Spiritual battles

 

As I pondered this week about the rising prevalence of abortion and growing acceptance of the practice, I am reminded that Satan is well and truly at work in this fallen world. Unknowingly, people are embracing a culture of death. The Bible reminds us that

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12

Satan’s ultimate end is to destroy- personally, families, marriages and societies. He hates the people of God who value life and God’s blessings of marriage, parenthood and the social norms that God has prescribed. Satan is the father of lies. He likes to convince people of the worst scenarios, whereas God gives hope and peace.

God gave us the gift of sex for the deepest of human intimacy, within a committed relationship between a man and a woman. We make promises before God when we marry. It’s a life-long covenant between a man and a woman and God, who blesses the union. Children are meant to be born into this relationship and blessed with protection and care. Motherhood and Fatherhood are honourable vocations.

What does the world now tell us about parenthood and childbearing? I will not repeat some of the hateful comments we now see aired about the innocent lives carried in the womb. Yet we should not be surprised. The Bible tells us:

“Now the Spirit speakes expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;  Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” 1 Tim 4:1,2

The Bible tells us the spiritual effect of rebellion against God:

“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

²⁹ Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

³⁰ Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

³¹ Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

³² Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”   Romans 1:28-32

 

When we look at the above list of sinful behaviour, which one of us could stand innocent? Nobody, and that is the whole point of Jesus’ intervention (some would say the crux of the matter). We are all condemned, only saved through faith in Christ, and in Him, trying to lead a godly life. He offers forgiveness for abortion or any sin for those who in faith and repentance, turn to Him. The Bible tells us :

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10

Abundant life is found in Jesus. He has conquered sin and death. The devil is a defeated foe. As Christians we face trials, but we can confidently say:

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

 

 

 

 

Differently-abled and precious.

 

For over thirty years I've worked and lived with people who have special needs. I would say without hesitation that they're some of the most wonderful people you could ever hope to meet. 

The last six years of my working life were spent with some of the most profoundly impaired people, both physically and intellectually. Within a few days of commencing work I was deeply struck by how each person was a unique personality, with a great capacity for connection, communication, humour and love. Working with each one was a privilege and impacted my life for the better. 

There is nothing to fear from a person with special needs. I'm more afraid of criminals and addicts and people with the capacity to conduct elaborate scams. I may be generalising here but I have found that people with special needs make great friends because they value friendship for its own sake. They make great employees because they want to be included in the workforce, work as hard as they can and take sick days only when they're sick. 

I write this in the aftermath of a widely publicised report of a couple in USA who allegedly aborted their 21week old baby in the womb because test results indicated that the child may have Down Syndrome or Trisomy 21. There is some speculation that the whole account was a stunt – that the parents filmed and presented the whole sorry series of episodes to gain publicity, clicks and money. Whether true or manufactured, many of us were shocked, appalled, angered and saddened by this unwarranted publicity.

Families of people with Downs and their allies have rallied in a heartwarming show of solidarity to show what most of us knew – that people with Downs may have some unique characteristics associated with the syndrome, but are no less worthy of life, love and inclusion than anyone else. The families who have shared their experiences of living with someone with a disability are the true “influencers”- encouraging a society which is caring and compassionate, particularly to its most vulnerable members.

History shows us that once a society starts to classify some people as less worthy of living, it never stops. The eugenics movements of the 1920s, 30s and 40s targeted people with disabilities, African Americans, homosexuals, Jews, the elderly and sick, culminating in the Nazi concentration camps during WW2. The Khmer Rouge murdered people wearing glasses. Biblically, when people turned away from God, worshipping idols and practicing child sacrifice, God turned his face from them, allowing their enemies to destroy them.

Sadly, this one YouTube presentation has been used to further promote pro-abortion and anti-Christian sentiment online.

Yet throughout all this sorry episode, we see the truth of God’s word shining through:

“In him [Jesus] was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4-5

Jesus brings life and with life there is hope. He has conquered death and sin. We can choose life, compassion, advocacy and assistance.

For those who have already untaken an abortion, God will forgive those who turn to Him in sorrow and repentance and seek forgiveness. Jesus came to seek and save. Life as a Christian is always a new beginning from the past.

God blesses a person and society that puts their trust in Him.

Social norms, abortion and some thoughts

 

Choose life, and life will be your portion.

Choose death, and death will follow you all your days.

For a long time I have wanted to write about abortion. I will state here and now that I unequivocally support life from conception to natural death.

As I prepared to write about abortion, I realised that one must begin with a much broader conversation about social norms, of which abortion is only one aspect. As in centuries past “all roads lead to Rome” so must all considerations lead to God and His word. If one does not believe in God, one will not behave in His ways.

