Responsibility of Teaching.

I was reading the book of James. Chapter 3:1 says, Brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers. You know that those who teach will be judged more severely.

A sobering thought to one whose heart is burdened for those with little or no knowledge of Truth. To present knowledge of the Father God, who wants His children to enter fully into His family of believers entails an understanding of the Father’s heart. It is a question of praying to my Father, when I say Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

What an awesome responsibility, in the knowledge that My Redeemer lives, as is proclaimed by Job in Job 19:25, and to earnestly desire others to have the same assurance.

My walk with the Lord has included the navigation of some by-ways, and I wonder what harm can I have done in discussions, during my search for Truth, on subjects such as re-incarnation, hypnosis, psychic phenomena, the third eye, and other dangerously explored subjects. My Lord kept me on strong elastic and never allowed me to stray too far into false teachings, always drawing me back, but yet using my knowledge of them to boost my understanding of the real Truth, Jesus Christ, the One who paid the price for me in agony.

If, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life? Romans 5:10

But – because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Hebrews 7:24

What does that mean? What is priesthood in the Bible? A priest intercedes to God on behalf of wrongdoers.

Therefore He, (Jesus), is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25

In the knowledge of that intercession, I have the confidence to keep on keeping on, and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life. John 14:6. That is a teaching worth responding to! 

Controversies around Truth

Truth mismanaged and manipulated leads many astray.

About 20 years ago Hank Hanegraaff wrote a book, Christianity in Crisis, which graphically exposes false teachings of well known “Faith teachers” and proponents of the “Name it and Claim it” televangelist brigade. Perceptions of Christianity, differing from the Truth are placed under a spotlight, showing that some of the greatest dangers to Christianity are not the “outside” of other religions, cults or occultist systems like New Age teachings, but those from the “inside” causing a disease of substitution of faith.

The words of Paul have been twisted to encompass man’s thoughts and perceptions, but Paul could say with conviction, … we have refused to use secret and shameful ways. We don’t use tricks, and we don’t distort God’s word. 2 Corinthians 4:2a

If the Good News we tell others is covered with a veil, it is hidden from those who are dying. The god of this world has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. As a result they don’t see the light of the Good News about Christ’s glory. It is Christ who is God’s image. 2 Corinthians 4:3,4. God’s Word.

Paul contended with similar problems as there are today, when he had to counter teachers of another gospel, those who tried to fit in more palatable messages than the full truth. It is so much easier to adapt truth to be what you want it to be, rather than to really understand and obey. To really get a hold of Truth takes Curiosity, Determination and Commitment. Those who allow their minds to be corrupted by false teachings are falling from the true faith, and woe to those who have corrupted their minds!

What began as a relative of the modern trend of Instant Gratification, similar to the fast food franchises, has escalated to greater exposure of what was once the tip of the ice berg, but is now growing and exposing more UNtruths.

How can we be sure we are not being misled by well known, and sometimes well respected teachers?

·                    Curiosity. We must now be even more critical of what is presented in modern formats of teaching. Look for the hidden nuances inserted to confuse, or to distract from authentic Christianity. Acts 17: 11 The people of Berea were more open-minded than the people of Thessalonica. They were very willing to receive God’s message, and every day they carefully examined the Scriptures to see if what Paul said was true.

·                    Determination. Follow the habits of the early church. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42. Fellowship brings discussion, and discussion leads to questions, which must be followed by answers, found in the Scriptures. In fellowship there is less likelihood of corruption of Truth for each holds the other accountable.

·                    Commitment. Persistent reading of the Bible is an essential to inner knowledge and peace. God needs to have the opportunity to address our hearts, and what better time than when we are engrossed in His Word. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. Philippians 2:12,13 Without the Word, we cannot develop the backbone to resist persecution, which comes to all believers. We see today the strongest church in the persecuted countries, where believers have examined the Scriptures and decided that they would rather lose their lives than deny their faith.

Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be happy. Proverbs 16:20

Do not make the mistake made by Oral Roberts who took the word prosper and used it to promote monetary prosperity.

