Christian Faith Perspectives

At the end of the Second World War, people gathered together to celebrate victories in Europe and the Pacific. My father had taken me with him to see the victory celebrations outside Flinders Street Station in Melbourne. Perched on my father’s shoulders I can still remember the scene so well. There was a great crowd of people dancing on the roadway, so happy that the long years of conflict had come to an end; peace could be enjoyed again!

PEACE essentially means freedom from conflict. But the Hebrew language gives us the word SHALOM which has a much deeper meaning. It is a word still used in Israel today as a greeting. It is saying to a person, “be full of wellbeing” or “health and prosperity be upon you”. This precious Hebrew word appears frequently in the Old Testament and has the idea of making something whole, restoring it to completeness. It involves the whole person.

The words of Jesus now have much more significance, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… ” John 14:27 NIV.
So now I understand, what the Bible means when it tells me Jesus has made peace through his sacrifice. The punishment he took on my behalf enables me to experience peace. This is a new relationship where God can now restore all those blessings we forfeited because of sin. Peace BRIDGES the gap of separation.

The depth of meaning behind GOD’S PEACE is like seeing the top of an iceberg, there is so much more! When we are at peace with God through Jesus we are back in harmony, we are now joined together with the Father and his Son in perfect unity. The PEACE that Jesus gives is like an open door to all of God’s goodness!

Ref. Isaiah 53:5, Romans 5:1-2. NIV.

A Faith that Overcomes!

Fear is an incredibly debilitating emotion which can have profound effects on our ability to live normal productive lives. Fear also induces stress which has a negative influence on our physical bodies, affecting the heart and the immune system.

Today, we also have the reality of climate change causing mankind to feel vulnerable and fearful of the future. Not to mention the ever-present fear of global disease and war.

We can tell people not to be fearful, but that doesn’t help, it even seems to compound the situation. We need a valid reason for not being controlled by fear and certainly an emotion which can take its place. That, in one word is LOVE! This is the affection and kindness God has for us. A similar Greek word is Agape, which means the fatherly love of God. Love can dissolve all our fears!

I like the way Jesus Christ meets our fear problems head-on! Whilst a healthy fear of God is normal, having fears or phobias of things is totally different. Jesus reminds us to have faith in him and not be fearful or troubled over our personal circumstances. GOD IS ALWAYS BIGGER THAN THE SITUATION! Such was the case when a storm made the disciples fearful their boat would be swamped and sink. Jesus who was sleeping in the boat at the time, took control and the raging sea became calm!

The Lord Jesus had an unbroken relationship with his heavenly Father. He was at peace with God, fear was not a consideration! Through personal faith in Christ our broken relationship with God can be healed. Having peace with God we too can now live in the security of his LOVE! There is no longer room for any fear!

Ref. Isaiah 53:5, Mark 4:35-41, Romans 5:1-2, 1 John 4:15-18. NIV.

We live in a world full of words! The media constantly feeds us with a torrent of opinions and commentary on local and world events. There is an endless supply of books written on every conceivable subject. Keynote speakers at countless conferences expound their views. Conversations are had to discuss new ideas, and words flow back and forth, exploring, discovering, concluding!

Words obviously require speakers and listeners. Similarly, authors need readers. Communication can be negative or positive; either way, words are influential! Indeed, life and death are in the power of the tongue! Words have so much potential; they can build up or they can destroy. Whether by print or audio we now have this incredible information highway of the World Wide Web. All of us are soaking up knowledge and communicating. Our devices are in constant use, be it our desk top computer, laptop, iPad, or mobile phone.

But well before the days of the IT revolution, when all we had was a radio, there was one other fascinating bit of technology, the CRYSTAL SET! It needed no power and consisted simply of a tuning coil, headphones and cat’s whisker (quartz crystal). The antenna captured energy from the radio waves coming from a nearby radio station. Then a little twiddling of the cat’s whisker gadget and hey presto the radio broadcast could be heard. Like myself as a youngster, many would remember the mystery and excitement of headphones on and listening to a favourite program in bed at night. A simple device but it was one of the earliest forms of radio that enabled the receiving of radio waves.

Putting this subject of communication in a spiritual perspective, it seems not unreasonable that God can also talk to us, and we can talk to him. Recently, a Bible passage got my attention, ‘ Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.’ Hosea 14:2 NIV. The opening clause ‘TAKE WORDS WITH YOU’ really made me curious, what did it mean? We can meditate, pray, repeat a liturgy, sing a hymn, but this is somehow different! This is not some casual word spoken to God, but a very personal set of words spoken with total conviction. We know what we want to say, so we bundle the words up as it were, and TAKE them with us. They are words personally prepared for God to hear!

