The table has at all times been the concept and picture for community of mankind with one another as well as with God.  Poor or rich – it would always be given, whatever was available. At the table will be shared and therewith increased, and who is present there, takes part and is welcome. At the table is hospitality cultivated. God’s care for man and beast we can already notice at the beginning of creation. “Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat,” we read in Genesis 2:16. The earth rose up grass and herbs and the trees yielded fruit, everyone after its kind. God provided unsurpassing riches and presented them to us. The choice is enormous.  The Creator did His part and equipped it with Godly legality. Seed and harvest will never end.

God was always a loving and caring companion.  In the wilderness, He was with His people. God let manna rain down on them to eat and gave them of the corn of heaven. Psalm 78:24. He intervened. Marvellous things   happened. As crowning of the covenant at Sinai, the elders with Moses and Aaron had a meal. “.. they also saw God and did eat and drink”. Ex. 24:11. Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord told the people that at God’s tables should joy prevail. “Behold, my servants shall eat, drink and rejoice…”

Isaiah 65:13,14. In Psalms 23 we read: “Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” God cares incessantly, and nothing can stop Him from doing this. Jesus Himself lived with people and sat with them at the table, though not to everyone’s joy at that time. He had to listen to strong criticism. “This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them”. Luke 15:2 Definite circles stay rather separate – one knows where one belongs to and where not. Community meals were important to Jesus and He set a sign therewith to unity. Limitation was not His style. To make differences much less. All people should be helped. Therefore, closeness and direct interest in life is so essential. Jesus lived it before us and we want to look at a few examples in the bible: Matthew 9:10 “And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.”

Luke 7:36 “And one of the Pharisees desired Him that He would eat with him. And He went into the Pharisee’s house and sat down to meat.” Luke 9:16 “Then He took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.”

Closeness to mankind is His manner. He takes part of their life, yes, He is part of them. Where He is present, past boundaries and barriers are lifted. He brings the commandment of love. The Law will be fulfilled. With Christ comes a brand new “Bread” which comes from heaven and gives life to the world. “I am the bread of life”. John 6:33-35. A new meal is prepared. It is not a short-lived nourishment, which loses its good effect. It is Christ who sacrifices Himself for us. “Take, eat, this is my body, … drink ye all of it, for this is my blood… Matthew 26:26-28. A wonderful and great table community has been given to us. Here is the believer invited into the closeness of Christ, which could not be closer. And when we call to remembrance that all time well known picture of the Last Supper, we identify something astonishing: There sit’s the traitor, Judas, equally with Jesus as Peter, who could not withstand the pressure and denied Him. There is Thomas, who cannot believe in, the resurrection. Everyone seated with Him at the table. Even up to John. No one will be under the cross. Nevertheless, no one will be refused. The bread from heaven is here for everyone.

And after the resurrection the table community is the sign of Christ’s presence. Luke 24:30-31 “And it came to pass, as He sat at meat with them, He took bread and blessed it and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened and they knew Him.” John 21:12-13 “Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine ….and takes bread and giveth them, and fish likewise.”

The table in God’s kingdom is set at all times. Rev. 3:20 “If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me.” In God’s kingdom to come, will be the complete community with His saved and glorified people. And always and ever will the table be set. “I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. Rev. 21:6.

“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him…. Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Rev. 19:7-9.

This is the aim of all who believe in Christ: “Taste and see that the Lord is good! Psalm 34:9.

Headlines

“RESURRECTION IMPOSSIBLE – JESUS CHRIST DIED AND REMAINED IN THE GRAVE”.

It is quite conceivable that this statement could cause the reader to be alarmed and unsure. This does not happen without intention. Could this be like a shake up to wake up? Should we not get up and try to work through this above said opinion? To battle we have to prepare ourselves, because our enemy has desired us. Now to the matter. This mentioned thesis is in this or very similar radical form, now quoted by a part of Theologians advocated worldwide. There is also a more subtle kind of word-inversion. And behind many a smooth but also sibylic speech, hides the same trail of thought. If the resurrection is seen as a “nice story” and therewith sinks to just a pious with-thought, then are all other miracles which the bible reports, proof of the power and divinity of Jesus, or just stories?

