Living Word Summer 2016

Living Word Magazine Going Deeper into God’s Word Issue 53 Summer 2016

T h i s m o n t h ’s a rt i cl es f ro m C h ri s P a l m e r , K a rl A y l i n g , Ma t h ew B a rt l et t , P i et e r La l l em a n & m o r e

John 6:9 There is a lad here, who has five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

www.biblestudiesonline.org.uk

In this issue: 3.

The Lion and the Lamb

Dr Pieter Lalleman

6.

Living Bread

Mathew Bartlett

9.

Romans 8 v 31–39: The Victory of Righteousness

Mathew Bartlett

13.

Pastoral Training for Timothy

Dr Chris Palmer (OMS)

15.

The Christian Life - Psalm 17

Mathew Bartlett

18.

This Soap is Good!

Doreen Harrison

19.

Massive Power Massive Love

Karl Ayling

Back:

Britain’s’ Cheapest Gospel Tracts

Bible Studies Online

Living Word is published in the UK by Sharon Full Gospel Church, 7 Park View, Freeholdland Road, Pontnewynydd, Pontypool, NP4 8LP Editor: Mathew Bartlett

©Photos - above: Mihai-bogdan Lazar. Cover: © © Photowitch. Wooden background: Dave Bredeson Back Cover: © A. J. Cotton

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island of Patmos, off the Turkish coast (1:9). He may have been sent there in exile by the Roman authorities, but Patmos was not known as a prison island; hence it is more likely that John was there merely to preach the gospel.

Background Information

In John’s time the Roman Empire included the whole territory from Spain and England to Egypt and Syria. There was peace throughout this area and Asia Minor, moreover, was also prosperous thanks to trade and industry. The inhabitants of Asia Minor were therefore very satisfied with the Roman rule and they participated enthusiastically in the worship of the many Roman gods. Religion played a large role in many social activities. In addition to traditional gods, the living emperor was worshiped as a god and the cities of Asia Minor competed to be allowed to build a temple for the emperor. It is important to be aware that severe persecution of the Christians only began in the third century and that John mentions the name of only one martyr, Antipas (2:13). The present problem is that Jesus's followers were expected to participate in society like everyone else, including the worship of the emperor—and that many did so!

The book of Revelation is meant to prevent them from this 'automatic' idolatry. As Nick Page writes, 'Revelation is not written to console those going through trouble: it is written to make trouble.'

In the Introduction I explained the kind of book Revelation is. By order of the risen Lord Jesus, John is writing this book to seven named local congregations in Asia Minor, the area which is now Turkey (1:11). He is himself on the

It is characteristic of the book of Revelation that John makes much use of the Scriptures of Israel, our Old Testament. However, he never quotes them literally and he does not refer to them either; it is up to us as readers to find out where

Chapter One: The Risen Lord (Revelation 1) Introduction The part of the Bible that we will discuss is often referred to as ‘the Revelation of John’, but the author himself calls it ‘the Revelation of Jesus Christ’. It is the risen Lord Jesus who appears to John and then gives him insight into ‘what must soon take place’ (1:1). John is instructed to write down what he has seen and heard (1:19; cf. the emphasis on the written form of the text in 22:6–11, 18–19).

The book begins slowly because it has a number of introductions: first there is chapter 1, then chapters 2 and 3 on the situation in the seven cities, and chapters 4 and 5 on the situation in heaven.

The next main part of the book only begins in chapter 6.

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and how he works with the Old Testament. The Old Testament sources of Revelation are found especially in the prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel; in second place we have Genesis 1–2, Exodus 7–15, the Psalms, and the other prophetic books. In the present chapter John describes his call in a way that recalls the call narrative of Ezekiel, and this book also plays a role in the structure of Revelation.

Explanation of the Text Verses 1–3 Preface Verse 1a. John calls his book a 'revelation' (apocalypse, see the Introduction) of the Lord Jesus Christ. His 'servants' are in the first place the first hearers of the book, the members of the seven churches to which it will be sent, but in the second place all Christians. For all of us there is a blessing from God (1:3).

Verses 1b and 2. Angels play a role in the transmission of the revelation and they appear in almost every chapter of this book; but it is especially the Lord Jesus who reveals himself and his plan to John. John modestly calls himself a servant of the Lord (1:1b).

Verse 3. At the time of the New Testament, most people could not read, so the letter which contained the revelation had to be read out to them. Yet in every town and village at least some would be able to read.

Prophecy is not merely information, it is a message that we must 'take to heart' or 'keep' (NRSV).