Taking such heartfelt words to God is to have a conversation with him; we are making a connection of eternal consequence. Our words are like unstoppable ripples that travel in space time and reach their destination. Whether it is that initial confession of faith in Christ or our ongoing prayers, the words we speak are incredibly powerful!

Ref. Prov.18:21, Hosea 14:2. NIV.

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It was a rainy day, not ideal for getting the keys and entering your new house for the first time! Still, our first home had just been completed by the builders and was ready for occupation, it was a very special time! I well remember the moment as we stepped over the threshold. We had not seen the house, as we had been living interstate, so it was particularly exciting to see it for the first time. As we entered the front door the freshness of a new house with fresh timber flooring seemed to invite us in. Then we explored, bedrooms, sparkling tiled bathroom, kitchen fitted out fantastic, and a living room ready for a young family to enjoy.

Stepping over the threshold and entering into a house is something we do so often without giving it a second thought. But when you stop and think about it, many special memories will be recalled. We visit friends and maybe enter their house for the first time, we all remember the curiosity of wondering what their house looked like inside. We make polite comments but our eyes and minds are busily active, quietly taking in the design, the pictures on the wall, the furniture. This is what thresholds are all about, it is crossing over into new life experiences.

When I think back to the beginning of my own Christian life there is a similarity. It is like stepping over a threshold into a completely new dimension of living. It opened up before me, a life design so much bigger and better than I ever could have imagined. When we receive Jesus Christ into our lives we are spiritually born again; we become sons and daughters of God, the one we then call Father. But sometimes overlooked is the fact that there is also a new set of life experiences for us to experience. It is a new life for a new person.

It is so easy to stay where we are, to be forgiven but fail to enter into God’s personal plans and destinies for our lives. He has the perfect blueprint ! When God starts to work in our lives according to His construction plan, good things happen! Often what happens will be quite unexpected, and more than we could have imagined! But one thing is for sure, we will have crossed over the THRESHOLD and entered into a life God has constructed.

Ref. John 3:3-7, 2 Cor.5:17. NIIV.

Two sides to the Cross

Consider the word VICARIOUS for a moment. It can be a form of substitution, where we experience things through the activities of others for our own enjoyment. It could be our children’s success, it could be reading a good book or watching a movie. Two Dictionary definitions are helpful :-
Collins: ‘A vicarious pleasure or feeling that is experienced by watching, listening to, or reading about other people doing something, rather than doing it yourself ‘
Webster: ‘ Something performed or suffered by one person as a substitute for another or to the benefit or advantage of another’

It may seem unusual to put the title of ‘Vicarious’ over a photo of the Cross, when ‘Calvary’ or ‘Jesus Saves’ would seem more appropriate. The symbol of the Cross reminds us of the death of Christ and conjures up so many thoughts in our minds. To many of us it is a precious connection for our Christian beliefs. We see it on church buildings, it is frequently worn by clergy and also people in general. Emblems of the Cross are sincerely used, but they can never take the place of what Jesus did when He died and rose again as our substitute.

Chapter 53 of the Book of Isaiah echoes relentlessly one word… VICARIOUS! We read… ‘He was pierced for OUR transgressions’, ‘He was crushed for OUR iniquities’, and many other similar descriptions of Christ’s crucifixion. This is the first side of the Cross where God dealt with the problem of our sin.

The other side of the Cross are the blessings now available to us all. The photo shows someone with raised hands beside an empty cross. The darkness of the crucifixion has given way to the light, the risen Saviour now lives!

There is now a special and unique pathway available for us all. A life full of God’s blessings, a life VICARIOUSLY secured for each of us, and available in Christ!

Ref. Isaiah Chapter 53. John 10:10, Eph. 1:3. NIV.

Developing your links with God the Father & Jesus Christ his Son.

One of the most seemingly difficult relationship issues we can have as Christians, is getting the right balance with the Father and with the Son. How often do we talk to God our Heavenly Father, and then, on the other hand, how often do we talk to the Lord Jesus?

At the outset, relationships and how deep they get, depends on communication between the parties involved. If you talk with a friend frequently, you are building a bridge of trust and mutual understanding. Similarly, with spiritual dialogue we are also building those strong relationship links!

I am reminded of a tragic bridge collapse that occurred in Hobart, Australia in 1975 and which at the time, had the effect of separating the western and eastern sections of the City. The disaster was caused by a bulk carrier vessel crashing into the Tasman Bridge which spans the Derwent River. The impact resulted in a large section of the bridge collapsing into the river below. Apart from the lives lost in this tragedy and the transport problems caused, it also severed a vital connection between Hobart and it’s eastern shore. The incident also had significant social effects on the communities concerned.

