Not A Religious Game
God desires sacrifice and obedience, not a religious game. It must be emphasized that our obedience is not for the purpose of saving us--salvation is by grace--but to assist us in perfecting holiness II Corinthians (7:1) and to provide a witness of God working in our lives, Matthew (5:16).
Israel's purely ceremonial religion could never safeguard the truth because the people were not living it. By being used in the worship of man made deities, not the Creator God, the rituals of their shrines were completely divorced from the truth found in the law. God will not be mocked, Galatians (6:7). The evidence of true religion is that through His correction in mercy and love, it will touch and purify every area of life. If we are really in contact with the true God, change will take place gradually as we grow.
To determine if our profession and practice of religion is pleasing to God, we must consider two questions: 1) Are we covered by the blood of Jesus Christ? and 2) Are we obeying God to the best of our understanding?
We never obey to the extent of our knowledge because knowledge, knowing what God expects, always outpaces ability. We gather knowledge before we have the ability to live it, and that makes us feel guilty because we realize we are not applying what we know. This guilty feeling is not really wrong, for without guilt we would not change. It is good if it makes us change, but when guilt becomes neurotic, it becomes destructive and wrong.
Today, psychologists are trying to remove guilt from our every thought, word, and deed--a sure sign of widespread spiritual poverty and complacency. But God says we can worship Him with a pure conscience because we know we have been cleansed of our past sins through Christ's sacrifice, and because we know God is faithful to us as we live by faith in Him, Hebrews (10:19-23).
Reverend William Bowers
Tuesday 31 December 2013
Monday 30 December 2013
Vision For The New Year
How do you plan to fulfill your new year?
What is your vision?
What your vision needs is Godly focus'.
That calls for waiting on God until He reveals His plans for you. Dedicating your time and energy to it, which calls for patience and discipline. Knowing how to overcome obstacles, which calls for good management. For where there is no vision, the people perish, Proverbs (29:18).
We all need to have a dream. But are you going to make it come true?
A vision gives you direction, motivation, creativity and resilience. Without one you become passive, aimless, bored, and vulnerable to quitting. God can give you a vision instantly but its fulfilment will require a lifetime of learning, practicing and managing life's daily challenges.
Visions come with obstacles and opportunities! When you ask God for a vision, you're likely to be placed in a field of opportunities concealed under hectares of obstacles; a place of possibilities hidden beneath piles of problems. Then He will stand back and watch how you engage in the ministry of obstacle management.
Obstacles can't steal your dreams without your permission. Never ever give in-never except to conviction of honor and good sense! Obstacles are inevitable; quitting is optional! When you walk in faith and refuse to quit, God guarantees your obstacles won't prevent your vision from being fulfilled. Habakkuk (2:3).
Between your dream and it's fulfilment you'll be tested.
You'll face: The faith test where you'll need to maintain it in a hostile environment and believe in a dream nobody else does. You may not have a 'dreamer's support network cheering you on, you may have to stand alone.
The patience test: Your dream won't happen quickly you may be a mature man or woman before it's fulfilment. Every frustrating day you'll have to hold onto your dream or risk losing it. Patience isn't just hoping things work out; it's persevering and believing what God said. 'Learn to be patient, so that you will please God and be given what He promised'. Hebrews (10:36).
The strength test: For a while circumstances made by the critics may appear to be right. You may be in a pit, frightened, alone in a strange country without family and friends, or in prison with an unearned criminal record. But you must remain strong in your conviction that your dream was really from God.
The focus test: With enough emotional baggage to sink the Titanic, sibling resentment, abandonment, false accusations and compound losses, you must control your focus. If you fixate on your problems and obstacles that will only produce disillusionment. Maintain your dream-focus will be your salvation.
The readiness test: When God finally begins opening doors you have to be ready for action! Discouragement or negative thinking will blind you to opportunity. So keep your spirit and gifts honed, take action every occasion to use them, and watch as God turns your vision into a reality.
Obstacles won't destroy your vision, but your attitude will. It's not over till God says it's over. Circumstances and people don't have the last word; God does! He after all is the author and finisher of our faith, Hebrews (12:2). With God, quitting is not an option.
When you quit without his permission you're 'AWOL'. Furthermore, if you are not where God wants you to be, how can you receive the protection and provision He has planned for you?
Refusing to stay down denies your enemy permission to sabotage your destiny.
So ask God to give you a dream for this "New Year", ask God for a dream so big and watch as your faith grows.
Reverend William Bowers
How do you plan to fulfill your new year?
What is your vision?
What your vision needs is Godly focus'.
That calls for waiting on God until He reveals His plans for you. Dedicating your time and energy to it, which calls for patience and discipline. Knowing how to overcome obstacles, which calls for good management. For where there is no vision, the people perish, Proverbs (29:18).
We all need to have a dream. But are you going to make it come true?
A vision gives you direction, motivation, creativity and resilience. Without one you become passive, aimless, bored, and vulnerable to quitting. God can give you a vision instantly but its fulfilment will require a lifetime of learning, practicing and managing life's daily challenges.
Visions come with obstacles and opportunities! When you ask God for a vision, you're likely to be placed in a field of opportunities concealed under hectares of obstacles; a place of possibilities hidden beneath piles of problems. Then He will stand back and watch how you engage in the ministry of obstacle management.
Obstacles can't steal your dreams without your permission. Never ever give in-never except to conviction of honor and good sense! Obstacles are inevitable; quitting is optional! When you walk in faith and refuse to quit, God guarantees your obstacles won't prevent your vision from being fulfilled. Habakkuk (2:3).
Between your dream and it's fulfilment you'll be tested.
You'll face: The faith test where you'll need to maintain it in a hostile environment and believe in a dream nobody else does. You may not have a 'dreamer's support network cheering you on, you may have to stand alone.
The patience test: Your dream won't happen quickly you may be a mature man or woman before it's fulfilment. Every frustrating day you'll have to hold onto your dream or risk losing it. Patience isn't just hoping things work out; it's persevering and believing what God said. 'Learn to be patient, so that you will please God and be given what He promised'. Hebrews (10:36).
The strength test: For a while circumstances made by the critics may appear to be right. You may be in a pit, frightened, alone in a strange country without family and friends, or in prison with an unearned criminal record. But you must remain strong in your conviction that your dream was really from God.
The focus test: With enough emotional baggage to sink the Titanic, sibling resentment, abandonment, false accusations and compound losses, you must control your focus. If you fixate on your problems and obstacles that will only produce disillusionment. Maintain your dream-focus will be your salvation.
The readiness test: When God finally begins opening doors you have to be ready for action! Discouragement or negative thinking will blind you to opportunity. So keep your spirit and gifts honed, take action every occasion to use them, and watch as God turns your vision into a reality.
Obstacles won't destroy your vision, but your attitude will. It's not over till God says it's over. Circumstances and people don't have the last word; God does! He after all is the author and finisher of our faith, Hebrews (12:2). With God, quitting is not an option.
When you quit without his permission you're 'AWOL'. Furthermore, if you are not where God wants you to be, how can you receive the protection and provision He has planned for you?
Refusing to stay down denies your enemy permission to sabotage your destiny.
So ask God to give you a dream for this "New Year", ask God for a dream so big and watch as your faith grows.
Reverend William Bowers
Sunday 29 December 2013
Speaking In Tongues
What you are hearing is real," These people are filled with the Holy Spirit." It is real, not imaginary, these people are really filled with the Holy Spirit!
Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned" Mark (16:1518). Then Jesus predicted what would happen: "These signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well".
Acts (2:1). "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them".
What kind of tongues were these? They were foreign languages. "There were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: 'Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!'
Peter first explained that they were seeing a fulfillment of a prophecy about God's Spirit, Acts (14-21). He then preached a message about Jesus as the Messiah or Christ, and the need for repentance and baptism, Acts (22-40). The miraculous languages got the attention of the crowd and allowed Peter, even though he was not a rabbi, to speak with authority to the people.
Peter proclaimed to those who accepted his message that they should repent and be baptized and thereby "receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" Acts (38). This promise applies to Christians of every century, but the verse does not make clear whether the "gift of the Holy Spirit" means that the Holy Spirit is the gift, or whether Peter meant that, in addition to receiving the Holy Spirit, they would receive speaking in tongues or some other manifestation of the Spirit as the gift.
