Mercy and the Everlasting Gospel: Introduction

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. “ Matthew 23:23

In pronouncing His woes to the Pharisees, Jesus makes plain to them that mercy, together with judgement and faith, is among the weightier matters of the law. One has observed that mercy is a part of God’s character which, though often mentioned, is really lightly considered.  I'll be posting a series of short studies which are really a collection of notes from one’s personal study on the topic. One has really been blessed much in the realisation of a part of God’s character very unfamiliar to some (at least to me personally before the study).

The studies have been structured in a series of brief portions or thought nuggets to make for easy reading. One is still learning of the lovely character of Jesus and thus there is possibly much room for additions to points, but they are shared with the hope that they will bless the reader as much as (if not more) than the one posting.

“He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8.

"Serving the Lord" Article

Its very interesting how the Lord works. I had written this note last year before going to Free State in December for mission. Actually on the day before the scheduled departure. I randomly went through it the other day and it was as though some one else had written it just for me.

[appeared in the March issue of the Mission Cohort newsletter. It's  a bit of a long one]

" “Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:” Acts 20:19

In addressing the leaders of the church in Acts 20, Paul brings to view the experiences of one who is to be a servant of the Lord: These being the fact that it includes

humility of mind, many tears and temptations.

In the great controversy in which we all are partakers, to some it seems to be a foreign concept that the work of God will include these things. The enemy would have us believe that serving God is a smooth ride in which all the parts of the path are smoothly laid out and in which one glides through without any or much resistance. This is not so. It was not so in Christ’s ministry and as we draw closer to His coming it will not be so with His labourers in the last days.

Conditions facing Christ's labourers.

The condition of the world in which the labourers of Christ are to work is in no wise getting better, thus the difficulties which often assail the work and cause of Christ are to enlarge. Paul speaking of the perilous last days describes that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Tim 3:13). It seems though that many are discouraged and disappointed by the continual challenges faced when undertaking the work of God - but these are to be expected. This is more especially so when more of the Lords resources are being relied on.

The thing we are to fear as those who labour for Christ is not the presence of hurdles and difficulties, but rather the absence of them and the apparent illusion of success.  We ought to remember that any success which is achieved before Jesus returns is only partial, because the gospel commission is to extend to all the world, and until the end comes (Matt. 24:14) there is still great work to be carried out and a greater need of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. He is the all sufficient power necessary for the finishing of the gospel work.

The nature of the battle.

The gospel work is a direct warfare against the kingdom of satan, and he will not thus sit idly while the foundation of his aims is challenged. Notice the nature of the enemy’s efforts in the battle and the condition of those with whom he is apparently contending:

“Satan summons all his forces and throws his whole power into the combat. Why is it that he meets with no greater resistance? Why are the soldiers of Christ so sleepy and indifferent? Because they have so little real connection with Christ; because they are so destitute of His Spirit. Sin is not to them repulsive and abhorrent, as it was to their Master. They do not meet it, as did Christ, with decisive and determined resistance. They do not realize the exceeding evil and malignity of sin, and they are blinded both to the character and the power of the prince of darkness. There is little enmity against Satan and his works, because there is so great ignorance concerning his power and malice, and the vast extent of his warfare against Christ and His church.” The Great Controversy, p.507.3 (Emphasis added)

Such is the nature of the battle. It is unfortunate that the enemy invests all that he is and has into the battle of which he is certain (perhaps even more than we are) that he has lost. It is unfortunate though that those against whom he is warring, those who are professedly “labourers together with God” (1 Cor. 3:9) are engaging in the battle as though they were on the losing side.

on the winning team.

Now this is in no wise to say that it is a losing battle. On the contrary; the burden of ones thoughts is in view of the fact that God is an omnipotent Creator who cannot be overcome by anything. Why then do His labourers trust Him so little? Look at what inspiration has to say about the result of a simple trust in Christ:

“In the whole Satanic force there is not power to overcome one soul who in simple trust casts himself on Christ.” Christ’s Object Lessons p. 157.3

Though the enemy may be described as an evil one who throws all that he has into the battle, the entire accumulation of his strongest forces are not able to overcome a single one of those who put their trust in Jesus. Where then is the reason for discouragement? Where then is the reason for despondence and self-pity at the appearance of any and every difficulty? Is not the enemy we face , though evil, yet utterly unable to overcome the powers of Heaven?

