Wise words for teenagers (and everbody actually!)

I just love this clever but impactful picture from Reinhard Bonnke who is a German charismatic Christian evangelist, principally known for his gospel missions throughout Africa. Bonnke has been an evangelist and missionary in Africa since 1967.

Bonnke's Autobiography, Living a Life of Fire is a collection of stories of his life including accounts of his childhood growing up during the Second World War and living in prison camps to his early years in ministry and how he believed God used him to bring the gospel of salvation to Africa.

Take a look at his autobiography here...

The Duck Dynasty Debacle

Duck Dynasty is an unlikely but wildly popular US “reality TV” show about the madcap life of a redneck family from the Louisiana backwoods;   unlikely, perhaps, because the family are devout Christians who wear their faith on their sleeves (or should that be “bandanas”?)

See here for Phil Robertson's new book - unPHILtered: The Way I See It

With their Christianity so evident, it’s perhaps no surprise that when Phil Robertson, the clan patriarch, was interviewed by GQ magazine recently, he was asked about a question about it.   A golden opportunity, surely, to present the gospel attractively and biblically? 

The question – “what is sin?” seems innocuous enough.  It’s a question that could, perhaps, be answered by a small child with a few weeks of Sunday School under their belt.  But it’s such a key question that certain answers can badly misrepresent the gospel and needlessly turn the questioner off Christianity entirely.  For that reason, just the opening sentence of Phil’s controversial answer provides some important lessons for us about witnessing. 

“Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there.”

So how would we answer GQ’s question?

The first key is to ensure that we base our answer on the Biblical definition and meaning of sin.  Homosexuality is not actually what sin intrinsically is, it is only one of many, many symptoms of it, just like having a high fever is a symptom of influenza.  That’s not to say, of course, that homosexual behavior is at all acceptable to God – but the root meaning of the word sin is “to miss the mark”, God’s mark or standard – and that applies to all human effort and behavior.

The second key is to make clear what the root cause of sin is.  To imply that all sin starts with homosexuality is wide of the mark! James 1:14-15 says that “each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed…then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin”.  As Jesus said, it is what comes from the inside that makes us unclean (Mark 7:15).  The root of sin is in our hearts in such things as pride, lust, greed, selfishness, envy – in fact the laundry list of items laid out in Galatians 5:19-21.  A wise gardener does not deal with dandelions by trying to contain thousands f floating seeds; he knows the most effective action is to focus on the roots!

The third key is to state that sin brings the same issue to every human being, regardless of their sexual orientation.  To focus on one particular sin, and target one particular section of society, risks alienating some and perhaps lets others think that they are off the hook.   (It’s even worse when the particular sin is selected because of an apparent personal distaste for the sin involved – Robertson also made comments about homosexual vs. heterosexual intercourse which cannot be published here because of their coarse and explicit nature).  What we need to focus on is God’s objective view and evaluation of sin, not our own subjective one.  Look again at the seemingly unprioritized list of Galatians 5 and find items that perhaps much more commonly beset us.  Why focus on homosexuality and overlook jealousy, rage and selfish ambition? 

Robertson’s comments certainly hit the headlines and attracted a lot of criticism from sections of the media and society.  However, some Christians have praised his bravery for standing up for what he believes, whereas his family has defended his right to free speech under the US constitution, excusing his language on the grounds of his life experience.   Is this valid?  After all, Paul was known for his “parrhesia” (a Greek word meaning “frankness of speech”) and calling a spade a spade.

As citizens, primarily, of heaven, Christians need to be wary of utilizing earthly rights or use them as a means to justify their conduct.  We have heavenly rights, but they come with heavenly responsibilities, including being “shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16) and “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).  In addition, standing up for what we believe is not necessarily the same thing as proclaiming what God actually says in his Word! 

The way we stand up and/or proclaim is also important – we need to be conscious of our audience and tailor the way we speak accordingly, remembering we are now ambassadors who are a new creation with a new way of acting and speaking!

Carrying the Cross - A Sketch

I recently wrote this sketch for an event based on Jesus' discipleship call to carry the cross - but we ran out of time and it never got used!   The sketch looks at what happens when a Christian feels uncomfortable when they are carrying the cross - literally in this case!

