Spending Justly - Philippians 2:1-11

Sermon preached at church for the christmas sermon series "Just Christmas" Dec09

There was a little boy who told a shop assistant that he was shopping for a birthday gift for his mum and asked to see the biscuit tins. The shop assistant took him to a particular counter displaying a large selection of them, the youngster carefully lifted and replaced each lid. His face fell as he came to the last one. "Aren't there any lids that don't make a noise?" he asked.

When it comes to Christmas its difficult to get away from spending and today's title is a challenging one. What does it mean to spend justly? When it came to spending this little boy's attitude was all wrong. Yes he was out buying a gift for his mum but its an amusing story because all of a sudden we are aware of the little boy's hidden agenda. What is that hidden agenda? It's himself! If this boy had only sat down and thought about his relationship with his mum he would realise the encouragement he receives as son in a family. The love that he receives from a mum that thinks the world of him no matter what he does or gets up to. The spirit of intimacy and connection he has with a mother that birthed and raised him. And when these things did not lead to a tenderness and compassion then he would have realise that his attitude was out of place.

But let us not limit ourselves to just talking about financial spending here but a spending that includes our whole lives. So along side financial spending we are also considering emotional, physical and spiritual spending, spending with all of our lives. Paul in these verses challenges us to spend like Jesus spent! And to spend like Jesus spent we need to have the attitude of Jesus. That's what we see at the beginning of verse 5.

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:”

Paul challenges us in two key ways. Firstly he challenges us to an attitude of unity in love and Secondly an attitude of servant-hood in humility . Paul challenges us as a church with a unity in love that is present in the Trinity and he challenges us with a servant-hood in humility that we see in the incarnation of Jesus.

As Christians to spend our lives justly we need the attitude of Jesus. That attitude can only be drawn directly from Jesus and what he has done for us.

A child who does not grow up in a nurturing home where they are cared for and loved and instructed but instead are physically and verbally attacked their tendancey will turn round at school and do the same as a bully towards fellow classmates. Their attitude is evil.

A child who grows up in a nurturing home where they are cared for and loved and instructed will turn round and be likewise to their peers. Their attitude is loving and compassionate.

If we as Christians take our motivation from the world around us we will begin to be like the world around us selfish and proud but if we take our motivation from where we find ourselves in Jesus our attitudes will the same as Jesus.

First

Paul urges us to remember everything we have received as Christians in the body of Christ. This is the first of his challenges to the church for an attitude of unity in love.
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ,”
This word encouragement is the same used to describe the Holy Spirit. The counselor the comforter. Have we sat down and taken stock of the encouragement that we have now as Christians. We are born again of the Spirit, we have been united with Christ, inheritors of the kingdom. We have gone from enemies to sons and daughters.

“if any comfort from his love,”

God's love just has so many aspects wrapped up in it. His sovereignty he is over and above everything working all things together for the good of those who love him. His and justice that no evil will go overlooked. His faithfulness, never will he leave us never will he forsake us. And so much more how can we fail to be comforted by a Father who has that love for us.

“if any fellowship with the Spirit,”

This is the powerful picture of the communion we can have as Christians with God and with one another. Being one spirit with a unity that surpasses any pale reflection we see on earth. We are not a group of people supporting the same football club or that we all live in Edinburgh but that we are all citizens of heaven united by the Holy Spirit living within us.

“if any tenderness and compassion,”

This is the evidence of the heart of Christ within us. When we are born again we move from death to life, from a heart of stone to a heart of flesh and we begin to feel that tenderness and compassion for one another but particularly for the world that is hurting and in pain.
This Paul urges is the source of unity through Love that he is challenging us to have. Make my joy complete he says by being like minded, having the same love and being on in spirit and purpose.

People should be able to spot us as Christians by the radical nature of our unity in love. We are to be a church that does not gossip about one another but with gentleness and respect to support one another. We are to be a church that is wise and judges situations but does not condemn. We are to be a church works for common goal not looking to advance our own agendas.

We are called to be a church that spends justly and the first part of that is to have a unity in love that comes to us from the heavenly Father that compels us to have that same attitude of unity in love.

Second

Paul urges us to look at the person of Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. This is the second of his challenges to the church for an attitude of Servant-hood in humility.

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,”

It is incredibly humbling to think that Jesus whose very nature was God did not consider it necessary to come to earth in all his heavenly glory. He could have arrived on earth as he will do when he comes again in all his glory and slender to rule and to reign. Its difficult for us to catch just how incredible this attitude was we can only hint at it with our own understanding. Imagine getting a knock at the door to find when you open it the Queen standing there looking very normal. And when you look past her she has none of her usual escort, no bodyguards, or brass band, no ribbons or flags waving, no crowds of people. There was no fanfare when Jesus came to earth he arrived.

But there is more...
“(He) made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”

When Jesus came to earth he did not become any less God but instead added humanity to his divinity and he laid aside certain aspects of his nature. Jesus laid aside his Omniscience and was therefore required to learn as we learn. Jesus laid aside his Omnipotence and felt pain. Jesus laid aside his Omnipresence and limited himself to human likeness. Jesus laid aside his ruler-ship and took on the nature of a servant. He did not become any less God but he put aside those attributes of God that were rightfully his and took on instead the nature of a servant. Like when we talk to a child we do not talk about deep philosophy or the equations of physics but we lay that aside and talk to the child on a level that will serve it. This is what Jesus did he laid it all aside to serve.

“he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!”

After Jesus had laid everything aside he spent everything he had. This is where both of the challenges laid down by Paul come together. Here Jesus humbled himself by laying aside his rights as God and served. But we also see the power of unity through love in the Trinity as in obedience Jesus gave up his life. Jesus spent everything for us and his spending was justified. Why? Because when he gave everything in an attitude of unity in love. Not out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. And he gave everything in an attitude of humility considering others better than himself and looking not just to his own interests but the interests of others. That is what it means to spend justly.

As we go away today let us consider what it means to have an attitude of unity in love and an attitude of a servant heart in humility in our homes and our places of work.

In our relationships what rights have we been claiming over people that we need to set aside. In our work places what jobs have we considered that are too low for us. In our church where is the hostility and resentment of others causing disunity. In our families are we doing everything we can to serve one another. Let us have the attitude of Christ to spend our lives justly on behalf of other as Jesus spent justly on our behalf.

The Wideboy - Luke 16:1:9

A practice sermon written to shadow the sermon series at my church on "Stories on the edge" Oct09

When I was younger I would get in trouble with my parents every now and again while being disciplined my Dad would always ask me one particular question over all others and that question was, “Why?” I it used to confuse me as my Dad would be persistent with his questioning to the extent that the reason I did what I did became more important than what I had actually done. My Dad was keen to get me to think about what I had done and its consequences but most importantly he would always impress on me the attitude behind my action. This was always the most painful part of the process as the attitude behind an action revealed thought process I would rather was not revealed.

When I was younger I could not articulate the answer to this question very well and when my Dad would point it out it was difficult to accept. As I grew and matured I was better able to make the link and the revealing of the attitude behind my actions and my acceptance of its truth was a humbling process.

Jesus often links the external actions with their underlining attitudes. The basis of Jesus' challenging was in the revealing of the attitudes behind each action. Many passages reveal Jesus teaching on this very issue like this passage in Matthew.

“...what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” Matthew 15:17-19

It clear here Jesus is teaching that the attitude of the heart overflows in the action of the body.

These challenges of Jesus were particularly directed towards his followers as discipleship training but also to the Pharisees and teachers of the law condemning the actions of the nations religious leaders.

Today's passage is no different. Jesus looks to challenge the attitude of the disciples in knowing that their heavenly future has implications for today in their attitude towards money and stewardship of possessions. Ultimately their service towards God.

At first glance this passage is confusing. Is Jesus really condoning the actions of a dishonest manager? The key to this passage lies in the attitude of the steward and how that produces his actions. This steward is most likely a freeman who is responsible for managing the estate of his master. The steward would have the responsibility for administering the goods of the estate. He would have been given full authority to perform business deals on his master behalf. Reports however reach the master that his manager is incompetent. These charges brought against the steward were not friendly and have significant hostility attributed to them. The manager is accused of wasting the masters possessions. The accusation here is focused at the managers ability to disperse the resources under his control. He is being accused of being a poor manager. As the accusations of the managers inability to properly control the estate reaches the owner he acts quickly. The master calls the manager to himself. There is no hint of a questioning of the accusation but simply a pronouncement of the stewards lack of management ability. He is just asked one last thing before he is laid off and that is to wrap up the accounts. The steward was obviously aware of his failed management of the estate as he never even attempted to defend himself.