The book of Acts describes two other occurrences of speaking in tongues, one in Caesarea and one in Ephesus. Acts (8:14-18) reports a tongue-speaking incident in Samaria. The Holy Spirit came upon people in some noticeable way.
The second description of speaking in tongues comes when non-Israelites were first added to the church, 10 years after Christ's death and resurrection. Up until that time, the church had been primarily Jewish. The apostle Peter had been invited to the house of Cornelius, a gentile (non-Jewish) army officer in Caesarea who worshiped the true God Acts (10:24-25).
Many people were in the house, and Peter told them about Jesus Christ, faith and forgiveness. The third and example of tongues from the book of Acts occurred in the city of Ephesus. Paul found some disciples who followed the teachings of John the Baptist. They didn't know about the Holy Spirit, so Paul informed them more fully, and taught them that John told people to believe in Jesus, Acts (19:1-4).
Many people were in the house, and Peter told them about Jesus Christ, faith and forgiveness. The third and example of tongues from the book of Acts occurred in the city of Ephesus. Paul found some disciples who followed the teachings of John the Baptist. They didn't know about the Holy Spirit, so Paul informed them more fully, and taught them that John told people to believe in Jesus, Acts (19:1-4).
Pentecostal churches teach that Christians receive the Holy Spirit when they are first converted, but that they are not filled with the Spirit until they are baptized with the Spirit. This baptism of the Spirit is not considered necessary for salvation, but people are encouraged to seek it in order to receive additional power to witness.
Spirit-baptism, Pentecostals believe, always includes speaking in tongues. Therefore, those who desire Spirit-baptism will seek to speak in tongues. However, any attempts to imitate the tongues of Pentecost are attempts to imitate only one of the miracles of that day. There were other miracles that day, too. God will give what he wants to give.
The real lesson of Pentecost is not in the miracles, but in Peter's message: "Repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit".
Loosening the tongue does not necessarily require a miracle, but loosening the heart in real repentance does. Whoever believes, repents and is baptized will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. No further steps or tarry meetings are needed.
Does every Christian who receives the Holy Spirit speak in tongues? The book of Acts records many healings and other miracles, but only three incidents of tongues. This suggests that tongue-speaking was not a common occurrence, but rather a miraculous sign for special occasions as the apostles preached the gospel and established the church.
It seems that most New Testament Christians did not speak in tongues. Several verses tell us that people were "filled with the Holy Spirit," but without any mention of tongues.
Not long after Pentecost, the apostles were praying for God's help. After they finished praying, "the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly" Acts (4:31). The apostles had already been filled with the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. Here they are filled again. Miraculous shaking is mentioned, but speaking in tongues is not.
It also may surprise you all, to know I myself was "Baptized Pentecostal AOG. Not by mere man but with the power of the "Holy Spirit.
Speaking in tongues, yes it is "real. Seems very strange yet when you truly have the fire of the Holy Spirit in your belly and Heart 'you will know the truth!
Reverend William Bowers
Friday 27 December 2013
Compassion Onto Others
Ephesians (4:32)
Be kind and compassionate forgiving each other.
Few things are more painful than shame. One of the greatest kindnesses we can show others is to take away their false shame through love and acceptance.
We have all been wounded. Who wounds us? Those we love and those who love us. When we feel rejected, abandoned, abused, manipulated or violated it's usually by people close to us: our parents, our friends, our marriage partners, our children, our teachers, our pastors. This is what makes forgiveness so difficult.
It's our hearts that are wounded! We cry out, "You, who I expected to be there for me, have failed me. How can I ever forgive you for that?" Though forgiveness may seem impossible, the God who lives within us will give us the grace to go beyond our wounded selves and say, "In the name of Christ, I forgive you." But remember, there are two sides to forgiveness: giving and receiving.
Although at first sight, giving seems harder, often we are not able to offer forgiveness because we haven't fully received it ourselves. Only as people who have tasted the joy of forgiveness can we find the inner motivation to give it. Why is receiving forgiveness so difficult? Because it's hard to acknowledge that without your forgiveness I'm still affected by what happened between us.
I need you to help set me free and make me whole again. That requires not only a confession that we've been hurt, but also the humility to admit our dependence on the very one who hurt us. Yet, only when we're able to receive forgiveness, can we truly extend it to others.' That's why the Bible says, 'Get rid of all bitterness. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.'
Reverend William Bowers
Ephesians (4:32)
Be kind and compassionate forgiving each other.
Few things are more painful than shame. One of the greatest kindnesses we can show others is to take away their false shame through love and acceptance.
We have all been wounded. Who wounds us? Those we love and those who love us. When we feel rejected, abandoned, abused, manipulated or violated it's usually by people close to us: our parents, our friends, our marriage partners, our children, our teachers, our pastors. This is what makes forgiveness so difficult.
It's our hearts that are wounded! We cry out, "You, who I expected to be there for me, have failed me. How can I ever forgive you for that?" Though forgiveness may seem impossible, the God who lives within us will give us the grace to go beyond our wounded selves and say, "In the name of Christ, I forgive you." But remember, there are two sides to forgiveness: giving and receiving.
Although at first sight, giving seems harder, often we are not able to offer forgiveness because we haven't fully received it ourselves. Only as people who have tasted the joy of forgiveness can we find the inner motivation to give it. Why is receiving forgiveness so difficult? Because it's hard to acknowledge that without your forgiveness I'm still affected by what happened between us.
I need you to help set me free and make me whole again. That requires not only a confession that we've been hurt, but also the humility to admit our dependence on the very one who hurt us. Yet, only when we're able to receive forgiveness, can we truly extend it to others.' That's why the Bible says, 'Get rid of all bitterness. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.'
Reverend William Bowers
Thursday 26 December 2013
Shadows
Colossians
(2:16-17)
A great amount of trouble is made possible by pedantic obedience to things which are in themselves at once transient and unprofitable. The Colossians Christians were troubled by teachers who had a most imperfect knowledge of the purpose of the great Redemption. There were slaves to the letter (law). They could not see that religion might be intensely spiritual, having rise far above all ceremony, and ritual, and elementary appointments of every kind. The Apostle bids the Colossians take heart in remembrance of the fact that they were living members of the living body of Christ. The Gospel has the great message which it would deliver to the inmost heart of the humblest believer: "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." Much of our religious trouble would be dried up if we attended to the main things and regulated our lives by the central and essential principles of the kingdom of Christ. The Apostle Paul gave great liberty to men, according to the degree of their faith and according to their spiritual capacity: "One believes that may eat all things: another who is weak, eats herbs. Let not him that eats despise him that eats not; and let not him which eats not judge him that eats: for God had received him, Romans (14:2-3). There have always been clever people in the Church whose object has been to spoil the simplicity of faith. That have had fancies of their own respecting holy days, and new moons, and Sabbath days. They have had in their souls the very genius or 'demon of deception'. They would not allow the simplicity of Christ to stand in its own majesty. The Apostle Paul cautions Christian worshipers against all such foolishly inventive persons: This I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words" Colossians (2:4). Since Christ is indeed God in the flesh and He is in you as your "hope of glory" and you are "complete in Him" with all that being complete in Christ, Colossians (2:10). Entails then don't let someone try to bully you or say you are less spiritual because you don't keep "Christmas" or keep certain days, etc. Christ has admonished the dept. against us and we are no longer under the curse of the law Galatians (3:13). But we are under grace and should so walk.
This is ritualism, just a variant form of legalism. (Jesus fulfilled the Law, both it's moral demands and it's ceremonial demands, Romans (8:3-4).
So Paul says don't let anyone put you under legalism or by trying to make yourself acceptable to God on the basis of externals -- by keeping certain laws, rituals or decrees. God "made us accepted in the Beloved" (in Christ) Ephesians (1:6).
Legalism is bondage! Now that you are free in Christ, why would you want to be enslaved again? Galatians (4:9). Peter called such bondage a “yoke upon the neck” Acts (15:10). If keeping the Law could not make us spiritual before we received Christ as our fully sufficient Savior (fully and forever sufficient to save us the first time at regeneration, our new birth, and then by His Spirit in our daily sanctification), why do we think that keeping the law can make us spiritual after we are believers? Or as Paul rhetorically phrased it:
Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? In the flesh verses in the Spirit.
