The Pastor’s Pen

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

Urging within friendships

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

Friendships possess the greatest potential for joy and satisfaction! Sadly, they also have great potential to bring the worst of pain. Therefore, it’s important for everyone, especially Christians, to be attentive in the matter of how we interact in our friendships. Over the years of reading God’s Word, I have grown to understand that the apostles go to great lengths instructing believers on the many and varied facets of friendships, in fact, in all relationships.

As the apostle Paul began writing his closing benediction for his first letter to the Thessalonian Christians, he includes a critically important plea for all believers to value others. From chapter 5, verse 12 through to verse 20, Paul gives 17 “to do’s” for all believers to give attention to. When put in practice, these “to do’s” produce healthy relationships and a strong testimony of the church for Jesus Christ. In verse 14, he gives a 4 pronged instruction where we all qualify in at least 1 facet, if not more. Likewise, all our friends will fit into at least 1 of these characteristics.

Here they are; we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all (1 Thessalonians 5:14). No human is ever completely outside of these parameters, often kept secret, but none-the-less present. Paul urged his readers to pay attention to these inescapable components of life and friendships. Not only was this a strong exhortation, but one that in the original language demanded believers “to call near” those who are idle, fainthearted, or weak. And Paul understood that to get near to friends with these dispositions would require patience. In other words, humility, while recognising our own vulnerabilities in these same areas.

Paul writes with the affection of a spiritual brother to his siblings in Christ. He’s experienced enough of life and the transforming gospel to recognise our human nature which lingers within our flesh following salvation. Therefore, he is not shy in calling believers to act with the grace of Christ in persevering patiently with one another for mutual strength, unity, and joy.

We are to admonish, to encourage, and to help. While none of us are ever beyond needing at least 1 of these verbs to be actioned towards us, Paul calls each of us to intentionally be doing these to others. This is not passive, nor does it allow for personal preference to justify neglect in these matters. Just as Christ patiently works in each of our lives to sanctify us, so our patient investment in others’ lives forms a critical part of our own sanctification. When we neglect others who are finding Christian life difficult, we neglect our own development of Christlike character.

I have often found in my life, that in admonishing, encouraging, and helping others, I receive all 3 in return. Which is precisely the blessing Paul expected. He wrote this to the believers in Rome, for I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you – that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine (Romans 1:11-12). And again, let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding (Romans 14:19).

Applying admonition, encouragement, and help, requires only a little thought and grace, as to how to step into others’ lives without being a bully. We don’t want to overwhelm anyone, but we do want to uplift and refresh others, so that they know you care, just as Christ cares for them. This will joyfully honour the Lord, strengthen the church, and amplify the testimony of Christ to the world.

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Seeking Christ

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

Without doubt, the apostles lived a level of closeness with the Lord that most of us can only aspire to. Having lived with Jesus, witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, then participating in the events of Pentecost, certainly provided memorable inspiration and intimacy we can only imagine. Even though Paul came to believe in Christ later than the other apostles, he repeatedly exhorts all believers to pursue an intentional and focused relationship with the glorified Christ.

One such exhortation comes in Colossians 3:1-2, If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

For many, this is practically difficult because of the busyness and demands of life. Daily schedules can become so full with what we consider the necessities of life, that our thoughts are consumed with earthly pursuits. In and of themselves, many of our daily demands are not wrong, and they require our best attention so we can honour the Lord. I don’t think Paul was speaking down to busy Christians when he gave this instruction. Rather, I am convinced Paul was offering a practical means by which busy believers can enrich their walk of faith.

Paul first reminds us that resulting from salvation, because of spiritually being raised with Christ to a new and regenerated life, Christians will desire to have their default thoughts redirected to Jesus. Throughout the engaging events of each day, believers will desire to have their instinctive thoughts gravitate towards Christ.

Next, notice that to seek the things that are above is synonymous with set your minds on things that are above. It is Christ’s present place of residence that draws our attention to His glorious reign, and the hope of His soon victorious return to catch up His church. Growing a picture of Christ seated at the right hand of God builds the clarity of who Jesus is, of His victorious resurrection, and His authoritative governance over His Kingdom.