What is a manager to do if he has been fired for badly managing. His prospects are slim and he knows it. He is not keen on the idea of becoming manual labourer. After rising to the position of the white collar job to be reduced to the less honourable position of a menial job does not excite him. The only other option would be to beg, a shameful option at that. No he must think of another way. Because of his pride he resorts to dishonesty in order to secure his future. He suddenly becomes very shrewd about his future. An ability he failed to apply to the management of his masters estate. Suddenly the realisation of a bleak future changes the attitude of the manager. His previously lax attitude caused his action of poor management. He had no consideration of the future. His complacency cost him his job. But he comes to himself and his attitude has a complete turn around. Suddenly he has a very clear realisation about what his future holds. He realises that without an attitude change from no consideration of the future to an attitude dominated to the consideration of the future. His present attitude will end up in a place he doesn't want to be. He acts shrewdly out of his new change of heart and works to win favour of his masters debtors.

Here is the twist. The master discovers his scheming and commends him for it. Surely he is not commending his dishonesty? No, it is clear the steward is referred to as the “dishonest manager.” So what is the master commending him for? Well he commends him for his attitude change. No longer is the steward lax in his work with no consideration for how his actions will affect the future. Now the steward has a clear view of the future and is working in response to it.

It is this attitude that Jesus explains in 8b. As Christians what is our response to our heavenly future? What is the driving force behind the decision making that we do every day? Is it the future we have in heaven or is it the daily comforts of everyday life?

“And I tell you” Jesus said. “make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.” These riches, this wealth that we find ourselves stewards of, this is not to be hoarded and used selfishly but instead it is to be used to make friends. Our possessions are to be used relationally. This is ultimately a worship issue. Jesus when talking to the Samaritan woman at the well pronounced that worship would no longer be restricted to the temple but would be a worship in spirit and truth. A worship in spirit is a worship that is eternity focused. We are to worship knowing where we are headed. A worship in truth is a relational worship. God is truth and the core of the trinity is relational. We are to worship relationally to God and to one another. To use our wealth and possessions unrighteously is to go against the worship God the Father calls us to. Instead of a worship in spirit with an eternal focus its a worship in the flesh with a worldly focus hoarding wealth for temporary treasure. Instead of a worship in truth focused relationally its a worship in self with a selfish focus hoarding wealth for self.

Our attitude directs our action. If in our attitude we are faithful in little then our attitude will cause us to be faithful in much. If in our attitude we are dishonest in little then our attitude will cause us to be dishonest in much. If our attitude causes us to be unfaithful with our worldly wealth how can our attitude be trusted with true eternal riches. If our attitude causes us to be unfaithful in that which is another's how can that attitude be trusted with that which is given to us as our own.

Our attitude reveals our heart and with our heart we worship. Will we worship in spirit and truth serving God or will we worship in flesh and in self, serving the idols of wealth and possessions.

Jesus is the most amazing example of worshipping in spirit and truth. He was completely eternally and relationally focused. All that he had physically, emotionally and spiritually he gave for our sake knowing what lay in eternity for us without his sacrifice on the cross. Jesus has bought us a future that we could not have achieved without him. Through what Jesus has done we can now worship in spirit and in truth and this is the attitude that Jesus was challenging his disciples to. He also challenges us as Christians. Knowing that our future is secure let us choose attitudes that lives in light of that future. Let all our actions be attuned to a life lived with an eternal and relational focus. Everything from our relationship with God the Father and with family and friends, work colleagues and those we even just bump into. Our spending habits and our time management and with everything that we are.

The Table - Luke 14:1-14

A practice sermon written to shadow the sermon series at my church on "Stories on the edge" Oct09

As kids in the Dickson household when it came to dinner time often the plea was heard. “Can we eat dinner in front of the TV?” However the majority of the time the answer was no. Instead we would sit round the table to eat together. When I was younger this was disappointing as there was always exciting things on TV at dinner time... like star trek! But now that I'm older and particularly being married I appreciate the time I can share with others over a meal. Its a chance to pause from the rush of the day. A chance to talk and build relationships. A chance to laugh together and a chance to hear each others pains. In fact often the world's problems are solved over a hearty meal!

In these three passages the consistent context is that of a meal. Jesus is taking the time over lunch to challenge the leaders of the day in their response, firstly to those around them and then to Jesus himself which ultimately demonstrated their response to God the Father as Jesus acted with authority his authority. Jesus is not preaching in a synagogue this time, he is not out on the hill preaching to thousands of people but instead he is at lunch with the leaders of the Jewish nation, the lawyers and Pharisees. He is there to challenge them and then ultimately present a dire warning. The intimacy of the situation amplifies the response of the lawyers and Pharisees.

Make no mistake we cannot excuse ourselves from the teaching in this passage. Although Jesus spoke here to the leaders of the day his observation and warnings relate to all mankind and are just as relevant in the 21^st century as they were in the 1^st.

Jesus came to earth to usher in a new kingdom. In that kingdom he rules and reigns with the authority given him by God the Father. The authority that Jesus has been given to rule and reign demands a response from us.

Life is full of relationships and each relationship requires a response. The response that we give reveals our heart. If we are dead in our sins that heart response will also be dead and its result, 'self-centred-ness'. If we are born again and our spirit is alive in Jesus that heart response will be life and its result 'other-centred-ness'. So Jesus challenged the response of the lawyers and Pharisees to show them what their heart really looked like and finally to warn them where that heart would eventually find them.

If we are dead in our sins our heart response will be legalism, pride and selfish relationships a selfish attitude that clutters our lives and prevents us from hearing the call to the great banquet. If we are alive in Jesus our heart response will instead be compassion, humility and sacrificial relationships a selfless attitude that frees our lives to hear the call to the great banquet.

So the scene is set. Its a Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath and its time for the midday meal. Jesus has accepted the invitation to the house of a ruler of the Pharisees. All the lawyers and Pharisees also in attendance are watching Jesus closely because also present at the meal is a man with dropsy. Its symptoms being swollen limbs and tissue from excess body fluids. For such a man to be present in this house is surprising as dropsy was considered as resulting from sin. A Pharisees would not normally be seen associating with such a man. A set-up?. Not one to pass up such an opportunity Jesus uses the situation to challenge the lawyers and Pharisees. "Is it right on the Sabbath to heal or not?" Jesus does here what he has been doing throughout history. He challenges in order to get a response and its the resulting response that reveals the heart. In this episode Jesus challenges the Pharisees with the presence of the man with dropsy. Will they respond with compassion or will they respond with legalism? Jesus responded with compassion but the Pharisees responded with legalism.

Jesus' challenge forces us to consider our heart response to the rules we live our lives by. Are we prepared to get our hands dirty as Jesus did or will we stand back separated from others by our legalism. That person at your work who is struggling with debt or a relationship or even just in need of a friend. Are we willing to put aside that legalism that keeps us separate and instead act with compassion. What legalistic excuses are holding us back from being compassionate.

Next it is Jesus doing the watching and he observes how those invited to the meal rush to sit round the table. Jesus is observing their response that reveals their heart. Those who consider themselves highly rush to seat themselves in the place of honour reveal a proud heart. In contrast those who have a right understanding of themselves and avoid the seat of honour reveal a heart of humility. Those with a heart of humility will allow their station to be suggested by others. Those with a heart of pride look to seize station for themselves. Verse 11 begins to suggest the importance of such response. To act with pride does not just end with a humiliation amongst peers. In our pride God will humble us but in our humility God will exalt. Our response reveals our heart and God responds to what is in our heart!

Jesus' challenge forces us to consider our heart response to how we view ourselves. Do we think we are above certain jobs. Do we skip out on responsibility that should be ours and leave it for others. Do we view ourselves with a sober judgement?

Jesus turns this time to challenge his host. Jesus' challenges the Pharisees is one of inclusion in his hospitality. If the Pharisees continues to be so exclusive inviting only those who he knows will also invite him back then he has received his reward in full. There is no sacrifice involved in his giving out to others. If however instead the Pharisees would be sacrificial in his relationship with others, giving out with no expectation of a return, his reward comes from God.

Jesus' challenge forces us to consider out heart response in our relationship to others. When we give out do we look only for those people who can also give back to us. In our relationships do we seek out that funny because he makes us laugh or do we search for that person who is not easy to talk to and we give out without a return.