Sadly many genuine believers are living under some form of a yoke of bondage, thinking if I just do this or do that, I'll be more acceptable to God. They may not say this overtly but their actions betray them.
One of the most serious problems facing Christian churches today is the problem of legalism. One of the most serious problems facing the church in Paul’s day was the problem of legalism. In every day it is the same. Legalism wrenches the joy of the Lord from the Christian believer, and with the joy of the Lord goes His power for vital worship and vibrant service. At the heart of the problem of legalism is pride, a pride that refuses to admit spiritual bankruptcy. That is why the doctrines of grace stir up so much animosity. “It was a tragic hour when the Reformation churches wrote the Ten Commandments into their creeds and catechisms and sought to bring Gentile believers into bondage to Jewish law, which was never intended either for the Gentile nations or for the church.”Christ Alone is our "spirituality" and we please God by our faith and obedience Hebrews (11:6). Since you have thus been delivered by Christ from the evils which surrounded you and since you have been freed from the observances of the law, let no one sit in judgment on you, or claim the right to decide for you in those matters. You are not responsible to man for your conduct, but to Christ; and no man has a right to impose that on you as a burden from which he has made you free.”
Paul conveys a similar idea to the Roman saints writing that "there is now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus (denoting close and intimate union with Him, like that between the Vine and its branches) , who live and walk not after the dictates of the flesh (who do not live to gratify the corrupt desires and passions of the fallen flesh nature), but after the dictates of the Spirit". Do not put yourself under the bondage of any rules and regulations that may be made by "men". If you choose to do anything, or to abstain from something else, because you judge it to be right and beneficial, do so. Christ is your only Ruler and Leader; and if he does not command anything, let it not signify to you who does command, it.
“Do not put yourselves under rules and regulations which God has not ordained. If you think it is right for you to abstain from certain drinks do so, but do not act thus simply because others do so. If you abstain from certain meats, because they have been offered to idols, and the consciences of others might be offended if you partook of them, do not act thus as though it would save you. Do not make yourself subject to the judgment of other men, for Christ is your Law-giver and Lord.” The gospel of Christ does not pronounce condemnation like the Law. The function of the gospel is to pardon while the function of the Law is to condemn.
What Paul is warning about is still with us today. For example, some would say if you want to be "spiritual" then don't smoke, don't drink, and don't go with folks that do.
Paul says don't let someone come along and say you need to keep certain laws, even "good" ones (like you must have a 15 minute devotional time every morning (it's not a bad idea but it won't make you any more acceptable to God for you are already "complete in Christ", if you want to be really spiritual. Jesus is the One to Whom all the Old Testament feasts pointed. Festivals were celebration times pointing to what God had done and to what He was going to do. Today there is no specific day, but in fact we should celebrate Christ every moment of out life because He is the embodiment of all the feasts. Wait a minute. Aren't some of these observances given to us by God to remind us of truth? Isn't there some value to mental or physical health to be gained by doing them?
Paul addresses such an objection by emphasizing that rituals are mere "shadows" and that the reality is found in Christ. Once the reality has been realized, shadows are of no value whatsoever. Shadows are pictures, given in advance, designed to prepare us for something. But if you have found Christ, you do not need the shadows any more. Paul includes the Sabbath day as an example of a shadow, that is what Paul says is wrong with shadows. If you still place primary value on a shadow after the reality has come you destroy your participation in the value of that reality. Now the reality, here, is Jesus! He is the center of all life and the source of excitement in a Christian's experience. He is the One who accompanies us through life, to comfort in times of need and strengthen when we are being tempted. He is a place of refuge to run to when we are troubled or uncertain about life. To lose him is to lose all source of excitement and vitality in life. That is the danger in observing shadows. Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind.
”What "Shadow" might be our "Sabbath" today? Many things could be turned into "modern day Sabbath keeping". For example, Christmas', even going to church might become a person's "Sabbath", in the sense that they legalistically dare not miss that day! Sure it is best to try not to miss going to church on Sunday, Hebrews (10:24). But if you think that by your going to church on Sunday, you will be "more spiritual", then you need to reassess your motives. The point is that going to church does not make anyone spiritual. The point is what is your motive for going to church? Are you going because you love God and His people or are we going to prove that you are spiritual or to earn favor from God? Legalism says "Do This" so you can prove to others that you're spiritual. Grace says "Rest in Him", fully confident of the truth that you are complete in Christ, Colossians (2:10). When you come to Him and obey His Word, walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, you can rest assured that He will take care of the rest! Colossians (1:10).
It does not take a keen observer to discover that most professing Christians are doing a poor job at spiritual growth. We see this in the lack of biblical understanding and application to personal life. Programs and activities that do nothing to further one's sanctification have replaced growth. Consider the Pharisees of Jesus' day. They believed that because of what they did and did not do, they were elevated to a new plateau spiritually. They scrupulously followed all of the laws relating to Sabbath observance because earlier legalists spelled these out as having promise. Even though the Pharisees neglected mercy and justice, as did their Old Testament counterparts, they believed that their rigid observance of Sabbath laws qualified them for super-spirituality. But being under the new covenant, the Christian is not bound by the legalisms of Sabbath observance or festivals. The early church shifted to Sunday as the day of gathering to worship and giving offerings for the Christian church.
"Here is the danger of all these things. They are substitutes for your completion in Jesus Christ. They all insist that there is another level of spirituality beyond what Christ has done for you. Because of a dependence upon one's own performance, these legalisms leave the believer in bondage. They keep the Christian always looking somewhere else, to the next experience, to the next Christmas day, to the next rigid observance of a law, to the next set of do's and don'ts to find joy. But it is never there. There may be a momentary sense of satisfaction because of their observance, perhaps even a little cheering on by their fellow legalists. But there is no deep, lasting satisfaction. And there cannot be, for it is an attempt to find satisfaction outside of Jesus Christ and the fullness of his work.
Reverend William Bowers
Colossians
(2:16-17)
A great amount of trouble is made possible by pedantic obedience to things which are in themselves at once transient and unprofitable. The Colossians Christians were troubled by teachers who had a most imperfect knowledge of the purpose of the great Redemption. There were slaves to the letter (law). They could not see that religion might be intensely spiritual, having rise far above all ceremony, and ritual, and elementary appointments of every kind. The Apostle bids the Colossians take heart in remembrance of the fact that they were living members of the living body of Christ. The Gospel has the great message which it would deliver to the inmost heart of the humblest believer: "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." Much of our religious trouble would be dried up if we attended to the main things and regulated our lives by the central and essential principles of the kingdom of Christ. The Apostle Paul gave great liberty to men, according to the degree of their faith and according to their spiritual capacity: "One believes that may eat all things: another who is weak, eats herbs. Let not him that eats despise him that eats not; and let not him which eats not judge him that eats: for God had received him, Romans (14:2-3). There have always been clever people in the Church whose object has been to spoil the simplicity of faith. That have had fancies of their own respecting holy days, and new moons, and Sabbath days. They have had in their souls the very genius or 'demon of deception'. They would not allow the simplicity of Christ to stand in its own majesty. The Apostle Paul cautions Christian worshipers against all such foolishly inventive persons: This I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words" Colossians (2:4). Since Christ is indeed God in the flesh and He is in you as your "hope of glory" and you are "complete in Him" with all that being complete in Christ, Colossians (2:10). Entails then don't let someone try to bully you or say you are less spiritual because you don't keep "Christmas" or keep certain days, etc. Christ has admonished the dept. against us and we are no longer under the curse of the law Galatians (3:13). But we are under grace and should so walk.
This is ritualism, just a variant form of legalism. (Jesus fulfilled the Law, both it's moral demands and it's ceremonial demands, Romans (8:3-4).
So Paul says don't let anyone put you under legalism or by trying to make yourself acceptable to God on the basis of externals -- by keeping certain laws, rituals or decrees. God "made us accepted in the Beloved" (in Christ) Ephesians (1:6).