Paul again reminds us in Ephesians 1:20-21, that God worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. The supremacy of Jesus’ exulted reign and soon return is worthy of us training our thoughts and planning our routines for worship in its various momentary forms.

There are many ways we can do this, and in some cases, technology can assist by using reminders on our devices. Developing routine visual and audible triggers, possibly landmarks for specific prayer subjects in your travels, is important. Scheduling brief spiritual moments is critical, such as sticky notes in obvious places, Scripture attached to inescapable locations. Listening to worship or biblical teaching while travelling. Committed, regular participation in your local church activities. Daily reading Scripture, plus biblically worthy books or notes, even while waiting for appointments. Anything that gets our attention to pause momentarily with thought and prayer to the glorified Jesus.

Developing the habit of brief prayer following conversations with people is an excellent discipline. This could be as short as a 2 second acknowledgement of Christ’s providence, a word of thanks, or a request. In that moment, our thoughts are  locked on Christ. This is Paul’s point, in these numerous moments of each day, set your minds on things that are above.

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Turning to God

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

The prophet Ezekiel lived amongst the treachery and idolatry of Jewish society held captive by the Babylonian empire. In Ezekiel’s time and place, people’s attitude towards God was basically the same as that which exists globally throughout all ages. An attitude that normalizes cheap words and accepts faithlessness. As in almost all periods of history, Ezekiel’s world could not have cared less about God. Selfishness, greed, and man-centered thinking was reflected through disrespect for eternal matters, with divine judgement considered irrelevant when compared to the pursuit of present pleasure.

You see, fatalistic thinking assumes, within the struggles of life, there exists no hope of anything better. Therefore, pessimism justifies almost anything in pursuit of comfort and pleasure at the exclusion of God. Into this sinfully hedonistic and politically tumultuous setting, God spoke through Ezekiel with an uncommon message of hope that clearly expressed His gracious heart. When a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life. Because he considered and turned away from all the transgressions that he had committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die (Ezekiel 18:27-28).

In today’s language, we call this repentance. It occurs when someone is awakened to the seriousness of life’s choices and begins considering life from God’s perspective. Behaviour that had, up to this time in their life, been considered normal and acceptable, is examined within the Lord’s guidelines of holiness. Now they realise that which was previously acceptable, is sinful, and violates God’s law. This is a huge shift in thinking and perspective. To recategorise our life in this way requires massive consideration and is momentous.

Here, we see another layer of God’s grace, as He responds to the sinner with compassion. Ezekiel announced the Lord’s premeditated grace towards spiritually rebellious people, so they may know in advance, as an invitation, that when turning to God, forgiveness and acceptance exists. The Lord spoke the same message in essence through the prophet Isaiah. God stated that He was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, “Here I am, here I am…” (Isaiah 65:1).

Consideration is the starting point, and its purpose is to lead the sinner to a specific set of actions which turns away from wickedness and heads to the Lord. Consideration acknowledges wickedness before a gloriously good God, starting with acknowledging there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins (Ecclesiastes 7:20. Cf. Romans 3:23). But consideration does not stay there long, as it moves towards the assurance that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13).

Turning away from the old life comes with the promise of salvation and eternal life. No longer are the previous offensive sins focused on, but God’s life giving goodness becomes the central attention grabber. Paul puts it this way; you were His enemies, separated from Him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now He has reconciled you to Himself through the death of Christ in His physical body. As a result, He has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault (Colossians 1:21-22 NLT). God’s grace remains the most transformative infusion of heavenly love and truth into our lives through faith in Jesus Christ. May we rejoice today as we consider His grace.

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Families of blessing

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

Two thirds through his first letter, having just given instructions for healthy marriages, the apostle Peter writes a relationship summary packed with helpful values and ideas for families of all types. Regardless of who the body of people are, these principles will benefit those who practice them. But the greatest potential for blessing rests with God’s people who apply these to attitudes and behaviour.

Peter writes, Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing (1 Peter 3:8-9).

Regardless of whether it’s your biological family, or the family of God in your local church, Peter’s words form the foundation of sweet family life. Here, every believer in the family of God is treated with equality. There are no special or favoured groups, and no one is excluded or overlooked. Both the instructions and the expected degree of compliance are the same for each and every believer of all ages.