Since the end of World War II there has been a massive upheaval in social norms that were static for centuries. The extended family transitioned to the nuclear family, then the single parent family to the blended family. The pill and contraceptive advances changed sexual behaviour. Same sex marriage has been legalised. Partnerships replaced marriage. Divorce is commonplace. Gender identity has become fluid.

Technology influences like never before. The internet explodes with information and ideas across the world. Mobile phones allow instant communication.

As never before, children and young people are influenced not be a cohesive family unit consisting of two loving married parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties but by media and friendship groups. The examples of relationships demonstrated to them may be unstable and impermanent. Yet they are expected to make good choices in their own lives.

An era of economic affluence in the western world following WWII ushered in the reign of two “gods” now pervasive in our society- the god of self and the god of sex. We are encouraged to amass far more than we need with status assigned to money, clothes, material possessions and travel. We hear phrases such as “follow your dreams” and “don’t settle for anything less”, not inherently bad in themselves but can be used at the expense of others and which can ultimately lead to disappointment a depression. Women in particular are encouraged to “have it all” – career, relationships and family. Economic systems are now designed so that two working people are needed to rent or buy the family home.

 Sex has become glorified in advertising, pornography and myriad forms outside of marriage. The words chastity and celibacy are hardly ever heard. Casual sex and serial monogamy are commonplace.

So we come to abortion, the disposal of the unwanted product of sex for the advancement of self. I grieve to even write these ugly words.

We have a complex society with complex issues and solutions and without doubt there is no going back to the lifestyles of previous centuries. How do we negotiate the world as it is and more to the point, how do we help our children to negotiate this world?

All roads lead to Rome.

All considerations lead to Jesus Christ, the only hope for this world.

Without a moral compass one is adrift in a sea of conflicting values. Relative morality does not bring relief, or peace or satisfaction. The is only one positive hope.

Christianity in our modern world, for those who are not Christians, is often misunderstood, is stereotyped and is mocked. At this point we as Christians gently ask that others consider the precepts of Christianity and you may find it very different to what you might expect. Yes, it may impact on your life. You may think it will change your lifestyle for the worse, but amazingly, it may change it for the better. That is where programs such as Alpha, available to the public through churches or online, are a great resource for considering Christianity.

Many in the western world fail to appreciate that the most stable and prosperous societies were founded and built on Christian values. The tenets of western law, medicine, business dealings and charitable institutions can all be traced back to the Bible. Moral principles and social directives found in the Bible have withstood the test of centuries. The Bible is clear- when we follow the precepts that God determined for His people, your life is blessed.

Rejection of God does not lead to peace and lasting joy. Ultimately it leads to unhappiness, confusion, sin and death.

The Bible, God’s word, is all about life. People are created in the image of God. The world, from the sky above to the waters below was wonderfully created, in its myriad abundance of living forms- plants, animals, mankind and all the inanimate creation that amazes with its complexity and interrelationships. The Bible is the history book of humanity encompassing creation, sin, complex problems and relationships and redemption through Jesus Christ and the hope that is found in Him.

God’s word is also all about love. The love of God for His people and His desire to bless and uphold them through good times and bad. This redemptive love is contained in perhaps the most well -known verse of the Bible:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (NIV) John chapter 3, verse 16.

Life and love, that is the promise of those who follow Christ. It’s not just an insurance policy for the afterlife as some might imagine, but a reality here and now- that being a Christian ensures the best possible life to live now. God says

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. “  NIV Jeremiah 29: 11-13

 

 

 

The Gospel and How Do I Become a Christian ? (reprinted periodically)

 

The Gospel

 

In the beginning, God, (God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit), created the heavens and the earth and everything in it, including the first man, Adam and the first woman, Eve. God created humans to live in relationship with Him, but gave them free will to either obey Him or be disobedient. Satan, the devil, whom the Bible identifies as a fallen angel, tempted Eve to sin by disobeying God and she in turn tempted Adam to also disobey God. For their disobedience Adam and Eve were cast away from God’s presence and the wonderful life God had created for them and through them all their descendents were destined to be born sinful.

 

Yet throughout history there have been men and women who sought after God. Humanity became so depraved that God destroyed the earth with a global flood, but saved Noah and his family. Through Abraham God established the nation of Israel, who would be God’s favoured people. Moses, Abraham’s descendent, led the Israelites out of captivity in Egypt and received the Ten Commandments and many laws of conduct. Because of the sinful nature of man, these laws were not kept, and a system of animal sacrifices was instituted to make atonement for the sins of the people. However, the people both individually and as a nation continued in a cycle of falling away from God and returning to Him.