Legalism is bondage! Now that you are free in Christ, why would you want to be enslaved again? Galatians (4:9). Peter called such bondage a “yoke upon the neck” Acts (15:10). If keeping the Law could not make us spiritual before we received Christ as our fully sufficient Savior (fully and forever sufficient to save us the first time at regeneration, our new birth, and then by His Spirit in our daily sanctification), why do we think that keeping the law can make us spiritual after we are believers? Or as Paul rhetorically phrased it:
Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? In the flesh verses in the Spirit.
Sadly many genuine believers are living under some form of a yoke of bondage, thinking if I just do this or do that, I'll be more acceptable to God. They may not say this overtly but their actions betray them.
One of the most serious problems facing Christian churches today is the problem of legalism. One of the most serious problems facing the church in Paul’s day was the problem of legalism. In every day it is the same. Legalism wrenches the joy of the Lord from the Christian believer, and with the joy of the Lord goes His power for vital worship and vibrant service. At the heart of the problem of legalism is pride, a pride that refuses to admit spiritual bankruptcy. That is why the doctrines of grace stir up so much animosity. “It was a tragic hour when the Reformation churches wrote the Ten Commandments into their creeds and catechisms and sought to bring Gentile believers into bondage to Jewish law, which was never intended either for the Gentile nations or for the church.”Christ Alone is our "spirituality" and we please God by our faith and obedience Hebrews (11:6). Since you have thus been delivered by Christ from the evils which surrounded you and since you have been freed from the observances of the law, let no one sit in judgment on you, or claim the right to decide for you in those matters. You are not responsible to man for your conduct, but to Christ; and no man has a right to impose that on you as a burden from which he has made you free.”
Paul conveys a similar idea to the Roman saints writing that "there is now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus (denoting close and intimate union with Him, like that between the Vine and its branches) , who live and walk not after the dictates of the flesh (who do not live to gratify the corrupt desires and passions of the fallen flesh nature), but after the dictates of the Spirit". Do not put yourself under the bondage of any rules and regulations that may be made by "men". If you choose to do anything, or to abstain from something else, because you judge it to be right and beneficial, do so. Christ is your only Ruler and Leader; and if he does not command anything, let it not signify to you who does command, it.
“Do not put yourselves under rules and regulations which God has not ordained. If you think it is right for you to abstain from certain drinks do so, but do not act thus simply because others do so. If you abstain from certain meats, because they have been offered to idols, and the consciences of others might be offended if you partook of them, do not act thus as though it would save you. Do not make yourself subject to the judgment of other men, for Christ is your Law-giver and Lord.” The gospel of Christ does not pronounce condemnation like the Law. The function of the gospel is to pardon while the function of the Law is to condemn.
What Paul is warning about is still with us today. For example, some would say if you want to be "spiritual" then don't smoke, don't drink, and don't go with folks that do.
Paul says don't let someone come along and say you need to keep certain laws, even "good" ones (like you must have a 15 minute devotional time every morning (it's not a bad idea but it won't make you any more acceptable to God for you are already "complete in Christ", if you want to be really spiritual. Jesus is the One to Whom all the Old Testament feasts pointed. Festivals were celebration times pointing to what God had done and to what He was going to do. Today there is no specific day, but in fact we should celebrate Christ every moment of out life because He is the embodiment of all the feasts. Wait a minute. Aren't some of these observances given to us by God to remind us of truth? Isn't there some value to mental or physical health to be gained by doing them?
Paul addresses such an objection by emphasizing that rituals are mere "shadows" and that the reality is found in Christ. Once the reality has been realized, shadows are of no value whatsoever. Shadows are pictures, given in advance, designed to prepare us for something. But if you have found Christ, you do not need the shadows any more. Paul includes the Sabbath day as an example of a shadow, that is what Paul says is wrong with shadows. If you still place primary value on a shadow after the reality has come you destroy your participation in the value of that reality. Now the reality, here, is Jesus! He is the center of all life and the source of excitement in a Christian's experience. He is the One who accompanies us through life, to comfort in times of need and strengthen when we are being tempted. He is a place of refuge to run to when we are troubled or uncertain about life. To lose him is to lose all source of excitement and vitality in life. That is the danger in observing shadows. Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind.
”What "Shadow" might be our "Sabbath" today? Many things could be turned into "modern day Sabbath keeping". For example, Christmas', even going to church might become a person's "Sabbath", in the sense that they legalistically dare not miss that day! Sure it is best to try not to miss going to church on Sunday, Hebrews (10:24). But if you think that by your going to church on Sunday, you will be "more spiritual", then you need to reassess your motives. The point is that going to church does not make anyone spiritual. The point is what is your motive for going to church? Are you going because you love God and His people or are we going to prove that you are spiritual or to earn favor from God? Legalism says "Do This" so you can prove to others that you're spiritual. Grace says "Rest in Him", fully confident of the truth that you are complete in Christ, Colossians (2:10). When you come to Him and obey His Word, walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, you can rest assured that He will take care of the rest! Colossians (1:10).
It does not take a keen observer to discover that most professing Christians are doing a poor job at spiritual growth. We see this in the lack of biblical understanding and application to personal life. Programs and activities that do nothing to further one's sanctification have replaced growth. Consider the Pharisees of Jesus' day. They believed that because of what they did and did not do, they were elevated to a new plateau spiritually. They scrupulously followed all of the laws relating to Sabbath observance because earlier legalists spelled these out as having promise. Even though the Pharisees neglected mercy and justice, as did their Old Testament counterparts, they believed that their rigid observance of Sabbath laws qualified them for super-spirituality. But being under the new covenant, the Christian is not bound by the legalisms of Sabbath observance or festivals. The early church shifted to Sunday as the day of gathering to worship and giving offerings for the Christian church.
"Here is the danger of all these things. They are substitutes for your completion in Jesus Christ. They all insist that there is another level of spirituality beyond what Christ has done for you. Because of a dependence upon one's own performance, these legalisms leave the believer in bondage. They keep the Christian always looking somewhere else, to the next experience, to the next Christmas day, to the next rigid observance of a law, to the next set of do's and don'ts to find joy. But it is never there. There may be a momentary sense of satisfaction because of their observance, perhaps even a little cheering on by their fellow legalists. But there is no deep, lasting satisfaction. And there cannot be, for it is an attempt to find satisfaction outside of Jesus Christ and the fullness of his work.
Reverend William Bowers
Wednesday 25 December 2013
Obedience
For a wise parent who is thinking long range, you might think of obedience as a gift you give your child. Obedience is defined as “Trusting those who lead you by doing what you are asked to do.” As a virtue, it depends on an ability to submit one’s own preferences to another. This is especially important as your child grows older and is faced with the choice of trusting in God’s wisdom over his or her own understanding. Do we trust God deeply enough to trust His reasons even when we don’t know what they are or fully understand them? Is it possible there is more to an issue then what we know?
Every believer must choose whether he will live by the principle of obedience or follow his preferences. When a person commits to doing the Lord’s will, then every situation and decision is sifted through the standard of “God said it, so I'm going to do it, and that’s the end of it.” He may complain, weep, or try to argue. But in the end he will be obedient, no matter what.
The Lord certainly understands our need to question, cry out, and petition Him for the strength to do what He asks. Hebrews (4:15) tells us that we have a high priest who can sympathize with us. Jesus wasn't excited or happy about the cross. He grieved over the coming separation from His Father. Nevertheless, He was committed to following God’s will Matthew (26:39). No one took Christ’s life from Him; He laid it down John (10:18).
Our lives are about fulfilling God’s purpose. Many people miss His awesome plan for them because they choose to follow their preferences. Obedience is sometimes hard, but the struggle and sacrifice are worth it. There is joy and peace for the believer who pleases the Lord and lives by His principles.
Reverend William Bowers
For a wise parent who is thinking long range, you might think of obedience as a gift you give your child. Obedience is defined as “Trusting those who lead you by doing what you are asked to do.” As a virtue, it depends on an ability to submit one’s own preferences to another. This is especially important as your child grows older and is faced with the choice of trusting in God’s wisdom over his or her own understanding. Do we trust God deeply enough to trust His reasons even when we don’t know what they are or fully understand them? Is it possible there is more to an issue then what we know?
Every believer must choose whether he will live by the principle of obedience or follow his preferences. When a person commits to doing the Lord’s will, then every situation and decision is sifted through the standard of “God said it, so I'm going to do it, and that’s the end of it.” He may complain, weep, or try to argue. But in the end he will be obedient, no matter what.