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Feeding Minds AND Building Faith 5

Living

the kingdom of God is to seek the things which belong and pertain to God. These are lasting things - for they are eternal. Jesus describes the bread to be sought by comparing it with manna. The people, still thinking of their bellies, bring this point up to the Lord Jesus Christ. On their journey with Moses through the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land, God provided them with manna to eat every day for forty years. So by comparing the True Bread with manna Jesus is able to teach them that the True bread:

It is Heavenly not Earthly

Bread Image © Lightkeeper The Lord Jesus Christ had just fed 5,000 men besides women and children with five loaves of bread and two fish. He had sent his disciples away by boat to Capernaum before dismissing the crowds who would have wanted to take him and make him king by force. Jesus withdrew to the mountain alone where he spent part of the night in prayer before re-joining his disciples by walking to them on the water of the Sea of Galilee. The crowds who had eaten the loaves and fish search for Jesus and find him in Capernaum, teaching in the synagogue. On their arrival Jesus challenges them, for they were not seeking Him for what they could receive from God, but only for what they could receive for

their bellies. They wanted food free of charge, and perhaps thought of Jesus as a first century Food Bank. The Lord Jesus Christ teaches us that we are not to labour and seek for food which spoils, but for food which endures to eternal life. He spells this out clearly by declaring “I am the Bread of Life”. This is:

Bread to be Sought In v26 Christ rebukes the crowds for seeking to have their bellies filled, or to put it another way, seeking the things of this world.

Jesus said “Do not worry about what you eat or drink or about clothing, but seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be given you as well.” To seek 6

Because of the way it appeared, manna was often referred to as bread from heaven, but such was not the case. The Lord Jesus Christ makes clear that it had no spiritual identity. By contrast the Living Bread, the Lord Jesus Christ, came down from heaven to earth. As the Son of God he was always one with his father in heaven. But at the incarnation, that first Christmas, he took on our flesh and blood and was born as a baby in Bethlehem that he might give his life for the world, and by giving his life for the world, he would give his life to the world.

Since this bread is heavenly it is also eternal. How sad it is today, as then, many people including professing Christians, are seeking earthly satisfaction, not the fullness from heaven. Paul writes of these people: For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things.

For our citizenship is in heaven,

from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:18-20 By contrast, the Christian is called upon to seek things above, that is, heavenly things.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1-2

It is Spiritual not Carnal Jesus is not saying that the manna in the wilderness was not supernaturally provided, but rather that its effect was natural.

That is, it fed their bodies and sustained them physically. It made absolutely no difference to their spiritual life. It fed their bodies, not their souls and it was only for a time. The people fed on manna every day, but they still died, it could not give eternal life as Christ can. The True Bread brings a supernatural element to life, that we might eat it and live forever.

V35 This food is completely satisfying, just as God’s covenant with us is ‘arranged and secure in every part’. It is bread which satisfies the need of the whole person—for Christ makes us whole.

Seeing that Christians have been supplied with spiritual life, it is sad that many are still seeking for what is natural, living as carnally minded Christians. Paul, writing to the Corinthians had to tell them: And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:1 John warns us that all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the

Father but is of the world. 1 John 2:16 V27 Do not work for food which spoils but for food which endures to eternal life which the son of man will give you. If we want to seek for what is spiritual then Christ tells us how to get it.

Bread to be Bought Bread has to be bought, or obtained. Yet as Isaiah says, it is to be bought ‘without money and without cost’ Where do we get this bread from and how? Of course, we receive it from Christ, for Christ has it. In fact Christ IS it.

He will GIVE it. For it is freely given as a gift of God to the world. You can buy it on your knees at Calvary without money and without price but freely with a broken & contrite heart.

He WILL give it. It is his will to do so. As Christ makes clear in this chapter. E.g. "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; John 6:40 Christ makes all this available to us for God the Father has sealed Him, with the Holy Spirit. It is through the Holy Spirit that we receive, flesh counts for nothing v63.

It is the Holy Spirit who does the work of regeneration. It is through the Spirit we have access to the Father. It is by the Spirit we know and enjoy a foretaste of the all things which are freely given us by God. It is all through the Spirit.

V37 A supernatural God provides us with a supernatural gospel, as Jesus made clear when he said “you must be born again, or born from above.” It is only God who can bring men to the Lord Jesus Christ. We cannot do so ourselves.

We did not bring ourselves and we 7

cannot bring others. V45 all taught

by God. The evangelist is used, but God teaches, draws and calls us to himself. It is God who moves on our hearts, through his word and by his spirit to bring us under conviction, then repentance to salvation. He gives faith to believe.

You and I need to humbly confess that we can do nothing of ourselves—and when we do we must be willing to believe on the Lord Jesus.

So to sum up, we obtain this bread from Christ, through the Holy Spirit and by faith.

So we have sought the bread and bought the bread, but we haven’t finished yet. Bread it no good to you unless you eat it. And having sought and bought (or obtained) the bread The Lord Jesus Christ, we must eat or partake of it.

Christ explains in v51–58 what it means to eat of this bread, to partake of him. It was on the cross that He gave his body to be broken and His blood shed for us, so we might have eternal life. To eat bread and drink blood means to appropriate what Jesus has done for us in his sacrifice on the cross.

Christ is not specifically referring to the communion in these verses.