In the God belittling teachings of Hinn, Hagin, Copeland and the like, who want to mould God into a servant of puny minds, we see the distortion of Scripture much like the way politicians would have us believe their promises. We now seem to have a rising star in the ranks of “There, there, ever-so-there, relax and enjoy” teaching. A man who addresses a congregation of around 10,000 is espousing “truth in all religions.” Rob Bell says he “affirms truth anywhere in any religious system in any world view. If it’s true, it belongs to God.” (Quoted in Joy! Magazine, June 2011)

Yes, I have found many grains of truth in varied secular writings, but invariably the weeds of untruth choke it out of visible existence. Rob Bell and his ilk would seemingly like to re write the Bible leaving out all reference to sin, hell, eternal damnation, and what happens to anyone who deceives even the least of God’s children. It would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. Matthew 18:6

Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come. V7

God is Love, yes, and God is righteous and just. Love Him, honour Him, and be blessed! 

Sleeplessness and Soul Searching

When Sleep Eludes – and Contentment Calls

I have to believe it because there is no denying it, but we are already into the sixth month of the year – and I am way behind on my goals. On my desk is a thick, A5 size journal, almost full from 1^st Feb this year of notes on personal study and encouraging insights, but only 5 Blogs were managed last month.

How, for example, did the Wesley brothers, back in the 18^th century, manage to write uncountable sermons and tracts, over 900 hymns, start charitable societies, ride on horse back to keep in touch with their parishioners, study and expound on the Scriptures, conduct Bible Studies, found a church that is still thriving today, all without the advantage of labour saving devices, modern transport and technology, and still be widely known and respected more than 200 years later?

Did the hours move more slowly then? With all our skills, expertise and equipment, why are we, or more specifically, why am I, achieving so much less than hoped for?

One morning last week I awoke a couple of hours later than normal after another restless night, with a mind churning with wave upon wave of thoughts breaking like a stormy sea on a shore line edged with craggy rocks to break the sequence. Is this what advancing years do to us? Wakeful hours spent wondering about what lies ahead for our children and grandchildren brings realisation of lost opportunities, and what might have been. It is amazing how our imaginations can conjure fantastic scenarios of bygone times when all of life lay before us, with endless possibilities stretching over the vista of years to come. Then, all too soon, we are looking back at realities and what has been. Have we made the best possible use of our time? Have we made right choices? If not, what can we do about it?

1.      Realise we are part of a “Never Ending Story”, one that is different from the film of that name, and far more significant. As Pastor Steven Darch has clarified, Christianity is always one generation away from extinction!

2.      Acknowledge the Lord’s provision for us to “make disciples” in our families. He called us by name, and therefore He expects our response of obedience.

3.      If we have missed opportunities, IT IS NEVER TOO LATE! Even if our children are now adult, it is not too late to share our testimony; to tell of how the Lord has called us, worked in our life, and blessed us with His presence and teaching.

4.      Get past relationship problems. If we have made mistakes, or need to forgive real or imagined wrongs, DO IT! Then get on with life – it is not to be wasted. We are all responsible for our own hearts and choices.

5.      Learn contentment, for it is a valuable lesson for others to learn from you.

·         Keep your relationship with the Lord firm. Philippians 4:1b

·         Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

·         Be like Paul when he says, I have learned to be content in whatever situation I am in. I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I’ve learned the secret of how to live when I am full or when I am hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little. I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11,12 (God’s Word)

It is good to know in those dark watches of the night when we look at what we have and who we know; when we come before the Lord in praise and supplication, that His ears are open to our cries for help (Psalm 34:15b) and He is able to do infinitely and abundantly more than we can ask or imagine according to His power that is at work with in us. To Him be glory … Ephesians 3:20

Sleep well, be at peace, and be content - He is watching over you, and He neither slumbers nor sleeps … Psalm 121:3,4

It is better to look at what is in front of you than to go looking for what you want. Even this is pointless; it’s like trying to catch the wind. Ecclesiastes 6:9

We may not have done all we want to do, but our chief aim must be to honour God, and bring glory to His Name.