The Lord certainly understands our need to question, cry out, and petition Him for the strength to do what He asks. Hebrews (4:15) tells us that we have a high priest who can sympathize with us. Jesus wasn't excited or happy about the cross. He grieved over the coming separation from His Father. Nevertheless, He was committed to following God’s will Matthew (26:39). No one took Christ’s life from Him; He laid it down John (10:18).
Our lives are about fulfilling God’s purpose. Many people miss His awesome plan for them because they choose to follow their preferences. Obedience is sometimes hard, but the struggle and sacrifice are worth it. There is joy and peace for the believer who pleases the Lord and lives by His principles.
Reverend William Bowers
Tuesday 24 December 2013
I am absolutely fed up with the catch phrase "Jesus is the reason for the season". When will this world wake up? When are those of you going to preach the Real Truth!?
Ephesians (5:11) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
So we shouldn't be trying to copy idolatrous feasts. Rather, we should be exposing them for the fraud and lie that they are. Creating a new lie by saying the Messiah was born on December 25th, the birthday of various sun gods, is preposterous. One of the last things our Savior would ever want is to "acquire the traits of solar deities."
So when was Jesus birthday? We can learn by studying the timing of the priestly course of Zechariah Luke (1:5), John the Baptist's father, and adding six months to that time period Luke (1:24-26). This would place the Messiah's birth in either the spring or fall. The scriptures do not supply us with an exact date of birth, but it certainly was not in the winter.
We know the date of His death is on Passover. Scripture does tell us the time of many other important events in biblical history such as the founding of the temple, first day of the biblical year, the timing of the Exodus from Egypt, the date that the flood began and many other events. But the date of the Messiah's birth? Scripture is silent.
Jesus is holy, which means "set apart." He is not like them at all! And He doesn't want to be associated with them or the customs of those who worship them.
In fact, the pagan customs associated with Christmas are clearly condemned in the scriptures. Here is one of them:
Jeremiah (10:1-4) Hear the word which Yahweh speaks to you, O house of Israel.
"Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, For the Gentiles are dismayed at them.
As for Christmas trees:
For the customs of the peoples are futile; For one cuts a tree from the forest, The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax.
They decorate it with silver and gold; They fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple.
Reverend William Bowers
Ephesians (5:11) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
So we shouldn't be trying to copy idolatrous feasts. Rather, we should be exposing them for the fraud and lie that they are. Creating a new lie by saying the Messiah was born on December 25th, the birthday of various sun gods, is preposterous. One of the last things our Savior would ever want is to "acquire the traits of solar deities."
So when was Jesus birthday? We can learn by studying the timing of the priestly course of Zechariah Luke (1:5), John the Baptist's father, and adding six months to that time period Luke (1:24-26). This would place the Messiah's birth in either the spring or fall. The scriptures do not supply us with an exact date of birth, but it certainly was not in the winter.
We know the date of His death is on Passover. Scripture does tell us the time of many other important events in biblical history such as the founding of the temple, first day of the biblical year, the timing of the Exodus from Egypt, the date that the flood began and many other events. But the date of the Messiah's birth? Scripture is silent.
Jesus is holy, which means "set apart." He is not like them at all! And He doesn't want to be associated with them or the customs of those who worship them.
In fact, the pagan customs associated with Christmas are clearly condemned in the scriptures. Here is one of them:
Jeremiah (10:1-4) Hear the word which Yahweh speaks to you, O house of Israel.
"Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, For the Gentiles are dismayed at them.
As for Christmas trees:
For the customs of the peoples are futile; For one cuts a tree from the forest, The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax.
They decorate it with silver and gold; They fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple.
Reverend William Bowers
Sunday 22 December 2013
Walking With God
Walking with God is the most exciting and rewarding of all experiences on earth. It is also the most difficult.
Those who walk closest to God are those who, like Jesus, become acquainted with trials and testing's. God takes us through struggles and difficulties so that we might become increasingly more committed to Him.
God may be leading you somewhere that doesn't make much sense. I want to encourage you: Don't try to make sense out of it, just go. If God leads you to stay in a difficult situation and you have peace that you are to stay, don't analyze it, stay.
Do your part. Do what He tells you to do, for His promises often hinge on obedience. You can walk with Him in perfect trust. That's your part.
Walking in God's favor requires great wisdom. Wisdom, speaks only when the time is right, seeking to please God, you'll walk in His favor.
When you received Christ as your Savior, you took the first step in your walk with Him--a walk that will last the rest of your life. However, you also stepped into spiritual warfare with Satan. The Enemy may have lost your soul, but he's going to do everything he can to hinder, sidetrack, and discourage you. The last thing he wants is a saint who's on fire for the Lord and useful in the kingdom.
To walk on water you must learn to discern between God's voice and your own impulses. Wisdom teaches us that to experience miracles, we must get out of our comfort zone. Exchange places with Peter. The storm is raging and he's afraid. The boat's secure and comfortable. Wouldn't you want to stay there? But you can't. God designed you to do more than simply avoid failure; He's calling you to step out in faith and accomplish things. You say, 'What's my boat?' It's anything you put your faith in when life gets stormy, like a job or a relationship. Your boat is anything that stops you from getting out of your comfort zone. Leaving it is the scariest, but most rewarding step you'll ever take!
2 Corinthians (5:7) - (For we walk by faith, not by sight:).
When Peter walked on the water, to Jesus.' Jesus isn't in the boat, He's on the water! And you only develop deep-water faith when you're willing to leave security and predictability and step out with Him. Perhaps you have worked for years creating a manageable and orderly life, maintaining the illusion of control. Now God is shaking everything up by asking you to step out in faith, allowing you to, walk with Him' and face waves that are over your head. He does this for a reason: to increase your dependence on Him.
Deuteronomy (5:33) - Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and 'that it may be' well with you, and 'that' ye may prolong 'your' days in the land which ye shall possess.
Proverbs (3:5-6) - Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.
Psalms (119:105) - Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Genesis (6:9) - These 'are' the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
Genesis (5:24) - And Enoch walked with God: and he 'was' not; for God took him.
Micah (6:8) - He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Reverend William Bowers
Walking with God is the most exciting and rewarding of all experiences on earth. It is also the most difficult.
Those who walk closest to God are those who, like Jesus, become acquainted with trials and testing's. God takes us through struggles and difficulties so that we might become increasingly more committed to Him.
God may be leading you somewhere that doesn't make much sense. I want to encourage you: Don't try to make sense out of it, just go. If God leads you to stay in a difficult situation and you have peace that you are to stay, don't analyze it, stay.
Do your part. Do what He tells you to do, for His promises often hinge on obedience. You can walk with Him in perfect trust. That's your part.
Walking in God's favor requires great wisdom. Wisdom, speaks only when the time is right, seeking to please God, you'll walk in His favor.
When you received Christ as your Savior, you took the first step in your walk with Him--a walk that will last the rest of your life. However, you also stepped into spiritual warfare with Satan. The Enemy may have lost your soul, but he's going to do everything he can to hinder, sidetrack, and discourage you. The last thing he wants is a saint who's on fire for the Lord and useful in the kingdom.
To walk on water you must learn to discern between God's voice and your own impulses. Wisdom teaches us that to experience miracles, we must get out of our comfort zone. Exchange places with Peter. The storm is raging and he's afraid. The boat's secure and comfortable. Wouldn't you want to stay there? But you can't. God designed you to do more than simply avoid failure; He's calling you to step out in faith and accomplish things. You say, 'What's my boat?' It's anything you put your faith in when life gets stormy, like a job or a relationship. Your boat is anything that stops you from getting out of your comfort zone. Leaving it is the scariest, but most rewarding step you'll ever take!
2 Corinthians (5:7) - (For we walk by faith, not by sight:).
When Peter walked on the water, to Jesus.' Jesus isn't in the boat, He's on the water! And you only develop deep-water faith when you're willing to leave security and predictability and step out with Him. Perhaps you have worked for years creating a manageable and orderly life, maintaining the illusion of control. Now God is shaking everything up by asking you to step out in faith, allowing you to, walk with Him' and face waves that are over your head. He does this for a reason: to increase your dependence on Him.
Deuteronomy (5:33) - Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and 'that it may be' well with you, and 'that' ye may prolong 'your' days in the land which ye shall possess.