Should the reader of these obvious but also hidden tendencies, presume them to be only outside of our congregations, he may be mistaken; as painful as this information may be. Friend or foe of the Christian belief, have acknowledged the resurrection of Jesus Christ to be the foundation of the faith. And this in closest connection with the crucifixion. Herein is the indissoluble unity of the faith. The Apostle Paul embraces the centre of the belief in the following words:

“And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Cor. 15:14-19).

What conclusion follows this declaration? If Jesus Christ, the Son of God has not come, crucified and raised up on the third day, ascended into heaven to return again, then is the whole person of Jesus Christ, inclusive His declaration, reduced to a disclaiming size. His teaching would lose all authority. Regarding taking notice and heeding His words, would become meaningless and as it pleases mankind. If Christ is not raised from the dead, the Christian belief is become a museum piece, though interesting, but without objective validity or truth. Christianity would be a nice thought, but nothing more, Not worth the excitement.

Here is another advise permitted: Has Jesus Christ, as God’s Son not died and risen for us? Who cannot represent Christ and believe in Him, as the scripture delivers to us, has nothing to celebrate what He does not believe in. There produces a question, if it is allowed to have divine worship according to pattern and substance, in which to the minimum reduced, Jesus is preached and sung to.

Another thought may be added: Who denies the resurrection, according to scripture, dies without hope. Because hope can alone be obtained only through Christ. The men who were called first Christians at Antioch, stood the whole world picture on its head. They resorted constantly to the resurrection as foundation for their teaching, their preaching, their life and – this is important – their dying.

Resurrection as consequence to redemption. When God wanted to redeem the world, then with the goal to lead mankind back into the union of God’s love. The cross and redemption death, was necessary to atone the old debt and remove it. The resurrection is the completion of redemption; because Jesus Christ has liberated us from sin through His death: through His resurrection, but He has given us the wonderful hope, which we lost through sin.

When Paul preached the Resurrected One, the following happened according to Acts 17:32: “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them.” Let people mock, like to Noah’s time. The preservation of our faith has been laid into the hands of God through Jesus Christ, the high priest’s prayer. God strengthen through His Spirit, the belief on our redeemer Jesus Christ. Joy over joy, the Lord is risen! “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible”. Mark 10:27.

We have read correctly, it is all about God and His Spirit, to reign over us and to be the children of God. Even if this seems constrictive, Apostle Paul speaks of freedom.

With this statement Apostle Paul breaks a taboo by telling the Christians in Rome about freedom. As it is clearly shown in the next verse number 15, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”

Apostle Paul showed with the parable of the married woman (Romans 7: 1-6) that the people were bound by the law until Christ would die on the cross for them. From this point on, they only belong to Christ. They live in Christ and are now able to bring fruit of their faith to God, provided they believe in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. The law was necessary to know what sin is (Romans 7:7-11). This law was also made by God. Now Apostle Paul wanted to escape the bondage of sin because he could not fulfill God’s law. He came to the conclusion through our Lord Jesus Christ, we are already free.

Everyone wants to be free. Freedom to think, to act, to judge which is the way to live without fear and care, life is worth living. This is what Apostle Paul says: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)

There is a new law of God’s Spirit which should guide our lives. God’s Spirit gives all people peace and life if they accept it. Accepting God’s Spirit gives people a peaceful life. By receiving the Holy Ghost, we become children of God. We belong to His creation. Christ said to Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again.” (John 3:7) A new covenant was made between God and the people, a covenant signed by God by sending His Son, now we are asked, are you willing to sign this covenant, too, without reservation? If yes, we are as a child of God included in the freedom in Christ.