In communion, we take the emblems, but when we partake of Christ, we are partaking of the reality of what he has done for us.

Bread to Be Eaten By partaking of Christ, we go from having no life to having eternal life.

Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. John 6:53

By God’s grace we are saved!

Before we came to Christ we were dead in our trespasses and sins, but through what Christ has done for us in his death and resurrection we have been made alive together with Christ. We share his life - the life of God in our very being, this is what eternal life is. In fact Jesus, praying in John 17 said “This is eternal life, that they might know you, the only True God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. 1 John 3:14

which our Lord speaks here, not only will believers receive a new body like unto his body, but they shall be like him forever. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

1 John 3:2 God’s purpose is that every child of God shall become like the Lord Jesus Christ. For whom He fore knew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29

Remain in me (kept)

Not only shall we be like Christ, we shall be with him. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thess 4:14-17

He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. John 6:56 Not only do we begin our new life with Christ, we must continue it in the same way. As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, Col 2:6, 7 We remain in the Lord Jesus by partaking of Him every day. We partake of his grace which is sufficient for every need; we partake of his comfort when things get rough, receive his strength when we are weak, and his joy when we are down. We could go on and on telling of ways in our Christian lives in which the Lord keeps and sustains us by imparting of himself.

Raise him up (glorified) I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:54 The impartation of Christ to us will be fully realized when we “Awake with his likeness.” In the resurrection of the last day of

We shall be like Jesus, be with Jesus and nothing shall ever separate us from Him. I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

This is the completeness of the salvation procured for us by Christ’s death on Calvary.

Conclusion Jesus said “I am the Bread of Life” Will you accept and receive the Bread of Life from the Lord Jesus, through the Spirit, by faith? If so you will be saved, kept and glorified... If you receive him he will receive you. You can receive Him, will you receive Him today?

The Prophet of Messiah

The encouragement which Zechariah's prophecies brought to the Jews at the time of their return from exile helped them to rebuild not only their temple but also their national identity. Yet Zechariah's message of hope pointed beyond the glory of the temple to one greater than the temple: the Anointed One (Messiah) who would become both priest and king forever over all nations.

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Available as an ebook in most formats.

© Joseph Sedmak

Romans 8 v 31–39: The Victory of Righteousness In his letter to the Roman church, Paul has considered how the righteousness of God is revealed in our salvation. God’s righteousness is: required, revealed, reckoned, received and recognized. Paul has traced man’s experience from guilt through grace to glory, ending with verses 29–30 where we found that from God’s viewpoint the glorification of every child of God has been completed. This is a truly breath-taking statement, and the verses Paul goes on to pen in Romans 8:31–39 have been described as among the most beautiful in the Bible, but that beauty is as practical as it is poetic.

By using a series of questions and answers, Paul shows how Christ’s salvation silences every voice which opposes believers.

God’s love was revealed by the sacrifice of His Son—he did not spare him. We know the story of Abraham, where God told him to offer his Son Isaac as a sacrifice.

We read of Abraham gathering the wood to burn the offering, binding Isaac with rope, laying him on the wood and then lifting the knife to kill his son in sacrifice. Then God calls to him from heaven: ‘Abraham, Abraham, do not lay a hand on the boy. Now I know that you fear God, for you have not withheld your son, your only son from me.’ Do you think that having offered his son to God in this way, Abraham would have held back anything else from God? And could God go so far as to give us his only Son and after that refuse to with him freely give us all things?

The Voice of Opposition V31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Righteousness is revealed by the reality of God’s love.

V32. He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

God’s love is revealed in the sufficiency of God’s son. By giving His Son, God gave all things, or literally the all things. All that Paul has spoken of as being ours in Christ through this epistle—a right relationship with God by which we call him father, the peace of acceptance with God, the love and joy this relationship brings and any

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other blessing we could name are all ours when we take Christ.

John Phillips tells a story of a Roman centurion who had a rebellious son, and a faithful servant. As the time approached for the old soldier to die, he wrote his will. Calling his son to him he said, ‘Son, I’ve disinherited you and left everything to Marcellus. But you are my son, so before I die I want to make sure that you have just one thing from among my possessions.

You can take whatever you want. What will it be?’ ‘I’ll take Marcellus’ replied the boy, for in taking Marcellus, he was taking all things.

To receive Christ is to receive all things.

Christ’s sacrifice & sufficiency silences the voice of opposition.

The Voice of Accusation V33 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.

Righteousness is reckoned by the eternity of God’s love.

Believers are referred to as ‘God’s elect’. Paul has already explained the foreknowledge of God, and that our election is not ascribed to ourselves but God. We look back to God’s choice of us and forward to the fulfilment of that choice, for it is God who justifies.

In Zechariah 3 we read of Joshua the high priest, standing in God’s presence with Satan stood vehemently accusing him. The Lord clothes Joshua with clean garments and says “THE LORD rebuke you Satan.” Satan the accuser of the brethren is silenced by the Lord Jesus our advocate.