Proverbs (3:5-6) - Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.
Psalms (119:105) - Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Genesis (6:9) - These 'are' the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
Genesis (5:24) - And Enoch walked with God: and he 'was' not; for God took him.
Micah (6:8) - He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Reverend William Bowers
Saturday 21 December 2013
Grief Over The Death Of Loved Ones
Those who have eternal hope, though grieving over the instant loss death brings and the painful absence that follows, must remember and will be comforted by the realization that when the believer is taken from this life, he or she is gathered into the place of the saints. As it says, Jacob was "gathered to his people." Absent from the body, face to face with the Lord. How simple yet how sacred the moment. With one quiet and final sigh, the old patriarch joined those eternal ranks.
Genesis (49:1–33).
God translates the life of an individual after death, and only then can we measure the significance of that life.
When a man or woman of God dies, nothing of God dies. We tend to forget that. We get so caught up in the lives of certain individuals that we begin to think we cannot do without them. What limited thinking! When even a mighty servant is gone, God has seven thousand who have never bowed the knee to Baal. He has them ready, waiting in the wings. God always has a back-up plan.
Think about it. Through the ages He has had His men and women in every era to carry on His work. Never once has God been frustrated, wondering, What will My people do now that he's gone? Now that he/she is no longer with them? Our Creator-God is omnipotent. He is never caught short handed.
John Donne, seventeenth-century English poet, was not only one of that country's great poets but also one of her most celebrated preachers. He wrote eloquently about death:
All mankind is of one Author, and is one volume; when one Man dies, one Chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every Chapter must be so translated. God employ's several translators: some pieces are translated by age, some by sickness, some by ware, some by justice; but God's hand is in every translation; and his hand shall bind up all our scattered leaves again, for that Libraries where every book shall lie open to one another.
God translates the life of an individual after death, and only then can we measure the significance of that life.
Praying
When you think about it, every failure is, in essence, a prayer failure! If we don't pray, the best thing that can happen, is nothing! You see, prayer puts the situation into God's hands, otherwise whose hand is it in?
But it's useless to pray if you:
Have no faith God will answer.
Have no confidence, because you feel unworthy to stand before Him.
Think that prayer is about the right words, the right feelings, the right posture, or the right length of time.
Here's the score: our prayers work' not because of how well we say them, but because of how well God hears them! We don't have to understand prayer to enjoy it's benefits, anymore than we have to understand the law of aerodynamics, in order to fly. Simply just pray! Trusting God the pilot to take care of the rest''.
Look After Widows
James (1:27)
When women's husbands exit to heaven, their calendar, their cheque book, and the contents of their refrigerator changes, and the look in their children's eyes when they step through the door on holidays. Their living space is more cluttered. They seldom use make-up there are other changes so personal they can't be shared. Loneliness and solitude are not descriptive enough.
Widows experience so many firsts, they stop counting. From knowing widows, I've learned that they all change. And much of the change is good. They become faith-filled because they can't face the day any other way. They become strong because they've no choice. They're compassionate because their heart has been broken.' The fact is, women whose husbands die lose 75 percent of their friendships, 60 percent experience health issues, one-third are clinically depressed one year later, and most face financial hardship. Widows move from the front row of the church to the back, and then out the door. They go from serving and singing in the choir, to solitude and silent sobbing.' God cares so much about widows He mentions them over one hundred times in Scripture. He's a 'defender of widows' Psalms (68:5). He 'watches over and sustains them' Psalms (146:9). Religion that God accepts as pure and faultless is to look after widows.' No one can comfort a widow like another widow, when they see another woman enter this experience, they want to comfort her. While the need for financial support and help is common, the need for connection is more pressing they need believing friends near them.'
James (1:27)
When women's husbands exit to heaven, their calendar, their cheque book, and the contents of their refrigerator changes, and the look in their children's eyes when they step through the door on holidays. Their living space is more cluttered. They seldom use make-up there are other changes so personal they can't be shared. Loneliness and solitude are not descriptive enough.
Widows experience so many firsts, they stop counting. From knowing widows, I've learned that they all change. And much of the change is good. They become faith-filled because they can't face the day any other way. They become strong because they've no choice. They're compassionate because their heart has been broken.' The fact is, women whose husbands die lose 75 percent of their friendships, 60 percent experience health issues, one-third are clinically depressed one year later, and most face financial hardship. Widows move from the front row of the church to the back, and then out the door. They go from serving and singing in the choir, to solitude and silent sobbing.' God cares so much about widows He mentions them over one hundred times in Scripture. He's a 'defender of widows' Psalms (68:5). He 'watches over and sustains them' Psalms (146:9). Religion that God accepts as pure and faultless is to look after widows.' No one can comfort a widow like another widow, when they see another woman enter this experience, they want to comfort her. While the need for financial support and help is common, the need for connection is more pressing they need believing friends near them.'
Friday 20 December 2013
Gifts Of The Wise Men
Gold His Sovereign Dominion
Gold was a gift presented to a king. It was the most precious metal of that day and it symbolized royalty. The wise men recognized that this baby who was born in a manger was no ordinary baby-this was King Jesus! He is King of kings and Lord of lords. The wise men did not cuddle Him. They did not play games with Him. Instead they bowed the knee in reverence to Him. They recognized that indeed He is King.
Frankincense His Sinless Deity
If gold was a gift of wealth for a king, then frankincense was used to worship the King. These wise men recognized the sinless deity of Jesus that was deserving of their worship. Matthew (2:11) says, “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
The wise men knew this baby was God, and they fell down in worship of Him. Isaiah (9:6) states clearly, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Myrrh His Sacrificial Death
Wise-man's Gift The third gift the wise men brought was a valuable gum-like substance called myrrh that was used to embalm the dead. Stop and think of the significance-bringing a child something that would be used to embalm the dead? They did this because they recognized that this little one was born to die.
Myrrh was also used as a narcotic to dull pain. Mark (15:22-23) tells us, “And they bring Him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. And they gave Him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but He received it not.” There upon that cross, instead of tasting myrrh to numb His pain, Jesus tasted death for every man. And finally, to prepare Him for burial, Nicodemus brought myrrh, John (19:38-40).
What will you give Jesus this Christmas? Because of His sovereign dominion, will you give Him your wealth? All that we have belongs to Him. Because of His sinless deity, will you give Him your worship? Fall on your face before Him. Because of His sacrificial death, will you give Him your witness? I want the whole world to know that He died for me. Do you? My wealth, my worship, and my witness belong to my Lord. And according to His Word, so does yours.
Gold His Sovereign Dominion
Gold was a gift presented to a king. It was the most precious metal of that day and it symbolized royalty. The wise men recognized that this baby who was born in a manger was no ordinary baby-this was King Jesus! He is King of kings and Lord of lords. The wise men did not cuddle Him. They did not play games with Him. Instead they bowed the knee in reverence to Him. They recognized that indeed He is King.
Frankincense His Sinless Deity
If gold was a gift of wealth for a king, then frankincense was used to worship the King. These wise men recognized the sinless deity of Jesus that was deserving of their worship. Matthew (2:11) says, “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
The wise men knew this baby was God, and they fell down in worship of Him. Isaiah (9:6) states clearly, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Myrrh His Sacrificial Death
Wise-man's Gift The third gift the wise men brought was a valuable gum-like substance called myrrh that was used to embalm the dead. Stop and think of the significance-bringing a child something that would be used to embalm the dead? They did this because they recognized that this little one was born to die.
Myrrh was also used as a narcotic to dull pain. Mark (15:22-23) tells us, “And they bring Him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. And they gave Him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but He received it not.” There upon that cross, instead of tasting myrrh to numb His pain, Jesus tasted death for every man. And finally, to prepare Him for burial, Nicodemus brought myrrh, John (19:38-40).
What will you give Jesus this Christmas? Because of His sovereign dominion, will you give Him your wealth? All that we have belongs to Him. Because of His sinless deity, will you give Him your worship? Fall on your face before Him. Because of His sacrificial death, will you give Him your witness? I want the whole world to know that He died for me. Do you? My wealth, my worship, and my witness belong to my Lord. And according to His Word, so does yours.
