It is possible for all of us, in our individualistic world and self-centered nature, to only look for things in scripture that benefit us. In summarizing the ten commandments, and the law and the prophets, Jesus commanded us ‘to love God above all else in our lives and our neighbor as ourselves.’

One aspect of looking after each other is found in the text above. It is, in today’s language, a Workplace Health and Safety instruction. Specifically, when we are building a house and there are others helping, we should make it safe for them by creating a battlement. This is a wall raised up on the outside of the building as a fortification. In this case it was also to be a protection for those working on the roof.

Obviously, this principle should be applied to every aspect of our dealing with other people. When we travel on the highways, do we drive in a manner that is safe for both our family and other road users? If we are responsible at work for other people, do we in every way possible make sure that they are physically, spiritually and emotionally safe?

Living in a corrupted world is a risk-laden business. It is not always possible to remove every risk, but it is possible to consider the welfare of others in a commonsense way. Everyone has a story of illogical or ill-considered plans in today’s workplace, but that does not undermine the principle. It is not a reason to not care for others!

In Deuteronomy, God laid out other principles for living with and treating people as you would like to be treated. The beginning verses show that we should not only respect the physical welfare of others but their property as well. Deuteronomy 22:1-2, “Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother. And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again.”

If we continue to apply these principles to our social world, we will not only be fulfilling the Lord’s command but also maintaining a more peaceful and harmonious community.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

The phrase inspiration of God means ‘divinely breathed.’ It is presumed to have come from the Greek primary verb meaning ‘to breathe hard’ which illustrates the holy power contained in the words brought to this world by the Holy Ghost.

In this text the Apostle Paul is setting a foundation for the future church by reminding Timothy to remember the divine revelation that he has based his faith in Jesus Christ upon, the Old Testament. He then instructs Timothy to reveal the ongoing word of life through preaching inspired by the breath of God. The Holy Spirit gathered the divinely inspired letters together to form what we have today as the New Testament. Together the Holy Bible, as the written Word of God is revealed, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 59:21, “As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.”

It should be no surprise, therefore, that there is an increasing effort being made to discredit the written Word of God, as it provides a witness and foundation for faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus, the living word, taught that every letter of the words was chosen by God (Matthew 5:18) and that mankind is to live by each of these inspired words “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 4:4). ‘But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

Whilst the writers of the words were not perfect, their written words were because they we inspired and gathered (authored) by the Holy Spirit. The inerrancy of the Holy Bible is only impacted by the changing of these words or the limitation of our human mind to understand them.

Thankfully, the same Holy Spirit is now available to believers to assist in their developing of wisdom and bringing the written word to life. 1 Corinthians 12:3, “Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.”

Finally, this understanding should encourage us to continue to search the scripture to develop our faith. The famous English preacher, Charles Spurgeon, when witnessing at the time of the latter rain, was asked, “What is most important prayer or Bible study?” His reply, “What is more important to you, to inhale or to exhale?” With preaching and Bible study we inhale life giving words. With prayer we exhale words of connection to the God of life!

Trust in God’s Word!

Following the rebirth of water and spirit, a new man is begun within us. Apostle Paul encourages us to not remain as an infant, but continue to grow to maturity of faith, as befits our mission to be prepared as a counterpart for the Lord.

Many of the infant apostles in their letters confirmed the sign that this would be occurring in our lives as we begin speaking in ‘truth’ AND ‘love’.

Jesus Christ is the Word of God who became flesh, and He underlined His eternal being with the words in John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” God is also love, and we can see, therefore, why both elements are required in our speaking.

If we speak only truth without love, anyone hearing will take offence as our human nature is now unable to not rebel. Romans 7:15 “For that which I do I allow not: for what! would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.”

Conversely, if we only speak love without the truth, the spirit of error is ever lurking to deceive. 1 John 4:6, “We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”

The absolute ‘truth’ is that we are all condemned by sin. The perfect ‘love’ is that we can be ‘saved by grace through faith’, regardless of our sin.

The truth and love of all our testimony is summed up by Apostle Peter. 1 Peter 1:22, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:”

The Voice of the Good Shepherd

The metaphor of a shepherd with his sheep which the Lord Jesus used to describe the relationship between Himself and His own, is well-known to us. When we bear this in mind, we are constantly made aware of the greatness of the Lord’s love with which He cares for us.

