The Pastor’s Pen

Lincoln writes to encourage and build up God’s people with God’s Word.

Seek the Lord

By / The Pastor's Pen / 3 minutes of reading

For many, seeking God is not easy. This is not because God’s hiding, but because our thinking is biased towards worldly misinformation about Him, which Satan fortifies through godless culture. Added to this struggle, is the instinctive self-deceiving nature of our hearts which lead us as far from God as possible. Thinking we can successfully live independent of God, we give preference to sinful pleasures with self at the centre of importance (Jeremiah 17:9; James 1:14–15).

Psalm 10:3-4 voices just how far some are willing to go in avoiding God. For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the LORD. In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.” Consoling themselves in the idea that they have cancelled God, they claim He no longer exists, they have no hope apart from God’s amazing grace to rescue them. We can therefore understand why the apostle Paul wrote, none is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God (Romans 3:10-11).

Moses explained that God’s mercy is so great, that even people who abandon themselves to the worst of idolatry can still find the Lord. But from there (idolatry) you will seek the LORD your God and you will find Him, if you search after Him with all your heart and with all your soul (Deuteronomy 4:29). It’s here that we begin to see God’s limitless, undeserved, and breathtaking grace in action. He refuses to be ignored or wished out of existence. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse (Romans 1:19-20). God testifies about Himself, there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Saviour… Turn to me and be saved… (Isaiah 45:21-22).

But trusting in mankind’s deceived and sinful heart to do the right thing towards God is an exercise in futility. So, again, in Gods’ grace He supplies the resources needed to enable people to genuinely seek Him. But most of all, God sent His Son Jesus to earth to make Himself known and to save sinners (Luke 19:10; Galatians 4:4-5). But that still was not enough; He did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all… He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross of judgement (Romans 8:32; 1 Peter 2:24). Then God gave even greater testimony through Jesus rising to life again, with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus… (Acts 4:33). But that still was not enough for God, who is a Saviour by nature. God now sends believers in Jesus, you and I, to proclaim the gospel of Jesus to the world (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 10:13-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20).

Like Paul, no believer should ever be ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). The invitation to seek God remains open today, as it was for king Asa, if you seek the Lord, he will be found by you (2 Chronicles 15:2). May we continually seek the Lord, and may we be active in calling others to seek Him also. God’s promise is as clear as His invitation, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

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Uniting our heart – Part 1

By / The Pastor's Pen / 3 minutes of reading

Buried within David’s prayer of Psalm 86, sit two verses that speak to the very essence of our human condition and response to God. David, like many of us, lived a life packed with complexity and change. Both he and those who surrounded him, were inconsistent and unreliable in their day to day living towards God and one another. Those who hated David treated him poorly, while he often didn’t  respond well. Many of David’s relationships were messy for all kinds of reasons. The understandable consequence of this for David, as it is often for us also, is that our inner hearts and minds become perplexed and confused.

Unable to make sense of the clashes of life, we can become inwardly splintered. It’s the conflict between what we believe and expect of God, plus what we experience in relationships and circumstances, with our inability to match or align those two aspects in a way that makes sense or gives hope of a good outcome.

David experienced this same dilemma. And while feeling exasperated he turns to the Lord, praying his thoughts simply as they rolled out of his mind. Within this honest dialogue with God, David says; Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever (Psalm 86:11-12).

Here we see some of David’s admirable qualities within his weaknesses. Not trusting his ability to correctly process the messiness of life, David says in effect, Lord you need to teach me how to live in this mess while being aligned with your truth, because I just don’t get it. Then David makes this remarkable request of God which strikes to the very heart of his inner conflict, “unite my heart to fear your name.”

Not wanting life’s painful circumstances to grow unbelief, or even to subdue his existing belief towards the Lord, David confesses that God is going to have to be the One who pulls it all together. All his fragmented thoughts, damaged feelings, doubting beliefs, and failed expectations, all required uniting into cohesive and respectful trust in God.

David invites the Lord to do the very thing he knew he could not do for himself. God stitching back together that which people had torn apart was going to be no small task, and only the Almighty could do it. Specifically, David knew that God had to persist at this task until his heart really did fully fear God again. His heart, which comprised of all his thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about God needed to function in a single and cohesive attitude which feared Yahweh without compromise.

