I believe that we need, above all things to "fix our eyes on Jesus". that statement sounds fine until we start to think about it. We don't know how to do this at time,so I want to make a few suggestions.
(1) Read the Gospels. By reading the gospels, we remind ourselves of who Jesus is and the wonder of his love shown to very ordinary people. Read about how he showed compassion and calls us to do the same. Spend time reading the Sermon on the Mount and listen to what Jesus has to say you. When we do this we find much to encourage and challenge us.
(2) Pray. Remember that prayer is talking to God and therefore is a very simple yet profound thing to do. Jesus spent time praying,seeking his Father's heart. We need to do the same. If we need guidance,let us ask the Lord to guide us. If we have burdens,let's bring them to the Lord. As we pray we will want to praise God for his love and grace shown to us in Jesus.
(3) Worshiping together. The Lord has promised to be with his people as they meet together to worship him. Our times of worship are when we recognise that we are united in Christ and that he is the head of the Christian family. He enjoys seeing his children listening to his word,praising him and seeking him in prayer. The Communion service is one where we see Jesus very clearly and the wonderful sacrifice he has made for us. we will be blessed as we meet round the Lord's Table and as we share together in worship.
I could go on to make a long list of other things that would only be a burden. I am convinced that as we Read the Gospels,pray and Worship the Lord, he will make the other things clear to us.
The above was originally written as a letter to the members of Shoreham Baptist Church in January 2000.
Thursday, 26 April 2012
Monday, 16 April 2012
The Importance of Reformation
When we use the word reformation we very often think of a historical movement by that name and forget that there is a need for reformation in every generation. We need to constantly ask if what we believe is in accord with the word of God, if it is not it must be changed. Reformation is not just about doctrine but also reforming the church and society in the light of the word of God.
In revival we see the impartation of life, reformation conserves that life and in doing so channels the new life into constructive growth.
We live in an age when even in the church the question most often asked is will it work? rather than asking what is the Truth? If we pursue the truth we will find it always has a practical application but it may not be the easy option. We need to follow the teaching of the Word of God even if that is costly and makes us appear different. This has ethical as well as doctrinal applications because reformation is about seeking first the kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is a vital theme in any biblical theology because the kingdom is greater than the Church, the Kingdom of God is wherever the rule of God is manifested.We need to grasp the implications of the Lordship of Christ as it applies to every area of life if we are to see reformation take place in our own generation.
We need to regain the fact that our God reigns not just in the church but in the whole of his creation and it is the role of the people of God to call society to recognize this.
In subsequent posts I will look at the great truths rediscovered for the Church by the sixteenth century Reformation and also look at various area where own society needs reforming in the light of the Word of God.
In revival we see the impartation of life, reformation conserves that life and in doing so channels the new life into constructive growth.
We live in an age when even in the church the question most often asked is will it work? rather than asking what is the Truth? If we pursue the truth we will find it always has a practical application but it may not be the easy option. We need to follow the teaching of the Word of God even if that is costly and makes us appear different. This has ethical as well as doctrinal applications because reformation is about seeking first the kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is a vital theme in any biblical theology because the kingdom is greater than the Church, the Kingdom of God is wherever the rule of God is manifested.We need to grasp the implications of the Lordship of Christ as it applies to every area of life if we are to see reformation take place in our own generation.
We need to regain the fact that our God reigns not just in the church but in the whole of his creation and it is the role of the people of God to call society to recognize this.
In subsequent posts I will look at the great truths rediscovered for the Church by the sixteenth century Reformation and also look at various area where own society needs reforming in the light of the Word of God.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Dare to Believe by Becky Dvorak: A book review
My Wife and I lead the prayer ministry team in our church so this book about healing is very instructive for our situation. One thing that struck me from the outset was the authors desire to be obedient to the word of God and to be open to the Spirit of God. something of her motivation can be seen in this quotation from page 293.
"What are our motives for praying for the sick? Is it because we want others to
see that God is moving through us and our ministry? Do we want others to think
that we are super-spiritual or superior over them? Are we in it for financial gain
or position? These are wrong motives. Jesus, on the other hand, was moved with
compassion to heal the sick. Compassion is love in action. We can develop within
us His heart of compassion for others, and when we do, we will start to see healings
manifest all around us. “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude,
and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick” (Matt. 14:14)."
This is a faith building book both through the testimonies and the teaching contained in this book.
One does not have to endorse every single teaching in this book to be blessed through it. I am afraid that some will pick it up and find certain passages and then reject the whole, if they do this they will miss out on much God centered,Christ glorifying, Spirit empowered instruction. The overall thrust of this book is that anyone can be used of the Lord to bring healing to the sick.
The first chapter is rather long but it lays the foundation for the rest of the book, in this chapter many important facets of Biblical teaching are looked at. This chapter demonstrates one of the strengths of this book and that is the desire to do everything according to Scriptural principles, indeed this chapter encourages us only to accept what is in accord with biblical teaching.
The author demonstrates throughout the book a real openness to the leading of the Holy Spirit, time after time as she has listened to the Lord healings have happened. There is much in this book to build our faith, and to encourage us to follow the leading and example of the Lord Jesus. Becky Dvorak is a lady who because she is filled with the Holy Spirit has a heart of compassion for those who are sick and therefore brings the healing love and grace to the lives of many. The only question that we all have to answer is will we dare to believe?
"What are our motives for praying for the sick? Is it because we want others to
see that God is moving through us and our ministry? Do we want others to think
that we are super-spiritual or superior over them? Are we in it for financial gain
or position? These are wrong motives. Jesus, on the other hand, was moved with
compassion to heal the sick. Compassion is love in action. We can develop within
us His heart of compassion for others, and when we do, we will start to see healings
manifest all around us. “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude,
and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick” (Matt. 14:14)."
This is a faith building book both through the testimonies and the teaching contained in this book.
One does not have to endorse every single teaching in this book to be blessed through it. I am afraid that some will pick it up and find certain passages and then reject the whole, if they do this they will miss out on much God centered,Christ glorifying, Spirit empowered instruction. The overall thrust of this book is that anyone can be used of the Lord to bring healing to the sick.
The first chapter is rather long but it lays the foundation for the rest of the book, in this chapter many important facets of Biblical teaching are looked at. This chapter demonstrates one of the strengths of this book and that is the desire to do everything according to Scriptural principles, indeed this chapter encourages us only to accept what is in accord with biblical teaching.
The author demonstrates throughout the book a real openness to the leading of the Holy Spirit, time after time as she has listened to the Lord healings have happened. There is much in this book to build our faith, and to encourage us to follow the leading and example of the Lord Jesus. Becky Dvorak is a lady who because she is filled with the Holy Spirit has a heart of compassion for those who are sick and therefore brings the healing love and grace to the lives of many. The only question that we all have to answer is will we dare to believe?
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received this E-Book free from the publisher through Destiny Image Book Review
Program. <http://www.destinyimage.com> Book Review Program. The opinions I
have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal
Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : "Guides Concerning the Use
of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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