Thursday 19 December 2013
Not Ashamed Of The Gospel
The fullness of God expressed in the person of Jesus Christ. His death. He bore your shame. You were morally and spiritually bankrupt. But He satisfied all of God's claims against you at the cross, writing 'Paid in full' across your account. His resurrection. 'Lifted up was He to die, it is finished was His cry. Now in heaven exalted high, Hallelujah, what a Savior.' And His promise is, 'Because I live, you will live also' John (14:19).
His mediator-ship. When you fail He stands before God on your behalf, offering His blood as atonement for your sin. If you saw Him now you would say, 'I am not ashamed of Jesus.' As a follower of Christ you can also say, 'I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes. 'Our gospel is not education or sophistication, but salvation. It's not reformation or rehabilitation, but redemption from the penalty and the power of sin. The Bible says, 'If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new' 2 Corinthians (5:17).
We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him for the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air 1 Thessalonians (4:14-17). Jesus said, 'For a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out-those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned' John (5:28-29). In that day the Lord's Prayer will finally be answered: 'Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven'.
Reverend William Bowers
The fullness of God expressed in the person of Jesus Christ. His death. He bore your shame. You were morally and spiritually bankrupt. But He satisfied all of God's claims against you at the cross, writing 'Paid in full' across your account. His resurrection. 'Lifted up was He to die, it is finished was His cry. Now in heaven exalted high, Hallelujah, what a Savior.' And His promise is, 'Because I live, you will live also' John (14:19).
His mediator-ship. When you fail He stands before God on your behalf, offering His blood as atonement for your sin. If you saw Him now you would say, 'I am not ashamed of Jesus.' As a follower of Christ you can also say, 'I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes. 'Our gospel is not education or sophistication, but salvation. It's not reformation or rehabilitation, but redemption from the penalty and the power of sin. The Bible says, 'If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new' 2 Corinthians (5:17).
We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him for the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air 1 Thessalonians (4:14-17). Jesus said, 'For a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out-those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned' John (5:28-29). In that day the Lord's Prayer will finally be answered: 'Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven'.
Reverend William Bowers
Wednesday 18 December 2013
What You Can Learn In A Crisis Personal Revival
2 Kings (7:3)
"Why are we sitting here until we die?" The armies of Syria had besieged Samaria and the people were dying of starvation. Four lepers, whose disease forced them to live outside the city walls, had got used to living on scraps of bread people threw over the wall each day. But now no more scraps were coming their way. So they said to themselves, "Why are we sitting here until we die?" So they took action. 'They rose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians to their surprise no one was there. For the Lord had caused the Syrians to hear the noise of a great army. Therefore they arose and fled and left their tents, their horses, and their donkeys these lepers went into one tent and ate and drank, and carried from it silver and gold and clothing Then they said to one another, "We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. let us go and tell the king's household" 2 Kings (7:5-9).
This story teaches us three important truths. First, that crisis becomes our friend when it moves us to take action. Only when we're sick and tired of being sick and tired, will things begin to change for the better. Second, that - once we take a step of faith - God will move on our behalf. The only thing that can limit Him is our doubt, our stubbornness and our complacency.
His Word says, 'Therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you. Isaiah (30:18). Finally, it teaches us that when God blesses us, we can't keep it to ourselves. Others need what God has given us, and we must get it to them - on time. Get thoroughly dissatisfied with yourself. Complacency is the enemy of spiritual progress. A complacent soul is a stagnant soul. Second, set your face like a flint towards a sweeping transformation of your life.
Timid experimenters are tagged for failure before they start. We must throw our whole soul into our desire for God. Third, put yourself in the way of blessing. It's a mistake to expect God's help to come as a windfall apart from conditions known and met. There are plainly marked paths which lead straight to the green pastures; let us walk in them. To desire revival, for instance, and at the same time neglect prayer and devotions, is to wish one way and walk another.
Fourth, do a thorough job of repenting. Do not hurry to get it over with. Hasty repentance means shallow spiritual experience and lack of certainty in the whole life. Let godly sorrow do her healing work. Until we allow the consciousness of sin to wound us, we will never develop a fear of evil. Finally, make restitution wherever possible. If you owe a debt, pay it, or at least have a frank understanding with your creditor about your intention to pay, so your honesty will be above question. If you have quarreled with anyone, go as far as you can in an effort to achieve reconciliation.
Reverend William Bowers
2 Kings (7:3)
"Why are we sitting here until we die?" The armies of Syria had besieged Samaria and the people were dying of starvation. Four lepers, whose disease forced them to live outside the city walls, had got used to living on scraps of bread people threw over the wall each day. But now no more scraps were coming their way. So they said to themselves, "Why are we sitting here until we die?" So they took action. 'They rose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians to their surprise no one was there. For the Lord had caused the Syrians to hear the noise of a great army. Therefore they arose and fled and left their tents, their horses, and their donkeys these lepers went into one tent and ate and drank, and carried from it silver and gold and clothing Then they said to one another, "We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. let us go and tell the king's household" 2 Kings (7:5-9).
This story teaches us three important truths. First, that crisis becomes our friend when it moves us to take action. Only when we're sick and tired of being sick and tired, will things begin to change for the better. Second, that - once we take a step of faith - God will move on our behalf. The only thing that can limit Him is our doubt, our stubbornness and our complacency.
His Word says, 'Therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you. Isaiah (30:18). Finally, it teaches us that when God blesses us, we can't keep it to ourselves. Others need what God has given us, and we must get it to them - on time. Get thoroughly dissatisfied with yourself. Complacency is the enemy of spiritual progress. A complacent soul is a stagnant soul. Second, set your face like a flint towards a sweeping transformation of your life.
Timid experimenters are tagged for failure before they start. We must throw our whole soul into our desire for God. Third, put yourself in the way of blessing. It's a mistake to expect God's help to come as a windfall apart from conditions known and met. There are plainly marked paths which lead straight to the green pastures; let us walk in them. To desire revival, for instance, and at the same time neglect prayer and devotions, is to wish one way and walk another.
Fourth, do a thorough job of repenting. Do not hurry to get it over with. Hasty repentance means shallow spiritual experience and lack of certainty in the whole life. Let godly sorrow do her healing work. Until we allow the consciousness of sin to wound us, we will never develop a fear of evil. Finally, make restitution wherever possible. If you owe a debt, pay it, or at least have a frank understanding with your creditor about your intention to pay, so your honesty will be above question. If you have quarreled with anyone, go as far as you can in an effort to achieve reconciliation.
Reverend William Bowers
Tuesday 17 December 2013
Cultivating Communities
James (3:18)
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Acts (2:42)
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer.
The depth of a church is determined by the quality of it's worship and instruction.
We must keep that near the top of our awareness. The breath of a church is determined by it's commitment to fellowship and evangelism. We must keep reaching out to people who are in need.
You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy it's results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.
Ephesians (4:3)
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Community requires commitment.
Only the Holy Spirit can create real fellowship between believers, but he cultivates it with the choices and commitments we make. It takes both God's power and our effort to produce a loving Christian community. Unfortunately, many people grow up in broken families with unhealthy relationships, so they lack the relational skills needed for real fellowship. They must be taught how to get along with and relate to others in God's family.
Cultivating community takes honesty .You will have to care enough to lovingly speak the truth, even when you would rather gloss over a problem or ignore an issue.
While it is much easier to remain silent when others around you are harming themselves or others with a sinful pattern, it is not the loving thing to do. Most people have no one in their lives that love them enough to tell them the truth(even when it's painful), so they continue in self-destructive ways. Often we know what needs to be said to someone, but our fears prevent us from saying anything. Many fellowships have been sabotaged by fear: No one had the courage to speak up in the group while a member's life fell apart. The Bible tells us to "speak the truth in love" because we can't have community without candor. Paul says, "brothers and sisters, if someone in your group does something wrong, you who are spiritual should go to that person and gently help make him right again."
Many church fellowships and small groups remain superficial because they are afraid of conflict. Wherever an issue pops up that might cause tension or discomfort, it is immediately glossed over in order to preserve a false sense of peace. Mr. don't rock the boat jumps in and tries to smooth everyone's ruffled feathers, the issues is never resolved, and everyone lives with the underlying frustration. Everyone knows the problem, but no one talks about it openly. This creates a sick environment of secrets where gossip thrives. Paul had the solution right when he said, "No more lies no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all.