The vision illustrates what justification means. When we trust

Jesus we are clothed with His righteousness - not the result of our good works, but the gift of Christ who died and rose again to make it available for each one of us.

In this way God’s justification silences every voice of accusation.

The Voice of Condemnation V34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

Righteousness is received by the activity of God’s love. God’s love is not only real and eternal but active.

God’s love was demonstrated as he brought His plan of salvation into action. Here God’s salvation is shown in its four-fold aspect: Christ our sin bearer - Christ died for our sins. So that we could have peace with God, Christ satisfied all the demands the law, both by keeping it perfectly and taking its punishment. No wonder the cross was central to Paul’s life and message. In Corinth he said: I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 1 Cor 2:2 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor 1:18 We preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness 1Cor 1:23 In Galatians he cries God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ Gal 6:14

Christ our Saviour - by raising Jesus from the dead, God confirmed that his death is sufficient to atone for our sins. Christ was raised again for our justification (Rom 4:25) that we might receive everlasting life.

Christ our Sovereign - Christ is not in the tomb, but sat at the right hand of God. All the priests in the OT are spoken of as ‘standing’ to minister, for their job is never over. The fire was always kept burning on Jewish altars, reminding us that animal sacrifices can never take away sins. A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out. Lev 6:13 That is no doubt why Proverbs says There are three things that are never satisfied, Four never say, "Enough!" The grave, The barren womb, The earth that is not satisfied with water—And the fire never says, "Enough!" (Prov 30:15–16). The fire of God’s judgment could never be satisfied by the blood of bulls and goats. This is a great theme of Hebrews. It is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins (Heb 10:4).

But Christ by his death on the cross has consumed the fire of God’s wrath once and for all crying “It is finished” - and he sat down in heaven. And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.

But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, (Heb 10:11-12).

In the OT no one was allowed to be both priest and king. Priests came from the tribe of Levi and the kings from Judah. But the writer to the Hebrews tells us that Jesus is made a high priest forever 10

“after the order of Melchizadec” (Heb 6:20). He goes on to explain that Melchizadec was at the same time priest of God and King of Salem (Heb 7:1–2). So now we see Christ our great high priest, sat down on the throne of God, our exalted King forever.

Christ our Succourer - Though Christ’s work as sin bearer has been completed once and for all, He continues His Office of High Priest, for not only does our High Priest make atonement for us, he makes intercession for us. This is an important theme in the NT. Not only did Christ die, he lives that he might intercede for us in the presence of God. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: (Heb 9:24). Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them (Heb 7:25).

In the OT the high priest bore two precious stones on his shoulders and a breastplate on his chest.

Both of these were symbolic of him upholding the nation of Israel before God. They were to be a memorial before God (Exod 28:12, 29). As Christ appears in God’s presence he upholds all his people by his prayers. He is able to succour - that is help, support and relieve those who are suffering temptation and trial. Christ is our compassionate High Priest As Matthew Henry says, “The remembrance of his own sorrows and temptations makes him mindful of the trials of his people, and ready to help them.”

Paul has already written about an intercessor on earth - the Holy

Spirit who intercedes in and for us - so we also have an intercessor in heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ who feels for us in our infirmities. His intercession brings us strength for every circumstance of life. The crucifixion, resurrection, ascension and intercession of Christ brings us tremendous security, which is why Paul ends by dealing with:

The Voice of Separation V35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Righteousness is realized by the security of God’s love. Paul takes a string of enemies both physical and spiritual and he parades them all before us to show that nothing can ever separate us from Christ's love. Let’s deal with them one at a time:

Extremes of Condition Tribulation There are a host of afflictions which are common to God’s people in every age. Many are the afflictions of the righteous.

Illnesses, joblessness, accidents and problems would be just the start of a huge list. But none of these things can separate us from the love of Christ.

Distress The word means to be in a narrow position - in straights or dilemmas.

There are times when we just don’t know what to do. In such times our distress cannot separate us from the love of Christ Persecution Throughout the church age believers have been persecuted by men’s tongues and by men’s swords.

Jesus said “Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” John 15:20 But persecution cannot separate us from the love of Christ Famine Christians are among those who are experiencing famine in many countries today. They are not immune. Paul himself had this experience when he said I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13 Paul had found that famine cannot separate us from the love of Christ.

Nakedness Christians are not immune to poverty. Many in the early church had to run to deserts and hide in caves from their persecutors. They were no strangers to nakedness.

Paul recounts his experience “ in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness- 2 Cor 11:27 But, says Paul, it can’t separate us from the love of Christ.

Perils Paul had abundant experience of perils. He says “I was in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;” 2 Cor 11:26

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Sword The night Jesus was betrayed was perhaps the first time a sword had been held up to him. Since then many saints have been put to the sword, including James the brother of John. Pictures from countries such as Indonesia show modern day examples of Christians publicly beheaded by the Islamic militia and their heads carried around on poles. Even today God’s people are like sheep driven to slaughter.

