Why The Incarnation?

As I walked up the footpath through knee-deep snow, bent into the icy wind of a subzero blizzard, I saw our excited young children at the window, waiting for my return home from the church study. Opening the parsonage door, I was overwhelmed by their excitement about the snow and their plans to build a snow man. Before I could close out the wind and snow, a tiny snow bird, nestling for shelter in the corner of the eaves, was swept inside by a gust of snow-laden wind. The excitement of the children was immediately refocused upon the plight of this small bird, as it flew frantically from corner to corner of our lounge room, desperately seeking an escape from his strange, new threatening environment, inhabited by, what must have appeared to it to be, a horde of screaming monsters.
I opened the door again, hoping the tiny bird's fluttering wings would guide it back to its natural habitat. By this time our frantic  feathery friend was obviously near exhaustion, and we joined our children in an effort to shepherd it through the door leading to safety and salvation.
All real life stories cannot have a happy ending, and for our children in particular, this one ended in trauma and tragedy. In one last effort to escape, the poor little bird flew into the opening  above our large open fireplace, filled with burning logs.

As they were being tucked into their beds that night and we  faced the task of comforting them and reassuring them of God's love for all His creatures, a bit of illumination seemed to come from the very heart of God.  I said to them, "Didn't we do all we could to help the little bird? Didn't we try to show it the way out; to the place it would be safe and happy again? But it just couldn't understand us. We just couldn't tell it we meant no harm. We were so much larger and so beyond its little world, that it was only frightened of us."
Then I asked, "How could we have told the little bird we cared for it?, How could we have told it we only wanted to save it?" Their eager little faces immediately lighted up with understanding as they vied for recognition to answer.  "Yes," they agreed. "If we could have only become little birds and talked bird talk for a moment, we could have told it we cared and could have saved it!"
What a blessing was ours as we shared once more the old, old story of Jesus and His love, beginning with the incarnation of God in the flesh of man. Focusing upon the absolute necessity for God to come and walk as we walk, talk as we talk, feel as we feel, and become truly God in the flesh of man, in order to communicate to us the great love of God; that He might show us the way of escape from the awful fiery judgment for sin and give us His eternal love, life and salvation in Jesus Christ His Son!

Some Reasons To Thank God

In Australia we do not have a national Thanksgiving Day. We do not have a day set aside especially for giving thanks and praise to God for His blessings upon our nation. Of course, this does not mean that the people of God in our land do not have as much to be thankful for as others who have a national day of thanksgiving. Nor does it mean we should not pause at every opportunity and especially give thanks to our great God for His bounteous blessings upon our great land.

We should thank God for His gracious protection. Sometimes we are like Elisha’s servant and are blinded to the reality and dimensions of the great blessing of His gracious protection. In order to really see it we need to understand the vindictive war Satan’s wishes to wage against us. He would like to see the terrorists succeed in their quest to obtain and explode WMD’s in large cities and population centres of our world. He would like to see epidemics of aids, bubonic plaque, small pox, anthrax and other more deadly exotic diseases, sweep planet earth and especially hurt and destroy the people of God. Since he is the god of this world and we wrestle against his principalities and powers and rulers of darkness in high places, why does this not happen?

When we consider Job’s experience we could ask in a more personal and practical sense, “Why didn’t Satan destroy you, your loved ones and your home last night, since he would obviously like to do so?The psalmist gives us the only viable and believable answer, “Bless the Lord O my soul who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth the life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies . .” (Psalm 103:3-4) And again, “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” (Psalm 34:7)

Just think for a moment about the times injury or death has perhaps brushed you by. Most of us can remember times when a split second made the difference between destruction and survival. I

can name a few, but I am sure there are many more that only God knows about. Perhaps when we get to heaven we will be blessed to have a “video replay” of the times the Lord’s hand has been upon us, protecting us from disaster and giving us a new lease on life on earth. “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Heb. 1:14)

When we thank God for His gracious protection we should always remember the blessings of good health. Why are we not overcome with disease and illness every day of our life? It is because He neutralizes and negates the effect of sin upon our environment and our body and graciously gives us good health. “He heals all our diseases.” Do we have to meet a man with a white cane and seeing eye dog before we can truly thank God for our eyes and good sight? Do we need to see a paralytic in a wheel chair before we can thank God for the use of our lower limbs?

Do we need to hear the awful wail of an ambulance before we can thank God for daily giving us travelling grace? Do we need to visit the intensive care ward in a hospital before we can thank God for the health to live an abundant life? Do we need to see a hearse go rolling by before we can thank God for sparing our loved ones that we might enjoy their companionship for one more day? I have been asked a number of times, “Do you believe in divine healing?” I always reply, “Yes, all healing is divine!”

We should thank God for His gracious providence. This means we should daily gratefully recognize and acknowledge the operation of the central truth of Christian existence in our lives, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.” (Ro. 8:28)   

Facing The Future Without Fear

We live in terrible times. The threat of cruel barbaric terrorism pervades the atmosphere at home and abroad. Hardly a day passes without hearing news of another unimaginable atrocity perpetrated upon innocent women and children. It seems there is no depths of depravity those who are the adversaries of freedom and truth will not plumb in order to bring terror and fear to those who advocate and advance the principles of a Judeo-Christian civilization.

They make it clear they hate us for being us. They tell us in no uncertain terms we do not deserve to live on the same planet with them. They say ultimately we must convert to their religion or die at the point of a sword. It seems they would prefer the latter fate.

We seem to be given the options of dying on our feet resisting their tyrannical brutality or living on our knees in slavish subjection to an extreme and perverted form of a religion. The make no secret of their ultimate goal. They seek to impose their barbaric, uncivilized code upon all the world.

Is there any hope? Surely God will answer the prayers of those who will stand for righteousness in the land and in the world and grant the continuing freedom we need to live and serve Him. Surely we are still privileged to pray for such a victory in our time. Surely we can use the weapons of spiritual warfare He has given us to face our fears of the forces arrayed against us and forge ahead into a future of real freedom in Christ Jesus!

In Christ we can always be optimistic about the future. We can be sure the sun will rise tomorrow and the future will come, if Jesus does not come in the meantime, and then that will be our future!

Tomorrow may bring its own share of troubles and trials, but it will bring along with those the overruling providence of our great God. The words of our Saviour assure us of this, "... In the world ye shall have tribulations: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Our Saviour is saying the obvious, if we will just stop and consider it. Each day has enough burdens and blessings of its own.