When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself. Real fellowship, whether in a marriage, a friendship, or your church, depends on frankness. In fact, the tunnel of conflict is the passage to intimacy in any relationship. Until you care enough to confront and resolve the underlying barriers, you will never grow close to each other.
When conflict is handled correctly, we grow closer to each other by facing and resolving our differences.
Frankness by no means is a license to say anything you want, wherever you want .
It is not rudeness. The Bible tells us there is a right time and a right way to do everything'. Thoughtless words leave lasting wounds. God tells us to speak to each other in the church as loving family members:" Never use harsh words when you correct an older man, but talk to him as if he was your father. Talk to younger men as if they were your brothers, older woman as if they were your mothers, and younger woman as if they were your sisters.
Sadly though, thousands of fellowships have been destroyed by a lack of honesty. Paul had to rebuke the Corinth church for their passive code of silence in allowing immorality in their fellowship. Since no one had the courage to confront it, he said, "You must not simply look the other way and hope it goes away on it's own. Bring it out in the open and deal with it. Better devastation and embarrassment than damnation'. You pass it off as a small thing, but it's anything but that, you shouldn't act as if everything is just fine when one of your Christian companions is promiscuous or crooked, is flip with God or rude to friends, or becomes greedy and predatory. You can't just go along with this, treating it as acceptable behavior. I'm not responsible for what the outsiders do, but don't we have some responsibility for those within our community of believers?"
Cultivating community takes humility. Self-importance, smugness, and stubborn pride destroy fellowship faster than anything else. Pride builds walls between people; humility builds bridges. Humility is the oil that smooths and soothes relationships.
Reverend William Bowers
James (3:18)
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Acts (2:42)
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer.
The depth of a church is determined by the quality of it's worship and instruction.
We must keep that near the top of our awareness. The breath of a church is determined by it's commitment to fellowship and evangelism. We must keep reaching out to people who are in need.
You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy it's results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.
Ephesians (4:3)
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Community requires commitment.
Only the Holy Spirit can create real fellowship between believers, but he cultivates it with the choices and commitments we make. It takes both God's power and our effort to produce a loving Christian community. Unfortunately, many people grow up in broken families with unhealthy relationships, so they lack the relational skills needed for real fellowship. They must be taught how to get along with and relate to others in God's family.
Cultivating community takes honesty .You will have to care enough to lovingly speak the truth, even when you would rather gloss over a problem or ignore an issue.
While it is much easier to remain silent when others around you are harming themselves or others with a sinful pattern, it is not the loving thing to do. Most people have no one in their lives that love them enough to tell them the truth(even when it's painful), so they continue in self-destructive ways. Often we know what needs to be said to someone, but our fears prevent us from saying anything. Many fellowships have been sabotaged by fear: No one had the courage to speak up in the group while a member's life fell apart. The Bible tells us to "speak the truth in love" because we can't have community without candor. Paul says, "brothers and sisters, if someone in your group does something wrong, you who are spiritual should go to that person and gently help make him right again."
Many church fellowships and small groups remain superficial because they are afraid of conflict. Wherever an issue pops up that might cause tension or discomfort, it is immediately glossed over in order to preserve a false sense of peace. Mr. don't rock the boat jumps in and tries to smooth everyone's ruffled feathers, the issues is never resolved, and everyone lives with the underlying frustration. Everyone knows the problem, but no one talks about it openly. This creates a sick environment of secrets where gossip thrives. Paul had the solution right when he said, "No more lies no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all.
When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself. Real fellowship, whether in a marriage, a friendship, or your church, depends on frankness. In fact, the tunnel of conflict is the passage to intimacy in any relationship. Until you care enough to confront and resolve the underlying barriers, you will never grow close to each other.
When conflict is handled correctly, we grow closer to each other by facing and resolving our differences.
Frankness by no means is a license to say anything you want, wherever you want .
It is not rudeness. The Bible tells us there is a right time and a right way to do everything'. Thoughtless words leave lasting wounds. God tells us to speak to each other in the church as loving family members:" Never use harsh words when you correct an older man, but talk to him as if he was your father. Talk to younger men as if they were your brothers, older woman as if they were your mothers, and younger woman as if they were your sisters.
Sadly though, thousands of fellowships have been destroyed by a lack of honesty. Paul had to rebuke the Corinth church for their passive code of silence in allowing immorality in their fellowship. Since no one had the courage to confront it, he said, "You must not simply look the other way and hope it goes away on it's own. Bring it out in the open and deal with it. Better devastation and embarrassment than damnation'. You pass it off as a small thing, but it's anything but that, you shouldn't act as if everything is just fine when one of your Christian companions is promiscuous or crooked, is flip with God or rude to friends, or becomes greedy and predatory. You can't just go along with this, treating it as acceptable behavior. I'm not responsible for what the outsiders do, but don't we have some responsibility for those within our community of believers?"
Cultivating community takes humility. Self-importance, smugness, and stubborn pride destroy fellowship faster than anything else. Pride builds walls between people; humility builds bridges. Humility is the oil that smooths and soothes relationships.
Reverend William Bowers
Awake In The Name Of Christ Jesus!
Fellow Ministers and workers of Christ, if you truly do have a zeal for God's Word the truth', you will Wake Up". Awake from your slumber, your false teaching's', says Our Lord God Almighty'. For the time is coming of true revelation into the things of which were unseen, are now being made seen to those who truly repent from there pagan worldly ways, and honor the One True Living God!
1 John (4:1-6)
We are from God, and whoever does not know God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognise the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
1 John (2:27)
As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit--just as it has taught you, remain in him.
Galatians (1:8)
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!
Revelation (16:14)
They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.
Hebrews (1:14)
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Romans (16:18)
For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
Acts (8:9-13)
Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.” They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
James (3:1)
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
1 Corinthians (1:17)
For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
1 Corinthians (1:23)
But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles.
Mark (1:15)
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Galatians (1:6-10)
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Matthew (4:17)
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Psalm (32:6-8)
Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.
You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you. This I therefore issue an invitation to "everyone who is godly." This includes every New Testament believer, every person who knows the Lord, having received Jesus Christ by faith. I urge all God's people to pray, even in the midst of "a flood of great waters," when all seems hopeless. God's promises will provide the same deliverance to us that He brought to David.
Place your full attention on God. He is the One who protects us, preserves us, surrounds us, and even gives us a song. Selah (again, pause and consider)! A guilt-ridden conscience casts God as a cruel deity, walking around with a club, looking for sinners to smash. That's because sin distorts the truth. David breaks out into songs of deliverance! "You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah."
What a comforting picture, especially to those who have been in deep sin and seek forgiveness!
Reverend William Bowers
Fellow Ministers and workers of Christ, if you truly do have a zeal for God's Word the truth', you will Wake Up". Awake from your slumber, your false teaching's', says Our Lord God Almighty'. For the time is coming of true revelation into the things of which were unseen, are now being made seen to those who truly repent from there pagan worldly ways, and honor the One True Living God!
1 John (4:1-6)
We are from God, and whoever does not know God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognise the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
1 John (2:27)
As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit--just as it has taught you, remain in him.
Galatians (1:8)
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!
Revelation (16:14)
They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.
Hebrews (1:14)
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Romans (16:18)
For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
Acts (8:9-13)
Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.” They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
James (3:1)
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
1 Corinthians (1:17)
For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
1 Corinthians (1:23)
But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles.
Mark (1:15)
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Galatians (1:6-10)
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Matthew (4:17)
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Psalm (32:6-8)
Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.
You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you. This I therefore issue an invitation to "everyone who is godly." This includes every New Testament believer, every person who knows the Lord, having received Jesus Christ by faith. I urge all God's people to pray, even in the midst of "a flood of great waters," when all seems hopeless. God's promises will provide the same deliverance to us that He brought to David.
Place your full attention on God. He is the One who protects us, preserves us, surrounds us, and even gives us a song. Selah (again, pause and consider)! A guilt-ridden conscience casts God as a cruel deity, walking around with a club, looking for sinners to smash. That's because sin distorts the truth. David breaks out into songs of deliverance! "You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah."
What a comforting picture, especially to those who have been in deep sin and seek forgiveness!
Reverend William Bowers
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