Giving Reason

We stand on the authority of the Word of God, the holy scriptures divinely given to faithful men, who recorded as they heard.  To us, it is absolute, infallible and can never be shaken.  It contains all we need for life.  It contains in writing, the means by which we may be saved.  And yet, to those who are perishing it is foolishness, even offensive.  It is alive only to those whom the Spirit quickens.  

We are instructed to respectfully and gently give reason for the hope we have in Christ, and it is a joy to be able to do this when asked.  On the other hand, we are also advised not to cast pearls before swine, or become caught in foolish arguments which profit nothing because the hearers wish only to antagonise, or to defame Christ.  

We know in Whom we believe.  He is the Creator of the universe, who also became a Man, in the form of His Son and laid down His life to redeem His creation.  He did this, that though separated from Him by our sin, we may be restored and made clean, to live with Him eternally. He gives us His Holy Spirit, who indwells true believers, forming in them the character of the Lord Jesus Christ, keeping them and bringing them spotless to stand before the Throne.

Evolutionists believe that they have all proof to disprove a personal Creator who is still involved with His Creation.  The legacy of Darwin.  Psychologists believe that man can redeem himself, by changing his behaviour or delving into his past.  Their father is Jung.  

But those fathers can not save their children.

There is good, there is evil.  There is truth, there are lies.  There is light, there is darkness.  Sin leads to eternal death, and if we don't get right with our Creator, then we will be judged accordingly, as our sin deserves.  We can mock our Creator, even denying His existence.  We can scoff at the Bible, and say "That is only your opinion.  I don't even believe that the Bible is anything but a book of good advice, maybe total myth, in fact." 

There is much deception in the world.  There are false believers, committing crimes of hatred in the name of God, or those claiming to be followers of Christ who live selfish, unchanged lives......and we have an enemy who never rests in his frenzy to deceive humankind, and to destroy the true saints.  

But one day we will have to face Him, our Creator, and face Him alone.  On that day we will not be able to blame others.  People, there is an after-life.  Don't take the risk that He doesn't exist, just because you think you know better or because the god of your own imagination tells you otherwise.  To die in your sin is eternal death and punishment.  It is your destiny if you remain as you are.  The judgment is set because He is a just Creator.

The good news is, that He has provided a way for us to be saved.  He loves you and is within reach.   Your sins can be forgiven and washed away because He shed His blood on the Cross, dying a cruel death in our place.  Unlike us, death could not hold Him because He is holy.  The Lord Jesus Christ, now in heaven, soon to return, has done this for you - for us all.  We must see ourselves as we are, and call upon Him to save us - before it is too late.

How can I ever urge you enough, dear friend....dear husband? I intreat the Lord daily on your behalf - you who are dead in your sin, just as I was.

Amazing grace.

The Beloved's Vineyard

I have been absent from my blog for a month or so. This was due to school holidays, new computer and general busy-ness. Welcome back.

Today is the 24th January, and so, this morning I read the 24th chapter of Proverbs. This book of Wisdom is such, that no matter how many times you read it, there will always be new treasure. Of course, the whole Word of God is like that - new and fresh each day, just like the manna from heaven.....and today I was drawn to the final verses of this chapter where we read about the vineyard, and the effect of being slothful in tending to our vineyard. This is encouragement to not slacken our hands, to not give up being diligent in our communion with our Beloved, or immersing ourselves in the Scriptures.  Here is the picture:

'I went by the vineyard of the slothful, and by the man devoid of understanding; and lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep, so shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth and thy want as an armed man' Proverbs 24:30-33

The thorns and thistles are painful weeds, which grow amongst the good vines, robbing them of nourishment and finally obscuring them from the light.  The fruit, if indeed any remains, is hidden so that none may find it or enjoy it.  It may well be sour and stunted fruit, because the thorns have taken the moisture and sweetness.  Nettles are painful and irritating to the touch, and repel anyone from coming near to the vine.  Our neglect of our walk - our own vineyard - will eventually make us fruitless, sour and separated.  Sin will always result in this (Genesis 3:18)

The stone wall was erected to provide shelter from the elements, protection from pests and predators.  If the wall was broken down, the vineyard was vulnerable; the winds could more easily blow foreign seed into the vineyard.  Foxes could find a way in and rob the vines of their fruit.  Thieves could more easily slip in undiscovered in order to steal.

The wall also marked a clear boundary around the vineyard.  Only the rightful owner or person caring for the vineyard could enter, and only by the gate.  Anyone entering would need permission from the owner.  A city with its walls broken down was considered conquered.

This boundary was also important not just for outer protection, but also because the vines were contained.  They could not ramble their way into a stranger's field or escape the vineyard owner's attention and pruning.

Spiritual poverty renders our vineyard worthless and hostile.  The Master can no longer delight in the fragrance and fruitfulness of His planting, and will cease from walking there.  Others will not find us pleasant.  In the extreme, we have become fugitives and our lives become restless and we are fugitive away from His love, care and provision.  And when the Master does look upon us, and choose to tidy up, the process is hard and painful, because we have allowed sin to take root and our vines have become wild.  Let us not sleep, like the foolish virgins, oblivious to the true state of our vineyards.  (Matt 25:1)