God only gives us grace and strength to live one day at a time. That's all we really need. Tomorrow's problems and challenges can be dealt with by His grace if and when tomorrow comes. Prudent planning and provision for tomorrow is wise, but undue worry about tomorrow is foolish and futile and fails to face the future with faith that the God of today is also the God of tomorrow.

The scriptures tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and that God's mercies are new each morning. When we are too fretful and fearful about tomorrow, we often rob ourselves of the peace, joy and victory God would give us today. Even today it is as the weeping prophet said, "It is of the Lord’s mercy that we are not consumed, because His compassions fails not, they are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

. Our outlook about the future should be reflected in the words of the Psalmist, "This [is] the day [which] the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)

Christians And Political Responsibility

A few years ago a pastor acquaintance sincerely asked me, “Do you not think that Christians, and pastors in particular, should avoid becoming involved in political issues? Would it not be better if they spent their time with spiritual concerns and winning souls? After all, we know that we are in the last days and things will wax worse and worse. We cannot do anything to change matters.” This was a rather pointed question: especially since my friend knew that I had a rather long history of what some might term political militancy and activism. My first response was that I believed the Bible to teach the imminent return of Christ. Paul and the apostles and people in the early churches and in churches in every age since had the same belief. But this did not deter them from opposing evil and promoting good in every area of life; as they turned the world upside down by their witnessing for Christ.

My next thought, although I did not express it bluntly, was, “Why not live the life of Christ, be an active and effective witness as well as a responsible and active Christian citizen in the community and nation in which one lives?” This might have been an especially apt response since I was aware that the same pastor held that door to door soul winning was a futile endeavor in Australia and therefore did not practice it. At the time, I was spending at least forty hours a week constructing a new church building, preparing and preaching three messages a week, knocking on a number of doors each week and sharing Christ, as well as being involved with other Christians in a successful effort to stop the establishment of the first “sex shop” on the Gold Coast. An effort that succeeded for a considerable time.

What did Jesus really mean when He said that we should render unto Caesar that which belongs to Caesar? What did Paul and Peter mean when they asserted we should recognize the role of government and be submissive to the laws of the land? It would be difficult to read such verses in their context and cultural setting without conceding that Christians do have the responsibility to support and pray for good government and even work toward that end.

But what about Christians and contemporary politics as practiced in the real democratic nations of our world today? Do we have a responsibility to work within the framework of democratic processes to achieve and support good government?

But this raises an interesting and vital question, “Should Christians be involved in politics?” This is an often asked and emotive question, obviously designed to illicit a strong response. Do we as Christians have the right and even the duty to be involved in such mundane and worldly matters? The world and many sincere Christians seem to feel we do not. But this is the wrong question. The real question should be phrased something like this, “Can a Christian refuse to become involved in the battle for good government and the establishment of righteousness in the land?” We do not know when the Lord may come back. It could be in the generation of our grandchildren or their children’s children. Do we not have the responsibility to work as Christian citizens to bequeath them a heritage of the freedom of speech and religion that we enjoy today? That they might live peaceably among all men and freely proclaim the gospel of Christ to their generation?

Has God called us to merely gather in holy huddles and sit around introspectively, as navel inspectors, venturing forth only to occasionally proclaim the gospel? Surely Christ had more than this in mind when He said we are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Are we not our neighbors keepers in more than the mere mundane matter of providing a helping hand when needed? Is it not more important to try to protect our culture from the moral pollution and decay that is so rampant and destructive? Rather than being overly concerned about the real or imagined physical pollution of our day?

We only need to make a cursory survey of the Bible to discover those such as Daniel, Joseph and Esther. They served God with their whole hearts and beings, never compromising their faith or changing their convictions. But where did they serve Him? In the corridors of power and the cabinet rooms of the most powerful pagan governments of their day. Through them God blessed His people and the nations in which they dwelt. Perhaps we will never have the privilege or opportunity to serve in the corridors of power in our day, but we do have a voice and a vote that should count for God and country. 

“If the foundations be destroyed, what shall the righteous do?” Psalm 11:3

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Prov. 14:34

“Godless men should not rule, nor be snares of the people.” Job 34:30

“When the righteous become great, the people rejoice, when wicked men rule,

people groan.” Prov. 29:2

Love Is The Principle Thing

You can read the full sermon on this topic by using the Sermon Selection tab on the Home page of this site.

Mark 12:29-34

What is the strongest power in the universe? Is it nuclear fission or fusion? It is said that if man could fully unlock the power of controlled nuclear fusion, the power of the sun, he would have unlimited power to probe the uttermost recesses of the galaxy in which we live. Couple this with a viable superconductor and a second industrial and technological revolution of unimaginable dimensions would be possible. A cup of water could then provide the basic energy source to power a great city for a considerable period of time. We can only speculate on the ultimate impact of such power.

Yet there already exists greater motive power than this. Paul spoke of it when he spoke of the power of the gospel; which is based upon the love of God. What is really the greatest power in the universe? The power of love. In this time of terrorist threats, economic turmoil, political upheaval and social breakdown, what is the most powerful force that could be brought to bear to right the wrongs that exist in this world? An old song says it all. "What the world needs now is love." Not the mushy sentimental sort written about in the romantic ballads of bygone days. Nor the erotic, sensual, sexually exploitative sort of so-called love that permeates so much of today's world of entertainment. An emotion that could more accurately be defined and characterized as lust rather than love. But what the world needs now is the love that has it source in God. What the New Testament terms agape love. A Godlike love.

Are You Right, Mate?