In the imagery used in the Bible, sheep are symbols of gentleness, patience and willingness. How specially regarded a sheep was, can be seen from the fact that Isaiah in his prophecy of the suffering of the ‘Messiah, used the image of the sheep (Isaiah 53:7). “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.”

Through His servants the Lord Jesus calls us by our name. He knows our name because He had already chosen us before the foundation of this world, and because He accompanies each and every individual on their way of life, if we on occasion fall, by sinning, He helps us up; and should we go astray by, for instance, allowing our thoughts to lead us away from the goal, He seeks us out and leads us back. When we hunger, He leads us in green pastures, and when we thirst, He brings us to still waters (Psalm 23:1-2) both images of the divine services which serve to our strengthening. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”

Sheep have natural enemies against which they are defenceless on their own. The enemy of Christs’ sheep is the Devil. As far as he and what he offers is concerned, we heed the advice: “Be sobber, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8).

One particular ‘weapon’ that Satan uses today more than ever before is the voice of godlessness and confusion. Ever changing ideas, yet more jarring perspectives and still shriller statements of opinion are brought into the ‘battlefield’ and cause endless confusion. We ignore Satan by listening attentively to the familiar voice of the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ who modestly, yet clearly proclaims the true gospel, and preserves the promise of His return. If we remain with the Shepherds that the Lord has given His flock, then “when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (1 Peter 5:4).

In a recent Bible Society publication (Eternity, Spring, 2020, p10) a challenge was issued to use only five words to state why you are (still) a Christian. Those who responded submitted deeply thought-provoking responses guided by their own individual situation. Given the ‘sound bite’ world in which we live it got me thinking about how critical the words are that we use to discuss our faith, in such a crowded space.

How do we share the gospel when there are so many messages thrust at people every day, all competing for their attention? Research tells us that most people now only read the subject line of emails!  If you haven’t captured the person’s attention in a few words they will not read further.

This is not a new phenomenon, but it is certainly heightened living in the ‘information age’ where there is a danger of an information overload, leading us to disregard things that are important.

Apostle Paul encountered a city of distractions at Ephesus on his second mission journey. The trade city on the Western coast of Asia Minor had a 25,000-seat amphitheatre along with many gymnasiums, public baths, and other cultural distractions. There was also the Temple of Artemis (or Diana, her Roman name) ranked as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It was in this environment that Paul taught in the synagogue (Acts Ch. 18) but by the time he left the city was in a state of confusion and did not know who to listen to (Acts Ch. 19).

The above text was written by Apostle Paul when he was imprisoned in Rome a number of years later. He wrote it as a circular epistle to the Ephesians and the Christians in Asia to encourage their ongoing commitment to answer the call the Lord had made to them through him. His confinement in Rome served to underline his message that those who hear and answer the call of Christ are free, regardless of their situation. Thirty-five times in the letter Paul reminds the believers of their newfound freedom from the price of sin by exhorting them to remain ‘in Christ’.

The five words to summarise the good news of Christ’s salvation;

SAVED by GRACE through FAITH.

When we come together for the first time with God’s children somewhere, the feeling embraces us. We belong together for many years we have already pursued the path of faith together. There may be those who for some reason cannot say this. Circumstances vary greatly. May they be comforted that each one of us has a spiritual mother (i.e. our church congregation). In the bosom of this mother we are safe and secure. There we find much love, the willingness to sacrifice, spiritual affection and everything earthly which also ought to emanate from a mother’s heart.

We become brothers and sisters in the Lord. We all possess the Holy Spirit and we all strive towards the same goal and all want to become worthy for Christ’s return. We all have one wish that all of us may joyfully continue in the faith in which we have begun and be completed on the great day of the Lord Jesus.

What constitutes true “glory” in other words, honour to God our heavenly Father as well as in His work?

–   To be determined to live in accordance with being God’s child.

–   Have a living faith and do the works of faith.

–   Fulfil the commandment of love which Jesus gave John 13: 34-35, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

–   Continue to follow faithfully and remain in oneness.

What constitutes true, genuine and deep “joy” with God and His Son as well as among us?