The danger of apparent success.

It is a deception of satan to think that Gods work will never be met with opposition. This deception has led to a widespread lack of trust in the power of the Holy Spirit and a more than unnecessary dependence on human agencies, strategies and efforts. This is the danger which tends to arise with apparent success.

“Let us not forget that as activity increases, and we become successful in doing the work that must be accomplished, there is danger of our trusting in human plans and methods. There will be a tendency to pray less, and to have less faith. We shall be in danger of losing our sense of dependence upon God, who alone can make our work succeed; but although this is the tendency, let no one think that the human instrument is to do less. No, he is not to do less, but to do more by accepting the heavenly gift, the Holy Spirit.” Christian Service, p.98.3 

TO MOTIVATE MORE THAN DISCOURAGE

In view of this condition that arises with apparent success, to arouse His people to their need of dependence on Him, would it not be needful for God to allow challenges to be experienced in His work that His labourers may see their need of dependence on Him? The evidences of success call to more earnest efforts. Yet the opposite is commonly the case, and thus challenges must come. It is thus that one would understand why Paul could say the following:

“but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; “ Romans 5:3.

It is through those tribulations experienced in His work that God causes us to realise our need and dependence on Him. These are not then to discourage us, they are not to cause us to distrust the presence of God in His work. In fact, these are an opportunity to take the challenge to God for Him to bear; it is His work after all . Notice the following:

“The Lord is disappointed when His people place a low estimate upon themselves. He desires His chosen heritage to value themselves according to the price He has placed upon them. God wanted them, else He would not have sent His Son on such an expensive errand to redeem them. He has a use for them, and He is well pleased when they make the very highest demands upon Him, that they may glorify His name. They may expect large things if they have faith in His promises.”  The Desire of Ages p.668.1  (Emphasis added.)

When we find ourselves in difficulties which are beyond ourselves, may we never dishonour God by speaking and acting as though the circumstance is somehow too difficult for Him. Rather, let us be encouraged by the fact that we have an opportunity to please God in “making the very highest demand upon Him that we may glorify His name.” When we do so, believing and expecting Him to do His part in taking care of those who trust Him “we may expect large things” .

This is what challenges and difficulties are calling us to: to have faith in the promises of God. “The reason why the precious, important truth for this time is not powerful to save is that we do not work in faith. “ Testimonies, vol.5, p.157.3. But this need never to be the case, because God cares too much for the souls of man, to let His work languish without Him offering the presence and power of His Spirit. 

“The warning which we bear to the world must prove to them a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. And will the Lord send forth His servants to proclaim this fearfully solemn message and withhold from them His Holy Spirit? Shall frail, erring men, without special grace and power from God, dare to stand between the living and the dead to speak the words of everlasting life? Our Lord is rich in grace, mighty in power; He will abundantly bestow these gifts upon all who come to Him in faith. He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than are parents to give good gifts to their children.” Testimonies vol.5, p.157.3

Such is the provision availed to the labourer of Christ, and even amidst any difficulty, such is still the all sufficient solution: The presence of the Spirit as claimed in calm, simple faith.**

 God bless

"Confidence, No Matter What" - Portion of a book that I am really enjoying

We have learned what God is like through the revelation of His word. We have experienced the blessings, the peace, the joy, the freedom, that comes through Jesus. Now we must calculatedly place our confidence in Him, no matter what.

"At times ... to exercise faith seems utterly contrary to all the evidences of sense or emotion; but our will must be kept

on God's side. We must believe that in Jesus Christ is everlasting strength and efficiency." -Our High Calling, p. 124.

"There are those who find it hard to exercise faith, and they place themselves on the doubting side. These lose much

because of their unbelief. If they would control their feelings, and refuse to allow doubt to bring a shadow over their

own minds and the minds of others, how much happier and more helpful they would be." -The SDA Bible Commentary, Ellen G. White Comments, on Matt. 28:17, p. 1110.

