even to being more and more Christ-like in our lives and in our abilities (Ephesians 4:11-13). People look at us and see something different, because what He has put inside us comes out (Luke 6:45, John 7:38).

Over the years I have heard many preachers say that "God has a plan for your life" and "you have a God-given destiny" and then going on to encourage us to seize the day, straighten up and get on with what it is that God is desiring. I see this now happening spontaneously in many of Jesus' people, (rather than  coming from the pulpit on Sundays).

In my different careers I have been blessed with some truly gifted managers. It is amazing how much difference a good manager makes; they seem to have some kind of X-factor where they see more clearly and their people respond better and more fully. The text books tell us this is to do with communications and authority. Jesus clearly is such a one, In the Bible His people became devoted followers with just a word (John 1:43). People gathered by the thousand to see and hear Him (Matthew 14:13-21, Matthew 25:38). 

Now He is the "manager" of the whole Cosmos, and particularly, of the Kingdom of God and His Church. He is also brilliant at communicating with and managing each one of us, at the micro level (John 4:5-29, John 8:1-11). I see devotion everywhere I look, devotion and a great willingness to join in with Jesus and what He is doing.

I vividly remember when Jesus first came to me and took my arm, (and have heard so many testimonies where people delight in telling about their great encounters with Jesus). At the time Jesus said no word; He simply gave me a gentle tug on my arm as if to say "come, I want you now". I did come, straight away, and have never since doubted that He loves me and is always my champion. It is easy for me to accept Jesus as my manager and my Lord.

"The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice" (John 10:2-4).

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:27-28).

So this growing ability to hear God's voice, this increasing prophetic gifting is wonderful for our world. The millions of small sparks of Jesus' light pouring into our increasingly dark world are making a difference, particularly to the people near to where the light is shining, and to where our prayers are focused, to the people, the families, to our leaders, and others' leaders, all around the world.

Instead of looking on these times with despair and thinking that things are hopeless, we are going forward with Jesus, making up ground ..

Thank you Jesus.

Favourite Bible Verses

"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known" (Jeremiah 33:3).

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17).

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).

Amen.

NOTE 1: Church Statistics Reflecting Today

Statistics tell us that Christianity world-wide is growing and is still by far the most followed faith or religion in the world. In some places the growth is rapid, though the West over-all is declining in numbers. Islam is growing, it is also a favourite of the media and is politically active.

Bless us all. Amen.

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Praise Jesus.