GOING HOME?

Time with Jesus - 27 Aug 2013

Hi all,

Most young boys love their time in Cubs and/or Scouts. It’s a time of learning and of reaching forward to the day when independence from parents is attained. 

Don't Stall - Keep Moving

For me, it was great fun. The scouts taught me a number of skills that I continue to use to this day. The first skill was basic knotting; how to tie a reef knot and not a granny knot. We learned how to build a frame from wooden poles using rope of the correct thickness. 

Buried Dreams and Goals

One of the “exercises” took place at “Gilwell” in PE, a place used by the scouts for training and contests. This became a family memory! We were asked to build a platform in a tree and boil an egg on the platform. What was memorable was what happened at the camp site. 

Biblical Oil Lamp

The grass was about calf length and full of insects. I think they were “fleas”. Anyway, while the scouts were busy building the platform and boiling the egg, these insects made a meal of the scouts and the parents who were watching their sons “perform”. When we arrived home afterwards, the “flea-bites” on all our legs was a sight to behold. Mom and dad decided they would not let it happen to them again. If I wanted to be eaten alive by insects, that was my problem. They would observe from the relative security of the car.

The Bridegroom is
Coming

Another skill learned was basic first aid. We had to put it into practice at an inter-scout troop competition. For this we were divided into a team of six. I was a member of the team which won our troop contest. Our team then went to represent the troop at the inter-troop contest. The six of us put in a lot of practice and off we went to “Gilwell”. 

You are invited to
A Wedding

It was a strange competition. Each member of our team was given a number. We were expected to work as individuals and as a team. Signs and instructions were put up at HQ and we were expected to respond immediately, if not sooner. It was a hectic weekend. Frenetic is a better word for it. We were summoned at all hours to respond to situations. (Not between 9:00 pm and 6: am). How we did it I’ll never know. 

5 Wise - 5 Foolish

However, we went home after that weekend with the winner’s trophy and utterly exhausted. Try putting a splint on a broken leg in the dark. As for dealing with snake bite! It was all good fun. Something I’ll never forget.

Five went in
5 were locked out

The most important thing the scouts tried to pass on was their motto. “Be Prepared”. No matter what happened, these two words became all important. We are told we must never separate secular life from spiritual life.

Are You Ready?

They are meant to be an integrated whole. What experience has shown is that in all circumstances, we need to “Be Prepared”. Take a look at the 11 Scriptures from Daily Light for today. You will find that every one of them could be summarised using these two words. 

In Matthew’s Gospel 25:1-13, Jesus taught the parable of the 10 bridesmaids. 5 were foolish and 5 were wise. We know what happened. Those who were prepared for the late arrival of the bridegroom had oil for their lamps. The other 5 were not prepared. When the bridegroom arrived, the wise bridesmaids entered the “house”.

Jesus' Warning!

 The 5 foolish ones were refused admittance. More than that; they were not adequately prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom. ¹¹ Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, 'Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!' ¹² "But he called back, 'Believe me, I don't know you!' Matthew 25:11-12 NLT

What are the implications for you and me? One comment that must be made from this parable is that “Once saved always saved!” simply isn’t true. It seems the only “sin” of the 5 excluded bridesmaids, was that they were not prepared. All 10 were anticipating the bridegroom. Unfortunately, they were not all prepared. 5 of them were not really expecting him at the hour when he did come! They were excluded. They did not enter for the marriage feast.

Some will say that they were admitted later. I would like to think they are right. Unfortunately, there is no Biblical evidence to support the idea. It certainly is not what Jesus stated in the parable. On the contrary, it is more likely they will be permanently excluded as Jesus stated in Matthew 7: ²¹ "Not everyone who calls out to Me, 'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of My Father in heaven will enter. ²² On judgment day many will say to Me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in Your name and cast out demons in Your name and performed many miracles in Your name.' ²³ But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from Me, you who break God's laws.' Mat 7:21-23 NLT

This is also stated by Jesus and is the lot of the unfaithful steward in Matthew 25. ³⁰ Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' Mat 25:30 NLT

A careful examination of Matthew 25 reveals that the two parables are connected. They occur one after the other. This suggests that the fate of the 5 foolish bridesmaids and the worthless servant are the same. Actually Matthew 25 in its entirety could be summarised by two words of warning from Jesus. “Be Prepared” Am I? Are you?