We must, then, choose to trust God. Having established in our hearts and minds that He is true, we must place our minds in an attitude of trust toward Him. This advice is sound psychologically, as well as spiritually. John Wesley's Moravian friend, Peter Boehler, advised him, "Live by faith until you have faith."

Ellen White gives the same kind of advice:

If you want faith, talk faith; talk hopefully, cheerfully. -Testimonies, vol. I, p. 699.

Those who talk faith and cultivate faith will have faith, but those who cherish and express doubts will have doubts.

 - Ibid., vol. 5, p.302

 

You have to talk faith, you have to live faith, you have to act faith, that you may have an increase of faith; and thus

exercising that living faith you will grow to strong men and women in Christ Jesus. -The SDA Bible Commentary,

 

Ellen G. White Comments, on Luke 17:5, pp. 1121, 1122.

Faith is simple in its operation and powerful in its results. Many professed Christians, who have a knowledge of the

sacred Word, and believe its truth, fail in the childlike trust that is essential to the religion of Jesus. They do not reach
out with that peculiar touch that brings the virtue of healing to the soul.

-Ibid., Ellen G. White Comments, on Rom. 5: 1, p. 1074.

Ellen G. White gives two other requirements necessary for faith: "In order for a man's faith to be strong, he must be much with God in secret prayer." -Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 236. "In order to strengthen faith, we must often bring it in contact with the

Word." -Education, p. 254.

We close with a word of caution, exhortation, and assurance. First, the words of caution and exhortation:

If we sink down and give way to the temptations of Satan, we shall grow weaker and get no reward for the trial, and shall not be so well prepared for the next. In this way we shall grow weaker and weaker, until we are led captive by Satan at his will.

-Christian Experience and Teachings, p. 103.

 

The very time to exercise faith is when we feel destitute of the Spirit. When thick clouds of darkness seem to hover over

the mind, then is the time to let living faith pierce the darkness and scatter the clouds. -Ibid., p. 126.

Then there is this statement: "Faith grows by conflicts with doubts" (Sons and Daughters of God, p. 191).

How to Be a Victorious Chrisian, Thomas Davis

Perception

Just finished presenting a 3 week project we've been working on at school. God has really just been revealing Himself so wonderfully to me throughout this year. If there is one thought I can hold as true is that in all things, God is really in control.

So the project was a group project, which will eventually lead up to a competition where the group selected within the class will then go to compete with other universities working on the same project. Now this was the 3rd group project this year, so some bonds have already been established among other groups who had been working together since the 1st one. The last group I was in was  a "chance" arrangement (I say sarcastically, with Rom. 8:28 in mind), so I really wasn't too sure what the arrangement for this latest would be. But having gotten the brief, I just committed the matter to God (yes I pray for my projects).

Day 1 of the briefing in class was after the holiday after the conference. By then some of the class had already gotten themselves into  groups and I personally wasn't too sure which group I would be in, but from the conferences experience I had the confidence that Go will still lead. So the morning continues and out of the blue one of my colleagues, whom I have really never had a conversation with, asks me if we could pair up. :), was slightly surprised there and, not having much of a choice, I agreed. We needed a 3rd person but everyone had already paired themselves so we agreed to work as just a team of 2.

Now to set all this in context, this brother is one who was in the very same year with me since first year, but still we've never really ever spoken. Various reasons for this come to mind but part of them area also really as a result of my own perception of him (and his possible perception of me.) This was the reason behind the surprise. I wont go into much detail of what my perception of him was but that it was very inaccurate.

As we were going to site we got to speaking and I was very humbled at how similar me and him really are. He is really convicted on the importance of the family, and we shared a lovely discussion on the impact broken homes have had on society. We got to speaking about religion and the he is a faithful Christian too, rather devoted and also holds a position in his church. We had an interesting talk the one time on race relations, he's "Afrikaans" and it was really refreshing to be candid with each other. We both have a frustration with racism, (what's funny is that we are both frustrated with it when it comes our own races - that is: I am really unimpressed with racist behaviour from black people and vice versa).

