Their eyes are losing their ability to see God. All over, people are increasingly failing to see God. This is the God who was so apparent to millions a few generations ago.
This spreading blindness is changing everything about our lives. Congressmen now vote on legislation without reference to the great lawgiver. Teachers teach with no thought given to the reality of God in the universe. Parents raise their children with hardly a mention of their ultimate father.
This encroaching darkness is robbing us of the very things that make human life so worthwhile and lovely. It professes to be enlightenment but it is a virus whose most evident symptom is an inability to see God.
Now I know that seeing God isn’t the easiest thing in the world. After all, it is hard to see the invisible. To be able to see God you have to be able to see the invisible. “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18). “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” (Colossians 1:15).
But, just because He is invisible doesn’t mean that we can’t see Him. Physical eyes can’t see Him. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t perceive that He is there. A songwriter stated an eternal truth when he said, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psalms 19:1). A latter prophet said, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20).
Did you catch that? God’s invisible qualities have been clearly seen. There is power in that statement. Power to transform the whole way you and I look at life.
The songwriter and the prophet together propose the truth that you can see God in the amazing creation He has given to us.
This raises an interesting question. Where do you and I see God? What do you look at with your physical eyes that make your spiritual eyes see God? While we live in an increasingly man made environment of concrete, steel and glass we need to take the time to look at our whole environment.
Let me give an example that inspired me recently. While at a Christian Evidences conference recently I was privileged to be in a lecture about neuroscience. Simply put, this is the study of how the brain works. To the casual observer the brain looks like it is just a wrinkled blob of grey jelly. We know it is more than that because it is our brain that gives us the ability to “know” anything. With the aid of electron microscopes and other amazing machines and techniques the neuroscientists have been able to study the amazing electrical processes of the brain. They have a long way to go but what they have discovered is an incredibly complex organ that points to the existence of designer. There is no way you can look at it and conclude that it was the product of mindless evolution. It declares the glory of God.
In a completely different part of the creation a baby is born. This one I am thinking is a boy. He is only days old and already he is doing things that were never taught him. Things that he needs to do to survive. Who taught him such things? His beauty amazes me. His learning curve astounds me. I also know that I love him and that he is beginning to love me. The baby boy declares the glory of God.
What do you see that cries the glory of God? You and I need to remind ourselves of that sense of wonder we get when we truly consider how we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
In doing so we push back the darkness. We shine our light and others start to see God behind the glory. We are to be what Jesus told us to be. “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).
God is not some private belief that we don’t share with others. He is the most public belief. He is everywhere in His creation. Don’t let the blind tell the sighted to close their eyes. Those with sight need to be sharing the wonder of what they see with their children, their families, their neighbors and the whole world.
More recent songwriters ask the question, “Do you see what I see?”. Truly, do you see what I see?
Information Overload
It is becoming increasingly evident to me that how we study the Bible has changed radically in recent years through the use of computers. Whether you use a PC or a Mac like me (MacBook) the way that a Christian gets the basic information of scripture is very different and a lot quicker.
Before computers, if I was preparing a lesson and wanted all the verses on a particular subject I would get out both my Exhaustive (no condensed versions for power users like me) Concordance and my Bible Dictionary and often my Vines Expository Dictionary. Usually with these tools I could over a matter of hours find most references to a particular subject in the Bible.
Now I load my Bible program. there are many types available today. On the Mac I particularly like Online Bible. Within in a matter of minutes I can have every verse relating to a subject from ten different English versions as well as the original Greek and Hebrew. The information comes very quickly now.
The reason I love is because now I can spend more time studying the biblical text rather than in finding the texts. I can focus more of my energy on the how to relate the eternal message to the time bound people I will be teaching. I love that.
This also means that many who used to rely on their huge intellect to retain some much information from the Bible now are really not needed. It's not just preachers like me who can use computers for finding Bible verses. Anyone can. The days of the preacher being the Bible Big Brain who we consult for biblical knowledge are gone (at least for the technologically enhanced).
Just as the printing press lead to the putting of the Bible into the hands of millions the computer puts the navigation within the Bible at the hands of anyone who can do a search. You don't even need a Bible program. You can do a Google search and get pretty good results. Or go to sites like www.biblegateway.com and do all your study over the internet.
What I love about this is that it restores the preacher to his biblical role of proclaimer of the gospel. He is not needed as a scholar who has the specialist books that he uses to distill basic biblical information. We do need scholars but they are very accessible to everyone now.
