The Pastor’s Pen

I wish to encourage you to think clearly about Jesus Christ.

Most of us know the frustration of having someone wrongly comment on what they think you are like. We sometimes respond, “Well, you obviously don’t know me as well as you think.” Mankind is quick to spout off their opinions of God with fallible certainty, while God is probably saying, “Well, you obviously don’t know me.” So, how do we get to know God with the clarity and certainty that God would agree with?

The created universe screams at us of God’s “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 (mankind) are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). Complimenting creation’s voice, God, who still knows what He thinks, is able to communicate His truth with perfect clarity through His written Word, the Bible.

Although it makes sense to ask God directly, mankind typically looks to religion, philosophy, astrology, science, mythology, spiritualism, mysticism, and any number of other unrelated sources, for insights into who God is. God wrote the Bible for the specific purpose of allowing you to get to know Him directly. The prophet Ezekiel recorded the Lord saying to Israel approximately 70 times, “you shall know that I am the LORD”. God wants to be known! He has not hidden Himself.

God explains that “he has spoken to us by his Son (Jesus Christ), He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (Hebrews 1:2-3). So, if you genuinely want to know God, you seek the “one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). The apostle John affirmed that Jesus Christ “has made him (God) known” (John 1:18).

Here’s the thing, by allowing voices other than God’s written Word to influence your view of Jesus Christ, you easily form a distorted view of God which results in a false sense of identity, both yours and Gods. You unavoidably conclude that Jesus Christ is less than holy God, and that man is more than sinfully independent of his creator. The Bible presents Jesus Christ in absolutes, in challenging words of truth that brings clarity, opening your heart and mind to His terms of restoration, spiritual regeneration, and the Christ centred relationship that He intends for you.

To be a Christian we must agree with God about who Jesus Christ is, agreeing that Jesus is “our great God and Saviour” (Titus 2:13). We must believe in (trust in, depend upon) Jesus who “was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (Romans 4:25). Justification means we are acquitted from guilt, presented as right before God purely because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, which He did in our place. Jesus “bore our sins in his body” when He died on the cross (1 Peter 2:24). God the Father vented His full justice on His Son, punishing Jesus with our death penalty for our sin. To be a Christian we must love Jesus Christ as Lord (Master), which identifies the pretend from the genuine Christians. Jesus declared His Lordship over anyone who genuinely wants to believe in Him by saying; ”If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

I encourage you to ask yourself, “do I think clearly about Jesus Christ?” If you would like to read a more detailed explanation, you can download What is a Christian by clicking on this link.

I wish to encourage you to be a refresher of others.

Most of us know the sweet experience of having someone refresh our spirit, to uplift us, to encourage and brighten our day. We can resonate with the intent of Isaiah 52:7; “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns.”

I relish the apostle Paul’s words to Philemon, exhorting him to forgive the returning run-away slave Onesimus; “I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ“ (Philemon :20). Forgiveness is a breath of fresh air in the lives of those touched by the stench of offence and unforgiveness.  Paul speaks to Philemon in verse 20 as if he is entitled to this spiritual benefit of refreshment. The tone is one of expectation by Paul that carries a responsibility for mutual benefit for both parties in Christ. I admit this has opened my eyes as to my responsibility of being a man of refreshment. I do not have the right to withhold that which is beneficial to another. But how often my flesh thinks it is justified in depriving God’s people of this much needed ministry. This too is a form of pride that attempts to justify sins of omission. “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins” (James. 4:17).

Refreshing another soul is not only divinely designed into our spiritual DNA, but carries with it a wonderful reciprocal blessing; “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25). When the apostle Paul was giving corrective instruction to the sin laden church in Corinth, he instructed the men to; “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love …I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14, 17-18).

Refreshment does not focus merely on physical and emotional well-being, but on the spiritual life of its recipients also. What better occasion, than following restoration, to initiate the ministry of refreshment. The beauty that exists immediately following repentance, forgiveness and restoration, is that of purity with great joy and peace. Into this sweet environment the child of God will endeavour to breathe in the lasting characteristics of refreshment. The mature Saint will seek to interact with others in such a way that causes an awareness of being uplifted, encouraged, inspired, and motivated to live the life of Christ through the coming days.

Christ’s love enables us to implement this remarkable Holy Spirit energised blessing into hearts that are open to being refreshed. The ministry of refreshment flows out of a character that is strong, that stands firm, that abides in Christ, which looks to conduct itself in all of its affairs in love. Refreshment does not suddenly happen, as if one day you unexpectedly decide to become refreshing to others in the Lord. It is yet another facet of the fruit of a Spirit filled life that understands the nature of spiritual virtues that flow out from us into others. This is in essence at the heart of discipleship, taking another human soul and showing them how to follow Jesus Christ as Lord, for God’s glory.

I encourage you to find someone today who you can refresh with the love of Jesus Christ.

I wish to encourage you to gladly answer one to another. One of the refreshing aspects of being a Christian is that we get to live an outward looking life. Instead of being self-focused, we are other focused, which helps in setting us free from the traps of self-righteousness, legalism, and hidden sin.

The apostle Paul explains in Romans 12:5, “so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another”. Through faith in Christ and baptism by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13) we are amalgamated in God’s family, the body of Christ, where many become one. Here, we experience our common identity in Christ, a common love, unity, friendship, forgiveness, acceptance, patience, grace, discipleship, growth, service, sanctification, worship, mercy, and mutual accountability, to name a few.