Shalom,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – 27 Aug 2013			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
©	These devotionals are the intellectual property of Jim Strickland and copyright protected. You are welcome to copy and distribute them to anyone provided it is for non-commercial Christian purposes					©
	INTRODUCTION		DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	GOING HOME?
Those who believe “Once Saved Always Saved” will not like this message. I wish I could believe that. It has some Scriptural support. But not nearly enough to contradict the teaching of the Scripture. This indicates that God demands His people live a “sin free” life. I know that none of us can do that! But, in His strength, we should commit ourselves to living that way. I’m sorry, I can’t believe that a few words of prayer mumbled 20 odd years ago and not followed up with a changed life, allows us to sin as much as we want with impunity. The fact is I can train a parrot to say “the sinner’s prayer”. But the parrot is not saved. Nor can it ever be saved. God makes it very clear that without repentance, there is no forgiveness. Thus without repentance a “sinner” isn’t saved. I wish this was not the case. But God’s Word states this is true. I believe that a garbled prayer, not followed with the fruit of repentance, is worthless. Worse than worthless. The person in question has been given a false sense of security, which is a lie! Now I’ve heard about “extreme grace”. I’ve also know about the argument that living a sin free life is more or less impossible. It is impossible. But God knows our hearts. He knows if we are sincere or otherwise. He knows our weaknesses. There is nothing He doesn’t know. So He knows if your decision to receive Christ as your personal Saviour was genuine. It may have been just words strung together to satisfy some convenient formula. Satan doesn’t want any of us saved. So, if he can make us think we are saved when we are not, he has achieved his objective. Now you don’t have to believe me. But think of the consequences. I committed my life to Jesus Christ over 50 years ago. According to your belief I am saved and have been for all that time. According to me, that’s only true if I’ve followed Him through trials, temptations and errors. So in Terms of “Once Saved Always Saved” I am saved. In terms of my understanding of the Scripture, salvation takes place when life is over. In other words, God insists that my life be changed continuously. Matthew 10:22 informs us: But the person who patiently endures to the end will be saved. Furthermore God promises the reward “To him who overcomes” in the following Scriptures in Revelation, 2:7; 2:17; 2:26; 3:5; 3:12 & 3:31. “Overcomes what?” people ask. Good question. The only possible answer is sin. Not necessarily sinless perfection. It must surely be an attitude; a desire to be holy just as we are commanded in Scripture. 1 Peter 1:16 "Be holy, for I am holy." In addition we are told in Hebrews 12:14 Work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Nowhere are we told that we may live a life the same or worse than sinners and be assured we are saved. God does not condone that. Of course if you don’t believe me, that’s between you and Him. I’d like to think you are right. I want you to be right. But if I’m correct, you had better start praying for God to show you the things you must do for salvation. Ask Him for the help of the Holy Spirit. You will not be successful without Him. The next step is entirely in your own hands. Joshua 24:15 states “choose this day whom you will serve”. No one can do this for you or for me. We must change! Whom do you choose? It’s your call! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			6 The captain went to him and said, "How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us, and we will not perish." Jonah 1:6 NIV	The Lord our God will only use a vessel on the go. A stationary vehicle, He will not use, you know. It’s only those who are alive, that Jesus will inspire. When you’re lying in the grave, it’s too late for His fire. Others, who are sleeping, may also miss His call. He tells us to be awake, to greet the Lord of All. Know you’re fully organised; although the time is late. If you are caught out unawares, you will regret your fate. Ensure your lamp is ready and you have oil to spare. In your haste to fill your lamp, you may find He’s not there. Perhaps He’s in the banquet hall and He has closed the door? Don’t bother with your knocking you can’t get in no more. Don’t think it will not happen. The parable is clear. Those who are not ready, have very much to fear. Remember He’s the bridegroom. His people are His bride. But if you are not ready, then you’ll be left outside. That’s why He keeps on saying, “Get up and go away. This world is not your resting place. Don’t think you’re here to stay. Because this world is ruined; beyond all remedy. Frankly it’s not suitable for those who want to be, Living in My Kingdom. Don’t think of things on earth. Only use them for the chance to find your second birth.” Extortion will not help you. The Lord cannot be bribed. He won’t tolerate the sin to which you have subscribed. One look and He says, “Uh-Uh! That doesn’t work old son. Go and join the other side and see if it is ‘fun’!” Get your life in order. Do not be afraid. I know you cannot do it; but the Holy Spirit’s aid, Is so much more effective than trusting in yourself. You will miss the banquet and be left upon the shelf. Satan wants to tempt you with orgies and with booze. He will stoop to anything that causes you to snooze. Don’t be too concerned with all the worries of this life. Husbands please take note that He is looking at you wife! He will treat you just the way that you have treated her. Is that kind of treatment you think you would prefer? Don’t provoke your children! Treat them tenderly. Care for them the self-same way that He has cared for thee. Wives obey your husbands and quietly submit. If he treats you badly, just wait a little bit. He will have a problem with Christ the Lord Most High. That’s how he’ll be treated in His home up in the sky. “Do not be discouraged. Wait patiently for Me; And you’ll be excited about what I have for thee.” Jim Strickland Written 27th August 2012
			10 Get up, go away! For this is not your resting place, because it is defiled, it is ruined, beyond all remedy. Micah 2:10 NIV
			2 Think about things that are in heaven. Don't think about things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2 NIrV
			10 Do not count on extortion to make you rich. Do not hope to gain anything through robbery. When riches increase, do not depend on them. Psalms 62:10 GW
			19 your part is to give yourselves, heart and soul, to praying to your GOD. So get moving--build the sacred house of worship to GOD! Then bring the Chest of the Covenant of GOD and all the holy furnishings for the worship of God into the sanctuary built in honour of GOD." Chronicles 22:19 MSG
			46 He said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up, and pray that you won't be tempted." Luke 22:46 GW
			34 "Watch out! Don't let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware, Luke 21:34 NLT
			5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. Matthew 25:5 NLT
			37 In just a very little while, "The one who is coming will come. He will not wait. Hebrews 10:37 NIrV
			11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11 ESV
			35 Therefore, be alert, because you don't know when the owner of the house will return. It could be in the evening or at midnight or at dawn or in the morning. 36 Make sure he doesn't come suddenly and find you asleep. Mark 13:35-36 GW