Along with great blessings to the preacher, the new technologies have brought great potential for evil. Not only is God's truth more accessible so also are the lies and seductions of Satan. More on that another time.
Before computers, if I was preparing a lesson and wanted all the verses on a particular subject I would get out both my Exhaustive (no condensed versions for power users like me) Concordance and my Bible Dictionary and often my Vines Expository Dictionary. Usually with these tools I could over a matter of hours find most references to a particular subject in the Bible.
Now I load my Bible program. there are many types available today. On the Mac I particularly like Online Bible. Within in a matter of minutes I can have every verse relating to a subject from ten different English versions as well as the original Greek and Hebrew. The information comes very quickly now.
The reason I love is because now I can spend more time studying the biblical text rather than in finding the texts. I can focus more of my energy on the how to relate the eternal message to the time bound people I will be teaching. I love that.
This also means that many who used to rely on their huge intellect to retain some much information from the Bible now are really not needed. It's not just preachers like me who can use computers for finding Bible verses. Anyone can. The days of the preacher being the Bible Big Brain who we consult for biblical knowledge are gone (at least for the technologically enhanced).
Just as the printing press lead to the putting of the Bible into the hands of millions the computer puts the navigation within the Bible at the hands of anyone who can do a search. You don't even need a Bible program. You can do a Google search and get pretty good results. Or go to sites like www.biblegateway.com and do all your study over the internet.
What I love about this is that it restores the preacher to his biblical role of proclaimer of the gospel. He is not needed as a scholar who has the specialist books that he uses to distill basic biblical information. We do need scholars but they are very accessible to everyone now.
Along with great blessings to the preacher, the new technologies have brought great potential for evil. Not only is God's truth more accessible so also are the lies and seductions of Satan. More on that another time.
Effective and Biblical Study for Seekers
I have been looking for a study program for those seeking to know God and I have never found one that I felt really hit the nail on the head.
Most of the studies I found and have used over the past 30 years assumed that seekers believed the Bible to be the word of God. I also found many of them focused too heavily on what a person does after they believe in Jesus rather than helping them through that critical part of the journey before they believe in Jesus. I include in this the few study series that I have authored.
I recently came across the ministry of James Nored, preaching minister at the Liberty Church of Christ in Liberty, Missouri. I have never met James but had heard some good things about him and decided to check out his website ( http://storyofredemption.com/index.html ) and to say I was pleased with what I found is an understatement. I highly recommend you check it out as well.
Most of the studies I found and have used over the past 30 years assumed that seekers believed the Bible to be the word of God. I also found many of them focused too heavily on what a person does after they believe in Jesus rather than helping them through that critical part of the journey before they believe in Jesus. I include in this the few study series that I have authored.
I recently came across the ministry of James Nored, preaching minister at the Liberty Church of Christ in Liberty, Missouri. I have never met James but had heard some good things about him and decided to check out his website ( http://storyofredemption.com/index.html ) and to say I was pleased with what I found is an understatement. I highly recommend you check it out as well.
Taming the Tongue
How to put James 3 into practice
1. Decide that you do not have to have the last word (even though it seems like the world will stop spinning if you don’t
2. When you feel anger rising up in you, decide to say nothing on the subject until after your next meal. You won’t want to do this when you getting angry so it is important to make the decision in a more rational moment.
3. Decide to only say things to people or about people that build them up. Gossip, like most sins, is fun but it is so destructive.
4. When you are next tempted to lie, tell the truth and see what happens. Follow this procedure each time you feel tempted to embellish the truth.
5. Train your tongue to praise God by doing so repeatedly. Let you emotions flow fully in your praise of God.
6. Decide that using foul language is something you will not do any more. It’s nothing more than the language of a person who just doesn’t care and you are a person who does care about people.
I received this email from someone in my James class at ECB. What a great spirit!
“I have to tell you that last nights class has influenced my behavior today. I spend time on this website where people often disagree. One person is kind of trying to draw me into a discussion where it could get heated as we have very different opinions on the discussion. Because of your class I have decided not to respond anymore. I stated my opinion (nicely) and have decided that that is all I need to say on the subject. But in the past I might have kept going because I hate not having the last word when I feel I am right. (I just can't understand how people don't realize what I am saying is right and immediately change their minds!!!)”
