Beginnings in John's Gospel

Just a few simple thoughts regarding some 'Beginnings' that we have mentioned in John's Gospel.

John 1:1-3 "In the beginning was the Word..."

This takes us right back to the beginning of time itself, the dawn of creation, and how wonderful to remind ourselves that Christ was there! There was never a time when he was not, for he is the eternal Son of God. The verses also serve to remind us that not only is Christ pre-existent to his coming into the world but that he is the great Creator! Scripture bears ample testimony to his power in creation, this scripture and also Colossians 1 are just a couple of examples. How good it is to remember that the one who is our Saviour is also the one who created the heavens and the earth!

John 2:9-11 "this beginning of miracles did Jesus..."

Here we have a beginning of miracles and this  serves to remind us of the immense impact the Lord Jesus made when he came into the world! If any proof were needed that our first 'beginning' were true then surely we see it here when we read the Gospels and read of the many and innumerable miraculous works. I love how his works all brought glory to God and demonstrated his power, his compassion and his wisdom. The Lord Jesus had power to change lives then and praise God he still has life changing power today too, through his saving work on the cross.

John 15:27 & 1:37-40 "and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning"

A beginning of following is our final thought in this little series. In John 15 the Saviour is preparing his disciples for a time when he would not be there. He gives them comfort, strength and encouragement and reminds them of the time they began to follow him. What a journey was theirs! Just think of the things they had been privileged to see and hear with their own eyes and ears, and now soon they would be bearing witness for the Saviour. For each of these men there had been a time when they began to follow the Lord Jesus (we have referenced one account in our heading), and so too it is for us, thank the Lord for that! However how previous it is to reflect that from his point of view we are "chosen... in him from the foundation of the world" (Eph 1:4). Let us take encouragement from this and serve him well, bearing witness to him in this world.

Yours for His glory, Mark

Onwards and upwards in 2013

I've been challenged recently by Phil 3:14 about pressing on and making spiritual progress in 2013. The verse reads "I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upwards" Amplified Version. I trust that the challenge is something for all of us, no matter what stage we are at in our Christian pathway.

The Apostle has in mind here in this verse a future day of reward, what the Bible calls the Judgement Seat of Christ (Rom 14:10, 2 Cor 5:10). The Authorized Version is slightly misleading here, as the prize that Paul speaks of is not the 'heavenly' calling itself but rather the prize associated with that upward calling. In other words, there is reward in store for faithful servants of Christ at his Judgement Seat! Here every believer will stand before Christ and "receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Cor 5:10).

The Judgement Seat of Christ is to be viewed as a positive thing, yet it was clearly something that weighed heavy on the Apostle's mind for he revisits it in some of his last writings in 2 Tim 4:8 "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." Let us all be encouraged and motivated by what we read here, for there can be no doubt from scripture that every believer on the Lord Jesus is destined for heaven and glory, and also that place of reward, where our lives of service will be reviewed.

In Philippians 3 the Apostle Paul uses the phrase "I press on toward the goal" the Apostle is keen, hungry and motivated! His life of service had been hard, and he had endured much for the preaching of the Gospel but here he was, zealous as ever and encouraging other saints to be like-minded! He wanted to continue to make progress, to press on and to have goals and aims in his spiritual life. There is nothing wrong with this motivation about our spiritual life! Granted we should not treat it as a profession or a career, but we should seek to make progress and grow, that much we can see from the scriptures "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" 2 Pet 3:18 

As we begin a new year wouldn't it be great to take stock of our lives and make some spiritual goals or aims for 2013? It could be something like "I'm going to ensure that I have a time for reading the Word and praying every day" or "I'm going to start taking part publicly at a Church gathering" or perhaps "I'm going to talk to someone about the Saviour and the message of salvation each day". What a beneficial impact this would have on our lives and on the lives of our friends and colleagues, both saved and unsaved. Let us be encouraged together and press onwards and upwards in 2013, for there is a prize to be had at the finish!

Yours in Christ, Mark

7 'W's at the well of Samaria (John 4:3-30)

The Way to the well

"He must needs go through Samaria"

There was always purpose in the Saviours direction, he never wandered! He walked the length and breadth of that land and never once was lost - he knew exactly where he was going, when he was going to be there, who he was going to meet there and why.