As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." But in all these things we are “more than conquerors”.

This Greek word has no simple translation in English. It literally means Hyper/super conquerors.

We are already on the winning side, we are over all and above all for Christ has won the victory for us. Stephen Olford says, “This is an entirely new order of victory, every attack is a means by which I show them who’s the winner!”

Extremes of Spiritual Powers Angels If Paul means bad angels then we recall that Lucifer was hurled from heaven to earth and that Christ has given us power to trample on the works of the enemy. No evil angel can separate us from the love of Christ. If he means good angels, if it were possible at some future time that these would rebel and oppose our favored position in heaven, they shall never be able to separate us from the love of Christ.

Principalities These are the spirits of high rank mentioned in Eph 6. With all their wiles and force of darkness they cannot separate us from the love of Christ.

Powers These wicked sinister powers are responsible for the witchcraft, Spiritism, idolatry and Satan worship in the world today, something which is made more popular by such films as Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.

These things are real and powerful, but mighty as they are cannot separate me from the Love of Christ.

More Extremes of State Death Death has been called the King of Terrors. Man is instinctively afraid of death and rightly so, for “it is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment”. Only those who are in Christ need have no fear of death, for nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Life Life can be more dangerous than death. Many things can happen in life. Men are filled with tremendous anxiety about what life may bring. There are thousands of conditions we may

find ourselves in life but none of these can ever separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Let’s Talk About Prayer

Extremes of Time & Space Neither present no future - the past is already dealt with. But nothing now or in the future. No height nor depth. Consider how vast the universe is. Christ has filled all these things. He descended to the depths of hell before rising triumphantly to the highest place in heaven. Nothing in the heavens can separate me from Christ’s love.

The breadth length depth and height of the love of God were revealed at the cross and Jesus death is enough to send me clean into his very presence.

In case he’s left anything out, Paul concludes with the words “nor any other created thing,” This eternal security is as resounding as it is reassuring.

God has included you in the reality, eternity and activity of his love, and he gives you an opportunity to be secure forever in his love which nothing can separate us from. This security will be yours as you receive the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, for in receiving him, you receive all things.

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Though prayer is 'the Christian's vital breath' it raises many questions: if God is in control of everything what's the point of praying? How is prayer related to healing?

What about 'unanswered' prayer?

In this remarkable book Dr Tom Holland (Union School of Theology) uses a series of conversations between a pastor and members of his congregation to help us think through these and other questions in the light of biblical teaching.

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Pastoral Training for Timothy

by Dr Chris Palmer (OMS) Image © Curaphotography

In this Bible study I would like to share four aspects with you. The Bible tells us that these are, amongst others, signs of the impending return of Jesus.

1.

All things will continue as they were from the beginning.

The disciples asked Jesus what these signs would be. He warned them not to consider disasters as such since they would always come – wars, rumors of war, nation against nation, earthquakes, and famines. Life would be normal not abnormal – people marrying, eating, drinking, sleeping, or working. All these things would go on right up to the day of His coming, just as they have to this day.

1 Timothy Chapter 1 It is important for our purposes to always examine the role of the pastor as outlined in the Pastoral Epistles; however it must not be the sole purpose of the investigations, as there is much in each chapter which is relevant to the whole of the Christian Church. v.1–2 Paul had a particularly good relationship with Timothy; Acts shows that he was a companion of

Paul during his missionary journeys. Here he refers to him as ‘son in the faith’, which is most probably a reference to his conversion under Paul’s ministry (Acts 16:1–3). We have a responsibility for others who come under our spiritual influence; and Paul wanted to pass on beneficial instructions to the younger man whom he regarded as his spiritual ‘son’. It is vital that we never think that we have or know all the answers; it is important to seek good godly advice from those whom we respect in spiritual matters. v.3–11 Beware of false teachers; a pastor’s heart is here revealed through a concern for the protection of the congregation of which he has spiritual responsibility; the pastor must watch over the people as a shepherd with the flock. But how do we recognise false teaching?

The safest course is to be sure of a knowledge of the truth of the biblical narrative and the theology contained within; as the pastor knows the truth so too this can be passed to the congregation hence preparing all to recognise what is 13

false and unbiblical. should:

The pastor

1. Know the true word.

2. Pray for direction.

3. Remember you have a responsibility to self and others.

4. Never teach out of selfish gain. v.5 What is the correct motivation for all our work and service for God? It is love! If in our ministries we concentrate on the love of God which is expressed in his word then there will be blessing.

Paul highlights this in 1 Cor. 13 the famous chapter on love sadly so often kept for weddings and funerals; however contained in its verses is essential help on understanding love and its impact upon the individual. v.11 The gospel is the gospel of the glory of the blessed God—it is God’s gospel, his mission and his love (2 Cor. 4:4–6). It is imperative to remember that the whole message revolves around God not us! The pastor must never be a self-centred individual but one who’s primary role is the spiritual care of those in the community both inside and outside the church.

v.12 Why are you here? This is a vital question to examine (take a few minutes to think around this question and consider your true reasons for attending Bible College or the role you currently have in the local church).