1. Decide that you do not have to have the last word (even though it seems like the world will stop spinning if you don’t
2. When you feel anger rising up in you, decide to say nothing on the subject until after your next meal. You won’t want to do this when you getting angry so it is important to make the decision in a more rational moment.
3. Decide to only say things to people or about people that build them up. Gossip, like most sins, is fun but it is so destructive.
4. When you are next tempted to lie, tell the truth and see what happens. Follow this procedure each time you feel tempted to embellish the truth.
5. Train your tongue to praise God by doing so repeatedly. Let you emotions flow fully in your praise of God.
6. Decide that using foul language is something you will not do any more. It’s nothing more than the language of a person who just doesn’t care and you are a person who does care about people.
I received this email from someone in my James class at ECB. What a great spirit!
“I have to tell you that last nights class has influenced my behavior today. I spend time on this website where people often disagree. One person is kind of trying to draw me into a discussion where it could get heated as we have very different opinions on the discussion. Because of your class I have decided not to respond anymore. I stated my opinion (nicely) and have decided that that is all I need to say on the subject. But in the past I might have kept going because I hate not having the last word when I feel I am right. (I just can't understand how people don't realize what I am saying is right and immediately change their minds!!!)”
A Great Last Quarter
One thing I have learned from sports like basketball and Aussie rules is that the most important thing is how you play the last quarter. You may have a good first quarter but if you and not there for the 4th you are out of the game. It's the same with life. I was reminded of this by the story Ron Bainbridge told in his recent report. Ron preaches Jesus in Albany, West Australia. Here is the whole story.
"Lord willing, our brother SAM SAMPSON will celebrate his 100th birthday on July 11th, 2007 and some very special activities are being planned to mark this momentous occasion! I have provided a brief biography of Sam’s life below:
Sam Sampson born 11th July, 1907 at Boulder, Western Australia
Sam Sampson & his late wife Emma were baptized in 1966 during a George Bailey campaign held by the Embleton church in Perth, Western Australia. That same year they were part of the nucleus of foundation members to begin the City Beach congregation. In 1972 they moved from City Beach to become one of the families commencing Darling Range congregation. In 1979 they moved to Albany & established the Lord's church in their home until the numbers became so great they couldn't all fit & a building was hired. Sam was leading in all capacities, prayer, song leading, Lesson, Our Lord's Supper & any other need at this time. For a shy farming gentleman this was a huge happening, it just goes to show how real the Lord became to them both, they never looked back.
In fact, while still in Perth, Sam was excited beyond belief at returning to the Albany area one day, so that he could share the GOOD NEWS with all the people he once knew. His joy was so great. Sadly, there was not the response he expected, but as time went by, from Sam & Em worshipping alone in their lounge room, and with Ron & Fay's encouragement from Perth to keep going, their lounge room overflowed with people.
Sam & Em came from a rural background, with limited education opportunities. Had their own farm at Beaufort River, while running their own Bulldozing business, clearing properties and building dams etc. All Sam did he did well, even his dams were a work of art. This took them to various parts of W.A. living in their caravan & a big low loader to move the dozer.
When days work was done, they took every opportunity to study the Bible with people they were working for, using the Jule L. Miller and Texas H. Stevens Visualized Bible Study Series. Which was outstanding being such shy folk... but as we know, with the Lord's help nothing is impossible.
Sam & Em often travelled North for the winter (too wet to build dams) & again in Caravan Parks etc they continued to share their great love of the Lord. They took advantage of every opportunity to share Jesus with others.
Up until recent years, Sam served in the church's leadership in every capacity.
He was always willing to sit down & discuss spiritual things. A strong gentle man, with a humorous nature and big smile. Sam was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His home was always open. His nature always the same, and he never gossiped.
Very sadly, in mid 1994 Sam’s dear wife Emma died. Throughout their married life Em's health was not strong, in those last months when Em could no longer be at home, Sam was at the nursing home every day.
August 2002, at 95-years-of age, Sam remarried a lovely Christian sister, Irene & they are very happy.
He still entertains us playing his accordian, mouth organ, piano and violin which he managed to teach himself about five years ago..
Many a young man has enjoyed spending time in Sam's workshop with him over the years.
Brethren, Sam Sampson has been such an inspiration to so many brethren in his steadfast love for our Lord and his church during the past forty years.