When I reflect on my own Christian experiences the most important times are when I have repaired and strengthened my relationship with Jesus Christ. Without Jesus we become separated from His enabling grace in our lives. So really it’s all about bridge building! A strong relationship with Jesus also keeps us in touch with the Father.

Jesus Christ himself, reminds us to stay linked to Him. This means a pro active relationship expressed in prayer, strengthened and cemented by the Holy Spirit. Jesus also maintains our relationship with God, enabling us to pray to Him at any time, at any place, and in any circumstance. It is a dual relationship that we have, both with the Father and with his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ref. Tasman Bridge Disaster – Wikipedia.
Bible Ref. 1 John 1:3

Most of us would know the Lord’s Prayer and many of us would have repeated the words at some time. It of course begins, ‘OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN ‘ . We can say the phrase, but is there a corresponding filial relationship, that is felt in our heart ?
Once, when running a Baptist Boys Club with another guy, I recall him making some comments about God which at the time sounded a little strange. He had been giving the boys a devotional talk and wanted them to understand that God was like a Dad. He was encouraging the boys to grasp this ‘dad’ concept of God. Actually, he had hit the nail on the head! Once we grasp the Father nature of God there is a totally new relationship we can enjoy. The best illustration is of course a human Father, who will communicate love to his children in different ways. One of the most powerful expressions of a father’s heart can be simply the way he speaks to his children. Can you recall your Father calling you by your name, perhaps greeting you, and the tone of his voice was one of love…you knew it, you felt it! There was a certain smile, an eye contact that was communicating the warmth of your Father’s heart toward YOU!

There is a very touching passage found in the Bible, where God, speaking through the Prophet Jeremiah and pleading for His people to return, says the following, “…. I thought you would call me ‘Father’ and not turn away from following me ” Jer. 3:19 NIV. All God wanted, was to be their Father and treat them with kindness like any good father would. It can be difficult for us to fathom the depth of God’s paternal love for us. He reaches out to us and longs for our response.

We can talk about our privilege to call God our Father; all true, but let’s see it from God’s point of view; he actually wants to hear us call Him Father. When a child calls their parent ‘Mummy’ or ‘Daddy’ it causes a response in the heart of the parent affirming a very precious relationship. Our Father in Heaven wants nothing more than to hear us talking to Him and calling Him, ‘Father’.

We have a moral responsibility to live our lives to the best of our ability, but we all find times, and circumstances where we feel at our wits end. My experience is this, that if I am willing to talk it out with God the Father, He immediately becomes involved! How good is that!

SPEAKING IN TONGUES

Speaking in unknown languages was the experience of the first Christian believers and occurred on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:4 NIV. Jesus had told His disciples to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit, which He also referred to as a baptism with the Holy Spirit. What happened on that special occasion was a fulfilment of Old Testament prophesy, Isaiah 28:11, Joel 2:28 NIV. Glossolalia is the term used to describe this manifestation of the Holy Spirit and comes from the Greek words: glossa -tongue & lalia -talking. So, let’s talk about this experience in simple everyday language.

As a young Christian I was enjoying my new found personal faith in God and discovering the Bible. I had confessed Christ in water baptism, but had then learnt about another baptism, a baptism in the Holy Ghost. At the time I was a student at Agricultural College and as an extra curricular activity had chosen debating. Quite strange really, because I was petrified of public speaking, but I recall thinking that the Holy Spirit could overcome my fears. Around this time I had been praying to receive the Spirit and I did experience a closeness of God’s presence, although I did not speak in any unknown language. Anyway to my surprise my debating was successful; and to this day I still believe it was the Spirit of God that enabled me to speak confidently!
Jesus had told His disciples to wait until they were impowered by the Holy Spirit before telling the world about the Gospel. In due course they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to preach the good news about Jesus with supernatural boldness. The Baptism with the Holy Spirit gives a Christian power to witness in telling others about Christ. This baptism is available to all believers and opens the door into a spiritual world. It also encompasses so much more, not only teaching the believer, but also bestowing ministry gifts and giving guidance.
Do I personally speak in tongues? The short answer is yes! But I preface my comments by saying that speaking in tongues makes no difference to a persons standing in God’s sight. We are justified by faith in Christ alone! It is He, who makes us righteous, having died to sin on our behalf. However, speaking in tongues is a Holy Spirit inspired language. It is like living water, which wells up from within, and also results in praise flowing from our lips in worship to God and His Son.

Ref. John 7:38-39 NIV.