Apostle Paul had heated arguments with the Jews who always wanted to force the Christians to them that neither Jewish descent nor circumcision made one a Jew, “But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” (Romans 2:29)

Afterwards he said, “Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.” (Romans 3:30)

Apostle Paul’s mission was to bring the people out of the yoke of the law into the freedom of Christ and to convince them that their faith was a gift from God, Apostle Paul’s mission was also to call the people to freedom, which is always possible if we trust in God’s Spirit.

I am” The Word of God direct from heaven cannot be disputed. We see that He confirmed that this Jesus was His beloved Son, and He was well pleased that He was here on this earth to bring about the opportunity so that mankind’s soul could once again be saved. The second time He spoke He added some very strong words for us and that happened when our Lord took three or His apostles up into the mountain and was transformed and transfigured before them, and they saw Moses and they saw EIias and they saw Jesus. We can read that event in Chapter 17 verses 1-8.
Many have asked over the years – Why did our Lord only take three of His apostles and not all of them? He was fulfilling the law, for under the law a testimony had to be given by three to be valid. Our Lord was fulfilling the law on that day, and we find written: “And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them into a high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus. Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.  And when the disciples heard it, they were sore afraid.  And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.”
We hear once again God used the words direct from heaven. ‘I am well pleased’: and then He gave an instruction for the church till the end of time, ‘Hear ye Him.’ It is only our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who was seen after the apostles stood. He is the only living Word of God and we must hear Him, and not only hear Him but follow His advice, follow His teaching.
The writers to the Hebrews said that these infallible truths stand as an anchor to our soul, and it anchors our soul as we go through life. We today look upon an anchor as something that is put down to hold a ship where it is berthing or where it wishes to stay. In those day the anchor had a very, very different role, and we must understand that to grasp what the writers were saying about these infallible truths. When a ship came in a storm it could not use its sails and the current was taking it in the wrong direction, they would launch out the small boats and they would put anchors in those boats, and they would row a distance as far as the length of the rope, and they would then throw the anchor overboard, and when it hooked the boat then could wind the anchor rope in and move in an opposite direction to which the storm was taking them. The writers have said to the Hebrews, which is most important also for us today. We have to use that infallible proof that Jesus is the Son of God. We have to hear Him, we have to use His grace as those anchor ropes, and when in life we are buffeted and we seem to be going the wrong way and we think there is no way out of this, this anchor will be taken out and through the Grace of Christ we can go contrary against the storm blowing us.  We have to have that faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for this to happen. Let us build up our faith in Christ, let us take the step day by day to the perfection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Within the Christian faith, the original creeds developed and highlighted the value of belief ‘IN’ the Trinity God; Father, Word and Holy Ghost. Contained in these creeds is the fundamental understanding that only God is trustworthy and reliable enough to place our faith and trust ‘in’ and, therefore, only Godly acts and promises can be believed ‘in’. Everything else will fail.

The Father remains the almighty creator and blesser from whom every good thing has arisen. The Word is truth, and it holds everything together. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth and the unfailing power of God.

We can have belief ‘THAT’ many other things are true or will happen. Within the 15 Apostolic Church of Queensland, Northern District (ACQND), tenets of faith there are also four statements ‘that’ we believe. For example, while we believe ‘in’ Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God (#2), we also believe ‘that’ He is the head of His church (#4). The difference is that we need to add trust to a belief ‘that’ something will occur in order to believe ‘in’ it.

Examples to illustrate this might help.

1. We may believe ’that’ our fiancé will make a good wife or husband. There is evidence to show that they are reliable, trustworthy, diligent, etc. However, we are required to trust and marry them before that becomes a fact to believe ‘in’.

2. A second example is the banking system. We may believe ‘that’ banks are the best place to put our money. We convert that to belief ‘in’ them when we trust and place our money in an account.

In short, we believe ‘that’ something is true (a proposition), but we must take the step of trust to believe ‘in’ something. Time and history confirm that it is only God and God-ordained words that are worthy of our trust ‘in’ them!

Living under the authority, and within the culture of the Roman Empire, the Apostle Paul often wrote to those he had entrusted with the care of believers. Most of his letters were meant to address cultural habits that were infiltrating and seducing Christians from their heavenly goal.