When we stop to think that Sam was 59 years of age when he put on Christ in baptism and has since then been involved in the establishment and development of three different congregations here in Western Australia, that truly is an encouragement to all of us who have been privileged to be associated with him. At 99 years-of-age, and turning 100 on July 11th, our dear brother Sam is now the most senior of all New Testament Christians here in Western Australia!
Brethren, it could be truthfully said of Sam Sampson, that he was a Farmer, Bull Dozer Driver -- who became a faithful preacher. So, from one who planted grain and shepherded sheep on a farm, he became a planter of God's word and a shepherd of some of God's sheep. -- How wonderful! "
"Lord willing, our brother SAM SAMPSON will celebrate his 100th birthday on July 11th, 2007 and some very special activities are being planned to mark this momentous occasion! I have provided a brief biography of Sam’s life below:
Sam Sampson born 11th July, 1907 at Boulder, Western Australia
Sam Sampson & his late wife Emma were baptized in 1966 during a George Bailey campaign held by the Embleton church in Perth, Western Australia. That same year they were part of the nucleus of foundation members to begin the City Beach congregation. In 1972 they moved from City Beach to become one of the families commencing Darling Range congregation. In 1979 they moved to Albany & established the Lord's church in their home until the numbers became so great they couldn't all fit & a building was hired. Sam was leading in all capacities, prayer, song leading, Lesson, Our Lord's Supper & any other need at this time. For a shy farming gentleman this was a huge happening, it just goes to show how real the Lord became to them both, they never looked back.
In fact, while still in Perth, Sam was excited beyond belief at returning to the Albany area one day, so that he could share the GOOD NEWS with all the people he once knew. His joy was so great. Sadly, there was not the response he expected, but as time went by, from Sam & Em worshipping alone in their lounge room, and with Ron & Fay's encouragement from Perth to keep going, their lounge room overflowed with people.
Sam & Em came from a rural background, with limited education opportunities. Had their own farm at Beaufort River, while running their own Bulldozing business, clearing properties and building dams etc. All Sam did he did well, even his dams were a work of art. This took them to various parts of W.A. living in their caravan & a big low loader to move the dozer.
When days work was done, they took every opportunity to study the Bible with people they were working for, using the Jule L. Miller and Texas H. Stevens Visualized Bible Study Series. Which was outstanding being such shy folk... but as we know, with the Lord's help nothing is impossible.
Sam & Em often travelled North for the winter (too wet to build dams) & again in Caravan Parks etc they continued to share their great love of the Lord. They took advantage of every opportunity to share Jesus with others.
Up until recent years, Sam served in the church's leadership in every capacity.
He was always willing to sit down & discuss spiritual things. A strong gentle man, with a humorous nature and big smile. Sam was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His home was always open. His nature always the same, and he never gossiped.
Very sadly, in mid 1994 Sam’s dear wife Emma died. Throughout their married life Em's health was not strong, in those last months when Em could no longer be at home, Sam was at the nursing home every day.
August 2002, at 95-years-of age, Sam remarried a lovely Christian sister, Irene & they are very happy.
He still entertains us playing his accordian, mouth organ, piano and violin which he managed to teach himself about five years ago..
Many a young man has enjoyed spending time in Sam's workshop with him over the years.
Brethren, Sam Sampson has been such an inspiration to so many brethren in his steadfast love for our Lord and his church during the past forty years.
When we stop to think that Sam was 59 years of age when he put on Christ in baptism and has since then been involved in the establishment and development of three different congregations here in Western Australia, that truly is an encouragement to all of us who have been privileged to be associated with him. At 99 years-of-age, and turning 100 on July 11th, our dear brother Sam is now the most senior of all New Testament Christians here in Western Australia!
Brethren, it could be truthfully said of Sam Sampson, that he was a Farmer, Bull Dozer Driver -- who became a faithful preacher. So, from one who planted grain and shepherded sheep on a farm, he became a planter of God's word and a shepherd of some of God's sheep. -- How wonderful! "
Vacation 2007
It's my first day back in the office after a whirlwind vacation for the past two weeks. Our oldest son, Ben, and his wife, Carly, same over from Sydney for the two weeks and we had a great time. Ben has grown up so much in the last few years and is such a mighty man for God. Ben and I had a difficult relationship as he grew up. I didn't know much about parenting and he didn't much about obeying. A recipe for disaster. Thank God for forgiveness and reconciliation. He is working as a full time youth worker with Hillsong Youth Service and is getting to do a lot of preaching as well. My sons are great source of pride to me. They keep progressing in spite of their father and praise God that such things happen.