These, and quite a number of other discussions really humbled me. I never realised how wrong, and possibly quite unfair, my views of him were. Must say I really learnt quite a bit. The experience has really been worth it.

For the past few weeks God has been teaching me a number of valuable lessons. The power of perception has been one to cherish. A pointed question that comes to mind is that what are ones perceptions of people really based on? Also the thought that what are peoples perceptions of me, and the Jesus whom I long to represent? I really think this idea of perception would change many a lives when really looked at critically. At times people do and say things which we may think are done for reasons entirely different to the original purpose, and the misunderstanding really is the result of how things are perceived. I think one can relate to the experience of doing something and then having it entirely misinterpreted from what you were trying to do.

I'm convinced that in everyone there's something valuable to discover, and it is amazing what impact a positive perception of people motives and actions can do when one choses to consider them in that light.

Hoping to get some rest tonight after the project, :). Till next post.

Back from an impacting experience

Got back recently from what has really been a powerful experience to me personally. I was privileged to be at the Mission Cohort 2014 conference and I can without a doubt say that the Holy Spirit was present at that gathering.

There were powerful devotions, plenary sessions, panel discussions and personal conversations which all in some way or another really hit home. The Lord really found a way to deal with my character. The sermons posed some very challenging questions and reminders of ones duty. Coming back, I've had some time to seriously reflect on ones own personal ministry and that's part of the reason why I've gotten back to blogging. I've learnt at least from this conference that reflection and reviewing is not likely to be a one time thing though. Something I always say to others has been my very own experience since the conference, that: "the greatest of convictions happen not so much when we are gathered in the assembly of others, but in the quiet quarters of private study and personal devotion.

As I continue, I will be posting, by Gods grace, some of the experiences, plans, thoughts and encounters that I have had from and since the conference. I have not been able to look at life the same since. I have, ever since I became Seventh-day Adventist believed that Jesus is coming soon, but that conference made me believe it more. This now comes with the responsibility of asking myself: How can I then practically respond to that fact. Not in an entirely sentimental, emotional manner, but looking at where God has placed me, how do I carry out my own personal mission (under the guidance of the Holy Spirit) to practically brighten the corner where I am.

Like Tom Davis says in His book "How to become a victorious Christian", answers to questions like these don't come in 30 minutes, but what one may be assured of is that in seeking diligently and listening out to the voice of God through His word, Spirit and providence, one may be sure of getting the answers.

Highlights to the conference:
- Speaking on the topic of "Communion with Christ", how we can have a sustained devotional life. In summary: they that water others shall themselves be watered.
- Righteousness by faith Plenary sessions
- Heart felt devotional messages. God really humbled me through 2 presentations which called for a thorough examination of oneself. Mark the words: "some of the things that are an hindrance between a person and God are other individuals, and sometimes we ourselves are those individuals..." (speaker 1). "We can be the enemies to the very cause which we profess to love... in refusing to let go of the issue we have, even among us here, we delay the coming of Jesus and can never expect to see thousands converted in a day (no matter how much we act like those issues are not there)." (speaker 2)... the details of what these led up to is a story for another day.
- Feedback session on peoples experiences of the conference. Some of the young people there were really on the verge of dying spiritually. Some had lost hope and confidence in God, people whom others see as "alright", expressing how much they themselves needed a personal revival and others admitting that God, through the conference had spoken mightily to them regarding the personal experiences they were having.
- The food :) and friends
- And many more.

Do look out for more posts though. Blogging has found its way into my schedule so by Gods grace I hope to post more soon. (I have been writing more than typing, but hope to transfer the handwritten stuff soon). Have had one or 2 disappointments since the last post, but I have been gladdened by seeing Romans 8:28 manifest itself, and give hope for the future...

My new favourite verse:
John 15:4
Abide.

The footsteps of Jesus

Ah but how good God is. Just to relate a recent experience.

