Language is defined as the principal method of human communication used by a particular country or community, consisting of words used in a structured way conveyed by speech, writing, prayer (including supplication and meditation), reading (The Bible/Scripture and Apostle Circulars) or gesture (e.g., an action). By the Grace of God, we too as Apostolic Christian people have the gift of a wonderful “Apostolic language” established and guided by the Apostolic Doctrine of the Triune God. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9.

Unlike with the world, the Apostolic Language is uniform, consistent, understandable for all and is still the same today as it was and will forever be (we sing; “…but Jesus hasn’t changed, He’s still the same today as when He cleansed the Leper and taught us how to Pray…”). We have to ensure that we remain within the boundaries of the Apostolic Language and not allow ourselves to be caught up in the language of this world. A world that is so easily misunderstood or misinterpreted by different languages and beliefs that are so often contrary to (and in conflict with) the goodness, love and pureness of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and the Apostolic Christian Doctrine. We have to speak with Godliness in mind “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be” James 3:10.

Good things await the children of God who observe the principles of the Apostolic Language (as God declared: “and it is good”). If we deviate from this, we stand the risk of being drawn into a world that is often consumed by the elevation of man (all about “us and I”) and not sufficiently of God and if God wills. We read in Genesis 11:1-4 “And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.” The people of that time that were so focussed on elevating themselves (…let us make brick…, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name…”). Such was the promotion of mankind that the Lord brought confusion among the people through different languages so that they could not understand one another’s speech. The city was called Babel, which means confusion, turmoil, chaos (or as we often hear, baffled…). Stay within the Apostolic Language, which is a uniting language that elevates God, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”

Jesus Christ’s Gift to the Church is one of unity Ephesians 4:1-13 “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”

One long-established religious tradition in the Philippines is the Siete Palabras, the expository preaching on the Seven Last Words on Good Friday. All over the country, Priests, Pastors, Evangelists and Church leaders use for their texts the words which fell from the parched lips of the crucified Christ as He hung in agony on Calvary’s cross.

Salient points brought out are predictably the same year after year. Variations in emphasis are slight, reflecting denominational differences on the part of the speakers. Listeners have grown accustomed to the emotionally charged oratory. The worn-out phrases have somehow diminished the deep significance and potential impact of the scripture legacy.

I would like to point out that while there were indeed “seven last words” uttered from the cross, there were also seven, individuals or groups, whose response as they saw our suffering Saviour on the first Easter Friday is recorded for all in Scripture. Seven again—no more, no less! Could this be mere coincidence? God is a God of perfect order and precision and purpose are clear hallmarks of His wonderful ways (Romans 11:33). With God, there is no happenstance! Seven has an eminent place among sacred numbers in the Scriptures, and is associated with completion, fulfillment and perfection.

In Matthew 27:33-35, Mark 15:24-25 and Luke 23:33 we read those terse words. There they crucified Him: There at Golgotha – Hebrew for “place of skull”, Latinised to Calvary – we see the only exception to King David’s declaration. “I have been young and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Psalm 37:25. At Golgotha the Righteous One allowed Himself to be forsaken.

The harrowing experience needed no sensational adjuncts or rhetoric. The details of the crucifixion of Christ are not elaborated in the Gospel accounts; but it is known how Romans meted out the horrible death sentence. Long, crude, rusty spikes were driven through the hands and feet before the bare bodies were lifted up by ropes on the heavy wooden cross-pieces, held high for all to scorn and ridicule. The anguish, pain and degradation can be left to the imagination. The excruciating process bringing about a slow and agonizing death was unlike speedier modern-day executions by gas chamber, electric chair, lethal injection or firing squad.

It is quite significant that the last time this unbelieving world saw the Lord Jesus, He was a sorry sight, dying like a common criminal, forsaken, despised, rejected – a picture of defeat. He did not show Himself to the unregenerate multitudes during the forty days after His glorious resurrection. But when He comes again, He will reign victoriously as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” Revelation 1:7.

Yes, there at Calvary, hanging between heaven and earth, our Lord brought about the reconciliation between a Holy God and sinful men. On the cross He crossed out the sins of all mankind (Galatians 3:13-14), sins that are to be remembered no more (Romans 5:1 & Isaiah 43:25). And by His side were two who saw Him, one who rejected Him, and one who was redeemed and whose eternal life was assured. He refused to come down from the cross lest all men go down to hell. He took our place in gracious condescension so He could lift us up to the heights of glory!