Paul here recollects his call to ministry and despite the difficulties faced he is full of gratitude towards God for choosing him to be a bearer of the good news of the gospel. There will be periods of hardship as you serve the Lord; doubts; fears; criticism; questions and despair; however at those times remember who has called you to his service: the Lord ‘kurios’ the supreme authority!

Are you thankful that God has chosen you to serve him in his ministry in the world?

If you are going to serve in a manner that is in line with God’s plans, then you will require: 1.

Strength from God.

2.

Work for God.

3.

Goal is God himself.

v.17 Here we see a picture of the God whom we serve; this is known as a Doxology—an ending of praise to the God we know and serve. In this verse we see that God is: 1.

King.

2.

Eternal.

3.

Immortal.

4.

Invisible.

5.

Wise/ all knowing.

(see also Rev. 15:3; Rom.1:23; Col. 1:15; Rom. 16:27).

set apart from the church to ‘learn a lesson’ and understand that God can forgive their misdemeanour.

Church discipline is an important issue for the Pastor/leader; how we deal with matters of discipline in the church can affect the whole body of Christ. It is therefore necessary to be firm, fair and biblical in one’s approach to disciplinary matters.

Quality Control in the Church: How are disciplinary matters dealt with by leaders?

There will be times when you will have to deal with serious matters, such as immorality or financial impropriety, and it is essential that you deal with them in the biblical way. The Bible lays down principles for dealing with problematic church members.

Community discipline is essential, and all churches should have a disciplinary procedure in place as part of its constitution. If this is the case, all members should be aware of this policy and therefore will not be able to object when a decision is made.

What is the Discipline?

for

1.

Brother to brother (Matt.

5:22–24; 1 Cor. 5–6).

2.

Two/three witnesses speak to the erring member (Matt.

18:15–16).

3.

Pastor/elders speak to the erring member (Matt. 18:17, 1 Cor. 1:11).

4.

Church discipline v.20 To be handed over to Satan means to be put out of the church into the realm of Satan (i.e. the world outside the church); possibly

Framework

5.

Excommunication for the unrepentant member (Matt.

18:17, 1 Tim. 1:20, 3 John 1:9).

What about being accepted back, after genuine repentance? (Jm. 5:19-20)

14

(See also, Ezra 10:1–18; John 9:22, 34; 2 Thess. 3:6–15; Titus 3:10–11; 1 Tim. 5:20; 1 Cor. 11:30; Rev. 2:20–22).

Serious Issues Serious matters of discipline will be few and far between, be sure that no one ‘lords’ it over a congregation, making rules for the most insignificant matters and taking the joy out of discipline. Our preaching and teaching should be enough to encourage people to live as Christians, the emphasis should be placed on good solid biblical instruction, allowing the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to work on people’s lives to change them in God’s time. Enforced restrictions can sometimes prove negative.

The whole matter of discipline needs to be treated with the respect it deserves; remember not to discuss the ‘issues’ openly when other people’s lives are involved— we are not to be gossips.

Discernment is essential in all such matters, for judging others can be a big problem (Matt. 7:3ff.) See also 1 Cor. 4:5; 6:1; 1 Pet. 4:15; Eph. 4:32; Gal. 6:1.

Be prepared to act but don’t go looking for trouble!

QUESTIONS 1. What issues might a pastor/leader face in the Church which might require disciplinary intervention?

2. Discuss how a leader might deal with: - Sexual immorality?

- Physical abuse?

- Malicious gossip?

- Open criticism of leaders?

The Christian Life - Psalm 17 Image © Lensonfocus

This Psalm is one of only four in scripture that is given the title “a prayer of David.”

The circumstance that has occasioned the prayer is of a serious nature as David’s life is threatened unjustly, for he had not wronged those who were persecuting him. He turns to God in prayer, knowing that God is both righteous and merciful and will see his innocence and deliver and vindicate his servant.

In this Psalm I would like us to notice the conflict, continuance, cost and consummation of the Christian Life.

He is merely claiming to be innocent in the matter that he is praying about, that he has not wronged his persecutors. He is not suggesting to God that there is no sin in his heart. If he did he would be a liar.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. 1 John 1:8,10.

In verse 3 David is not claiming sinless perfection when he says,

There is no one who could ever claim to be absolutely free from sin in thought word or deed and that was the Lord Jesus Christ. We cannot attain sinless perfection in this life. The conflict that a believer has with sin is a major conflict of the Christian life.

You have tested my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tried me and have found nothing.

Paul did not claim to be perfect: Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; Phil 3:12.

The Conflict of the Christian Life

15

He goes into great detail in the 7th chapter of Romans to explain the conflict of the Christian life.