The Woman at the well

Simply - she was a sinner that needed to meet the Saviour, and the Saviour went out of his way to meet her and have that interview. Sometimes we hear people say "I found Jesus" and we know what they mean but it is probably more true to say that the Lord finds us! He said "I am come to seek and to save that which was lost".

Weariness at the well

The Saviour was weary with his journey and sat upon the well. I am sure there are many believers today who are weary with the journey. We can be weary physically, as ailments or old age come upon us; we can be weary mentally, due to illness, stress or deterioration; we can be weary emotionally as circumstances and pressures mount upon us.

But take comfort! The Saviour has experienced weariness and has been here before. Remember; Heb 4:15  "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."

Water at the well

There is refreshment at the well! I realise this really refers to the waters of the Holy Spirit that spring up in salvation to the soul, but there is surely a practical application here. Ps 23 - "he leadeth me beside the still waters." The still waters like the well are deep and refreshing! Surely closeness to the Saviour, to the well and the water, and the Word of God will refresh our souls and help us with the weariness of the journey.

Wonder and Witness at the well

It's lovely to the se the simplicity of the woman's witness, it was a simple invitation to "come see a man... is not this the Christ?"

Surely there are lessons here for us as we sometimes over-complicate our one to one outreach, and perhaps we avoid opportunities, but not this woman! She freely told all with boldness and conviction and as a result many went out to him and many were saved from that city! A salutary lesson for us all surely?

The Water pot at the well

We read that she left her water pot and went on her way to witness to others! I picture the water pot still lying there redundant and unused by the well at the end of the day. She had a new perspective, new desires and new ways to spend her time. I wonder if we too have gladly 'left the water pot' behind us, or whether we still like to take it with us? Do we still care too much for the routine things of this world? Does it still command a disproportionate amount of our time? Do we spend time developing other areas of our life instead of that which should take priority and command our focus and affections?

May the Lord challenge our hearts and desires and encourage us on the journey.

Yours in Christ, Mark

Fellowship - not just a cup of coffee and a biscuit!

I've been enjoying a few mentions of fellowship in the New Testament and I don't intend to add too much comment other than to say that this subject is huge! Sometimes our understanding of true Christian fellowship can be far too simplistic and really isn't what God means when he talks about 'fellowship' in His Word. Here are some references to provoke further thought and consideration:

"That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ" (1 Jn 1:3)

Number one fellowship - with God our Father and His Son! What a tremendous privilege and calling is ours! Surely this fellowship should mark our character and walk, both before God and before the world.

"...if any fellowship of the Spirit..." (Phil 2:1)

Something we share with all true believers - we enjoy the company of and participation in the Holy Spirit! Remember the Spirit is known as the Comforter, the Paraclete one who 'draws alongside'... what a comfort is ours to know we have a present aide who travels with all believers.

"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another" (1 Jn 1:7)

Here is a reminder of the practical implications of fellowship with each other, it is conditional on our day-to-day living. An alternative rendering says: "but if we really are living and walking in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have true, unbroken fellowship with one another". What a challenge this is, to know that fellowship isn't just about attending dinners and suppers but should have a bearing and impact upon our daily walk!

"...your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now" (Phil 1:5)

The Amplified version has a helpful alternative rendering: "I thank my God for your fellowship (your sympathetic co-operation and contribution and partnership) in advancing the good news (the Gospel) from the first day you heard it, until now". This really challenges us in relation to our zeal and energy in our evangelical outreach, this is something we can have fellowship in!

"...the fellowship of the ministering to the saints" (2 Cor 8:4)

We can have fellowship in helping each other, and meeting need where we can see it. This may be financial, but also may be in many other practical ways. The Amplified reads "the ministration for the relief and support of the saints". Truly fellowship is a noble, humbling and practical thing indeed!

"That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death" (Phil 3:10)

I have no real comments on this lovely but incredibly deep and challenging verse, but I did particularly enjoy the thoughts that are brought out by the Amplified rendering: "For my determined purpose is that I may know Him (that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognising and understanding the wonders of His person more strongly and more clearly), and that I may in that same way come to know the power out-flowing from His resurrection (which it exerts over believers) and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed (in Spirit into His likeness even) to His death."

May the Lord help us understand the wonder of fellowship for the Christian, and the many different facets and meanings it brings.