This casual cliche, with all its common connotations, is as characteristically Australian as meat pies and Holden cars. And the expected response is often altogether too predictable, no matter how critical the real situation might be. Because sometimes things are just not right at all. We all too often have real hurt and pain. But we pass as ships in the night,  without meaningful contact or communication. We seem determined to fly as a facade the flag of self-sufficiency. And so we plot our course. posing as confident captains of our own ships and masters of our own fate, until our bravado and false pride finds us floundering on the rocks and reefs of some personal calamity.
The terrible trouble of such personal isolation seems to be the price we pay for the privilege of living in cur hurry and worry world. And this is bad enough. But the greatest tragedy of all lies in the common response today to the question, "Are you right mate? Right with God?"
The Creator of our universe and the coming Judge of all mankind insists that we come to grips with this all Important question in the here and now or we will surely suffer eternal shipwreck in the there and then. It will not suffice to ignore, delay or make excuse. Well may one tell a concerned Christian to, "Mind his own religion," but such a response to the King of this universe is not only daft, but dangerous.
God has given us one prime responsibility during our brief existence here on earth. The prophet Amos placed it plainly and pointedly when he said, "Prepare to meet your God..." (Amos 4:12) Since our time is in His hand and this is the day that He has made, we only have the time Cod chooses in His grace to give us in which to find His answer to this vital question.
But how does one make sure of a right relationship with God? First, we must face the fact of our position. The Bible teaches that God is Holy and that man is not. Al! men are sinners. (Romans 3:23) And the ultimate end of our sinful conduct will be eternal  separation from God, unless some effective intervention occurs. (Romans 6:23)
Next, we must realize that all our efforts to bridge the chasm separating us from our Creator are vain and futile. Our natural tendency is to trust our own abilities, righteousness and the work of our own hands. So some are christened, confirmed, baptized or join a church;  all the while unwilling to admit their obvious dismal failure in living uprightly and keeping the golden rule. From the outset all such efforts are doomed because God says there is none righteous, no not one and that all our pretended righteousness are as filthy rags when compared to the holiness and righteousness of His Son, Jesus Christ (Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:10) After all if we could, through our own energy and effort, make ourselves right with God, why did Jesus die on a cruel cross to pay our sin debt? Peter said Christ suffered once for our sins, the perfect one for the imperfect one, so He could bring us to God.
Just how then can one be right with God? If we can only stand in the Holy presence of a Holy God if we are without sin, how can we acquire such perfect righteousness? Paul had the answer and the Holy Spirit of God Inspired him to share it with us In the Bible. He said, "God has made Jesus to be sin for us, He who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Cor. 5:21) "Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ"  ( Romans 5:1)  Then he said, "If you believe  your heart in the Lord Jesus Christ you shall be saved...for whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:9 &13))
Are you sure you are right with God? You can be.  How?  Simply repent of your sin, place your absolute faith and trust in Jesus Christ as your sin sacrifice, call upon His Name, ask Him into your heart to be your personal Saviour and receive His gift of everlasting life.

Counterfeit Charlatans or Changed Christians?

What is a real Christian? I mean the real McCoy? The genuine article? What we Aussies would refer to as fair dinkum and dinky di; without sham, shabby pretense or hypocrisy? The sort you could stake your reputation or life upon? The kind who may still be found standing for Christ when all around are falling? I'm sure we've all heard the old stories and clichés that deal with the dilemma of the identification and determination of a real Christian. Such as the little boy who, after hearing a message outlining the qualities of a real Christian, asked his father if he had ever really seen a Christian. The world around is still asking that question of us every day. Much of the world is still waiting to see one. Oh, we have plenty of the counterfeit kind; even though they may be a bit difficult to detect right away. You can submit a counterfeit coin to a bite, bounce or other test, and ultimately determine its true character. You can analyze the color, patterns and paper quality of a counterfeit note and identify most fakes immediately. When I was a practicing analytical chemist we used scientific methodology to correctly identify any substance or compound coming into our laboratory. We could break it down chemically into its molecular parts and determine its true nature.

Our Savior left us the information and methodology for accurately analyzing Christian character as well. He said, "Every tree is known by its fruit.." He also said, "A good (or saved) man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good." This is the acid test. Even the world knows that characteristics such as love, joy, peace, patience, honesty and integrity are identifying fruits of the Spirit. We can be sure they are watching the growth and production of those who claim to be Christian trees. We are surrounded on all sides by spiritual fruit inspectors and should always be mindful that our Savior said, "By this (love) shall all men know that you are my disciples."

There is a story of the little boy who was watching his pastor driving nails on a church building project. The pastor said, "Son, are you hoping to learn to drive a nail properly so you can be a carpenter when you grow up?" "No," the small lad replied, "I'm waiting to see what a preacher says when he smashes his finger!" The world is also awaiting our reaction in the crucible of crisis. Our confirmation in word and deed of the validity of our faith. They are watching to see if our profession matches our possession.

The Tried And The True

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the rapid and ceaseless change going on around you? Is change for the sake of change necessarily a good thing? Have all the new gadgets spelled success and happiness for members of modern day communities? As we see the cracking of the moral foundations of our society, the functional breakdown of our traditional institutions and the tearing apart of the very fabric of our culture, we are made to wonder if the much heralded blessings of change have become curses rather than blessings.

Many recognize that in the midst of the changes designed to attract the attention and procure the patronage of a materialistic consumer society, it is necessary to test, try and prove new products, processes and procedures to determine if they are really beneficial or worthwhile. This is true simply in the sense of getting value for money. If we are going to spend hard-earned money we do not wish to squander it on inferior products of little reputation or worth. For this reason, many of us usually go for the tried and true; especially after we have suffered a few so-called bargains.

If we are to be cautious about change in our secular life, we should be doubly so in spiritual matters. It is not just new methodology we must examine to determine it’s efficiency, effectiveness and efficacy, but organizations and movements, obviously based upon principles of compromise, are vying for the attention and support of those who once were known as fundamental, Bible-believing Christians.

I tend to want to stick to the tried and true, especially in matters of eternal significance. As the old saying goes, "Give me that old time religion." If it was good enough for Paul and Silas  and our forefathers in the faith, it is good enough for me. If I am going to spend my time and energy contending for a faith, I want it to be the faith of our fathers as it was once delivered to the saints. If I am going to pay the price of real committal, I want to purchase the approval of God, not the praise of men. If I am going to preach a gospel, I want to ensure I only proclaim the powerful gospel of Christ.

As we examine the proliferation of what might be termed bargain basement type religions, and listen to the extravagant claims that press in upon us from all sides, we must make every effort to examine the validity of their claims and the Biblical basis of their boasting. But how are we to know? In what crucible can we analyze them?  In what test tube can we test them? In considering the myriad of claims being made today, just what tests will assure us we have the right stuff?

Just one test will suffice. The very Word of God is the only sufficient rule of faith and practice. Only the sharp and powerful Sword of the Spirit has the capacity to dissect and analyze every claim and counterclaim and ascertain scriptural validity. Our standard must  always be the grand  old Book of the grand  old faith!

One hears much talk today advocating that many things in doctrine, methodology and music are just matters of preference. Those who seemingly worship at the altar of change, for the sake of change, seem to have few convictions about the primacy of the Word of God or the need to have scripture, scriptural precedence or principles as a basis of our faith and practice. Anything seems to go as long as it may appear to be attractive to the secular world and draw the crowds to be entertained in a so-called praise and worship setting. It should not be so among those who love the Lord and the Word of God! 

Jesus Is Coming Again!