Those Around the Cross

Now let us identify the seven individuals or groups around the cross – those who spoke to Christ – and listen to what they said:

1. The Soldiers – who spoke scornful, mocking words – In Luke 23: 36-37 we read that; The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.”
2. The Passersby – who spoke unwise, satirical words – Those who passed by hurled insult at him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross if you are the Son of God!” Matthew 27:39-40
3. The Religious Leaders – who spoke hypocritical words – In Matthew 27 we meet the religious leaders. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, I am the Son of God.” Matthew 27:42-43.
4. The Bystanders – who spoke uninformed words – When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.” One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.” Mark 15:35-36
5. The Unrepentant Thief who spoke cynical words – One of the criminals who hung there, hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” Luke 23:39
6. The Sinner who got Saved – who spoke vital words – And he said unto Jesus, “Lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” Luke 23:40-42
7. The Centurion – who spoke confident and assured words – Finally we see the centurion, and in Matthew 27:54, Mark 15:39 and Luke 23:47 his great confession is recorded; “Surely this was a righteous Man — Truly, this was the Son of God.”

These words have impact for all of us against the familiar backdrop of Christ’s own words from the cross.

We keep on meditating on this, the attitudes we will see, and insight we discern, will help bring into sharper focus the true nature of man and the saving grace of God.

As the saying goes, Time is free and yet it is priceless. We all know that time is so precious, and we should spend it wisely (Eph 5:16). We are taught by the Holy Scriptures that in “every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose”. Today, we are experiencing a time where the world is facing an invisible enemy — corona virus (Covid 19). With this crisis, the whole world is now being threatened, and this virus has struck fears and anxieties to many people around the world. Some might say that we are now walking in one of the darkest periods of humankind. This is a time where we realized that this crisis became “bigger” than us.

As the Scripture says… a time to refrain embracing. This might be true at this period of time, where most of the people around the world were restricted to socialise with other people even your family and loved ones. In order to fight the disease, we are temporarily restricted to get in contact to people. This morning, I was moved and tearful hearing in a News in the Philippines about a daughter whose father, a doctor who became infected and died due to this virus. The daughter said during her interview, that she doesn’t have the opportunity to hug her father for the last time before he died. Her father died in isolation with no one around. This made me cry.

As children of God, we must all remain calm and steadfast in prayers. We must abide in His commandments and also in the laws of the land. In this time, we must cling to the precious Word of God and take heed and obey the laws imposed by our respective Governments. In this way, we can share our part to combat this crisis with the hope to overcome this through the help of God. We all know that we cannot do this alone, we should earnestly pray that the Grace of God may cover and lead us the way.

Today, it seems that embracing comes in a unique and different ways. The crisis may restrict us to physically embrace people, but it doesn’t mean we stop embracing. In this time of crisis, we embrace people (our family and loved-ones, affected people, brethren, leaders, health workers, researchers and scientists) firstly by keep mentioning them in our sincere prayers, by staying home, and by following the rules imposed by the Government. The truth is, it is a time of embracing, to embrace the things which matters most. As children of God, let us all embrace all the gifts God has graciously given us, embrace love than hatred, embrace joy than sadness, embrace hope than anxiety, embrace Truth than lies, embrace faith than fears, embrace strength than weakness and embrace peace than chaos. Therefore, it is a time that we must all embrace God most, His timing, His precious words and His faithful promises.

As the world seems to consider this as living in one of our darkest hours, but as for the children of God, this is in fact our finest hours. This is the perfect time we light up the world (Matthew 5:16), with our faith, hope and love in God and to His people. Remember Apostle Paul and Silas, even they were lockdown inside the jail, but their spirit remains free to embrace God’s spirit — they sang songs to the LORD that lead them converting precious souls to the Lord. Their body and hands may be imprisoned and chained but never their spirit — so are we, we are locked down at our homes, but our spirit remains free in the Lord.

Beloved, we must remain united, strong, hopeful and faithful in One spirit for the LORD knowing that… Ecclesiastes 3:11a “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time…”

Be calm, be kind, have faith and Trust God’s wisdom and timing. Spread hope and embrace God.