1 Corinthians 12:14-25 speaks of the uniqueness of our interdependent relationships in the body of Christ; ^“For the body does not consist of one member but of many. ¹⁸But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. ²⁰As it is, there are many parts, yet one body, ²⁵that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another”. In Christ’s body we answer to the Lord, to our spouses and families, and to Church leadership as the under-Shepherds of Jesus Christ. We answer to one another within the family of God, and we even answer to the world as they are entitled to see in our lives the Christ we confess to have as Lord. Indeed, no Christian has the luxury of thinking or claiming that they answer to only one, even if that one is God. God has not designed our Christian DNA that way, and He certainly has not designed the body of Christ (the church) that way. No Christian is an isolated island that stands alone.

Just as there is structure in our earthly families, so there is structure in God’s family. Beginning with Christ, who “is the head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18), then church leaders who keep “watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Hebrews 13:17).  The fabric of Holy Spirit empowered interdependency provides for nurturing, protection, security, provision of needs, activities, education, and accountability. Christ’s security is fleshed out as we watch out for each other and “if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness…” in this way we carry and “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:1-2).

Mutual open-hearted interaction has the appearance of Christ’s character. As the apostle Paul describes; “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour” (Romans 12:10). “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:19), “as a fair exchange – I speak as to my children – open wide your hearts also” (2 Corinthians 6:13 NIV), “if one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together” (1 Corinthians 12:26). In this God designed, Spirit energised, Christ focused family, we live for the benefit of each other, the glory of Christ our Lord, and the salvation of those who are lost in their sin.

Today, be encouraged to gladly answer one to another, praising God for the privilege, and help another believer in thanking God for His grace at work in the Church of Jesus Christ.

I wish to encourage you to appreciate God’s work in others. Appreciation is a wonderful commodity that we can freely pass on to others. The recipient feels valued, even wanted. It overcomes hurts and fears; it energises fatigued bodies and inspires vigour for persevering in life.

The apostle Paul often wrote expressing his appreciation of others, however, I want to draw your attention to his letter to the believers in Philippi. In Philippians 1:3, Paul starts “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you”. As we remember others, particularly fellow believers, as we think of them during the activities of the day, our response should automatically be one of thanks to God. Thanks for the Lord’s work in their lives, and thanks for the Lord intersecting your life with theirs . Like Paul, we should be thankful for others who also love Christ “with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel” (Philippians 1:4-5). Mutual faith in Christ and His gospel enables us to identify and express joyful thanks for others who also share eternal life.

Paul’s appreciation was heightened by His certainty in Gods undeterred, life changing ministry in others. He could confidently say; “I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Likewise, our appreciation is a double barrel, first it’s admiration for God’s determinate work of irresistible grace. Second, it’s an expression of our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are joyed by the absolute certainty of the salvation and security our loved friends have in Christ as Lord.

Writing from prison, Paul  could say; “It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel” (Philippians 1:7). So, like Paul, we focus on God’s grace which is working out His mercy in each other’s lives. We celebrate the Lord’s love expressing itself in our fellow believers. We rejoice in the Holy Spirit’s determined ministry bringing fellow saints to maturity in Christ. We acknowledge our partnership in each other’s lives, supporting others through difficulties, pains, unjust circumstances, as well as through the times of ease and comfort. We willingly uphold each other during times of defending the gospel and sound doctrine. We unit with these ones, celebrating the victories and accomplishments of Christ in their lives.

Realising the close association of fellowship in Christ, Paul continues explaining that; “God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:8). Thankful appreciation develops a genuine yearning, a longing after, for not only fellowship with, but for the riches of Christ Jesus to be settled in the hearts and minds of those you love.  No wonder Paul prayed; “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11).

Today, I encourage you to thankfully praise God, particularly for those in your life who love Jesus Christ. Communicate your appreciation to those loved ones. Our Heavenly Father will be glorified, Jesus Christ will be pleased, and the Holy Spirit will be honoured as He accomplishes His work in and through you.

I wish to encourage you to enjoy the friendship of Christ. While it’s true that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son” (John 3:16), and that the Lord “is patient …not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9), this does not mean that friendship exists between God and the unbelieving world. Friendship with God is more than pleasant emotions or sentiments; it’s more than believing that God exists and that He leaves you alone to do whatever you want. James explains the relationship between the world and God; “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). Passive association with God while remaining loyal to the world and participating in its sinful values and lifestyle, is not friendship with God.

The important issue is, “does God think of me as His friend”?

The Psalmist understood that, “The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him” (Psalms 25:14). Jesus built upon this by teaching His disciples, “You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14).

Jesus, being creator God (Hebrews 1:10), was entitled to call His disciples slaves. Yet, He opens His heart to these ordinary men by identifying them as His friends. He reminds them that they “did not choose” Him, but He chose them (John 15:16), and that “already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you” (John 15:3). “No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). Only hours before His crucifixion, Jesus defines the nature of His relationship with His disciples; “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love” (John 15:9). “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

The friendship of God that we enter into through faith in Jesus Christ is cleansing because of His Word, its secure because of His trustworthy sovereignty, it’s intimate because the Father’s love for His Son is passed on to us. The friendship of Jesus Christ is initiated by Him, it’s made possible through Him laying down His life on the cross of Calvary for our redemption (Colossians 1:4). We rejoice because Christ “became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31). In this unimaginable friendship, Jesus says, you “abide in me, and I in you” (John 15:4).

Indeed, we are privileged beyond human imagination, expectation, or design. Therefore, we boast of Christ! He has  achieved everything we could not. He maintains everything we cannot. He determines everything we are powerless to control. He strengthens and secures everything we weaken. He establishes everything we have yet to experience. He manifests the Father’s love in us even while we struggle with our unloveliness, vulnerabilities, and failings.  He also assures us with the certain hope of eternal life in His presence. Yes, we richly abide in Christ.

I encourage you to allow the Holy Spirit to envelope your soul with the joy of this divine friendship. Praise the Lord continuously today because of the breath-taking beauties of this heavenly friendship. Find someone you can uplift with the wonder and grace of this merciful friendship. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13).