So today we were having a meeting with the committee and it was at my place, and just to be nice to my friends I was planning to cook for them (Les always cooks when we meet at her place and I thought it would be cool to do the same). So I had to get a few of the ingredients beforehand to have the lunch ready. I was going home for the weekend so I had to make sure to get it on Friday, spend the Sabbath that side because it was holy communion, then make it back Sunday morning in time to prepare the lunch for after the meeting (or at least that was the plan).

Friday came and I got the ingredients, and to be quite honest, while shopping the thought came to mind that I wouldn't make it back in time to cook for the guys. But I still had the impression to get all the things needed for lunch. "What would happen if I don't make it back in time to cook, what would I do with all the food", that's the thought that one had.

After the blessed Sabbath experience at Boksburg South (it was really powerful man), as foreseen, Sunday morning (this morning) I didn't make it back in time to cook the lunch for the guys. Now after the meeting, everyone had to rush to different places, and there I was left with all the food. I don't have a fridge so keeping it would inevitably result in it going bad. Finding an alternative didn't take long though. I was reminded of Street Kitchen, (an youth led city humanitarian mission project), and it was hard for me to resist (and I did try). The Lord left a heavy impression to go in that direction.

The way the Lord directs things is very interesting though. As I was preparing the food after the meeting, I realised that I would need more hands. Then a know came to my door, one of my classmates (who really never comes to my room). He brought a cable for my phone which someone asked him to give me. Anyhow, I asked him to assist me later on when the food would be ready. Very quickly he responds, "Sure, cool, no problem." :). I really realise throughout that it was God's leading. So I finished preparing the food, prayed that God be with us and that the food would be enough, and got ready to leave. I sort of had an idea of where to find some of the homeless guys, (one generally somehow always knows their places, but how often we pass them by).

So I went to my classmates place, fetched him and we left together, looking for homeless people. It was slightly awkward for the first few minutes because me and him are really not more than class mates, (though mates nonetheless), so the conversation was really "academic" for lack of better words. We got to the one place where we both knew we would find some guys, and the short time spent there was really something else. We got there, introduced ourselves, and told them why we were there, and they were so grateful for the act. To me and my classmate it really didn't seem like we did much, but to those few guys it meant so much. I don't know how many times they expressed their gratitude. I actually think that more than just receiving a cooked meal, what warmed their hearts was the thought that someone actually cared for them, as opposed to fearing or suspecting them as criminals.

There was still a bit of food left and they pointed us in the direction where we could possibly find a few more homeless guys. We prayed with them then left. "Even if you guys did this once, the fact that you did it, and didn't just think about doing it means a lot" said one of the guys (we got their names).  I could see, as we were leaving them, the impact that it had on my friend. So we went the direction they pointed.

Walking past campus, we come across one of the girls from the architecture department, one of the earlier year students. After exchanging the polite greetings she asks us where we were going, seeing the stuff we had. We told her we're looking for homeless people, "nyani?" (That's "really" in Xhosa, :). Yep, and she directed us to where we were likely to find a couple, and asked us to let her know the next time we do this again, (quite frankly I actually wasn't thinking about a "next time.") But we said we would see... So we continued. We got to where we were directed to and found a young boy there, Serame. A very sweet young man. He was reading a newspaper and immediately I thought of Sam Pipim's testimony...

We gave him the food that we had left and had a very nice little chat with him and it really left an impression on me. Now while walking back to res with my friend I would really see that it had an impact on him too. That's just what serving others does. We were both smiling all the way. Being a blessing to others, for no personal gain, really results in blessings upon oneself.

The substance of the conversation changed on our way back. The subject turned more to being about how blessed one is in life, how much suffering there is in the world, how much a little act of kindness goes such a long way to the person who received it etc. He said some things that really warmed my heart, "we should do this more often like every Sunday..." "I'm even willing to contribute...""Even if we have a submission on Monday, it would be worth it." He even said something along the lines of getting others from architecture involved in it. "We should do this again next Sunday." This is the power of serving others. We got back and he appreciated the invite to help. I really appreciated his willingness to come and assist and I'm glad it had an impact on him too. His willingness got me to really thinking.