Paul is not describing the experience of an unconverted person, for unconverted persons are at enmity with God, and so cannot delight after the law of God after the inward man. Neither is he speaking of how he used to be before he had the victory and found a position of sinless perfection. For as we said , he never claimed to be perfect. Paul is explaining the conflict which is experienced by all believers, including himself, between the new nature, which is born again of God’s Spirit and delights to do God’s will, and the old nature, often referred to as the flesh, which cannot conform to the law of God. In the work of regeneration, God the Holy Spirit does not change or renew the old nature. Instead, He

creates a new nature within us in the likeness of Christ. As the new nature develops and grows, and we allow it to have the upper hand, so we have greater victory over sin than we had experienced before. But this process and progress will never end while we live in a fallen world. There will always be occasions when the old nature gains the upper hand. This is by no means an excuse for us to sin wilfully. But it is nevertheless the honest experience of every Christian who has ever lived. Paul concludes his theme on a note of victory, for since the old nature is counted as God as being dead, crucified with Jesus Christ, and since we have the new nature living within us, the old nature cannot drag us back under its absolute control. Therefore we are forever free from condemnation, the new life of the Spirit which we enjoy in Christ Jesus have sets us free from the demands of law of sin and death.

The Continuance Christian Life

of

the

v4 David tells us that it is by the inward power of the word of God, revealed to him and acted upon by him with God’s help has kept him safe, walking in the ways of the Lord. So he prays that the Lord will keep him in the right way, obeying his word. He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Ps 23.3 This is the secret of Continuance in the Christian life, and a tremendous lesson for us. Rom 8 says that as many as are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. How does this leading work out in practice?

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. Psalms 119:9

It is only through the word of God, delivered to us through expository preaching, received into our hearts and acted upon that we can be divinely enabled to know and to do the will of God. Through his word God is doing an eternal work in us. Let us never underestimate the eternal importance of the ministry of God’s word in our lives. Jesus said “Sanctify them through Your truth, Your word is truth.” John 17.17.

We must also appreciate the terrible eternal consequences of neglecting God’s word.

God’s ordained way of making his will and counsel known is through the preaching of his word. Let us dwell on that thought for a moment. Not just his word but the preaching of it.

John the Baptist came preaching..

John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins Mk 1:4 Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom... Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, Mark 1:14 And God has chosen to reveal his word through preaching. Titus 1.2,3 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior; Titus 1:2-3 Paul told Timothy to preach the word. There are a number of ways that preaching is important. For example, 1. In scripture we are told that the greatest gift of the Sprit is 16

prophecy. Why? We might have though the gift of healings or the working of miracles were the greater gifts, but we would be wrong, for these gifts generally minister to individuals in their body, not directly to their soul.

Whereas prophecy ministers to the soul and builds up the whole congregation of the church at once. Even through it is through imperfect channels, it is God speaking to man.

2. In relation to the lost, How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?

Romans 10:14-15 No one ever got saved without hearing about Jesus.

3. When Paul told Timothy to preach he word, he was saying the same as Jesus said to Peter. “Feed my sheep”. Peter told other elders to “feed the flock of God”. We are fed spiritually when God’s person and will are made known to us through the preaching of his word.

So great was the importance attached to this by the apostles that they refused to be distracted from it by any menial task, however important. If the church meal for widows needed someone to run it, fine, but it would not be them. as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 1 Peter 2:2 Have you ever seen undernourished children? They are not fed properly. If only they were given a well-balanced diet.

But what of our spiritual lives. Did we realise that we can be undernourished and ill formed in

our Christian lives for want of good Bible teaching?

The early church continued steadfastly in the apostles teaching. They never missed a Bible study. They regularly and conscientiously attended whenever the apostles gave Bible teaching, so that they might grow in their Christian faith and improve their usefulness to the Lord and his church.

He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, Eph 4:11-12

The Cost of the Christian Life That David’s life was threatened we have already established and in verses 9 -12 of this Psalm he gives us a picture of his persecutors, which we will not go into this morning. Enough for our purposes to say that he was persecuted.

This is the Cost of the Christian life. "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God." As David knew too well, there are times when the wicked rise up against the children of God. Only this week, the minibus was attacked and its tyres slashed causing over £200 of damage.

At this present time the Lord has not permitted them to harm our persons. Yet we are reminded that there will always be those who will oppose and hate the Christian church.

If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. John 15:18-20 They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.

John 16:2 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. Matt 24:9

So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundred fold now in this time--houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions--and in the age to come, eternal life.

Mark 10:29-30 We must be prepared for this to happen. And yet God has promised to hide us under the shadow of his wing. David tells us that God will keep us as the apple of his eye - the pupil, the most sensitive part.

As we consider these and other scriptures it is hard for us to appreciate them in the context of the killing, torture and imprisonment which is the daily experience of millions of Christian around the world. How can we be certain that God is keeping his promise to protect us, when all around the world Christians are persecuted and tortured?