Jesus is coming again! Just as surely as the members of that first church saw the resurrected Christ ascend into the heavens in the company of two heavenly escorts, we can have confidence in the validity of His promise to return. One of His last promises given to reassure His followers on the night preceding His crucifixion was, "I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go, I WILL COME AGAIN, to receive unto myself, that where I am, there you may be also." His very last Words on the subject are found in the last chapter of the last book of the Bible. The fact of His second coming seems so important that He repeated his promise three times. "Behold I come quickly: blessed is he that keepth the sayings of the prophecy of this book." (Rev. 22:7) "Behold I come quickly and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." (Verse 12) "He that testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." (Verse 20)

Is Jesus coming again? I believe so. People are thinking about the end of the world today more than ever before. Many books are being written about matters of the end time. Popular secular movies focus on apocalyptic events. New Age gurus with Messiah complexes mix a little fact with a lot of fancy to manipulate followers to participate in terrible, tragic and futile acts. Every earthquake, natural disaster, shocking crime, political or military disaster, mass famine, threat of world-wide disease or plague; reminds us of the signs of the end times so clearly outlined by our Saviour. But even so, it seems His coming will surprise the world. Jesus said that no man knows the time of His coming. He will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. He said, "At an hour when you think not, even so, shall the Son of Man come." I believe His return is imminent. The prophetic clock of God's eternal time table is ticking. No angel or demon can hinder or stop it's progress. Man has a date with destiny. God's eternal purpose will be consummated. No mortal man, priest or potentate, rich or poor, popular or powerful, can stop the ticking of God's prophetic clock. Every grain of sand trickling through the hour glass of time brings us closer to the climatic events predicted in the Word of God.

A Faithful Father To Follow

Since Fathers Day brings a focus upon fatherhood, perhaps it would be good to ask ourselves how do we view fathers? Some of us must look back over many years in order to remember the father of our childhood. Some would perhaps view fathers as stern disciplinarians, standing with the rod of correction in their hands ready to pounce and punish the slightest step off the straight and narrow way. Others might view fathers as the number frequently missing from the family equation. The one who, because of the struggle to make ends meet for the family, seemed to rarely be with the family. Others may view fathers as the money milk cow. The one to whom one would go when finances run low. Much as the father who received an email from his son who was away at university. The message was short and simple: "No mon, no fun, your son." His reply was just as straight and succinct" "Too bad, so sad, your Dad." I had rather remember fathers like I remember my father. Faithfully leading his family to the house of God and showing his children the way of God and going on to be with God and await them there. This most important thing is to view fathers and fatherhood the way God shows us in His Word.

The Power And Influence Of Music

In the mid-sixties I read a truly disturbing book by Dr. David Noebel, a noted anti-communist author of the day. The title of the book, “Rhythm, Riots, and Revolution,” indicates its thesis and the evidence presented by the author to sustain his assertions.

During the sixties and seventies the author went on to write other books on this theme such as: “The Marxist Minstrels: A Handbook on Communist Subversion of Music,” An Analysis of the Communist Use of Music, The Communist Master Music Plan.” Evidence used to confirm his thesis included speeches and statements by well known Soviet leaders as well as international Communist and/or Marxist revolutionaries.

Having read his books all those years ago, I have lived to see many of Dr. Noebel’s predictions fulfilled. The master plan has been to undermine the Judeo-Christian moral foundations of Western Civilization through the use of music; rock (and rap) music in particular. Even today, when I hear the heavy jarring beat of rock music and the vulgar profanity of rap performers blaring from shops as I walk through large shopping malls, I am reminded of Dr. Noebel’s timely and timeless warning. When I consider the state of our Western cultures, the true evil nature of the master plan is clearly apparent.

Underlying all this is the Marxist/Socialist concept that in order to “build the revolution” the existing social, moral and political structures of a nation must first be torn down. Modern day communist revolutionary Saul Alinsky’s handbook, Rules for Radicals, which a former president of my native country has praised, makes this process absolutely clear. Is it not significant that the former communist nation of Russia has much stricter laws and attitudes relating to homosexuality and rock music than do Western nations today?

One of the saddest aspects of this is the infiltration of ungodly music into churches today. My heart has been broken to witness this infiltration into once sound Baptist Churches; even to the extent of having “concerts” with strobe lights and mosh pits etc.

There are those who sincerely feel that the CCM music is harmless as well as helpful. When I questioned someone recently who was “jiving” to a heavy beat so-called Christian rock song I was told, “But there is nothing wrong with the words!” Perhaps so, but I could hardly make a judgement since I could not understand much of the repetitive jibberish being spouted by the so-called performer.

A Life Of Praise

I sometimes ask myself if true praise should not be expressed more sincerely and frequently in our daily lives. In our cynical, cold, crass and critical word, could it be that we have lost the true art of praise and worship? So many times it seems so difficult for the people of God to come together and worship and praise Him just for worship's sake. For that matter, it seems nearly impossible to persuade His people not to forsake the assembling of themselves together in these last days.

Oh yes. We too can still mouth the proper words, but some attempts at true worship and praise seem to be increasingly elusive, empty and void. Other attempts seem to have become more crass entertainment than reverent and respectful worship. Could it be because we have forgotten our real purpose in life? The very essence and rationale for our continued existence? Have we forgotten and abandoned the principle voiced by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "Even everyone that is called by My name: for I have created him for My glory.” Have we forgotten that we are created for the praise and glory of God day by day? Some of our ancestors said it like this, "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."

If this is the case, then the Christian's life should be one long never ending song of praise to God. Whatever he does or wherever he goes and in whatever circumstance he finds himself, he is to praise God with his life and being. Just what part of our life should be praise? A small part? A significant part? A large part? No! Praise is to be our life. In the praise life, there is no room for carping, complaining or criticism. Any expressed dissatisfaction with the life God has given us is an indictment of God's provision for us. In whatever state we are in we are to be content. In everything we are to give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us. An unknown author grandly caught the attitude and philosophy of the life of praise with the following versem:

The Divine Weaver

My life is but a weaving, Between my Lord and me;

I cannot choose the colors, He worketh steadily.

Oft times He weaveth sorrow, And I in foolish pride,

Forget that He seeth the upper, and I the under side.

Not till the loom is silent. And the shuttles cease to fly,

Shall God unroll the canvass, And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful, In the Weaver's skilful hand,

As the threads of gold and silver, In the pattern He has planned.

- Author Unknown

Why Preach The Gospel?

Why preach the gospel? For those in the fellowship of the saints in a Bible-believing and Bible-preaching church, this question might seem overly simplistic or simply redundant. But even in Paul's day there were those who had already strayed from the basic task given to His churches of preaching the gospel. Paul wrote to the church at Galatia about this problem.