Coming back to my place, reflecting on the experience really made me realise how powerful it all was. The thought that came to mind was that this is a really powerful opportunity for the gospel. I wonder how God is going to use this experience to further get the message of Christ soon second coming and saving grace/power to the hearts of his children living on the streets of the city. Shall be praying that God really use it to His glory, to impact not just the homeless people that may be fed, but also minister conversion in the hearts of those involved in the food distribution.

Some statements in mind.:
"When we have done all the good we can possibly do, we are still unprofitable servants. We have done only what was our duty. What we have accomplished has been wrought solely through the grace of Christ, and no reward is due to us from God on the ground of our merit." The Review and Herald, June 27, 1893.

"...we need not go to Nazareth, to Capernaum, or to Bethany, in order to walk in the steps of Jesus. We shall find His footprints beside the sickbed, in the hovels of poverty, in the crowded alleys of the great city, and in every place where there are human hearts in need of consolation. In doing as Jesus did when on earth, we shall walk in His steps."  The Desire of Ages p.640.2

The Biblical formula for abundant Joy

Been having much to do of late, really miss blogging. My last journal is full and I just got a new one :). I thing this coming holiday will really see the "Pages from my journal" section filling up quite a bit. Anyhow, a brief thought/ ex to share

Penned around 15/09/2013

The Biblical formula for abundant Joy

On Friday, one of my collegues/ class mates came to me and was like "Simon, you dont have any problems ne?". I smiled thinking silently: if He only knew. I told him that I, like every other human being face challenges. But He insisted,"yes, but you dont have like Big problems". Ah the joys of knowing Jesus though. I told Him about the promise that Jesus has given in Matthew 11:28-30, that to Jesus I can lay all my heaviest burdens, and He will not only give me rest, but a yoke which is easy to bear. I let Him know that this promise has been a very real experiences in the many trials that one may face but that in Jesus I can literally look with a smile on what others may find to be a grievious yoke... :)

Any way, just a nice thought to share:
Jesus speaks these words in John 13:17, : "If ye know these things, happy are [you] if you do them." What one finds in reading these words is the fact that there is happines in following the instructions which Jesus Christ has given, not just hearing them. Now in this context Jesus was giving instruction to his disciples regarding the ceremony of footwashing, in the verses before (v. 3-16), but we'll see that the principle applies with all that Christ has spoken. Knowing what Christ has instructed, and going on to do it is the source of true and lasting happiness.

John later also implies something similar to this in his epistle. We read in his letter, "And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." 1 John 1:4. In introducing the epistle, John is telling us that the things that we will find in his letter are intended that our joy may be full. So to find out what it is that will give us this fullness of joy, we can go further through the book. He says in the next chapter: "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:". Looking at these 2 passages next to each other, it would be safe to conclude that what John is telling us is that if we "sin not" our "joy may be full". He is further emphasising the very words of Jesus, that obedience is the source of a joy that is full.

Now one may ask, "But John, I have already fallen into sin, how can I from henceforth turn from sin to obedience?", John would give us the answer. Further in the same book he tells us the following: "Whosoever committes sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he [Jesus] was manifested to take away our sins, and in him is no sin." 1 John 3:4-5.
John first explains what sin is, that sin is to disobey or to transgress the law of God. He further explains though that Jesus was manifested to take away our sins, Jesus was manifested to take away our disobedience and transgression of the law. When Jesus takes away the disobedience to His law (sin), He fills the vaccuum with nothing but His own obedience, so that one is able to keep the commandments and to "sin not". Friends, Jesus came to take away our disobedience of his law that our "joy may be full" in obeying Him.

Note what John continues to say: "Whosoever abideth in him [Jesus] sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him."  Fullness of joy comes by abiding in Jesus because He is the one who gives the obedience. The question then ought not to be "can you or I live in full obedience to the law of God", rather the question should be "Can you and I accept the almighty power of Jesus to work in the heart to keep us from sinning?". This is why Christ came, to take away our sin, to give this fullness of joy. Will you believe and accept this today...?