Verse 15 is very telling. Despite the challenges of Jesus revealing the heart response of those present at the meal one Pharisees spoke up. “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” This Pharisees has not grasped the depth of Jesus' challenges. As a Pharisees, a leader of the Jewish nation this man considered his automatic inclusion in God's kingdom. Instead Jesus speaks a dire warning. It is true that the Jewish nation received the first invitation into God's kingdom but without the right heart response when the Jesus actually arrived to usher in the kingdom they couldn't see it. Their heart was filled with legalism, pride and selfish relationships that blinded them to the presence God amongst them. The warning here is that their invitation into the Kingdom will go to others whose heart response frees them to receive.

Are we too busy, are we too self focused to realise what Jesus is inviting us to? When Jesus challenges us daily with that person in trouble in the office, with that menial task or that difficult relationship what will our heart response be? Will we realise our need for Jesus because of the selfish response of our hearts? Will we allow Jesus in to change our heart of stone to a heart of flesh?

The Friend - Luke 11:1-13

A practice sermon written to shadow the sermon series at my church on "Stories on the edge" Oct09

Our whole existence is shaped by the words the Father has spoken. In the prologue to John's gospel we learn what this spoken word has accomplished. The Word created and in him is sustained. The Word is redemptive and in him is found salvation. Prayer is a our human response to the Father's spoken Word. Jesus is the Word become flesh. It is through Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit that pray to the Father.. Jesus the incarnate Word also prays to the Father. In his divinity Jesus is the way by which we can have relationship with the Father and subsequently respond to all that that relationship provides in prayer. In his humanity Jesus also responds to his relationship with the Father through pray­er. Luke records many of these responses for us in his Gospel account.

In 3:21 Jesus prays as the heavens are opened at his baptism.
In 5:16 Jesus withdrew to desolate places to pray.
In 6:12 Jesus prays before choosing the twelve.
In 9:18 Jesus prays before asking the disciples who the crowds say he is.
In 9:28-36 Jesus goes up the mountain to pray and is transfigured
In 10:21-22 Jesus prays to thank God the Father in the Holy Spirit for concealing and revealing.

“Now Jesus was praying in a certain place”

Here we find Luke again noting that Jesus was praying. We are not told the location or the context in which Jesus was praying only that the disciples were there again observing Jesus in prayer.

What can we learn from the fact that Jesus was constantly to be found in prayer? If Prayer is a response to of our relationship to God the Father, we can deduce that Jesus was in constant response in his relationship with the Father.

If we take the relationship of marriage as an example. Every good book written on the subject of marriage, despite perhaps differing on the foundation of marriage, all will agree that the only way to grow a relationship like marriage is continual communication.

As the Son incarnate “Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52. This did not happen by accident but because of a continued relationship with God the Father. This relationship was fueled by communication. The first aspect was Jesus' knowledge of Scripture and the second was his life of prayer.
“and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, 'Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.'”

Jesus' disciples recognised this intimate relationship Jesus had with the Father and prayers integral part in that. As Jesus is God who better to teach the disciples how to communicate with the Father as his relationship with the Father is perfect and complete. As Christians, as disciples of Jesus ourselves there is no better question to ask the Father than, “Lord, teach us to pray.” At this point the disciples had already heard Jesus teaching on prayer in the Sermon on the mount, recorded Matthew 5. However the disciples were after a more intimate teaching for just them as disciples. They recognised that John specifically taught his disciples to pray and sought the same. A prayer from Jesus common to them as his disciples. A common prayer that would bring about a sense of community and a particular identity as Christians, disciples of Jesus. We to are Christ's' disciples and so Jesus' response in this section speaks to us and should set us apart that as we pray we have a community and identity as His disciples. We should not pray as John taught his disciples, nor should we pray as the Jews pray but we should pray, as his disciples, how Jesus teaches us.

“And he said to them, 'When you pray, say:
Father,”

The Greek word here translated as 'When' anticipates the prayers repetition. Seeing as this prayer differs in particular content we should not assume that the exact wording is important but instead its themes.

So as this new community of disciples we are to recognise the intimate relationship with God the Father that Jesus has enabled. When we pray we are to address God the Father as Father. The address 'Father' that Jesus introduces to us here suggests two things. Not only an authoritative rule but an intimacy. The English translation of Father is the most useful as any other translation could potentially over emphasis one or other of the intended facets. It is also useful to note that we pray to God the Father not Jesus or the Holy Spirit. Not because one is more worthy than the other far from it but just so that authority structure is recognised. We pray to the Father through the Son empowered by the Holy Spirit.

“hallowed be your name.”

This first declaration help to prevent a soul emphasis on just the intimacy facet of addressing God as Father. Hallowed be your name, declares rightly God the Father as holy. We are to declare that God the Father Sanctify or hallow his name. We as disciples are to open our prayers with a right recognition of the one being addressed trusting and hoping in faith that God in his glory will manifest himself.

“Your kingdom come.”

The first declaration of God the Father's holiness and separateness is followed by this second declaration of that his kingdom come. As this is the kingdom of the Father, the rule of the Father it is wholly different from the worlds kingdom. It is a deceleration of our desire to see this different kingdom fully realised. The destruction of evil and manifestation of righteousness. These two decelerations establish God the Father's character, authority and salvation plan.

“Give us each day our daily bread,”

This first request is for daily provision. The disciple is to give recognition and gratitude that God the Father is provider of our daily provisions and to therefore request that provision from the Father. This request tends to mirror more the reliance Israel had on God's daily provision of manna in contrast to how a Jew would pray in the Eighteen Benedictions requesting more for annual providence. God the Father's provision needs to be seen on a daily basis that link with Jesus' other teaching on worry about the future.

“and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.”

This second request is followed by a basis on which the request is to be carried out. The basis helps to clarify the spirit in which the request is to be prayed. As disciples we ask for God's forgiveness not in pride, thinking we deserve to be forgiven but rather because we forgive others. What we ask of God we should, in a humble recognition of the sinful state of all humanity, be already performing ourselves. We can only request forgiveness from God from a position of actively forgiving those who sin against us. What hypocrites we would be if we did not forgive our neighbours the sins they committed against us and then turned to request forgiveness from God for the sins we commit against him! A forgiven person is to be a forgiving person. As a community of disciples petitioning God for the forgiveness of our sins this should automatically mark us as a community of compassion and forgiveness.

“And lead us not into temptation.”

The final request is not for God to stop leading us as disciples into sin but rather a request for spiritual protection. A request for God's aid in our succumbing to sin's power. A request for God's aid in not allowing sin to overwhelm us. In speaking our this request it needs to come from a realisation that to avoid sin we need to follow where God leads and be dependant on him for protection.

This whole prayer properly prayed reflects a desire for God to be glorified and spirit of dependence on God for the individual disciple and the community of disciples.

“And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs.”

In talking about how to pray Jesus has shown the attitude of the disciple that needs to come through their prayer. In this short parable Jesus demonstrates the attitude of the disciple to praying itself. With our prayer we are to present Father God as Holy glorious and completely other. What are the implications of this view of God to how we should approach prayer. Should we keep requests to a minimum not wanting to bother our Father with our lives. Jesus answers this question.

With the Jewish cultural requirement of hospitality and a severe lack of 24/7 corner shops, the occurrence of a late night visitor becomes a difficult problem to solve. One is forced into a choice. Culturally a neighbour would be under obligation to respond to such a request of bread. The choice then becomes either be a bad host or work up the nerve to ask a neighbour for the bread knowing that he will respond but that in the process you will disturb the whole family that not only sleep in the same room but the same bed. Jesus is challenging for the boldness of incurring the neighbours irritation and displeasure. This parable is focused on the disciple. It is a direct challenge for boldness in the disciples attitude to prayer. Bear in mind God is not being compared to the neighbour. But perhaps contrasted to him in the next section 9 through 13. The point of this parable is to show if even an irritated neighbour responds to boldness how much more our Father in heaven! Are we willing to be shamelessly bold in our prayer? Are we willing to go to great lengths and suffer great rebuke in our intersession?

As disciples we have this amazing access to God the Father through the relationship Jesus has made possible. In our communication to the Father Jesus stresses the importance of boldness. This boldness is not just in the approach but also a boldness in dealing with the response to our request.

“And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”

Now Jesus applies the parable. What does boldness in prayer look like and what is the response that will emerge from it. Jesus tells that boldness in prayer should have a threefold action. In asking we are called to pray. In seeking we are called to pursue God. In knocking we are called to come into God's presence and blessing. Each has a corresponding response. To our asking we will be given. To our seeking we will find. To our knocking we will enter. The point here is not that we are in control and God is just a slot machine that we put our coins into. Instead we should see it from God's sovereignty. As we ask God supplies in terms of the request. As we seek God reveals. Ask we knock God draws close. As we action prayer with boldness what Jesus teaches is that God will answer and we need to be prepared to receive that answer.. As we pray we can has assurance in faith that God responds appropriately!