Yours in Christ, Mark

 

Feet - A few thoughts are afoot...

Just a few short thoughts on the strange but interesting subject of feet from the scriptures today, no doubt you can build on or adapt these thoughts yourselves, all comments welcome!



1. Mark 5:22 "And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet"

His attitude showed humility, despite being a ruler of the synagogue! It showed that he was conscious of his deep need, and showed a repentant spirit before the Lord. When we first come to the Saviour we must be willing to take the lowly place as we acknowledge our sinful condition before a holy and a righteous God, and ask him for forgiveness and salvation. Only then can blessing be given!

2. Luke 7:38 "...And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment."

Shows humility in worship, she pours out her heartfelt worship and adoration for the Saviour. Surely this is a model or example for true worship! Surely this is what brings delight and pleasure to the heart of God, as we pour out our hearts worship and praise upon his Son! We challenge ourselves: How much effort do we put into our worship? How much time? Does it affect us like it did this woman? Does it mean this much to us? Oh to capture something of this spirit in our worship both collectively and individually!

3. John 13:5 "After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded."

We marvel again at the humility of the Saviour, the perfect servant! He teaches the disciples a valuable lesson, they had often been arguing who was the greatest, jockeying for position amongst themselves. Here before them was the greatest one that had ever walked the face of the earth, the very Son of God, God manifest in flesh - yet here he was bowing before them and washing their feet with basin and towel. The cross must have been weighing heavy on his mind at this point, yet he takes this lowly step for the ones he loved.

4. Luke 24:39 "Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have."

Here we see the humility of the Cross sufferings, they pierced his hands and his feet! Here however was evidence of his death and crucifixion, seen in the nail prints in his hands and his feet. His was a sacrificial death for us all on the cross of Calvary, and we remind ourselves afresh of this wondrous truth! The nail scarred feet also proved that here standing before them was the risen Lord. The one who had been on the cross, died and was buried was the very same one standing before them in the room! here we have a lovely sign of victory and triumph, the work was perfect, finished and complete, praise him!

5. Acts 16:24 "Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks."

Now we are reminded of the humility of the saints - the sufferings endured in service, and the hardship and persecution for the testimony and furtherance of the Gospel. The Lord could say; "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, (death internally to self) and take up his cross, (death externally to the world) and follow me" Let us remind ourself of the reproach that we should bear in this world - the reproach of the cross, we are associated with that man of Calvary!

6. Romans 10:15 "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

Here we are seeing the humility of the preacher or evangelist engaged in the spread of the Gospel. What a blessed privilege and opportunity we have to serve and preach the good news of the gospel of peace! It is a message from God entrusted to us to spread to others, whether publicly from the Gospel platform or in the streets, or individually bearing witness and testimony to our friends, family or colleagues. We remind ourselves of the responsibility of this service as well, which should always challenge to our hearts. It is a solemn responsibility, and we should seek to spread the Gospel with humility toward God, dignity, clarity, simplicity and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

We trust these simple thoughts will encourage us and challenge our hearts.

Yours in Christ, Mark

"Why are they not like us...?"

"Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?" Mark 7:5

The question that was really asked if we boil it down in Mark 7 was "why are they (the disciples) not like us?"

This is what the Pharisees were ultimately driving at - why are the disciples of the Lord Jesus not like them, or the other people of the day? I personally find this a challenge, as the same question is still asked of us today; why are we not like the rest of the world?

[caption id="attachment_147" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Chalk and cheese; the believer and the world"][/caption]

People will often challenge us regarding our beliefs and our way of life, just as they did in the Lord's day so it behoves us to be ready when faced with this particular line of questioning! Do we know our Bibles well enough to be able to point out from scripture why we believe what we believe? Would we be able to tell another friend, colleague or relative the Gospel message if we were faced with that situation? Are we as believers filled with conviction regarding the manner of our gathering and the testimony of the local assembly?

The world will question and attack our beliefs, it will seek to fill our heads with doubts and undermine our faith, just as Satan did in the Garden of Eden. We should seek to fill our hearts and minds with the Word of God and be ready and able to give answers to them so that we might turn the tables and challenge them about their way of life and their standing before God!

We trust this short challenge will provoke a reaction within our hearts.

Yours in Christ, Mark