Peter presents 7 qualities that should undergird the entire Christian life, but especially, they are to be focused on our family relationships. At home and in the assembly of believers, these 7 virtues serve as the vehicle for transporting all other truths spoken by Peter into our relationships. These 7 become the toolbox for Christians wishing to invest in the lives of their fellow believers. These are the tools of relational engagement that will bear fruit for Jesus Christ and blessing for God’s children. Here are the 7: unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, a humble mind, do not repay evil, bless those who hurt you.

Individually, these may sound alien by worldly thinking, but collectively, they form a relational structure that will grow the most wonderful friendships. And friendships are necessary for discipleship, for church and biblical maturity, and for evangelistic growth. All 7 are inward operations of the Holy Spirit, who desires to govern the unseen part of us for the purpose of manifesting outwardly in the visible world.

Neglect these 7, and fractured relationships soon develop. Apart from every area of our lives becoming easier as we grow in these qualities, these are necessary for us to be imitators of God as beloved children (Ephesians 5:1). Peter calls us to take up the responsibility of thinking and behaving as authentic believers in Jesus Christ as Lord. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:2). This is who we are to be because this is who Christ is!

While this sounds nice, reality tells us that these Christlike attitudes are not easy or comfortable to develop. We will meet resistance from our fleshly hearts and from God’s enemies who reject His Word. Therefore, we lean into God’s Spirit for enablement through the sufficiency of God’s Word, believing that the necessary grace for advancement will be provided. We persevere by putting to death both the sins of our hearts and flesh. Similarly, we intentionally put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive (Colossians 3:12-13).

This is how families become healthy, and stay healthy. By this, genuine love that reflects Jesus Christ engages relationally with others and grow for His glory and our blessing.

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Will the dust praise God?

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

In Psalm 30:8-12, David writes of a short-term privilege belonging to God’s people. It’s not thought of often and spoken of even less. A privilege, that once passed, will never occur again. I speak of praising God while in this sin-cursed world. David writes:
To you, O LORD, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy. What profit is there in my death, If I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness? Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me! O LORD, be my helper! You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

David, who had lived through the extremities of life; he knew personal failure, poverty, fame and wealth, he knew what it was like to be hated and loved. He had experienced the pain of betrayal by those who had promised faithfulness. He knew the deep anxieties of suffering the loss of those people and things most precious to him, just as he also knew the sweetness of receiving wonderful things in life. And he knew the loving comfort of truly loyal and compassionate friends. Yet, through all of life’s diversities, David recognised the uniqueness that each of life’s circumstances provide for us to praise God.

As David considered the infinite goodness of God, compared to the sour complexities of his own life, he concluded that the Lord is worthy of his affection. Here, David respectfully debates the virtues of God mercifully providing him with the capacity and desire to speak well of God through all of life. As David frames his words, he reminds the Lord that only humans living within this mortal and time-trapped world can tell of His faithfulness from within this harsh environment. The elements of this earth, like the animal kingdom, cannot intelligently verbalize the worthy qualities of God, but people can.

Only during this chapter of our lives on earth, do we have the possibility and capacity to call out for God’s mercy to change us, to transform us into gratefully outspoken recipients of God’s goodness. Therefore, like David, we need Yahweh to be our helper in this matter. Far too many go through life incessantly complaining, trapped by ingratitude, unforgiveness, and bitterness. While investing considerable energy to grumbling, they fail to remember and speak of the kindnesses, the provisions, and the hope provided by God through his Son Jesus Christ. While demanding more and more of this life, such people blind themselves to the many answered prayers and expressions of divine grace in their lives.

As David acknowledged, it was the Lord who had loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness. It is to God’s glory and David’s merit, that he not only recognised the purpose for this, but he shared it with others. The purpose of transformed lives by God, is for those transformed to sing your praise and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

The apostle Paul emphasised this to the Ephesian church. Believers in Jesus Christ are to the praise of His glorious grace (Ephesians 1:6). This is God’s purposeful will for our lives as Christians (Ephesians 1:5). May we explore the many opportunities given to us to speak of the excellencies of Jesus Christ through all of life’s twists and turns, highs and lows, sour and sweet times.

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