Ben, Carly, Julie and I did so much together. Lots of shopping. Australians can't believe the price of shoes at the outlets so they get pretty excited about shopping. Throw in Ross, Nordstrom Rack and Marshalls and they pretty much go ballistic. We went to couple of Padres (baseball) games one of which we won. Just in case anyone cares, the Padres are on top of the National League West. We went and saw the stage version of Hairspray which was a blast.
All of our boys live in Sydney and Julie and I live in San Diego. The separation is difficult, so times like these are very special to us.
No. Tell me it isn't so. Kobe wants to leave the Lakers. Has the world gone mad?
I am heading to the International Apologetics Conference this week with my friend, John Rudloph. Will try to catch up with some friends as well.
Ben, Carly, Julie and I did so much together. Lots of shopping. Australians can't believe the price of shoes at the outlets so they get pretty excited about shopping. Throw in Ross, Nordstrom Rack and Marshalls and they pretty much go ballistic. We went to couple of Padres (baseball) games one of which we won. Just in case anyone cares, the Padres are on top of the National League West. We went and saw the stage version of Hairspray which was a blast.
All of our boys live in Sydney and Julie and I live in San Diego. The separation is difficult, so times like these are very special to us.
No. Tell me it isn't so. Kobe wants to leave the Lakers. Has the world gone mad?
I am heading to the International Apologetics Conference this week with my friend, John Rudloph. Will try to catch up with some friends as well.
Is God Working?
Christians so often talk about how God is really beginning to work in such and such a church or ministry to someone's life. Many then get the idea that what we need to do is wait until God is ready to do His stuff in our lives. I know not everyone takes it this way but a lot really think that while things weren't going well that God really wasn't working. It wasn't that God wasn't working. It was that we weren't allowing God to work through us.
I have always been challenged by the rebuke Jesus gave to Peter. “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”” Matthew 16:23, NIV. Peter was holding Jesus back. Jesus could have run right over the top of Peter in His pursuit of salvation for all but He didn't. He wanted Peter to allow God to work through Peter. And that's what He want for you and me. (I know I am preaching but it is hard for a preacher not to preacher. Be patient with me)
God is always at work. He works at 100% every single day of the work. Whether we are awake or asleep God is working. He, like rust, never sleeps. He never forgets us or gets too busy with something else to pay attention to our part of the kingdom.
If this is true (and it is), why isn't God working powerfully in your life? There are two of us at the table and if God is bringing all that He chooses (which is a lot) it must be me that is not bringing to the table what I need to have the empowered spiritual life that He wants me to have. I don't have much. What can I bring? Bring a faith that works and you will unleash the power of God. He has never stopped trying with you. You and I have been holding Him back in our lives.
Please God, forgive my lack of faith in you and lack of effort in your name. Hang in there with me. I may be slow but I'm picking up speed.
I have always been challenged by the rebuke Jesus gave to Peter. “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”” Matthew 16:23, NIV. Peter was holding Jesus back. Jesus could have run right over the top of Peter in His pursuit of salvation for all but He didn't. He wanted Peter to allow God to work through Peter. And that's what He want for you and me. (I know I am preaching but it is hard for a preacher not to preacher. Be patient with me)
God is always at work. He works at 100% every single day of the work. Whether we are awake or asleep God is working. He, like rust, never sleeps. He never forgets us or gets too busy with something else to pay attention to our part of the kingdom.
If this is true (and it is), why isn't God working powerfully in your life? There are two of us at the table and if God is bringing all that He chooses (which is a lot) it must be me that is not bringing to the table what I need to have the empowered spiritual life that He wants me to have. I don't have much. What can I bring? Bring a faith that works and you will unleash the power of God. He has never stopped trying with you. You and I have been holding Him back in our lives.
Please God, forgive my lack of faith in you and lack of effort in your name. Hang in there with me. I may be slow but I'm picking up speed.
NBA
Spurs sweep. I really wanted Cleveland to make it a lot closer series but we don't always get what we want. I don't like the brand of basketball that the Spurs play but I do like the skills of some of the players particularly Ginobli (except when he flops) and Parker. I live in hope for the Lakers next year. Until then there is always the Padres, the leaders of the NL West.
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