"What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!'”

Jesus now illustrates just how willing God the Father is to answer our prayer. It is a powerful picture from which we should draw our boldness. When sinful human father responds graciously to his child how much more will our heavenly Father respond with grace. The stark reality here is made clear as the request is for an essential item and the presented item is a dangerous one. As we ask of our heavenly father he will supply our essential needs appropriately he will not provide something that will be dangerous for us even if that is what we are asking for! God gives neither what is useless nor what is harmful.

So the prayer of a disciple is not built on the promise of a blank cheque but on the sure hope that God the Father will provide for all our needs.

The neighbour - Luke 10:25-37

A practice sermon written to shadow the sermon series at my church on "Stories on the edge" Oct09

We are starting this study in Luke 10 so its worth just backtracking a second to see where we have come from. Luke provides us with one of the fullest accounts of Jesus' life, death and ministry right from the foretelling of his cousin John's birth through his own foretelling and birth, presentation at the temple, as a boy at the temple, baptism, temptation, ministry in Galilee, journey to Jerusalem, ministry in Jerusalem, death, burial and resurrection. Where we find ourselves here is a turning point in Jesus' ministry pivoted by the verse 9:51

“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.”
Luke 9:51

All the stories and parables between this verse and 19:28 the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem take place on the journey. A significant theme in this section is Jesus teaching his disciples and preparing them for his departure. For the journey through Samaria to Jerusalem in Judea Jesus gathered seventy two men willing to follow him and sent them ahead into all the towns he would visit on the way. He sent them out in pairs to heal the sick and proclaim the coming of the kingdom of God, the coming fulfilment of the gospel!

After they had completed what Jesus asked them to do the seventy two returned full of joy. Jesus warned them that their joy should not be in the authority he had given them but in their eternal salvation. He put things in perspective, the coming of the Kingdom of God, is a time in history that the prophets and kings of old had longed to see. The disciples were blessed to be a part of Jesus' mission. We too are blessed, we live in a time when God's plan for salvation is more revealed that at any other point in history.

It was at this point, perhaps the disciples and Jesus were all still sitting around, perhaps still swapping stories of their experiences and a man stood up close by. Perhaps this man had heard some of the disciples speaking about the coming kingdom of God and that they spoke of Jesus. This man was a lawyer whose job it was in that time to interpret and teach the people Mosaic law. He stood up to test Jesus, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

The theme of the Bible is life and that life is relational. Right from the very beginning the life God breathed into Adam was inseparably linked to relationship. That relationship required of Adam obedience, as the correct response to God his creator. He was charged with the job of working and keeping the garden of Eden. God commanded Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The first covenant was set bringing together two parties in a relationship of creator and creature. The consequence of keeping this covenant was life, connection to God in continued relationship. The consequence of breaking this covenant was death, separation from God in broken relationship. This relationship was broken the moment Adam ate the fruit from the tree, the separation of death was the result.

The rest of the Scriptures details God plan of salvation for this broken relationship, this death. God continues to be a covenant maker requiring from his people a relational response of obedience that this life, this relationship might be restored.

“And now, O Israel, listen to the statute and the decrees that I am teaching you,
and do them, that you may live...”
Deuteronomy 4:1a

The concept of eternal life alluded to in the psalms and spoken of in Daniel 12 is only brought to clear understanding through Jesus' teaching. The lawyers question is fair, as an interpreter of the Mosaic law he wishes to test Jesus' scriptural basis for this teaching of eternal life he is spreading through his Disciples. If Jesus' really is sent from God his teaching must align with what God has already revealed through the prophets.

Jesus turns the question back to the lawyer “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” The answer to that question is easy for one who has studied the law as this man obviously had. The Old Testament law was often summed up in the following two statements. “You shall love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.” The inheritance and the covenants promised by God were always linked to the Jewish people following the law. Following this law that the lawyer here summed up so well. It was this obedience in following the law that was liked to a promised blessing and life from God. Jesus confirms it. This was the perfect answer. Following this is what would have prevented Adam from eating the fruit. Following this is what would have prevented the nation of Israel from continually messing up. “Do this and you will live” Jesus said. If Adam had followed these commands he would have lived in continued relationship with God. If the nation of Israel had followed these commands they would have lived in continued relationship with God.

What happens next is very telling and it's this statement that reveals the true heart of the lawyer. “But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, 'And who is my neighbour?'” Although the lawyer could accurately give the answer to his own question he did not fully appreciated what it meant. The majority of the Sadducee's and the Pharisees lived by the letter of this law but not by the spirit of the law. They had in essence taken the relational aspect out of the law and therefore completely missed what life is all about, relationship. In asking Jesus, “And who is my neighbour” the lawyer wanted a formula by which to live. He wanted to know which people he was required to love and which he didn't have to. This type of reading of the law is extremely self centred. All he wanted was a list of do's and don't's so that he could tick them all off and feel proud of his achievements. He had turned God's laws into a religion. What Jesus was about to demonstrate in his parable of the good Samaritan was the difference between religion and relationship.

We all know the story so well. A man journeys the dangerous path from Jerusalem to Jericho. He was attacked by robbers who stripped him, beat him and left him for dead. By chance there happened to be a priest passing that way, the equivalent of a church pastor. What a stroke of fortune surely a priest would see the man in distress and stop to help but he doesn't instead he passes by the man by on the other side of the road. Then by chance a Levite was passing by, the equivalent of a church deacon. What a stroke of fortune surely a Levite would see the man in distress and stop to help but he too doesn't. Instead he passes by the man by on the other side of the road. But a Samaritan as he journeyed the road came to where the man lay and had compassion. Perhaps today's equivalent is a suicide bomber, someone completely unexpected to show compassion. The compassion that the Samaritan had equates to the spirit of that Law, it equates to the relational aspect of the law. When you live your life religiously to the letter of the law as the lawyer was you leave no room for the relational, no room for life.

In John we see Jesus speaking to such as these when they looked to kill him.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.”
John 5:39-40

Religious people although they read the same scriptures as others see only the letter of the law and miss that fact that the whole law, the whole of scripture is relational. The whole of Scripture speaks of Jesus because the whole of scriptures speaks of God the Father's salvation plan to restore that broken relationship. He does it by the most incredible selfless act heaven and earth has ever witness. While we were still sinners Jesus died in our place taking the punishment for our sin and religiousness.
So what must we do to inherit eternal life? We must repent of not just our sin but our religiousness and we need to enter into this restored relationship that Jesus has made possible through his sacrifice! Does this mean that the law is not require, by no means. It means that the law is to be followed on a relational basis. The lawyer had it right. In order for us to have eternal life we need to:

“...love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.”






Additional thoughts on eternal life


I think most of us are familiar with the passage in Ecclesiastes 3. A time for everything. There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven, writes the author of Ecclesiastes. But then he questions as we all question, what is the point to it all. “What does the worker gain from his toil?” The author puts into words what few of us ever manage to understand. God has put a burden on our hearts and it is this. Everything has its right place in life, there is a time for all things, everything God has made is beautiful in its time. But God has also set in our hearts eternity. In our hearts is another dimension that cannot be satisfied in this one. We are 3D people living in a 2D world and it aches! We look around us and we feel there is a meaning to life that is just not quite achievable. If we ever need proof on just how unachievable it is Ecclesiastes is the perfect book to read.

When we think about eternity we often make the mistake of equating it with the word infinite. Eternity is not infinite time. If we lived in a 2D world and kept running in one direction, infinitely, we would never reach the third dimension. A flat piece of paper will never have a volume no matter how big it is. Eternity is a different dimension. In first Peter we get a glimpse of what this looks like. One day is like a thousand years. That is fair enough, that is something we can grasps a simple ratio of 1:1000 but then he continues. A thousand years is like a day and our brain suddenly flips out. What Peter is saying is that every point of eternity contains every point of time.

So here we sit eternal beings in a dimension that cannot satisfy. The author rightly states that while we are here “there is nothing better for man than to be joyful and do good.” But God put this eternity in our hearts so that this is never enough. He puts eternity in our heart so that we will search for him, that we would cling to him in reverence and fear. God is in eternity his is eternal and he has put eternity in our hearts as a stamp of ownership so that we never forget where we came from and where we are going! Life only makes sense when we know this and as the author of Ecclesiastes discovers without this.