 

During the history of the nation of Israel there were prophets who foretold that a Saviour would be born, to save humanity from its sinfulness. Their prophecies were fulfilled when Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem. Jesus is the only Son of God. He was sent to this earth and lived amongst us as a human, without losing His divine nature. In all things Jesus honoured and obeyed His Father, God. During His ministry on earth, Jesus performed many miracles and taught us regarding God’s nature and way of living. He was tempted by Satan but was without sin. He travelled with a group of disciples who were the foundation of the church – God’s people on earth.

 

In the same way that animals had been sacrificed to make atonement for man’s sin, it was the purpose of God to send Jesus to earth to become a total sacrifice, once and for all time, for fallen humanity. As was His destiny, Jesus was arrested, tried for heresy and crucified on a hill outside Jerusalem called Calvary. At the time of Christ’s death the curtain in the Jewish temple was torn apart, symbolising that the old system of God only being able to be approached by certain people and in certain places, was finished.

 

Now all could come into right relationship with God through the shed blood of Jesus, by committing their lives to Him in repentance and faith.

 

The Bible tells us that Jesus descended into hell and has total dominion over Satan and evil. On the third day Christ rose from the dead and appeared to his disciples and many others on earth. He gave his disciples the “great commission” to go into all nations and preach the gospel. Forty days after his resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven.

 

After Jesus ascended to heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit to the earth at Pentecost (ten days after Jesus’ ascension). The Holy Spirit is not only alive in the world, but indwells in those who have committed themselves wholly to God and gives such attributes as comfort, counsel, power and discernment.

 

The Bible tells of spiritual battles between good and evil in both earthly and heavenly realms. It includes indications of great tribulation yet to come. We are told that Christ will return to this earth, the second coming, when He will defeat the evil forces raging in the world and will judge the living and the dead.

 

We who have committed our lives to Christ still struggle in our humanity with temptation to sin, and must choose daily to live in obedience to His will. We grow in our faith through prayer, study and reflection of God’s word, the Bible; and by meeting regularly in fellowship with other Christians.

 

 

How do I become a Christian?

 

The Bible tells us that there is only one way to relationship with God and that is through Jesus Christ:

“Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. John 14:5-6

 

To become a Christian, you need to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died on the cross to honour God and for the forgiveness of sin and that He rose again and ascended to His Father God.

 

You also need to admit or confess that you are a sinner in need of God’s forgiveness through Christ.

 

You then need to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Just as a wedding ceremony begins a marriage, so a prayer of confession and faith can begin, but is just the beginning, of a relationship with God. An ongoing relationship includes learning about God through Bible study; conversations with God through prayer, and encouragement through Christian fellowship in a caring church.

The following is a prayer which could be used to begin this relationship. You may wish to pray it alone, personally, or you may wish to discuss your decision with a Christian friend or pastor first to fully understand:

 

Dear Heavenly Father God,

I come before You acknowledging You as the only one God- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me. Thank You, Father God, for sending Your only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross, honouring You and making a way for sinful people to come back into relationship with You. I acknowledge that I am a sinner. Please forgive my sin and cleanse me I pray. I receive Jesus Christ into my life to be my Lord and Saviour for the rest of my days. May You give me strength through the power of the Holy Spirit to live my life as a Christian. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour. Amen

 

May God bless you with an ever-increasing knowledge of His wonderful presence and endless love as you continue to seek and serve Him.

 

An invitation to you

 If you're not in the habit of going to church or would just like to experience a service in the privacy of your home, I would like to invite you to join me in a church service at my home church, either in person or online:

Bridgeman Baptist Community Church 379 Albany Creek Rd Bridgeman Downs Queensland Australia

www.bridgeman.org.au

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=bridgeman%20baptist%20community%20church

Easter services and Sunday services are online

The worst day in history (and the best)

 On that first Good Friday, Jesus was crucified. 

The Son of Man, God Who became flesh and walked among us, Who taught us the best way to live, Who cared and loved and healed all those who were infirm and outcast and hurting, was murdered.

Some of those who a week earlier had welcomed Him with palm branches and glad Hosannas called for Him to die.

He was mocked and His Father scorned. He was tortured with cruel beating and whipped until his flesh was ripped and bleeding.

He was forcibly marched through the streets carrying the instrument of His own execution. 

Jesus, totally good, totally innocent of sin, was pierced through with nails and hoisted onto a cross. 

All but a few of His friends abandoned and denied Him.