Our world is daily bombarded with a variety of gospels. Some preach a social gospel. A gospel that is focused upon the social ills of our culture. This gospel is based upon the false concept that life in the here and now is what really matters. After all, they contend, those who believe in hell, judgment and life beyond the grave, are just wistful dreamers looking for the panacea of pie in the sky by and by.

Others preach a revolutionary gospel. A gospel that advocates violent change at the end of a gun barrel. This is an egalitarian gospel. Strangely equating real happiness with the concept of everyone possessing an equal amount of material goods, no matter how little each might have. During the cold war era much of the budget of ungodly ecumenical groups was expended in support of revolutionary movements in Central and South America, Africa and Asia. Movements dedicated to the violent overthrow of governments to achieve change. The fall of the Berlin wall made it obvious that this gospel just doesn't work. Those who might be puzzled by the position of the present pope on social issues, need look no further than his nurturing in the revolutionary gospel prevalent in Latin America in his earlier days.

Some preach a gospel of humanism. This gospel begins with the false premise that man is innately good. That he has within him a tiny spark of divinity. A bit of judicious fanning will bring out the divine. The spark will then flame into a roaring collective fire that will ultimately bring about a materialistic utopia on the earth. It doesn't take an academic or scholar to observe the practical failure of such a theory in our world today.

There are those who are more Biblically based who preach a good works gospel. A gospel of working one's way to heaven through the keeping of God's laws, observing rituals and liturgies and ultimately establishing their self-righteousness . Some of the most popular preaching today is focused upon yet another gospel. One might term this the feel good gospel. This gospel presents the basic proposition involved in the power of the positive. This gospel emphasizes the value of an individual. It proposes that if people can be given a positive self-image, then all will be well with them and the world. It ignores many of God's eternal moral absolutes such as, sin, repentance and all negatives. The power of this gospel is in positive thinking and positive preaching.

Why is the true gospel of real repentance and absolute faith not often preached in the power and boldness of God today? Perhaps there is fear of scorn and ridicule or loss of popularity. Such neglect only emphasizes the urgency we should attach to the preaching of the true gospel.

God Or Caesar

In the battle between our Judeo-Christian culture and secular humanism the lines of battle are clearly drawn and the issues of freedom are crystal clear. But it does not seem many Christians are aware of the ramifications of this ongoing struggle.   Just what are the Biblical parameters that should govern and guide godly Christian behavior in our contemporary culture? Just how do we apply general Biblical principles and particular precedents to the specifics of our daily dilemmas? Just where do we draw that fine line of distinction between obeying God and/or Caesar? Has the distinction between legitimate laws, legislative tyranny and bureaucratic authoritarianism been so blurred and obscured that good and brave men hesitate, vacillate, and sincerely mistake compromising collusion for commendable cooperation and craven cringing for cautious courage?

What does the example of such great men as Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego say to us in our circumstance  today? Is their unwavering obedience to a prior claim of the law of God and their subsequent refusal to obey the law of their land to be equated at all to the prior claim of the law of God today that we rear and educate our children in the way of God and protect them in the battle for their minds from the evils of secular humanists? Does our commission and imperative to promulgate God's Word, especially in our families and Churches, encompass the concept that our children belong to us rather than the state?   To God rather than to Caesar?   There are those in places of power today who seem to sincerely believe that Caesar has the prior claim!

Can we justify refusal to obey unjust and tyrannical laws and unjust bureaucratic degrees, standing on the same ground Peter and John occupied when they defied authority and cried, "It`is better to obey God than man," when they were denied the right and freedom to proclaim and teach the. Word of God?  Or does the mere fact that a law has been duly passed by a Parliament or promulgated by a bureaucrat make it sacred and sacrosanct and deny Christians the right of legal and orderly challenge lest they be accused of refusal to submit to ordained authority? In the dichotomy of God versus Caesar today, how do we render unto both their lawful and scriptural due?

Although specific answers would be as difficult and varied as the circumstances demanding  a response, it is obvious that the concerned and committed Christian citizen must re-examine his orientation and motives and do his utmost to ensure he responds as his fathers in the faith have responded throughout the ages.   Christian citizens must not be intimidated by governmental authority or authorities.

Surely even in our politically correct, post-modern culture  today there are certain things over which the state is not absolutely sovereign. There must be certain circumstances that not only justify, but demand,  a Christian citizen's resistance of tyrannical laws and regulations. There must be a time when we must rise up and cry out, "Enough!" This much we know, Caesar is not sovereign over God, His Church, His Gospel, or the spiritual life and ministry of His people. Caesar is not sovereign over the Christian's family or Christian parents as they seek to rear their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Happiness Is

We Americans take our guarantee of the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness rather seriously. Our founding fathers, in graphic language, wrote the guarantee on paper and successive generations have attempted to prove the validity over and over again. The din and confusion and hustle and bustle of their relentless pursuit of that elusive mirage called happiness is an all consuming passion of our time. "Ever seeking, but never coming to," is an apt description of our society.

A song making the rounds these days 'Happiness Is..," is an amusing yet sad commentary on the paradox of our pleasure mad contemporary society. It seems the whole world is engaged in a frantic headlong chase of that deceptive phantom called happiness.

Life in our twentieth century is graphic reflection of this obsession with the trivial. A clown is hired to make us laugh and then a melodrama is viewed to make us cry,. A stimulant is taken to pep up the sagging torso and then a depressant to calm it down. A sleeping pill is swallowed to induce a blissful slumber and a beanie is gulped for a state of artificial alertness. As millions are spent on cancer study, tens of thousands daily and habitually commit suicide in defiance of all conclusive evidence and in the name of happiness. Rock and Roll, designed to tickle the savage foot patting instinct, ripples and rumbles over the air waves and then Beethoven is wafted along to soothe the savage breast.

Thousands ascend to the mountain to escape the savage heat as other thousands descend to the valley to escape the fierce cold. Whole population centers move to suburbia to elude the deafening den of the city and then build shopping malls all around themselves. A whole phalanx seek the cultural advantages of the suave metropolitan centers and yet plant gardens atop their penthouse patios to bring a bit of country to town. A host daily pack their bags and head out West, following Greely's advice, on the road they meet an equally disgruntled crowd heading East.

We are a nation on wheels. We demand more power plus economy, an insoluble problem the mechanical engineer claims to have solved, especially to the satisfaction of the automobile manufacturer. He says we can have our cake and eat it too. We dash down the street at breakneck speed only to come to a screeching, grinding halt to wait five minutes at a red light. The younger set takes the cue from the oldsters. They zip up and down roads in their hopped up, stripped down versions of mobile joy wagons, accelerating and decelerating in a mad frenzy and whirl until Mom and Pop hardly recognize them when they do drop by to replenish dwindling funds.