Scene:  Two men at bus-stop waiting for a bus.  One man is holding something quite large….

Man 1:  Bus late again!

Man 2:  Yeah, third time this week, ridiculous.

Man 1:  I’m going to start walking if it doesn’t turn up soon….

Both men wait impatiently, check their watches, look at the sky…bored.  Man 1 looks at Man 2 and looks up, noticing the object that he appears to be carrying.  Decides to pass the time and enquire…

Man 1:  Hope you don’t mind me asking…but…what’s that thing you’ve got there?

Man 2:  I’m sorry….?

Man 1: What’s that…you know, that thing you’re carrying?

Man 2:  I’m sorry, I don’t think I’m following you…what thing?

Man 1: Err…that great piece of wood you’ve got in your hand…looks about 8 foot tall and 4 feet wide…(looks baffled)

Man 2:  (pretends to be surprised) Oh…oh...of course…THAT!  Oh…erm..well..ahem…it’s a big piece of wood..

Man 1:  Err..yes, I can see that, but why are you carrying it?  You’re not expecting to get it on the bus are you – it’s miles too big.

Man 2:  Yeah, it can be a bit inconvenient at times but it seems to be able to fit just about anywhere really…with a bit of effort…

Man 1in:  That I’d love to see…but… why are you carrying it?

Man 2: Well…err…someone asked me to carry it actually… (seems embarrassed)

Man 1:  Really?

Man 2:  Yes, an…errr…friend of mine as a matter of fact.

Man 1:  Oh, so you’re helping him out then?

Man 2:  Well,…err…not exactly, he’s helping me I suppose…it’s…err.. a bit difficult to explain…

Man 1:  You can say that again…so he is local, your mate?

Man 2: Well…yes and no….he’s not been here for quite a while as a matter of fact. But he’ll be coming back very soon, I’m sure.

Man 1: All sounds very odd….got a name, this mate of yours by any chance…?

Man 2:  Well, he’s got a few nicknames…I…err..call him “JC”…

Man 1:  Never heard of him…so, tell me then…what does this piece of wood do..what’s it for?

Man 2: Well it’s a very versatile thing actually...it can serve a different purpose to different people...if that makes any sense…

Man 1:  It doesn’t, to be perfectly honest!  (Sounding skeptical)

Man 2:  Well…erm…ahem…it could make a great washing line…

Man 1:  You’re joking aren’t you…?

Man 2:  Or..or..or…you could put your satellite dish on the top of it and get great reception…

Man 1:  This is getting ridiculous…

Man 2:  OK, OK…it comes in handy if you ever need a giant T-shape for any reason…

Man 1:  You’re nuts!

Man 2:  I’m sure it must look that way..but you’d never understand…..sigh…anyway…you seem to be asking lots of questions..whats the big deal if I choose to carry around a big piece of wood…?

Man 1:  No big deal, mate.  I just thought you might be carrying a cross…you know…because you’re a Christian….Matthew 16 and all that…I’ve been thinking about becoming a Christian for a while but I’m looking for some guidance…but obviously I was mistaken..oh well…have to dash…bye!

Man 2 (to himself):  I think that could have gone better…Taxi!

A Study in Prophetic Principles

Link to book on Amazon.com

 

Link to book on Amazon.co.uk

 

Do you find Bible prophecy to be a confusing subject? Are Revelation, Daniel or Ezekiel all closed books to you...then this Kindle e-book is for you!

George Prasher, Bible teacher and missionary, explores the underlying principles and patterns of prophetic presentation. Written in four parts:

1.The significance and range of prophecy in the plan of divine revelation;
2.Patterns of prophetic presentation;
3.The main currents of Bible prophecy; and
4.A study in false prophecy.