The Roman army was prized for its athleticism, born on the back of strength and stamina, both of which require training. Roman culture also created spectacles of physical performance where much time, money and energy were put into developing the body. Unfortunately, when balance is not maintained this comes at a cost to the development of the mind (learning) and soul (worship).

In our modern culture this physical ideal is still held high where not only exercise but beauty products, surgery and dieting all take centre stage through advertising and social media. The more knowledge increases, the more competition exists to create a perfect body and the more time is dedicated to these pursuits.

This verse encourages believers to maintain the correct priority putting godliness ahead of the physical. It then encourages a balance of soberness in our life activities. Paul, as a scholar, knew that we are a three-part being and require three aspects to our development – body, mind and emotions. He did not say ‘don’t exercise’ but that it should not be placed ahead of our godliness. He did not say it did not profit at all, only that the gain is for the ‘here and now’ and will not go on into eternity.

God has gifted to us a body to maintain and has even commanded that we should not defile it, as it is now the temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” A healthy body, therefore, is required to exercise godliness. If we are tired or hungry it is difficult to concentrate on anything else.

After the garden of Eden, God set in place that man should work by the sweat of his brow and science now reveals God’s design by understanding the need to move and increase heart rate to maintain cardiovascular fitness of the heart and lungs. God also instructed moderation in all things including the intake of food and drink by counselling against overindulgence. Our modern lifestyle means we have both decreased physical activity required to earn our daily bread and increased the caloric value of the food we eat.

Whilst it may only profit a little, we should remain active for our health’s sake. Above all focusing on the pursuit of godliness.

As a fruit, righteousness is much sought after from the tree of faith. Jesus highlighted its importance by prioritising its value. Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Here, James the Lord’s brother, makes an important connection between peace and righteousness. Making peace was also taught by Jesus to be of great reward. Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
Peacemaking, however, is so much more than just being peaceful. Unfortunately, it is also very difficult, particularly in a world ruled by envying and strife. Much of the strife we witness today is a result of differing points of view competing for supremacy.

James advises a way to make peace and claim the fruit of righteousness by using an alternate strategy. He counsels believers to use ‘wisdom from above’ which we confess as the truth, but done in a spirit of meekness, showing love to the hearer. (James 3:17) “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”

This type of good conversation suppresses competition because it has the traits of gentleness mixed with mercy and it is done without favouritism or hypocrisy. The result is calm and fruitful conversation which hopefully clears up all confusion.

A win-win for all involved.

No one likes to think of themselves as hard hearted. Deep down we would all prefer to consider our heart can be softened, particularly for those whom we love.

Mark speaks of the link between a person’s heart being hard and their inability to believe. So debilitating is this spiritual illness, that even when miracles were visible, the disciples could not comprehend them. If the disciples were prone to this complaint, it is necessary for even the most faithful Christian to be on guard.

Jesus went on to explain how serious this illness can be for our soul. It can lead to an inability to see, understand, hear, and even remember what God has done for us and how we are blessed. Mark 8:17-18, “And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened? Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?”

The Old Testament history of God’s dealing with the Israelite nation is littered with examples of this human condition and its ability to separate man from God. King Solomon’s wisdom begins the journey to overcoming this condition, for it was he who said, ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’ (see Proverbs 1:7). In Proverbs 28:14 he continues the remedy, “Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.”

Jesus Christ, in this era of Grace, has provided a full antidote to the hardness of the heart because it is this part of us that He desires to dwell within. Regardless as to whether it is a result of sin, unbelief, or the cares of this world, His victory is the means to soften the stony heart. It is the healing of the heart from these spiritual diseases that can follow repentance and forgiveness and pave the way for a softened nature.

God’s word became flesh with a fleshly heart in order to overcome the world and Apostle Paul compared the 10 commandments written on stone to the new way now available in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:3, “Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.”

It is now up to us whether we use the knowledge of Christ to keep our hearts suitable as a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit or whether we choose to harden it when provoked by life. Romans 5:5, “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

The choice is still ours!