Psalms are important to Christians, as they concern Jesus Christ and what He fulfilled. Luke 24:44, “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” So, before we apply the verses of this Psalm as Words of Life, how did our Lord apply them to His life?

Immediately we are drawn to His temptation in the wilderness as recorded in the gospels of Matthew Ch. 4 and Luke Ch. 4. Satan challenged Him as the Son of God to jump from the pinnacle of the temple to prove Psalm 91:11-12, that angels would protect Him. Yet it appears He rejects these words, “Get thee behind me Satan!” Are the verses erroneous? No, they are not. In our faith we state our belief in the Bible as the word of God, both Old and New testaments.

A valuable lesson in understanding the Bible and its truth is given here. Our Lord did not reject Psalm 91:11-12. He has shown to us the need to read the full psalm, and other psalms and scripture. He has shown us that we need to be very careful with doctrines based on single verses of the Bible, as this is exactly what Satan tried. Our Lord’s response was to recall Deuteronomy 6:16 that we should not test God.

The need to understand the context of a biblical verse, its overall meaning in God’s plan for the world and for us requires expanding our reading around those verses. In the same temptation of Jesus by Satan in the wilderness this is made clear by another of our Lord’s responses “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God”. Not a few words taken in isolation.

When reading all of Psalm 91 we see it is not encouraging us to live recklessly or claiming that our lives will be a bed of roses without any troubles. It outlines a way of life that will put us in God’s hands in many ways: angel’s protection, delivering us from enemies, strengthening us in tribulation, providing us a refuge, taking away fear. This way of life includes: v1 attendance in the temple (Church), v2 confession or testifying of our Faith, v9 Godly living, v14 to love and know God’s ways, and v15 always to pray.

Jesus our Lord applied this psalm to His life. He knew angels could and would protect Him, but only if He followed this way of life. They would not protect Him if He jumped from a tower to test God, but after His 40 day battle with Satan they came and ministered unto Him. He would not call upon angels if it was not God’s plan. When arrested and taken away to suffer and die on the cross He did not call upon legions of angels which were at His disposal (Matt 26:53). He knew the following days needed prayer and maintaining His righteous life until death. By doing this God would give him strength, take away fear, and overcome the enemies He faced. He knew the angels would be there when He arose on the third day, and to witness His ascension to the Heavenly throne.

Every day of our lives we benefit from these mercies of God, by Grace, often unawares. Miracles, prevented   harm and death, strength to continue are given to us freely if we follow the way of life outlined in Psalm 91.