Happiness Is?? Perhaps to the old broken down mule that used to walk the circle of the old syrup mill it was the little enticing tidbit of corn tied to the end of the pole forever just out of reach .... that is if he could have ever reached it. Perhaps to the racing greyhound it is that mechanical rabbit that somehow always seems to just barely beat him to the wire ..... that is if he could ever catch it. Perhaps to a carnal man it is his endless fruitless, futile attempts to sate the desires of a fleshly appetite .... if he could ever satisfy them. But to the true Christian it is to, " Know that we Know HIM... " That's what HAPPINESS IS!"

Keeping On Keeping On

Luke 9:62 'And Jesus said unto him, no man, having placed his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

As a young lad I had the special experience of following a horse drawn plough as the land was being carefully prepared for planting and cultivation. There is hardly a thing that is more pleasant to my mind than those memories of long ago. In my mind's eye I can feel once more the pleasant coolness of the rich damp soil against my bare feet on a hot and humid afternoon. The earthy and pungent odor of new turned soil again fills the air around me.

In the quietness of my memory I can still hear the sound of the breaking plough ripping its way through the fallow ground, leaving in its wake a squirming trail of worms, grubs and insects, and the occasional nest of field mice struggling for survival. The sights and sounds of spring overwhelm me with a nostalgic yearning to set my hand firmly to the plough once more and yell out, "Giddap," to the team for just one more turn around the field!

But the memory of row upon row of shiny sod cleaved by the sharp plough also reminds me of sweating from sun to sun under the glare of a blazing hot sun. I can also feel the pain of muscles strained wrestling with a heavy turning plough. As the long afternoon of struggle wears on, I can feel once again a bone-weariness, giving way to an almost irresistible desire to lay aside my assigned task and make my way to the old swimming hole to frolic in its cold depths with the neighborhood boys.

It was in such a rural setting that I learned my first lessons of discipline. The discipline imposed by my desire to hear my parents say, "Well done!". The discipline required if I were ever to know the self-satisfying sight of a field well ploughed, planted, cultivated and harvested. What a great blessing parents impart to their children when they give them such a gift of a disciplined work ethic!

Jesus implies discipleship may be viewed as an expression of such discipline in the spiritual realm. The need for a serious and disciplined attitude and approach to the work of God has never been more apparent. It seems increasingly difficult to find people of God who are willing to carry His work on to an ultimate productive and fruitful conclusion. It seems many would much rather be frolicking with friends of the world in the cool pool of the pleasures of this world, than toiling as yoke fellows with Christ and fellow-laborers in the hot sun of the field of spiritual endeavor.

There is no doubt about the nature of our field of spiritual labor. Jesus commanded us to pray that the Lord would send laborers into the field of lost souls. We know what is involved in preparing the ground to plant the good seed. We know it is necessary to break up our fallow spiritual ground. We know a bit about the cultivation and watering often necessary to bring forth the harvest. We know we need to go forth with weeping, bearing the precious seed of the Word of God. We know the promise of the harvest to those who will really lift up their eyes to the possibilities involved in witnessing and soul winning. We know the law of sowing and reaping applies to the spiritual as well as the physical world and that our Lord has promised that we will joyfully reap in due season, if we faint not. If we would be His disciple, we but need to keep on keeping on for the glory of God!

What is Freedoms Price?

On this weekend as Americans   honour those who paid the supreme price for their freedoms, it is appropriate to remember that freedom never comes cheaply.

Perhaps we should remember some of the immortal words spoken by patriots on the subject.  One said,  “Give me liberty, or give me death”  Another said,  “The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.”  Someone else stated.  “It is better to die a free man on your feet, than to live as a slave on your knees.”  Mann said,  “No man escapes when freedom fails, the best men rot in filthy jails, and those who cried, ‘Appease! Appease!’ are killed by those they tried to please.”

I read a time back that over 200,000 Christian clergymen were killed for their faith in the former Soviet Union between 1917 and 1988. In addition,  tens of  millions of  simple Christians died  during this era  as well.  Let us never forget our forefathers who paid the ultimate  price that we might be free of such religious repression and persecution.  Let us also remember there is a continuing price to be paid in each generation if these precious freedoms purchased at such a high price are to be maintained and passed on.

But there is another sort of freedom that is even more precious and costly.  It is the freedom our Savior spoke of when He said,  “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free - If the Son makes you free, you are free indeed.”

The price of this freedom has already been paid.  It was purchased by the Father and Son at the most terrible cost.  The  ultimate sacrifice.

The spiritual freedom God offers to those who will repent and believe upon His Son is more than momentary and historical.  It is eternal. When we are born again of His Spirit and become new creatures in Christ Jesus, we are justified by faith.

We are saved from:

The penalty of sin

The power of sin

The presence of sin

We are given eternal freedom from sin. We are immediately saved from the penalty of sin. Daily we are being freed  from the power of sin in our lives.  When we are ushered into His presence eternally, we will be freed forever from the very presence of sin!

What does such spiritual liberty mean in a practical sense? God enjoined His Old Testament people to, “Proclaim liberty throughout the land.” Paul said to God’s New Testament people, “Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free...” And, “For brethren, ye have been called to liberty; only use not that liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”

Is There Not A Cause?

What is lacking in the world today is a real committal to a cause. People are without direction. Like ships without rudders, tossed to and fro upon the restless waves by every wind of teaching or philosophy. Apathy permeates every echelon of man’s mundane and material existence. Nothing appears worth living or dying for. The question that leapt to the lips of the shepherd boy, David, needs to once more echo among God’s people in our land and in every land upon God’s good earth. The shepherd boy who became the man after God’s own heart cried out, "Is there not a cause?" He then proceeded to do mighty battle in the power of God for the noble cause of the destruction of evil and the preservation of God’s chosen people.  

We seem to once again live in a day similar to the catastrophic day following the era of the Judges of Israel. Anarchy prevails and everyone is doing what is right in his own eyes. Which is normally what is wrong in the eyes of an eternally righteous Almighty God. All seek to be captains of their own souls, masters of their own fates, sailing their own ships and rowing their own canoes down the river of life, with no worthwhile spiritual destination or safe harbour in sight.  

Even Christians seem to be afflicted with the same deadly malady, as they allow this world and it’s god to establish their standards, select their priorities and set their agenda. The failure of Christians to fully commit to Christ and present themselves as living, dedicated sacrifices to His cause, has led to great confusion in the world. 