I think a story by Corey Ten Boon illustrates this point.

A little boy was out walking with his father and it became dark. On 17

returning home they had to cross a very fierce river by a narrow bridge. The little boy was frightened. He could not see the river, but he could hear its angry swelling. He was too frightened to cross the bride unless he should fall into the water and be carried away. So his father lifted him up and carried him. He could still hear the raging water, but knew that he was safe in his father’s hands. So he fell asleep, trusting his dad.

Next morning he woke up peacefully to a beautiful morning in his own bed at home with his father. That is what will happen when we pass though persecution.

Although we may hear and experience the hate and even abuse and martyrdom at the hands of our enemies, our dying will only be a falling asleep in the arms of Jesus, and we will wake up all together, safe and sound with him at home. This is the..

The Consummation of the Christian Life David’s greatest desire was to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. He was like Paul who said to depart and be with Christ is far better. Here David says I will be satisfied when I wake with your likeness. One day we shall wake up from this earth's dark night, and see Jesus face to face, 1 JN 3.2 “when we see him we shall be like him” Fear, sorrow, guilt for our failings, sickness and pain will all be passed forever and we will never remember them. Lois said to me last night, I wish I could sing like I used to. Well I don’t know if you’ll ever sing like you used to but I do know that you will sing like you have never sung before in those mansions bright - and wonder of wonders - none of the Lord’s children will be missing. We shall all be there! And so shall we ever be with the Lord.

different ways with the one purpose: to make us clean.

Humanity’s grubbiness can be described in various words but one word suffices for all the others. That word is Sin. Sin disfigures every society, and every single soul. All faiths have one intention: to clean up humanity and appease a righteous God. But how can human effort appease God? How can sinful man deal with his own sinfulness?

The Christian faith provides the only answer! God placed Jesus on planet earth to identify with humanity. When Jesus was crucified he paid the penalty for the sin and guilt of the entire human race. When we identify with Jesus he cleans us up.

© Paul Prescott | Dreamstime.com

This Soap is Good!

An Extract from A Garland of Grace by Doreen Harrison We met a gentleman in Africa who told us, "There is only one thing I cannot provide for myself! My food grows or I catch it. I built my house with the materials I found in the forest. The river washes me and my clothes—but to get really clean, I need SOAP." I have a memory of arriving late one evening at a Missionary Compound to be greeted by the Watchman, who was taking the opportunity to wash in the

river. He rose up out of the water, covered in white soapy bubbles. "This soap is good!" he said.

We take soap for granted. It comes in all colours, fragrances, degrees of oiliness, sizes, and shapes. Its one purpose is to make us clean.

This is an adequate description of religion!

Religion is a system which is presented in a number of 18

Faith in Jesus is heavenly soap!

A convicted prisoner, in a maximum security jail, put it like this "When I accepted Jesus as my Saviour, I was still inside—but inside, I was clean."

On the first Easter Day Jesus rose from the dead, and this indicates that God accepted his sacrifice.

Personal Spring cleaning is available through faith in Jesus Christ.

We all need to pray: “Remove my sin, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:7)

Karl Ayling has a unique way of sharing his amazing testimony—through a book of moving psalm-like poetry. Here are two of his poems.

MASSIVE POWER

ANGEL LIGHT

Massive power, massive love, healed and saved

Angels can fly because they take and hold everything lightly.

From above

Light breathes everything.

By a love I did not earn That holds me near both night and day.

life

into

Through the ups and downs, when feeling down

Is this why they visit us at night, delivering Daddy’s blessings and lessons at the quietest time?

And burdened tarnished crown;

my

Could you cope with a single touch at any other time?

It’s always there come rain or shine,

Would your mind comprehend— their touch is so light as to be imperceptible?

by

Through a promise true that makes it mine.

A love so true I cannot say a word or thing to lose its way.

Massive power, massive love, healed and saved From above By my Father’s love— Abba Father’s love.

Would this rescue you from calamity of work, calamity of family, calamity of spouse, calamity of life?

Have we missed the glory, the mercy, the joy, the love of His tender touch by the breadth of a hair?

Have I blinked out of synchronisation with the Creator’s rhythm?

Does my heart not jump elatedly when the angel’s delivery finds its target?

Lord provide me an angel’s light.

19

Massive Power Massive Love

Shocking… heart-rending… inspiring… compulsive reading.

Healed and saved from above! The autobiographical book of Psalm-like poems charting the journey of one abuse survivor to salvation and healing through the mercy of Jesus Christ.

Karl Ayling’s honest and at times heart-rending poetry tells the story of his life, and allows the reader to journey with him from the darkness of despair towards salvation and eventual healing.

Available from all good Christian bookstores Massive Power Massive Love Paperback: £7.99 & free UK delivery. KINDLE: £3.99 Available as an ebook in most formats.

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Contact Us Editor: Mathew Bartlett