–   To accept and assimilate God’s fortifying word (Luke 8:15) “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience and act accordingly”, (Luke 11:28) “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.”

–   Be found in grace with the Highest (Romans 3:23-24), as God’s children. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

–   Be heirs of the future glory (Ephesians 1:13-14),  ^“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

-Longingly wait for Jesus’ return every day (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18).

“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

All of this also constitutes joy and glory for Jesus Christ’s apostolate. It shows that the prayers, work and the activity of the Holy Spirit through God’s servants were not in vain. Rather they bear beautiful fruit!

To have honour and joy constitutes a blessed experience.  In this blessedness our hearts also have peace. All of this produces a magnificent radiation of the soul.  Brings about spiritual warmth in the congregation and helps seeking souls to find the way to God’s work.

We live in a world where many people refuse to serve God, do not recognise God or His existence and where the appearance of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as the Messiah is questioned and challenged. For them the freedom to do exactly what they desire without obligation to God or Godly interference is too important (Galatians 6:8 “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting).” They see and utilise the wonder of the creation, but do not attribute it to the work of God’s Almighty Hand. One can define this as a spirit of selfishness and one that will do and believe almost anything other than God to ensure independence – A rebellious nature. Scripture declares this foolish behaviour. (Psalm 53:1-3 “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one).”
There are also those that serve God reluctantly, with human reservation, half-hearted and no real commitment and unwilling service (we sometimes even find this attitude in the Church). Despite accepting and acknowledging the Triune God, they are noncommittal and show limited dedication or labour in His House and often begin to develop some resentment (bitterness, hatred and dislike). They are often upset that they cannot live life purely according to their own desires and devices and therefore service is often rendered out of pure duty and not necessarily out of love – often thought of as pointless to serve and not recognising the benefits and reward of serving God (Malachi 3:14-15 “Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered).”
It is imperative that we do not judge nor condemn the above described people, but rather pray that they are enlightened and by the Grace of God find their way to Godliness (James 4:12 “There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?)”
Fortunately, there are those that willingly serve God, are delighted to do His holy work and are a sweet and pleasant savour (flavour or aroma) of Jesus Christ unto God (2 Corinthians 2:15-17 “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ).”
It is a wonderful gift to have a willing spirit based on deep heartfelt love for God and His Son Jesus Christ (like a mother towards her child – “despite there being a lawful obligation, a mother does this because she loves her children)”. Serving God in this way allows us to develop our spiritual gifts, experience miracles, joy and peace, increase our faith, experience God’s presence in many new ways and above all, it is good for our souls!
For all who serve the Lord, that have tasted the Heavenly gift of God, that are partakers of the Holy Sacraments, there is a stern scriptural warning to remain steadfast in the household of God (Hebrews 6:4-6 “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame).”

Which of these behaviours do we identify ourselves with or do we recognise in those that are close to us? Proximity to those that are willing and are delighted to serve God is utterly important – who do we mix with and how do we spend our time?

The Holy Bible in the book of John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

The ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His stead, is to invite His people to COME to Him for His words, to hear and to believe it. This is very essential for all know that His word is quick and powerful. Psalms 29:4 “The voice of the LORD is powerful; The voice of the LORD is full of majesty.”

The voice of the Lord Jesus Christ is inviting us to COME for baptism and repentance for the forgiveness of our sins.

Baptism for the remission of the inherited sin, and repentance for current sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost is an act of our faith. Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest Thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

The voice of our Lord Jesus Christ is inviting us to COME for remission of sins. Matthew 26:28 “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

The word of God is encouraging us to COME and to have a strong faith in Him. Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The word of God is inviting us to COME to Him for the healing of our sicknesses. Mark 1:31 “And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.” Luke 7:21 “And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.”

The word of our Heavenly Father is inviting us to COME into the place of safety which is the house of worship in every church service. If we read the book of Genesis 7:1 “And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.”

Today, there is a final lesson to learn on this text that every servant of God will do His duties and responsibilities towards our Lord. As He commanded us to go and invite to COME to Him, especially to those who are lost in this life. Therefore, let us come to the house of worship; the house of God to find rest in their souls, as what Jesus said through Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 5:2 “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;”