I find myself on the return journey from Confirmation classes in Berne. Between catering to the “inner man” and exchanging ideas with the parents, the time just flew, and so it has become late. It is going on for midnight. The petrol gauge stands at the reserve mark. Already on the way over, I told myself: “call at the next Service Station”. I approach the motorway, and comfort myself: there’s at least ten litres left, which should see me home. But naturally, I determine to refill at the first opportunity. Calmly and uninterrupted I drive on. No Service Station in sight. Then on a slight left turn, the motor starts to splutter. Impossible! The gauge still shows fuel! After the turn, the motor restarts. There – once again all is well. Where is the Service Station? I sit as though on “needles”, still, the car runs and slowly I becalm myself. But suddenly another splutter. Although the reserve shows fuel, the motor dies. Should I call the emergency station? No; for if I tell him I have no petrol in the tank, I will be fined. I let the car roll, on to the break down strip and switch the warning blinker on. Silence. Hardly any traffic. What do I do? None of the few speeding passersby stop. It’s clear, they want to be in bed, as soon as possible. I too. “Dear God, I beg, it’s up to you, help me in my predicament! It’s dangerous here and nowhere to stay overnight. Lord, I believe; help my unbelief! Amen. Try the starter again – nothing! Twice, three times, four, five times – nothing. Tears are close. Can’t speak any more, only silently, waiting, praying. Eventually, I try it again. The motor springs to life! Unbelievable! A miracle! Quickly, as long as the motor runs – away from here! “Dear Father, please help me, please, to the next exit. “Will it never come? The headlights fall on to a sign, “Exit 1,000m.” At the exit, the motor splutters anew, comes good, then finally gives up at the village entrance. There I stand on the street. Midnight is long past. A light burns here and there in the houses. Blinkers on, and off in search of the next Service Station. The village is unfamiliar – a “sleepy hollow”. There in the village square, a man is stepping  into his car. I hurry; excuse me please, can you tell me where the next Service Station is? “Follow me”, I can’t, I have no petrol.” He alights from his car, opens the over flowing boot and endeavours to “dig out” his petrol can, without success. He asks where my car is; says, “I’ll drive home, unload the boot, and be back in ten minutes.” – You’re an angel, sent from Heaven.” The man waves tiredly and drives off. Reflecting, I go back to my car. Hopefully, he’ll come back! Again I try, but the starter won’t even turn now. And what good is the petrol now? I become angry with myself. Neither petrol can or jump lead on board. I’m ashamed of myself. How could I have been so careless? My “angel” returns, and puts the petrol in. “Now start, and follow me to the Service Station. “Many thanks.” – I start the motor: click! The man hears and is astounded “That also; have you a jump lead?” “Sorry, no”, I meekly say. “Man, you must have faith in God or luck; I have one,” and rummaged for a torch. Silently, we attach it to the batteries. It works. I breathe a sigh of relief and send a “thank you” up above. We drive to the Service Station, and I fill up. This man has earned a generous tip. He firmly refuses. “Just pay me for the petrol, 10 francs for 10 litres; more I will not take.” I insist: “Man, you are truly an angel, what would I have done without you; take at least ten-fold.” – “That’s out of the question. I’m human too, and should such misfortune happen to me, I hope I would meet someone like you also.” – “I can’t promise, I would be on the spot.” He laughs. “Good night and arrive home safely.” – “Heartfelt thanks and God reward you.” At home tired, but overjoyed and satisfied, I bend my knee; “Thank you, Lord, for all I’ve experienced, and for your wonderful lesson, thanks.” And the moral of the story? On the coming morn, I will drive to a car accessories shop: – “a petrol can and jump lead please.” No faith, you think? No, Luke 22:46, “Lest ye enter into temptation” But naturally, neither petrol can or jumper lead can replace the “Oil”, so also have oil with you! In a spiritual sense, the words of the Lord ring clear in my mind in Luke 12:40. “Be ye therefore ready also: for the son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.”

In this text we see the Supporting Pillars.  The psalmist mentions the four concepts, which are not necessarily unconditionally accepted man laws, testimony, statutes, and commandments! However, in the work of God these are the four supporting pillars that provide blessings and true fulfillment of life!
“The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the souls.” In our earthly existence, all books of law must be updated constantly in order to conform to the time and new developments. Of this we can be certain, nothing refreshing will emanate from them. It has never been necessary to alter or append the law of God. Let us just consider the Law of sowing and reaping. How refreshing it is for us when love and magnanimity, much compassion and forgiveness is employed. Thereby we can reap peace and joy. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments” so said the Lord Jesus, “hang all the law and prophets” (Mathew 22: 37 & 40). The law of love refreshes the soul!
“The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” The testimony of the Lord is the gospel, the gospel of Jesus and the Apostles. He who plunges himself into the true substance of this gospel will become wise. Through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony the faithful were able to overcome the evil one (of Revelation 12: 11). That is godly wisdom.
“The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.” What a wonderful statute of God is revealed in Psalm 91: “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” The Lord Jesus ordered the Apostle Peter to feed the Lambs and sheep of Christ and also to strengthen the brethren. What a statute that brings joy to the heart! He ordered the apostles to gather and to adorn the souls. This statute is right and brings joy to the bridal community.
“The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” He who heeds the commandment to buy eyesalve will go with enlightened eyes upon the way of faith. And the commandment to be clothed with white garments and to acquire the gold of truth, shows us how we can become worthy for the day of the Lord. Therefore, we obey it.

Christ Jesus
Where Jesus the Son of God sows, there is the enemy not idle but sows at the same time. The gravity in
difference IS only to be recognized in the fruit-bearing. Until then everything seems to be the same. The
similarities are confusing. Where God builds a church, the devil builds one right beside it, I read once.
The calmness of the householder (Jesus Christ)
The servant’s report of the tares among the wheat did not seem to surprise Him. The enemy has done this, he
can still do this now. He still has time and he certainly utilizes that time constantly.
The servants ask after, …..
What should be done now. Though they bring forth a suggestion (gather and tear out), but they do not decide
themselves, it is not their field. They ask Him who decides at the end over wheat and tares. (Fruitful and
unfruitful).