The Name of Jesus has Power behind it!

A name can carry a lot of weight and influence. It just depends on the authority behind the name. So what about the Name of the Lord Jesus? Well, it has the authority of God behind it! God has sworn by Himself that the Name of Jesus carries incredible power and authority. Jesus is a priest and judge and every knee must bow to the authority of that name. The Hebrew word to swear means to seven oneself! To complete the declaration seven times is the sacred completion of the affirmation. So what God has said about His Son, he has as it were, sworn it seven times, there is no higher declaration.

In the Police Force there are sworn and un-sworn officers. Not so long back when making PR calls at Police Stations as part of my work, I learned there was an important difference. The Sworn Officer has made an oath of affirmation to uphold the law. A sworn Constable has power to make arrests and also to carry firearms. Behind that Constable that pulls you over, is all the power, authority and weight of the laws of the land!

As the Christian Church goes about it’s varied activities it is easy to overlook the power of the Name of Jesus. In the early years of the Church as recorded in the Book of Acts the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth was used with incredible, miraculous results. Healings were taking place, miracles were occurring and those in various forms of spiritual bondage were finding freedom. But most important of all, people were calling on the Name of Jesus and getting saved! People were discovering a new respect for the name of the Lord Jesus. So what was really happening ? The Spirit of Christ was touching people’s lives! The mention of His name as it was called upon was activating the power of God; the risen Jesus was very much alive!

That NAME of the LORD JESUS still has power and authority behind it. When called upon sincerely and in faith God will answer.

Is. 45:23, Acts 4:12. NIV.

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST – YOUR SOVEREIGN KING

In our democratic elections we vote in governments and leaders hoping our problems will be solved, that our country will head in the right direction, that we will be looked after and protected as a nation of people.

Of course there are other forms of government besides a democracy, such as a dictatorship, or socialism. Theocracy is another type, or even a monarchy such as Israel had in it’s early years as a nation. Although Israel was established by God the people wanted to have a King like other nations. But God wanted His people to recognize that He was their Sovereign Lord and King. Speaking to Samuel, a prophet leader of the Hebrew people, God spoke words which still ring out through history “…. it is not you they have rejected as their king, but me.” Then, if we fast forward to the time of the crucifixion we hear the words of the high priests, “We have no king but Caesar” , this was in reply to Pilate’s question, “Shall I crucify your king?”

As we look back on our lives we may often wish we had done things differently, perhaps made different life choices. But the decision to make Jesus Christ Lord and King of our lives is the priority choice. Whilst we are encouraged to make Him Lord of our lives, and this is right, I personally pose this question. Are we emphasizing Christ’s headship over our lives at the expense of seeing Him as our caring King? Headship is surely all about surrendering and submitting our lives to Jesus,. The other side of the coin, as it were, is to recognize Jesus as our Sovereign, a King who is committed to our welfare and protection. In a sense, Lordship is our relationship to Him: Kingship, on the other hand is His relationship to us.

What is a sovereign ruler? It is a king who not only rules with justice and equity; but also to protect and provide for his people’s needs. Consider for a moment the incredible words God said to Abram the Hebrew patriarch, “Do not be afraid Abram. I am your shield (sovereign), your very great reward.” If this is not a statement of a loving God, I don’t know what is! Here is God saying to Abram that He wants to do him good. Abram replies, “O Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless….. ” Abram understood the love aspect of his Sovereign Lord who would protect and provide for him. This was not Abram quivering in fear before a tyrannical ruler, rather it was a person who was on intimate speaking terms with his God and King. The Old Testament record goes on to tell us how God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, (father of many); and his wife Sarai’s name changed to Sarah, (princess). Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah 90 when she gave birth to Isaac, God’s miracle provision. Genesis Chapters 15, 16 & 17, tells the fascinating story!

But now, let us come back to the consideration of Jesus as our King. Jesus of Nazareth never denied His title as KING! In fact to Pilate’s question, “You are a king then!” Jesus replied, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact for this reason I was born,… “
The Bible has many references affirming the Kingship of Jesus, He is indeed King of Kings and Lord of Lords. So much more could be said but to know there is a king whose name is Jesus. He is approachable and wants to do things for us, and we have the opportunity to trust Him day by day as our Sovereign Lord, a protector, a provider! Indeed, OUR KING!

A Chorus comes to mind :-
He is the King of kings-He is the Lord of lords,-
His name is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Oh,- He is the King.

And also that Hymn :-
The King of love my shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His, And He is mine forever.

Ref. 1 Sam. 8:7, Gen. 15:1-6, John 19:15, Rev. 19:16. NIV.