“'Meaningless! Meaningless!' says the Teacher. 'Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.'”
Ecclesiastes 1:2

In Daniel we see confirmed that where we are headed is eternity but here it seems two forms of eternity exist.

And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life,
and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Daniel 12:2

Here we are first introduced to the concept of eternal life. Life as we have discussed in the last two weeks at length is personal. Life, reality is all based on relationships. Those relationships exist in two planes, vertical and horizontal. Our relationship with God and our relationship with one another. So what is eternal life. Eternal life is life, that is our relationship with God and one another, lived in eternity. Before the fall we lived life in perfect relationship with God and with one another spiritually in eternity and also physically in space and time. At the fall in Genesis 3 those spiritual relationships in eternity we broken. The Bible describes it as spiritual death. Broken relationship, separation of the two relational parties is death. This spiritual death should have lead to a physical death but for the Grace of God. God sustains us physically for a time in order that his work of salvation be accomplished. God through his work of Salvation Jesus dying on the cross has made it possible for us to be spiritually re-born back into eternal life.

If we do not accept this work of salvation for ourselves we will continue in spiritual death living physically in space and time until we physically die at which point we will live permanently in spiritual death in eternity. We will be separated from relationship with God and one another permanently in eternity. If we do accept this work of salvation for ourselves we are re-born spiritually in eternity whilst still here in space and time physically. When we die here physically we will then continue to live spiritually in eternity. The Bible calls this eternal life!

There can't be only one true faith? John 14:1-11

A practice sermon written to shadow the sermon series at my church on BIG questions. Sept09

In the context of our question, faith is belief in a world view. A world view is what we use to perceive and understand the reality of life. Therefore faith is our belief in a particular set of values and truths to represent the reality of life.

Does everyone have a world view? YES
Is there only one true world view? YES

Why... because there is only one world! Sometimes we joke about so and so being in another world but the truth is we all live in this one.

Therefore there are two world views. The right one and the wrong one. Is this Dave's special interpretation of the world? Has he lost it? No this is a Biblical truth. As we discussed last week we live in a personal world therefore the very truth this world is built on is personal. So the question becomes who is truth? God is Truth. So what are the two world views taught in the Bible. The first is when we confess the trinitarian God of the Bible as the truth and the second is when we do not. The true world view is Christianity and the false world view is idolatry.

Well that's the answer to the question but just before you all ask for your money back what I would like to do is show you exactly why this is true. To do this I would like to borrow a framework from someone else which really helps to clarify how I can make the sweeping statement that only two world views exist.

Everyone has a world view. Some are constant and stable and others are opportunistic and emotionally driven. In fact when someone's world view is too far off the scales we institutionalise them. We call them deluded and keep them in a safe place out of harms way.

The most stable world views are the ones we call religions. The top five being:

Christianity
Islam
Hinduism
Chinese traditional religion
Buddhism

Religions are generally based on what I will term absolute world views. You also get your partial world views which are useful to include:

Atheism
Communism
Humanism

The absolute world views we have already discussed, there are only two. Christianity and Idolatry. These two lists rearrange a little more helpfully. The devil has only a limited number of ways to manipulate the truth and we can see this produces those two further lists.

First Christianity the absolute trinitarian world view can be distorted producing the other Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Islam, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons etc.

Secondly Christianity the absolute trinitarian world view can be flipped on its head to produce Buddhism and Hinduism and their various incomplete copies, Chinese traditional religion, Atheism, Communism, Humanism etc.

From these two main questions are raised. Firstly what does a Christian world view look like when flipped on its head and how do all those seemingly radically different world views fit together under that banner. Secondly how can we claim Christianity as the true Abrahamic world view and the rest incomplete copies?

Among the world views closest to the top of these lists there is a common agreement that at the beginning reality was perfect and subsequently something has gone wrong to upset that. The aim therefore is to know what perfect looked like and find a way to get back to it. We can see this in Christianity and the other Abrahamic religions. The same is also true in the second list which I would like to demonstrate.

Thousands of years ago in Asia far removed from the Abrahamic religions people looked at reality and saw life was full on unities. One world, one sun, one sky, one people and therefore concluded that unity was that beginning perfection. Lets just pause a moment and realise how powerful a concept this really is! If unity is perfection then all is one. Unity becomes the god. So when all is one, all is god and therefore you become God. Now to our fallen nature that is not too hard a concept to swallow. In fact its rather a nice thought. So nice a thought it is what the Bible teaches us was the original sin. Flipping reality completely on its head. Instead of God being God everything he created becomes god. I don't know about you but I find this fascinating. Let us see how this idea unfolds and what consequences this type of thinking produces. So unity is perfection, all is one and one is god. What then has gone wrong? What prevents unity? Diversity! What causes diversity within unity? Desire! What causes desire? Relationships! I tell you this concept is simply eloquent in its deadliness. It truly contains power!

These are the first 3 spiritual laws of Buddhism.

1)Suffering is. Basically everything suffers. It is the identification of the lack of perfection in reality.
2)The cause of suffering is desire.
3)The cause of desire is relationships.

This needs a little explanation just to be able to capture this concept. So just to recap all is one. You are part of all and all is part of you. All that is physical is one. If you had stubbed your toe it would be painful and you would desire it to stop. A relationship is set up between you and your pain and you suffer. However if you realise that you are the pain and the pain is you, all is unity. All you need to do is no longer desire to be rid of the pain, get rid of that relationship and you no longer suffer. So to be free from relationships is salvation. This new age thinking has also made it over to the west. Relationships are seen as problematic. Marriage is problematic. What is the solution? Don't get married! The extreme form of Buddhism looks to reduce all diversity. They look for sensual deprivation reducing all forms of relationship. Life in its essence they see as breathing. Breathing is life. Enlightenment is seen as an awakening to the fact that all is unity. The Zen Buddhist say “If you can see the Buddha, kill him.” This means if you think reality is outside of yourself you have to kill that idea and realise that true reality can be found within.
So what is wrong with this view of the world. As I have said previously it is the devils ploy to completely flip reality on its head. God is three and a relational being, other centred. The devil is one, un-relational and self orientated and he models his perfect reality after himself. This unity he presents is only attainable if we free ourselves from all relationships. What he does is look to destroy our very nature as image bearers of God! This is a powerful and deadly teaching. We need to challenge people on there beliefs in this system. Let's not also be tricked into thinking that this is only linked to eastern religions, it is shaping our western culture right under our noses. Atheism and evolutionism find their roots in Buddhism and Hinduism.

The Chinese traditional religions may seem out of place in this list but a quick explanation will also show the continuity between these world views. The Chinese traditional religions see the original perfect reality is found in balance. They observed that life is full of opposites. Dark and light, female and male, low and high. These opposite are what the Chinese see as the manifestations of yin and yang in the natural world, complete opposites within the greater whole. Suffering they see as coming from unbalance. When there is disharmony and unbalance suffering is produced. This also is a powerful concept draw from the natural world but the consequences are devastating. There is no good, good is just found in balance. There is no evil, evil is just unbalance. Therefore there can never be victory. Love can never win over hate but for harmony to be reached the goal is for the two to be in balance. A total balance is only reached when the yin and yang become static. What is achieved when the opposites become static? Unity. Again the aim become unity, a static balance between the yin and yang. In the static unity there is no place for relationships. Everything again becomes one. Unity is god. Self is god!

This unity is a gospel. Its good news for those who accept it. You are accountable only to yourself. Salvation is within yourself to accomplish. Pride becomes the greatest virtue instead of the greatest vice! Let us be aware this gospel is being preached loudly in the secular world!

How to we challenge this gospel? We must present the true gospel and show just how weakly this gospel of unity this gospel of self matches up with reality!

Let us take a look at reality and the Bible's world view. Let us look at this world view from two different angles. First from observation of the natural reality that we see around us and then from what God has revealed to us in his word.

In life we experience unity and diversity. Are either of these a problem? Does either of these cause suffering? Were either of these a result of the fall? What does God reveal to us about unity and diversity?

The Bible reveals to us that unity and diversity can be found in the persons of God. The underpinning truth of reality is personal. This personal truth is in three persons. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. There is only one God but three persons. Each person is God but the Son is not the Father and the Holy Spirit not the Son. What we see revealed within the Godhead is a diversity within a unity. Do we see this relationship of trinitarian unity and diversity within reality. Yes we do. Individually we are called to a trinitarian relationship of unity and diversity. We are called to love God with all our heart mind and strength and to love our neighbour as ourself. In marriage we are called to be a trinitarian unit of husband, wife and God together in relationship.