Time of ripeness
When both are “ripe for the harvest”, then will be acted accordingly. When it is certain what “is good and bad”,
then will the tares be pulled out (gathered), bundled and burned. But the wheat will be gathered “into” My barn,
says the Householder. We can rest assured that the reapers, (God’s Angels) will in no wise mix up the wheat
with the tares, for God is righteous.
I take for myself following lesson from this parable:
According to Jesus explanation (v27 &38), I would like to see my life (field-soil), if the good seed was brought
forth (child of God’s kingdom) and how is it in relation to (child of the bad one – may be just a little).
Jesus Himself cuts out a third possibility. Half wheat and half tares? This cannot be – or yet still many times we
do try to have like this.

The heart of man, his inner being, certainly a phenomenon.
Wheat and tares can lively grow together, sweetness and bitterness appear beside each other without a problem.
Here it is urged to start to bring order into our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In Revelation 22: II It reads: “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still and he which is filthy, let him be filthy
still and he that IS righteous, let him be righteous still, and he that is holy, let him be holy still.”
We therefore decide what remains: child of God or child of the bad one! I myself am sure that the
decision will not be difficult for us, what we want to be.
May God grant us the right thoughts and the right tone when we proclaim “THE WORD”. No threats re “being
burnt up”, but inviting and spurring on to remain a child of the kingdom of God and always be renewed, where
and whenever it is needful. The promise of eternal life, the dwelling in the Lord’s House is enough motivation
and helps through all the needs of time.

The Bible reports of many cities that were important. But none was comparable to Jerusalem, which means “Inheritance of peace.” There alone the Almighty God dwelled and revealed himself. There alone a true sacrificial offering was rendered. The tribes of Israel came together there to thank the Lord.

In the heavenly Jerusalem of today (Hebrews 12: 22 – 23) “But ye are come unto Mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,” which is God’s work of redemption, we are being prepared to receive the ‘inheritance of the saints’.   Here the Lord reveals himself through word and sacrament, here is the true offering of sacrifice, and here we find peace and comfort. Therefore, when the Lord calls, let us always come together at the altar in the temple of the new covenant!

What makes the city of God so distinguished? It is surrounded by the wall of the ministers of the Church of Christ. And he who walks through the doors preached by Apostles reaches the sanctuary. Many strangers are invited to come out of ‘other cities’ where one cannot find what the Jerusalem has to offer.

Let us compare Jerusalem with some other cities of that time which had great names: For instance Jericho, the city of palms, Herod had his summer residence there. Surely, people came together there too, but mainly to celebrate lavish feast. And nobody became blest and redeemed there either. Perhaps the Jericho of today celebrates a few more feasts too. However, nothing of lasting value is offered to the souls.

Babylon was a mighty city. Even to this day historians are raving about its long vanished splendor. Early in its time the building of the tower was begun, and not completed! Of all the wonders only a heap of rubble has remained. The children of Israel were not happy there either (of Psalm 137: 1 – 6). They longed to be back to in Jerusalem. In the “Babylon” of today are still many inhabitants that must be led out. Brother, Sister, help along!

Also Sodom and Nineveh were well known cities. Their inhabitants bear blame for godless behavior, pagan vices. In a figurative way, there are people in those places also today, who are ensnared in the same sins. As long as there is time of grace, a way of return is open to them either through repentance as in Nineveh or through God’s helping intervention as with lot in Sodom.

In Athens Apostle Paul found an Altar with the inscription ‘To the unknown God’ (Acts 17:23). And he declared this God unto the people of Athens. Even though many only mocked, there were some who believed. And in Corinth there the Apostle wanted to carry on right away, as there was great mob in the city. But the Apostle Paul heard the Lord speak in a vision: “Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace… For I have much people in this city.” (Acts 18: 9-10).

Also today the love God wants to still bring people into the city of God. When the last one in Jerusalem then the completed bridal souls will enter the heavenly Jerusalem, into the eternal fellowship with the Father and the Son.