We are overwhelmed by the moral and ethical crisis threatening to destroy our nation and other nations with cultures previously called Christian. We are confused by the popular philosophies of secular humanism, relativism, situational ethics and post-modernism that have captured the hearts and minds of the masses. We are now seeing a deadly so-called emerging church movement  threatening even evangelical Christianity.  

We are puzzled by the prevailing promiscuity of our society. We are perplexed when the culture cries, "Assert your rights. If it feels good, do it!"

But God is calling for committal today. He is looking for those who will stand up, speak up and won’t be shut up, no matter how powerful the pressure or painful or embarrassing the world’s rejection. Those who will not cave in or succumb to the ridicule or scorn of their peers, the press or politicians. Those who will not be overly concerned about what the mainline or mainstream will think or say about them.  

Those who are more concerned about God’s approval than the acceptance and applause of all the world around them. Yes, God is seeking those who care more about the future of their family, than financial success or failure. Those whose principles are not for purchase at any price. Those who do not mind the world knowing who they are and where they stand. Those who will hold the line against accommodation and compromise whatever the cost. 

Those who take seriously the words of Christ who said, "No man can serve two masters." Because truly, as has been said, "Once to every man and nation, comes the moment to decide, in the strife "twixt truth and falsehood, for the good or evil side." 

Only as people are truly converted and accept the challenge of true discipleship and the calling to commit their life and living to Christ, will the tides of evil that threaten to inundate and overwhelm our world be effectively countered.

The The Greatest Honors List

Yesterday we celebrated the Queen's birthday as a national holiday in Australia.  On this day each year another group of leaders in Australian national and community life are named on the Queen's Honor List.   Of course, my name is always omitted. Very few names of we ordinary people will ever appear there, but have you ever thought about the greatest honor you have ever been given or could conceivably receive?
For the athlete it might be to be selected to represent his country at the Olympic Games. For the doctor it might be to be named to the College of Surgeons. For the barrister it might be selection to sit on the High Court. For the parent it might be to be named Father or Mother of the year. For simple folk it might be more mundane or simple things. I'll never forget the thrill I felt the first time my name was called to leave the end of the bench I was warming, and play football for my High School team.
But just what is the greatest honor possible for man? We Christians should have little doubt about the matter. The honor of being chosen in Christ Jesus as the eternal sons of the Eternal God far outweighs any attempt by mortal man to give recognition or honor to his fellow man. Accompanying this honor is the additional blessing of being chosen to serve the Sovereign King of the universe.
Did you ever think of just what it really means to be chosen to be a servant of God? The Word of God tells us we have been chosen to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ on planet earth. (II Cor. 5:17-21) This means we are chosen, in Christ's stead, to fully represent the eternal Kingdom of our God on earth.  What an honor!

God also tells us we have been chosen to be living love letters of God's love for man. (II Cor. 3:2-3) What an honor! Jesus Himself said He has chosen us to be his very special and personal witnesses. To give witness to His resurrection and saving power. (Acts 1:8-11) What an honor!
Isn't it wonderful that God has chosen such sinful vessels of mortal clay to bear about the glorious gospel of His Son? Perhaps it is the greatest display of God's marvelous and matchless grace that He chose sinners, saved by that grace, to proclaim the good news of the gospel of grace.
But some might say, what other choice did God have? His choice of saved sinners as His instruments of grace was absolutely necessary. Perhaps so, but I dare say those who say that may be limiting the omnipotence and omniscience of an infinite God. Could not the Sovereign Creator have chosen to paint his gospel in every sky or echo it from every hill in the language of every man, if that had been His eternal will? But instead He has chosen our feet to stand in Christ's stead, our hands to handle His Holy Word and our tongues to tell out His glorious good news! What an honor! Praise be unto our great God!  What an Honor!

The Greatest Marvel Of All

The marvels of the electronic and computer age constantly amaze me. All the talk of the radical changes taking place in the transmission and use of information sometimes could be a bit intimidating to one who can recall the wonder and thrill of the early eras of radio and television. But I am sure some might be surprised that some sixty-five or so years ago I routinely sat at a desk and chatted via a keyboard with other airmen halfway around the world.

Even though I have watched the development of all the wondrous gadgets that bridge these  eras and sometimes might have to ask my son or a grandson to help me along the way, I have never ceased to be impressed.

One area of fascination has been the development and proliferation of radar, satellites, gps and other electronic navigational devices. Man is now able to pinpoint his position to within a few millimetres in a vast sea or in the vastness of space. He can fly giant aircraft automatically with absolute accuracy. (But sometimes seems unable to locate one that has been obviously flown into a disaster.)

He can fly an armed missile through a window from a ship hundreds of miles away. He can send a moon rocket through a window of opportunity with the same accuracy required to hit a fast flying bee with a bullet at a thousand meters.

During the Korean conflict I was involved in military communications. On occasion I worked with those who used what would now be viewed as very primitive Ground- Control Equipment to guide crippled or air medical evacuation planes loaded with wounded to a safe landing. The key to it all was being able to electronically penetrate the thickest cloud or fog and plot a path of safety through the storm.

I will never forget the tenseness of the moment of truth when a plane broke through a very low ceiling and made a safe touch down. Even harder to forget are the few that did not make it. Good guidance was essential and the gratitude expressed by those who received it was really appreciated by those who went through the agony of having the lives of others absolutely dependent upon their ability to accurately use primitive guidance equipment.

All of this has often made me think of the greatest  guidance marvel of all. The infallible ability of the Holy Spirit to guide God's people through the troubles and storms of life. His all seeing eye is in every place beholding both the good and evil. He knows the end from the beginning and all that lies in between. His ability to assure a safe landing and good conclusion has no parallel. There is no cloud of trouble or fog of despair too heavy or storm of life too severe for our paraklete. He is able to work all things together for the good of those who love the Lord.

It is marvelous, but true, that our Lord knows the way in the wilderness of this world and all we have to do is follow! We can be sure He will land us safely on the other side!

A Prepared Place For A Prepared People

The hope of a home in heaven has always been central to the Christian message.  But to the child of God,  it is more than a hope  It is life's greatest certainty.   But, after all,  when all is said and done, it is as the apostle Paul said,  "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."

When people think of  heaven, a number of questions naturally arise.   Is it a real place?   Or is it, as some assert, merely a figment of a fertile imagination.  Has man, in facing his obvious fragile existence and mortality,  merely conjured the concept up to fulfil his wistful longing for immortality?   Or could it be, as some insist, just pie in the sky by and by, used as a tool of manipulation by religionists in order to deceive the gullible masses?   Is such a  longing and seeking just another expression of  Lenin's discredited thesis that "religion is the opiate of the people"?   Is it, as some sceptics say,  that if God and heaven did not exist, man of necessity would invent them?   Even sincere seekers for truth may understandably ask:   "How can we ever know for sure there is a  heaven for believers and a  hell for Christ rejecters?"