So neither unity or diversity is a problem or a cause of the suffering but they need to be in their right setting. Total unity is death. Total diversity is death. When unity and diversity are brought together correctly we experience rightly that part of God's image that he created us in.

In life we experience form and freedom. Are either of these a problem? Do either of these cause suffering? Were either of these a result of the fall? What does God reveal to us about form and freedom?

The Bible reveals to us that form and freedom can be found in the persons of God. Each person in the Godhead has an individual form. Parts of the Son's form is obeying and going. Parts of the Father's form is of commanding and sending. Parts of the Holy Spirits form is empowering and encouraging. When God is faithful to his form freedom is the result. When the son is faithful to the forms of his obedience he is free to be God and the saviour of the word. Jesus did not automatically go to the cross, he was not automatically obedient. But he was faithful to his form and was freed to be the saviour of the world. Do we see this relationship of form and freedom within reality. Yes we do! Individually we are called to the form of male and female. As male we are called to leadership and work. As females we are called to support and bear children. When we are faithful to our forms we are freed with in our humanity.

So neither form or freedom is a problem or a cause of the suffering but they need to be in their right setting. Total form is death. Total freedom is death. When form and freedom are brought together correctly we experience rightly that part of God's image that he created us in.

In life we experience objectivity and subjectivity. Are either of these a problem? Do either of these cause suffering? Were either of these a result of the fall? What does God reveal to us about objectivity and subjectivity?

The Bible reveals to us that objectivity and subjectivity can be found in the persons of God. The diversity and relationships within the Godhead makes space for the subjectivity of the objective truth that is God. The Father the Son and The Holy Spirit are all God and they don't change. They all see perfectly. The Father views the son perfectly from his point of view and the Son views the Father perfectly from his point of view. The Father is not the son and therefore the points of view are different and the differences are perfect. This is the foundation of the objectivity and subjectivity we find in reality.

So neither objectivity or subjectivity is a problem or a cause of suffering. When objectivity and subjectivity are brought together correctly we experience rightly that part of God's image that he created us in.

In life we experience sequence. Is sequence a problem? Does the presence of before during and after cause suffering? Is sequence a result of the fall? What does God reveal to us about sequence?

The Bible reveals to us that sequence can be found in the persons of God. A theme that we often see in the Bible is actions that happen before the foundation of the world. They happen outside of time. This suggests a sequence. A point at which this hadn't occurred, a point at which it was and then a point after it had been decided. In 2 peter 3 we read. “...with the Lord one day is as a thousand years...” That is easy to swallow 1:1000 ratio but then he continues. “...and a thousand years as one day.” So sequence outside of space is another dimension. In space sequence is measured in time but with God sequence is measured in eternity. Eternity is not infinite time but every point of time is present in every point of eternity. Sequence is measured, quite literally, in another dimension with God.

So sequence is not a problem or a cause of suffering. When we see sequence correctly we experience rightly that part of God's image that he created in us.

In life we experience an authority structure. Is this a problem? Does this cause suffering? Was this a result of the fall? What does God reveal to us about authority structure?

The Bible reveals to us that authority structure can be found in the persons of God. The Father has authority over the Son. The Father sends and the Son obeys. Does that make the Son any less God. Not at all! Just as an earthly father having authority over his son does not make the son any less human. Do we see this relationship authority structure within reality. Yes we do within all sorts of relationships. In marriage, in families, in employment and in the church.

So is authority structure a problem or a cause of suffering. When we see authority structure correctly we experience rightly that part of God's image that he created in us.

In life we experience needs. Are needs a problem? Does the presence of needs cause suffering? What does God reveal to us about needs?

The Bible reveals to us that need is found in the persons of God. The deeper needs. The need to be seen, the need to affect, the need to be loved. These needs are present in the Godhead but then are also perfectly meet within the Godhead, within the community of the trinity. To have those needs perfectly met is full joy. Do we see this relationship need within reality. Yes we do, we all experience these needs.

So need is not a problem or a cause of suffering. When we see need correctly we experience rightly that part of God's image that he created in us.

In life we experience identity and personality. Is identity and personality a problem? Does the presence of identity and personality cause suffering? What does God reveal to us about identity and personality's?

The Bible reveals to us that identity and personality is found in the persons of God. The identity and the personality of God is 'other centred'. The identity of Jesus is not found within himself but in the Father and the Holy Spirit. Identity is only possible within relationships. Relationships are only possible through being 'other centred'. 'Other centred' is only possible in submission. The persons of the trinity submit to one another. Each person empties himself to fulfil the needs of the others. As each is filled twice over the love within that relationship is God's power. For us the love in that relationship is just mind blowing. No wonder Biblical language is always straining to capture this for us! Do we see this identity within reality. Yes we do, from the very beginning. It was not good for Adam to be alone. His identity was not complete till Eve was created. Then Adam's identity was found in God and Eve and that was perfect, perfectly 'other centred'.

So 'other centred' identity is not a problem or a cause of suffering. When our identity is 'other centred' in God and one another we experience that part of God's image he created in us.

In life we experience 'self-centredness' . Is this a problem? Does this cause suffering? What does God reveal to us about 'self-centredness'?

The Bible reveals to us that 'self-centredness' is NOT found in the persons of God. Back in Genesis 3 it is revealed where this aspect of 'self-centredness' that we see in reality originated! The Devil deceived Adam and Eve into thinking that we didn't need to be 'other centred' and dependant upon God and one another but we could be 'self centred' and independant'. We didn't need to rely on God or one another we could go it alone. Identity is founded in relationship so when our identity switched from 'other centred' to 'self centred' the relationship on which that identity was founded was broken. The relationship between us and God and between one another was broken. This broken relationship is not static either it continues to build. It is like we are all in debt and each 'self centred' act deducts further from the relationship. These 'other centred' acts the Bible calls sin. Each of us is in debt and with no credit between us we cannot even help each other!
Jesus came into creation and became part of creation. He then performed one particular act in time and eternity that was totally 'other centred'. This other centred act was as both God and human. This act took place between heaven and earth, time and eternity, us and God bringing together the two again. This act was the crucifixion. Jesus gave, as God and Man, an 'other centred ' sacrifice of the perfectly innocent. God the Father poured out his wrath on the Son in our place, forcing complete separation of the Son from the Father, complete death. This death was not the result of sin Jesus had committed but the result of Jesus taking all our sin upon himself, all our 'other centredness'. He did this in perfect obedience and perfect other centredness. Because of this his death swallowed up all other death all other separation in victory. His death, his separation on our behalf completely satisfied God's justice. This completed act of Justice has such a power that it did not only bring Jesus back from death, back from the imposed separation, back into other centred relationship with the Father but it will remake the whole of creation into 'other centred' relationship with the Father. If we accept this power for ourselves we will be born again, into eternity, new creatures, other centred creatures. A new creature born into eternity, no longer only in time! The Christian life therefore, while still here in creation, is to continue to empty ourselves of self centredness, the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, trusting that God will fill us that he will supply all our needs. The more room we make for him the more he can fill us, the more he can meet our needs. Alongside that as Christians we are called to empty ourselves of 'other centredness' to receive from and give to one another.

So what the false world view of idolatry wants us to believe is that the cause of this world is less complex than the product. The devil is trying to deceive us into thinking that the underlying truth from which this world comes forth is unity. He looks to reduce all to 'one' and that 'one' to self. Where as the reality of reality is that it is far more complex because its creator is far more complex. God is the underpinning Truth. Therefore Truth is relational, truth is personal, truth is 'other centred' and that is why reality is relational and personal and 'other centred'. This is how it will be when all is remade, through what Jesus did on the cross, in eternity!

Why is Christianity the only true world view because only Christianity is founded on true reality. How do we know this... because it is found all around us. God's image on creation is plain for all to see!

Romans 1:20

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”

How can I know what is True? John 1

A practice sermon written to shadow the sermon series at my church on BIG questions. Sept09

Truth is a tricky word to pin down. To start at the basics we will use the correspondence theory of truth which states.

“A true belief or statement corresponds to the actual state of affairs”

So phrasing that slightly differently. Truth and Falsehood are a measure of the state of affairs, a measure of reality a measure of the reality of life. Truth is a measure of the reality of life. Perhaps it would be good to re-phrase this question “How can I know what is true” with:

“How can I know what life really is?”
“How can I know what reality is?

A simple illustration can help us begin to answer this question. If someone presented me with a piece of wood and proceeded to tell me that it was 300mm long, how can I know if that statement was true. How can I know if that statement reflects reality. It's not a trick question I would simply need to measure the reality that is, the piece of wood and confirm that it matches up with the reality of the statement. Basically what I have done is measure the reality of the statement against the reality of the object. I am measuring the truth of the statement against the reality of life.