 

If you are looking for I-books format then it is available here at Hayes Press Christian Resources: Link to purchase I-books edition

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Easter Thought from UCB Word of the Day

WHAT WONDROUS LOVE

'...My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?' Matthew 27:46

Imagine having to stand on a stage and watch every sin you've ever committed replayed for the entire world to see - your secret addictions, your selfish motives, your angry outbursts, your critical attitudes, and your jealous heart. How do you think you'd feel? Well, Jesus experienced much worse. The Bible says: 'He...bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness - by whose stripes you were healed' (1Peter 2:24 NKJV).   It's bad enough to die for sins you didn't commit, but imagine being forsaken by God! It's the same word Paul used when he wrote: 'Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world...' (2 Timothy 4:10 KJV). Paul looked for Demas and couldn't find him. And on the cross, Jesus looked for His Father and couldn't find Him either. Does that mean the Psalmist was wrong when he wrote: '...I have never seen the righteous forsaken...' (Psalms 37:25 NIV)? No, because at that moment Jesus was anything but righteous. When you look at Him hanging there you will see the gossiper, the liar, the cheater, the alcoholic, the porn addict, the child abuser, the murderer. Does it bother you to see His name linked with theirs? Well, Jesus did even more. He put Himself in their place - and yours. In a move that broke God's heart and gave us the gift of eternal life, He poured out His righteous judgment on His only Son. So when Jesus cried from the cross, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?' He said it so that you would never have to. What wondrous love.

Salt & The Sacrifice of Christ - Ebook

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Here is another book in the popular Search for Truth Series.  Just 99 cents on Amazon.com and 99p on Amazon.co.uk

 

Link to book on Amazon.com !

 

Link to book on Amazon.co.uk !

Most Christians are familiar with the use of salt as a picture for many things in the life of disciple, but it can also be used to draw some very valuable lessons about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ at Calvary.

Did you know that salt was involved in the sacrifices in the Old Testament and that there was something in those days called a "covenant of salt"? Brian Johnston explains the meaning of both of these things in this short book under the following chapter headings:

1. The Value of Christ’s Sacrifice
2. Something Long-lasting
3. No Going Back On His Word
4. What a (Sweet) Savour!

 

 

Words!

In 11^th century Europe, the First Crusade to recapture Jerusalem was started by the Pope by just 3 words “deus le volt”, or “God wills it” in English.  In 1960’s America, the cause of race relations was greatly advanced by 4 words from Martin Luther King – “I have a dream”.

Matt 12 v 36-37 says, “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

James 3 v 6-8 says. “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell...no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

This being the case we should watch our words carefully.  It seems to be that advise which the Bible gives – to limit our words to each other and to God in certain circumstances.

One of the challenges we face is that we have unlimited numbers of words at our disposal.  In addition, English is the richest language in the world, with over 700,000 to choose from.  It is estimated that men use 25,000 words per day, whereas women use twice that amount.  They probably would claim it is because the men were not listening the first time they said it! It was said of Samuel in 1 Sam 3 v 19 that God did not let any of his words fall to the ground.  What an interesting expression.  Not one word was wasted, and this also shows that God was also listening at all times.  Are any of our words only fit to be thrown away?

There appear to be 3 good options here:

1)       Be slow to speak – assess the situation from all angles, challenge the motives behind what you are about to say, and then prepare and select your words with great care

2)       Speak few words – the law of averages tells us that the fewer words we speak, the less chance of putting our foot in it.  As James vividly indicates to us in his letter, our tongues can get out of control – he uses the word “hell” in his description, which is not a word to be used lightly.

3)       Don’t speak at all – its very unnatural for many, particularly when you feel under attack and you feel the need to defend yourself.  But think of Jesus’ example and how it was said of him, when he was reviled he did not revile again.  Our culture today is one that demands instant opinions – whether it be in relation to politics, news or sports events.  Some stars are even contracted to be interviewed after an event – they cannot get out of it!  We can though and sometimes its better not to say anything at all.

 

However we must also be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater.  Of course there are times when we must speak out, and infact we are commanded to do so!

·         Confession of Jesus as Lord – Romans 10 v 9.  Consider this as a daily exercise to start the day

·         Building up of fellow saints – Ephesians 4 v 15.  Its certainly harder to do this than tear someone down!

·         Declaring God’s praises – Psalm 145 v 6.  Don’t forget our words can still be few.  After all, if our bodies are a living sacrifice to God throughout the week, isn’t that what God wants more?

·         Witnessing – 1 Peter 3 v 15.  Words should be used like a scalpel though - and not a blunt instrument like a mallet.  The words here are in response to a specific question from an enquirer (presumably triggered by the distinctive lifestyle of the Christian) and not simply a scattergun approach to the gospel.

May our prayer be that of David in Psalm 19 v 14 “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”