Only God can do this within a person’s broken heart. And the starting point is precisely here, where David began, calling upon the Lord to do a spiritual work that only God can do. It would require unnatural responses by David, and trust in his God who is larger than the damage caused by life. It would require stubborn faith in the God of truth who does not want His people to compromise. This would take time, patience, and much humility. But David had got off to a great start by recognising his inner most need and inviting the Lord to heal his heart.

While in hindsight we know that God did answer David’s prayer by growing him to be a man after God’s own heart, we need to know how God accomplished this. So, next week we shall consider some of the tools used by the Lord in achieving a God honouring result through this mission. 

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Apollos the willing

By / The Pastor's Pen / 3 minutes of reading

Apollos is one of those New Testament characters who gets my attention for all the right reasons. He was a Jewish believer from Alexandria who first appears to us in Ephesus. Acts 18:24-25 tells us that Apollos was an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well… He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy (NLT).

Whoever taught Apollos was thorough in passing on the teachings of John the Baptist, which he learnt well. But instead of keeping these truths to himself, Apollos gave himself to teaching others in Ephesus. Without fear or hesitation, he taught boldly in the synagogue… which was where Priscilla and Aquila heard him (Acts 18:26). They recognised his genuine belief yet also observed that he was lacking a full understanding of Jesus Christ as he knew only the baptism of John the Baptist (Acts 18:25). So, Priscilla and Aquila took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26).

Wasn’t that great, rather than criticise Apollos or shrug him off as naive, they discipled him with a more expansive understanding of God. This husband and wife team, Priscilla and Aquila, had the gracious perception and willingness to act, stepping into Apollos’ life at this critical time of learning. They recognised what was obviously the Holy Spirit’s activity in Apollos and acted with grace, not only for Apollos’ benefit, but for the blessing of many who would come under his teaching in the future.

Apollos was a doer! From the outset, he shared with others his existing knowledge of God. Therefore, when his time of instruction in Ephesus concluded, he moved to the area of Achaia. The church in Ephesus encouraged him in this and provided a letter of commendation to the believers of that area. Again, Apollos settled into his new surroundings and soon helped the believers by publicly refuting fellow Jews with Scripture, proving Jesus was the Messiah.

Settling for a time in Corinth, Apollos’ influence in the church was significant enough to be mentioned by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:12. Despite divisions in the Corinth’ church, the relationship between Apollos and Paul was marked by mutual respect. Paul acknowledges Apollos’ contributions to the ministry and emphasizes the unity of their work in advancing the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 3:6, Paul writes, I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. Here, Paul highlighted the complementary nature of their ministries, with Paul initiating the work and Apollos nurturing it for a time before moving on.

Concluding his letter, Paul explains that he had adviced Apollos to revisit Corinth for further ministry (1Co 16:12). Paul obviously recognised Apollos’ teaching skills, his ability to fit in and get along with the church as a leader, and the collaborative spirit that existed between he and Apollos. It’s apparent that Paul recognised Apollos was a unifying influence upon the church. His eloquent style of teaching and his deep understanding of God’s Word made him a formidable advocate for the faith. Plus, his willingness to learn and grow underscored his humility and commitment to truth.

These are not only wonderful qualities for anyone to possess, but they are qualities which God uses to build up His church. Instead of weakening and dividing the church, Apollos was a willing instrument in unifying believers, in advancing the gospel to the unsaved, and in maturing believers in their faith. May God grant that each of us develop these Christ honouring characteristics for His glory and the blessing of others.

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Jesus’ words changes lives

By / The Pastor's Pen / 3 minutes of reading

Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well of John chapter 4, gives us a uniquely compact view into Jesus’ character. While Jesus is obviously the centrepiece of this story, credit must go to this lady for her open willingness to engage with Jesus, and then to become an effective ambassador for Him.

According to the biased customs of that time, Jesus should not have spoken with this lady. First, a Jewish man was frowned upon for speaking with a woman who was a stranger. Second, this lady was a Samaritan, and there was a longstanding tension between Jews and Samaritans. Everything about this encounter went against the norms of both Jewish and Samaritan societies of that time. But as we know, Jesus is not restrained by the world’s cultural boundaries.