What Science looks to achieve is acquire a knowledge-base of truth. It is a search for a deeper understanding of reality. This is achieved through what is know as the “scientific method” which is a technique of measuring, a technique of measuring phenomenon within life.

In the same way from the moment of our birth we are constantly investigating and testing this life with the full range of senses at our disposal in order to learn and grow our knowledge-base.

The trouble is that finding Truth in life, testing to discover reality, is never as easy to determine as the length of a piece of wood. The value of length is a scaler, a single dimension, There is only one things to consider when testing the reality of its length and that is its length. Few could argue about that reality of this. If both parties agreed upon a method of measuring the wood, both would come to the same conclusion of what the reality is. The piece of wood is 300mm long. Particularly when the piece of wood is right there available to be tested. We don't however live life in a single dimension and finding the true measure of reality, the truth in life of a phenomenon with more dimensions, more influencing factors than the simple length of a piece of wood can become extremely complicated.

The influencing factors involved in measuring the reality of a phenomenon can, to be honest, be physically, emotionally and spiritually draining. So what is the way forward when dealing with such overwhelming considerations. What we need is a framework. The type of framework I am talking about is a framework of truth a framework of the measure of reality as a reference from which to measure everything else. If we were to measure every single phenomenon, every single occurrence in our life starting from basics, from first principles we would go crazy. Instead we test new phenomenon based on a previously constructed framework of what we believe to be the true measure. What we believe to be reality.

I will need to pause a second to explain this new concept of belief. When you talk to someone about life it will not be far into the conversation before the phrases “I think,” “I believe” or “I see” are mentioned. This is a necessity for those of use with finite capacity and a limited knowledge-base. Life takes time to test, it takes time to measure because of its complexity and as we build our reality framework only with arrogance can we, individually, profess full knowledge.

One of the fundamental truths that must be the foundation of our reality framework is the question.

“Is there a God”

If the answer to this question is 'no' then what we are left with is a physical world run simply by chemical reactions and physical laws. Having this truth as the basis for a reality framework means that everything else must be tested and measured in relation to the purely physical, what we can see and touch.

If the answer to this question is 'yes' then we add a whole new dimension to this world and that is one of spirituality. The driving force of this world shifts from the physical to the spiritual with enormous effects for the construction of our reality framework!

The Gospel of John is a very exciting illustration of this principle that we have been discussing.

In John 20:31 we find the overall theme of the Gospel. John tells us exactly why he has written this Gospel.

“...these [signs of Jesus] are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

What John has presented for us in his Gospel is a series of signs by Jesus pointing to one truth and John is inviting us to test them for ourselves. He is inviting us to conclude with him this truth and add it into our reality framework so that we “may have life in his name.” That is an amazing statement let us just step back and marvel a second in what John is suggesting here.

This Truth that he is inviting us to test is that Jesus, of whom he writes, is the Christ, the anointed one, the Son of God. If we then accept this as truth, accept this as a true measure of reality then we “may have life in his name.” In other words Jesus will give us reality, we quite literally get Truth in his name! I don't know about you but that is quite a statement. What Jesus is offering is LIFE, What Jesus is offering is a full measure of TRUTH, What Jesus is offering is REALITY. This is exciting!

If this is true, if this is reality then our question is answered, the search is over. “How can I know what is true?” Truth is found in Jesus. If you want to know, how to know truth what you need to do is know Jesus!

In order to build this truth into our reality framework, this phenomenon, this statement must be tested. And that is perfectly fine, it is even what John encourages us to do. Once we have tested it and found its measure of truth, then we can begin to accept the reality of the statement and its life changing potential.

John 1:1-18 the prologue to John's Gospel sets up his presentation of the person of Jesus found in the rest of the Gospel. The main themes he presents in this first section are expounded upon in the rest of his writing. So what a great place to begin to measure the reality of his thematic statement.

“In the beginning was the Word,”
The statement In the beginning here reflects directly back to Genesis 1 and signifies the absolute beginning of this physical world, this universe. The use of 'was' in the Greek produces the context that in the beginning the Word was already in existence.

“and the Word was with God,”
The use of 'with', seen in conjuncture with other places in the new testament suggest the Word spoke of is the description of a person in a particularly close relationship. Therefore two distinct persons are present here, the Word and God and they are both in relationship together.

“and the Word was God.”
Not the Word was Divine or had a God-ness but the Word was God. So this Word existed before the universe was created. A person distinct from but in a close relationship with God and is God in Himself. The parallel of these verses that we see in John's Gospel is found in Jesus' high priestly prayer 17:5 where Jesus asks the Father to Glorify him with the Glory he had before the world existed. Here we clearly see Jesus declaring himself to have the close relationship of Son to God and that that relationship existed before the World did.

“He was in the beginning with God”
Repetition for reinstatement and a lead in to verse three.

“All things were made through him and without him was not any thing made that was made”
John he describes the Word, this personal agent, as the creator of all that exists. The view of Jesus Christ being the creator of all that exists is found in several places in the New Testament. Paul takes about creation formed by him and for him and sustained in him. The writer of Hebrews speaks of the universe being made by the Son.

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men.”
The life spoken of here finds its parallel in 5:26 where the Father, in whom is life, grants life to reside within the Son. This life is the full measure of reality and a reality that gives light to men. This light is the revelation of salvation. In 8:12 Jesus declares himself to be the light of the world, the revelation of salvation.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
The Word brings his revelation of salvation in victory over evil (darkness). Jesus holds himself up as the light that overcomes darkness in 12:35

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.”
Here John the Baptist is identified as a witness of the Word and of the Light. We can see from all the Gospel account that John the Baptist came announcing Jesus. Therefore identifying beyond doubt that The Word and the light spoken of is Jesus.

“The true light , which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
The use of the description 'true' in this verse begins a pattern of occurrences where aspects of Jesus are described as true. What John presents is a light in the full measure of reality. The true light. Over and against all other claims, this one is the fullness of reality. As we look at these descriptions with consideration of the rest of Scripture we see a further dimension to this truth. Jesus is actually claiming to be the fulfilment of Truth. The law of Moses given at Mount Sini was given as a light to the people of Israel but Jesus is the true fulfilment of that light . The manna from heaven for Israel was God's true provision but Jesus is the fulfilment of that provision. The true bread of heaven.
The use of world here denotes not the universe as a whole but rather that part of the created order living in Rebellion to its creator. With particular emphasis to humans and human affairs. A context that we find all throughout John's Gospel (15:18-19). So the true light was coming into the world. A light of the revelation of salvation. A light that divides the world in two, those who love light and those who love darkness.

“He was in the world and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.”
Jesus is now in this world he created that stands in rebellion against him. But the world had no knowledge of its creator. The life it once had in him has been lost through its rebellion. The eternal life Jesus came to restore is a knowledge of himself and as a direct result a knowledge of the Father. (17:3)

“He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.”
The phrase 'his own' has a sense of property attached and seems to refer to the Jewish nation. The one nation that one would expect to receive Jesus, because of the knowledge of him they had from their history, did not 'receive him.'

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”
The world did not know him, his own did not receive him but there is a remnant who did receive him. A remnant who believed in his name, those who accepted his character and claims to be true.
An act of gratitude and understanding of ones position is also implied in the receiving element. This combination of belief and receiving produces the gifted right to become children of God. This links in with the adoption theme we see in the rest of Scripture. Adopted as children not by ancestry, or a product of the sexual act or the will of men but of God.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Here John articulates clearly what he has been alluding to and building up to for 13 verses. The incarnation, the Word becoming flesh. God became man. The writer to the Hebrews puts this mind blowing event very simply in the context of a conclusion to God's self revelation to mankind.

'Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son' (Hebrews 1:1-2).

Just like God made his dwelling amongst the Jewish nation in the tabernacle making his presence and glory known, Jesus dwelt among them by his presence and glory. That glory that they witnessed in him was the glory of Father, full of grace and truth. ('They' being the eye witnesses of Jesus and now our witnesses.) Jesus is therefore the true manifestation of the Father. The fulfillment of the Father's manifestation.
This glory is not unshielded glory like Jesus had with the Father before the creation and has now as he sits at the Father's right hand in heaven but a glory seen through faith. Faith being a growing and active belief in the gospel and its power for salvation.