Yet He still had compassion for the repentant thief crucified with Him, concern for the care of His mother, and forgiveness for those who were persecuting Him. 

What did Jesus  experience on that cross? Did He know the tragedies of the ages, all the horrors and sins of the world from the time of creation to the events foretold in Revelation? 

Did He see the bubonic plagues, the endless wars, the genocides, the slaughter of innocents?

Did He know of my sin?

They pierced His side and fluid drained away. Humanity had truly broken the heart of God.

Hell threw everything it could at Jesus that day.

Worst of all, He experienced separation from His Father.

Then Jesus, the Logos, the Word made flesh, gave the word :

"It is finished".

The earth shook cataclysmically. The temple curtain signifying separation between man and God was ripped from top to bottom. 

Jesus had defeated death and hell. Satan is forever a vanquished foe. A sacrificial price for sin had been forever paid. 

Father God,

I thank You for Jesus. Thank You for His courage and commitment to You on that first Good Friday. Thank You for everything that was accomplished on that day. Thank You that we know that it was not the end, just the beginning of new hope for this fallen world, the best news we could ever receive, the most precious gift. 

Thank You that death is not the end for those who are believers in Christ, saved only through the blood of Jesus.

In the name of Jesus we pray, amen. 

Birth and death

 

I recently heard the testimony of a Christian friend who has been diagnosed with a life-limiting blood disorder. A previously healthy and fit man, he is now faced with the prospect of regular transfusions for an immune system which is compromised. His life expectancy is greatly reduced and a simple virus could prove fatal. He was naturally shaken and shared candidly about his fears and need to reevaluate his plans for the future; yet at the same time he spoke of his unshakable faith and trust in God’s care.

We all understand that we are mortal – that this life has a time limit and an ending. Most of us have the sense that there is more time in this life yet to come. We are shocked by tragedies where lives are needlessly and horribly cut short. Death is real and yet somehow abstract.

In the year 2000 I was suddenly diagnosed with endometrial cancer. I remember going in to the doctor’s office for test results, assured in my own mind that all was well – I was healthy, ate well and exercised – I had no concern at all that anything was wrong. I left that office in shock and disbelief.  As a Christian, my first reaction was “God, I don’t want this.”

My main concern throughout the weeks that followed was that my young boys would be left without a mother. Thankfully, surgery was successful and I’ve been blessed with many years of life since. I was so grateful at the time for my husband, family and friends, teachers and church family, all who rallied around with support of different kinds. I’m so thankful to God for my life.

Many people are afraid of death. The Bible holds promises which can help to allay this fear. In the book of Hebrews, we are told that Jesus Christ suffered death to “free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death” (Hebrews 2:15-16). Jesus promises to be with us on this last journey of life:

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me: your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

““Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14: 1-3.

In the book of Acts there’s an account of the death of Stephen, a devout follower of Christ who ministered mightily in the early church, was arrested and sentenced to death by stoning. When about to face this terrible death, Stephen, a man described as “full of faith and the Holy Spirit” received a vision of heaven from God:

“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.  “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55-56.

Stephen was enabled to commit his spirit to God and ask God to forgive his murderers. It is not known but I wonder if in conjunction with this blessed vision, God spared Stephen any pain.

…….

As a mother who has twice experienced pregnancy and childbirth, I sometimes wonder if in the process of birth, God has given us some indication of our rebirth into heaven. As Christians, we speak about being “born again”, a term which Jesus used when speaking to Nicodemus (see John chapter 3) and this refers to a rebirth of the spirit- a spiritual change from a sinful life to one committed to Christ, becoming a new person in Christ and receiving the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. What of the death of our body?

When a baby is in the womb, he or she knows little of the world outside. The child is fed, develops and grows. Ideally this child feels comfortable, protected, safe and loved. At a certain time, the baby’s life will change dramatically and irrevocably. They must leave the womb and embark on life in the world. But they are never alone. Only then will they feel gentle hands receiving them and see the joy on the faces of their mother and father. They will be held and caressed and bathed and wrapped and loved. Attendant doctors and midwives will do everything they can to ensure the best support for the baby and his or her parents.

As a Christian I believe that when I die I will go to Heaven to be with Jesus. Just as I left my dear Mother’s womb to reside fully in this world, so I will leave this world to reside fully in Heaven, saved only through my Saviour, Jesus. I won’t be alone, because He will be always with me. Just as a baby in the womb may have a very limited view of the world beyond, so we can really only imagine what our life in Heaven with Jesus will be like. I’m sure it will be absolutely amazing. I for one will be satisfied to fall at the feet of my Saviour and worship Him with the angels.