The discussion began with four simple words, a simple question by Jesus, that changed this lady’s life, “Give me a drink” (Jn 4:7). Ignoring the question, she expresses her shock at Jesus’ speaking with her (:9). Bypassing all human barriers, Jesus targets this lady’s greatest spiritual need, although she didn’t realise it in that moment. Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water” (Jn 4:10). Well, this mind blowing revelation was just as confusing for this lady as it would have been to us if we were there.

Jesus continues calmly, explaining that He is the living water that gives satisfying eternal life to whoever will receive Him. Not fully understanding the depth of Jesus’ words, this enthusiastic lady responds, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water” (Jn 4:15). Embracing her passionate, yet shallow understanding, Jesus moves the conversation to revealing His ultimate knowledge of her life and need. “Go, call your husband, and come here” (Jn 4:16). Well, that turned out to be awkward, as she had 5 previous husbands and was presently living in a de facto relationship with another man (Jn 4:18).

Shocked by Jesus’ knowledge of her life, she blurts out, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet…” (Jn 4:19). Quickly moving the conversation to the subject of worship, Jesus informs her that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth (Jn 4:23). Catching up, this lady says that she believes Messiah, the Christ is coming. Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he” (Jn 4:26).

Jesus’ disciples return, and interrupt by challenging Jesus for talking with this lady, so she rushes into town announcing, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” (Jn 4:29). Returning to the well with a crowd of equally curious people, Jesus continues His teaching. Consequently, many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony…  they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. …we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world” (Jn 4:39-42).

Never underestimate what God can do with just a few simple words that point a nonbeliever to Jesus. Without realising it, unbelieving hearts long for eternal life, and only the Lord Jesus Christ can fulfill that need as Saviour. Take courage Christian, speak for Jesus, and with Jesus’ words, watching and praying to see what He does with our simple efforts.

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Build up one another

By / The Pastor's Pen / 3 minutes of reading

Paul’s instructions in Romans 14 addresses judging others and the actions that often cause others to struggle in their faith. He then introduces a practical tool to handle these damaging issues which are far too common. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding (Romans 14:19). Reading this chapter, it’s easy to see that this is not an isolated or standalone instruction. Rather, this is a tool which is used best by those who have Christ centered motives for the strong health of the church.

As believers in Jesus Christ, Paul argues that our priorities have changed, which our great enemy wants us to either forget or ignore. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s (Romans 14:8). Overruling all personal desires and motives is the fact that we belong to the Lord first and foremost. Evidence of Christ’s ownership is seen when we decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother (Romans 14:13).

The body of Christ demonstrates Christ’s character best when we put others first, serving others before self-interest, just as Jesus Christ does for us. Fueling our daily motivation for peaceful living should be attitudes and actions that encourage, refresh, and strengthen others. Personal wants or preferences should never be permitted to destroy the work of God (Romans 14:20). Because causing damage or stunting the growth of other believers is not of God, we strive to excel in building up the church (1 Corinthians 14:12).

Paul was not shy in identifying fleshly behaviour that diminishes God’s glory in the church. He even labeled a few sinfully destructive activities in 2 Corinthians 12:20; quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. While these toxic attitudes and behaviours are celebrated by the devil, they are to be hated and rejected by God’s people. Yet, it’s ironic how often those who have been damaged by these dishonouring traits go on to become the perpetrators of them.

Paul’s rationale is clearly seen in Ephesians 5:1-2; be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. This is the truest heart desire of those living in Christ. Building up others in the faith is how we invest God’s resources into one another’s lives for God’s glory! Obviously, this requires some thought. Reformatting personal values and priorities to become God’s values and priorities is essential. This is an internal work which the Holy Spirit is invested in because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Romans 5:5).

Jesus’ younger half brother Jude, when writing to protect the purity of the church from worldly people who sneak in, speaks to this matter. Amongst other things, Jude writes, but you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God (Jude :20-21). We cannot separate God’s love, Holy Spirit permeated prayer, and building up each other in the faith. These are essentials for the growth and health of the church. These express God’s mercy, God’s holiness, God’s purpose, and God’s glory.

May we worship the Lord as Paul encouraged the Corinthian church, let all things be done for building up (1 Corinthians 14:26). And may we follow Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

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