“And from his fullness we have all received, grace instead of [anti] grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.”
The Glory of the Father is full of grace and truth and from this fullness we receive grace instead of grace. The first grace came through the Law and Moses but the fulfillment of that grace, “true” grace comes through Jesus, the God who is at the Father's side, who has made the Father known, being the true manifestation, the fulfillment of the manifestation of the Father.
John lets us see that Jesus is not only the truth but the fulfillment of truth. Jesus is not just the light of revelation of salvation but the true light, the fulfillment of the Father's revelation. Jesus is not only life, not only reality but the fulfillment of reality. Jesus is not only the manifestation of the Father but the fulfillment of the Father's manifestation.

“How can I know what is true”

Is there any better way than a knowledge of Jesus the fulfillment of TRUTH?

How can we know Jesus? How can we restore that relationship we as the world rejecting through our rebellion? Or even that the Jewish nation did not receive.

John tells us simply.
To all who receive, to all who believe in his name, he gives the right to become children of God.

What did Darwin really believe?

A practice sermon written to shadow the sermon series at my church on BIG questions. Sept09

Evolution has become quite the buzz word in the Scientific community these last 150 years since the publication of Charles Darwen's Origin of Species. As Darwin predicted It has quite literally changed the way the culture views all areas of science from geology and cosmology right through to Biology and advertising and the media. It has had such a huge impact on our culture and yet the average person's knowledge of the topic is hazy at best. I have spoken to hundreds of students who hold firmly to the process of evolution often quoting me evidence from Biology lesson at school or even university lectures claiming to prove the theory of Evolution everything from the missing link to Ernst Haeckel's embryonic drawings. The truth is after 150 years of scientific research the case for the evolutionary process is worse off than it was in Darwin's day. As science discovers more of the minute and expanse of God's creation it finds yet more complexity to be explained away.

Let me pause for a moment to clarify some terms before we continue.

When I talk about the theory of evolution I am not denying the existence of adaptation and natural selection. That is the genetic variations present in animal populations that make it more likely for one organism to survive in certain habitats, reproduce and become the majority in a population over many generation.

This is God's Grace at work in the animal kingdom to deal with an ever changing world damaged by sin.

When I talk about the theory of evolution I talk of the hypothesis that one species can over time change into another. As the Oxford Dictionary puts it.

“The origination of living things by development from earlier forms, not by special creation”

Scientist today have are still hunting for a process by which this could realistically have occured, Dawin's theories today are almost completely rejected.

So what of our title. We hold up Charles Darwin and the publication of his book the “Origin of Species” as the event that started the ball rolling. Is that really the case? For certain it has to be admitted that Charles Darwin had a huge influence. But what did he say different than his predecessors that caused his particular theory to be so influential?

I think it will be beneficial to have a quick look back into history to discover what influenced Charles Darwin's theory.

For this we must start in the most unlikely of places. The Hindu scriptures.

Hindu teachings speak of a god, Brahmin who is the ultimate life force of the Universe to such an extent that he is the universe. Brahmin is the universe and the universe is Brahmin. And during a process of millions of years the universe was birthed. The Hindu model of the universe is a cyclic one of continual birth, death and rebirth. It is taught that life comes from non-life and that all life including plants has an internal conciousness, a life force, being part of the universe part of their god, Brahmin.

Out of this teaching of all life containing this life force, this part of God, within a cyclic universe comes the teaching of reincarnation. Reincarnation is the continual cycle of death and life producing progression from the lowest life forms all the way through to humankind. This is where we see the caste system the untouchables at the bottom and the white Brahmins at the top. The final stage in this system of reincarnation is enlightenment a stage where one joins together with the ultimate life force, the universe, Brahmin. Basically you become one with god. The way life progresses up this ladder of reincarnation is through shear will and power of mind in the struggle of life. The Hindu yogu cycle is 4.32 billion years. Does this not sound familiar.

Moving on now to Greek philosophy and to one Greek in particular, Pythagoras, who lived 582-506BC and is most famous for his triangles. However he was also a philosopher who travel widely and absorbed the teachings of Egyptians, Assyrians and the Hindu Brahmins. He brought the teachings of reincarnation back to Greece and incorporated it into Greek philosophy. From Pythagoras the school of Alexandrian was founded and later still the Gnostic school. The Brahmins of India were well known for their astronomy and geometry and it is thought Pythagoras learnt his famous formula from the them.

The link between Hindu teaching and Greek Philosophy was so evident that even the French and German philosophers were being heavily influenced by the Brahmins teachings. Philosophers such as Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, Freud and Jung draw form Arthur Schopenhauver (c. 1788-1860) who lived his life by the Hindu philosophies and whose book so inspired Adolf Hitler he took the Hindu Swastika as his own when he came to power.

On the 2nd March 1780 a lecture was given before the Royal academy of Edinburgh by a mathematician of the University of Edinburgh Professor John Playfair entitled “Remarks on the Astronomy of the Brahmins”

Plato was also a dedicated reincarnationalist and studied beside Pythagoras. Aristotle a disciple of Plato borrowed greatly from Pythagorean theories and adding some of his own wrote in his book “Generation of Animals” our first clear view of the roots of modern Evolution.

“Nature, gradually, step by step, developed from inanimate substances to living creatures.”

Darwin quotes Aristotle in the preface of his sixth edition of “origin of species” highlighting the Aristotle influence in his work.

The enlightenment period in Edinburgh was so influenced by a revival of Greek philosophies it caused the town to acquire the name “Athens of the North.”

Among the leading intellectuals of the day Hume and Smith was another man by the name James Burnett or as he was also called Lord Monboddo. In 1768 he first suggested the evolutionary connection between humans and monkeys.

“The Oran Outan... that is the animal betwixt a monkey and a man”

Erasmus Darwin, Charles' Grandfather, studied medicine at Edinburgh University and was a Freemason in the same lodge as Burnett. Burnett is known to have drawn influences form Pythagoras, Plato and Aristotle and Erasmus drew from Burnett. Erasmus' poetic writings show clear signs of the evolutionary concept from first cause right through to mankind.

The idea of the origin of plants and animals from non living matter by gradual operation of natural causes over long periods of time had long been in the making. What therefore did Darwin add to this theory to catapult it into a mainstream belief system?

Darwin differed from his predecessors on 3 points.

1.

His predecessors postulate first cause of life by natural causes. Darwin starts with the assumption of life already. He never hypothesises a natural process for the first cause instead he attributes that to God and suggests instead that all life had a common ancestor.
2.

His predecessors suggested an advancement of species more in line with the Hindu thinking of internal conciousness and the willing of oneself on in the struggle for advancement. Darwin suggests instead natural selection as the machine to drive his theory. Survival of the fittest, through the laws of nature.
3.

His predecessors suggest that new species would appear suddenly. Darwin suggests a process of small changes over long periods of time changing one species gradually into another.

What Darwin postulated therefore was that except for the first cause God is completely removed from this world, distant and unconcerned. Perhaps this thinking came out of grief over the death of his daughter, trying to connect her death with the living and active God of the Bible. Far easier to see God as distant and not involved in his Creation.

So Darwen's theory provides the following principles.

Whether vegetable or animal like gives birth to like but in the birthing process variation occurs having either a positive affect on the species, negative or non at all (this we now know more as mutations in genetic code – basically copying errors). Competition for food and space within the species and its habitat gives rise to a struggle for survival. In this struggle only the fittest survive and those with positive variations would have the edge on the population, advancing the species.

This whole process negates the need for intelligence and requires no meaning or purpose but just an ever present struggle in a dog eat dog world.

Where does that leave us as the Church. How should we react to this theory. How can we match up this Hindu and naturalistic world view to the God of the Bible. How can a teaching of unintelligent matter following a set of natural laws without design or direction produce intelligence fit with the Biblical account. The answer is it doesn't!

This reincarnation circle of life and death has no founding in the Bible. Death is not something God imposes in his creation as a mechanism to advance species but the result of our sin and rebellion.

When we decided to rebel against the creator and sustainer of spiritual and physical life what else can we expect but spiritual and physical death - separation? Instead of that being the end, the last chapter God gives Grace. He continues to sustain our lives even in our rebellion to the praise of His Glory leaving us not without Hope. God the Father sent Jesus the Son into this world to complete the justice for our rebellion. To take the full measure of God the Father's wrath in our place. With Justice satisfied there is no longer a separation between us and God. What does that mean for us? It means Good News. It means that despite our rebellion against God and the incurring separation all that can be reversed by accepting what Jesus did on the cross in our place. We can experience what the Bible calls eternal life, that is a knowledge of God worked out through relationship. No longer is there a separation that we caused through out rebellion, through out sin.