If  it is all just pie in the sky,  please don't tell me!    I am as convinced of the reality of heaven as I am  of the reality of a Creator God! Paul said that those who seek Him by faith can come to Him and He will reward those who diligently seek Him.  I have sought and found God by faith in Jesus Christ and have become a child of the King;  a joint-heir with Christ of all the glories of heaven and eternity!  I can say with John, by faith, "Now I am a son of God.  I do not know  what I shall be, but I know when He shall appear, I shall be like Him for I shall see Him as He is!"

We who know Him by faith know that heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.  Enoch is an example of such a person.  He walked with God and was no more.  Someone has proposed a beautiful scenario.  Enoch and God walked together daily.   As the quantity and quality of their walk increased, God said at the end of one of their daily walks,   "It's closer to my house than yours, just come on home with me today!"   Our walk with Christ on earth is designed to mature us and prepare us for an eternity with Him in heaven. After all, those who love the world and the things of the world would probably be unhappy in heaven in any case.

But just where is heaven?   Astronomically some speak of a great empty place in the North.  The Bible speaks of a third heaven - beyond the bonds of earth and over and above any astronomical heavens.   Personally,  I like the response of a little girl, who, when asked by a sceptics where heaven was, simply said,  "It's where Jesus is."  When the sceptics pressed the point and asked,  "But where is Jesus?"  The little girl replied,  "Well, I don't know exactly, but where Jesus is - is heaven enough for me!"

Walking As He Walked

Have you ever noticed how people walk? It is said that the seasoned and salty sailor who has spent his life at sea, walks at a rollicking and rolling gait, reflecting the conditioning of rolling decks under his feet. In bygone days, those who had spent their life on a farm, following a team of beasts and ploughing furrows in the soft earth, walked with a pace peculiar to their particular vocation. A man who has spent his life under marching orders strides out with a martial air and at a military pace.

Some walk with a spring in their step, others swagger arrogantly along and some merely shuffle through the world. Some tiptoe haughtily down the corridors of life, others display all the poise and confidence of a well-adjusted personality.

Have you ever noticed how children often seem to imitate the walk of adults? Especially those they admire and who might be considered their potential role models? They are great little imitators, both physically and spiritually. Little girls can't wait to put on high heeled shoes and walk just like mom walks. Little boys sometimes adopt the exact same gait as their dad.

One Sunday morning I noticed a little fellow coming down the church aisle before the service with a considerable limp. I approached him and sympathetically inquired about his injury. His mom told me he was perfectly well, but his father had injured his leg during the week and was limping severely. The small lad was simply walking like the dad he so greatly admired!

I am sure you may have heard the old story about the ungodly father who was walking through the snow, as was his custom, on his way to the local pub. Upon hearing the noise of crunching snow behind him, he turned and saw his small son jumping along, matching his strides and placing his small feet in the father's footsteps. From that moment on he allowed Christ into his life and his walk took a different direction.

It might be good to ask ourselves where we are placing our feet each day. Are we treading the high or low road? Do our steps lead others in the way of God or along the way of the world? Are we walking the broad or narrow way? Are we going the way leading to destruction or to life everlasting? Are we walking the way that seems right unto man? Or the way that is well pleasing unto God? Do our footsteps shuffle down the sorry side roads of sin or do our foot prints point people to the place God has prepared for His peculiar people?

Are we treading the path our Saviour trod? Trudging down the byways, highways and hedges of life, compelling others to come to Him? Do our tracks lead to the wells of this world, or are we trekking to springs of living water; showing others the way to the water of life? Are our feet shod with the gospel of peace? Are we wearing out our gospel shoes telling others of His good news?

Contemporary Or Traditional?

An old farmer went to the city one weekend and attended the big city church. He came home and his wife asked him how it was. "Well," said the farmer, "it was good. They did something different, however. They sang praise choruses instead of hymns.

"Praise choruses?" said his wife. "What are those?" "Oh, they're OK. They are sort of like hymns, only different," said the farmer.

Well, what's the difference?" asked his wife. The farmer said, "Well, it's like this - If I were to say to you: "Martha, the cows are in the corn"' - well, that would be a hymn. If on the other hand, I were to say to you:

'Martha, Martha, Martha, Oh Martha, MARTHA, MARTHA, the cows, the big cows, the brown cows, the black cows the white cows, the black and white cows, the COWS, COWS, COWS are in the corn, are in the corn, are in the corn, are in the corn, the CORN, CORN, CORN.' Then, if I were to repeat the whole thing two or three times, well, that would be a praise chorus.

- Copied

I Once Met A Man . . .

I once met a man on his way, on a bright and sunny day. He was arrayed in a suit and a tie, and shiny shoes that caught my eye.

I felt inclined to say, "Where are you going so finely arrayed, on such a hot and humid day?"

He replied, "I have not worked for many a day and really need a full day's pay. I have an appointment to meet a man, who will give me a job, if he can. I want to put my best foot forward, because I feel it is well in order, to let him know I will not loiter, but will do my best to give a full day's work for a full day's pay, and the way I dress  may carry the day!"

I once met a man in a shopping centre and the weather inside was far from winter. He had on a coat and a matching tie, that would catch the most discerning eye.

I felt inclined to say, "Where are you off to so smartly dressed, do you always wear your Sunday best?"

"Oh no," he replied, "But we have a house we wish to buy, and the price to pay is very high,so upon a banker we must rely. Today I will meet him eye to eye, and I want him to know that I will try, to repay him without a sigh. And if I dress my very best, then I should pass the reliability test."

I once met an older teen and he was dressed so very keen. His hair was so neatly trimmed that some might think, "What's wrong with him?"

I felt inclined to ask, as he hurried past, "Where are you going so very fast? You are dressed to the nines, and it's  just midday, Are you going to a party to dance and play?"

"Oh no," he said, "I'm sad to say, I'm going to a funeral on this awful day. My very best mate, has passed away. I want to show all those who attend, that he really was my very best friend. I dress like this to show I care, and to lose a friend is hard to bear."

I once met a man sloppily dressed. He was not wearing his Sunday best. He was on his way to God's own house. I wondered why, as he passed by, his dress did not honor the Lord most High? -  Pastor John White

"Where two or three are gathered in my name .... there am I in the midst of them....." (Matt. 18:20)