KNOWING JESUS

Time with Jesus - Wednesday, 14 March 2012

Hi all,

The elixir of youth. Not exactly Christian but the “Holy Grail” of most non-Christians. Why not? Most people would like to live forever. In some ways, it’s still very popular. Although we all know that, unless the Lord returns beforehand, we are 100% certain to die.

This overwhelming certainty doesn’t seem to bother any of us. Why? Because God has put eternity in our hearts. ¹¹ He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. Ecc 3:11 ESV So in spite of the overwhelming evidence we think it won’t happen. Not yet anyway.

This “eternity” concept is supported by science which tells us that there is no reason why our bodies should die. Scientifically we should live indefinitely. Except for the fact at some juncture in our lives, the cells don’t work as well as they did. The final outcome is well known and inevitable.

But the Lord has not left us helpless in our situation. Put simply the principle is; Born twice, die once. Born once, die twice. The maths is strange. I doubt if Newton would approve. But it’s still true.

In the meantime we have an opportunity of being obedient to the Lord. It’s all there in His Word. It is best summed up and recommended by Jesus. ³⁰ And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' Mark 12:30 NLT

We see here that husbands are commanded to love their wives. Probably, because as a general rule, they don’t. Oddly enough wives are not commanded to love their husbands. Could it be because most of them do? Unlikely. But we are all commanded to love our neighbour as ourselves. I can’t think of any husband who isn’t his wife’s neighbour. So we are all left stranded in our own love boats! Thank God for that

Today’s meditation is about love. What else?

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Knowing Jesus

This is life eternal, to know God’s only S        John 17:3 GW  And this is what’s important when all is said and done. We have some strange ideas; we think it is a place But really it’s with Jesus Christ and looking at His face Of course it will be somewhere. But I don’t care a jot. As long as I’m with Jesus I’m in the proper spot. The very words He speaks to us are spirit and are life. All other human effort bring nothing more than strife. But how is it we get their? The Lord has made it plain The only opportunity is being born again. We’ve got to quit the contract that’s locked us into death. We have to follow Jesus with each and every breath. Unlike the Law of Moses the covenant He’s made Has made it possible for us that He may be obeyed. This is a different covenant. This one is clean and new. And He has made it possible for folk like me and you To follow and obey Him and go the way’s He’s led. And we may all partake of Him; of Christ the living bread. We’re told how we should love Him; as husband loves his wife. Be constantly aware of Her and even give his life. If it’s in the best interests of the woman he has wed. Give her the pre-eminence and, as the Lord has said She’ll give her submission as she’s been told to do. Never by compulsion, but out of love for you! But how can it be possible for us to live this way? It isn’t complicated. Just honour and obey The master who has shown you the Bible is the place For us to find the right way for all the human race. Obey its guiding principles; for it will keep you pure. It will bring you comfort when is so hard to endure. It will give instructions more valuable than gold. And its awesome wonders for you it will unfold. Taste His Word. It’s sweeter than honey from the comb. Read it to your family when gathered in your home. God is not a spoil-sport. He wants to see you thrive. And think you have the very finest family alive. All this seems incredible; but there is so much more? Made available to those, whom Jesus Christ adore. Jim Strickland – Written  14th March 2012

BELIEVING IS SEEING

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 13 March 2012

Hi all,

The “Theory of evolution” is so entrenched, that to disagree with it is one step short of treason against science. Highly qualified and well educated men are convinced that it is true. Our schools and tertiary educational establishments teach it and state that those who think otherwise are religious fanatics, or idiots, or both.

I’m willing to admit that in the days in which this hypothesis was presented to the public, it sounded both logical and plausible. Initially it was not well received for a number of reasons. Perhaps the most likely one was that it was at variance with the Biblical account. Over a period of time the hypothesis grew in popularity and general acceptance. Science was “flexing its muscles”. Rationalism had begun to be popular. If you couldn’t see it, it was unproven. Faith in God was taking a pounding. After all, God was invisible and was therefore beyond proving. This being the case, much of the scientific community reduced the creation account to the level of mythology.

There was another factor which made Darwinian evolution popular. People didn’t want to believe in God. He was an embarrassment. In particular, if you believed in God, it meant that you were accountable to Him. But if you rejected the concept that God was real, an alternative to the creation account was essential. Put simply, if evolution was true, the existence of God could be denied.

Generally speaking this is true today. People do not want to believe in God. The evolution hypothesis has become convenient. Its veracity cannot be doubted because science has “proved” it to be true. God is no longer “necessary”. So why bother believing in Him?

Scientific opinion in the 21^st century has not changed. As a result, evolution has been universally accepted as truth. Public opinion and international education opinion slobbers over this hypothesis and accepts it as universal truth. But it is still only a hypothesis. It remains unproven, except to those minds who cannot tolerate the possibility that they may be wrong! To randomly go from nothing to the incredible complexity of human or other advanced forms of life on this planet is mathematically impossible. It demands intelligent design.

The theory is a forgery and a hoax. Scientifically it remains unproven – popular, universally accepted, but still unproven. One day the people of this planet will wake up and find they have been conned. Satan will have achieved a major victory. Tragically, many of those who have been “conned” will share his fate.

Today’s meditation looks at the question of believing and seeing.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Believing is Seeing

“Seeing is believing”, is the way most of us work. We shouldn’t be surprised at this. Not even in the Kirk. This is the way we operate, in every part of life. You cannot ever marry an imaginary wife! You cannot ever swim by an imaginary beach. If nobody is listening, it’s difficult to preach. So how can people worship a God they cannot see? When I am a-praying, who’s listening to me? There really is no answer. Not where God’s people live. We cannot be repentant without someone who’ll forgive! We cannot say we’re sorry, for the things which we have done. If nobody is listening, we needn’t have begun! But there are certain factors in which we have to trust. If we believe in nobody our life has really bust! There’s evidence around us. We see Him in the stars. He’s evident in nature and bits of ancient jars. This world is far to complex too have happened randomly. The proof of a designer is everywhere to see. There’s many who will doubt it. “God is a myth!” they say. But if you don’t believe in Him! That won’t drive Him away. Your doubts can never change Him. God’s never been impressed. By rows of Man’s conclusions pinned like medals on the chest. Perhaps you’re a philosopher and have a PhD? Perhaps you’re a professor and teach Divinity? If you believe there is no God, the Word says you’re a fool. Intellectual giants: go back to Sunday School. Take a tip from children. They know how to believe. They’ll give you each the lessons you’re needing to receive. Classify Charles Darwin, the same as brothers Grimm. Things sound very logical and yet the truth is slim. Keep your fairy stories for babies in the crib. Look at all the beauty that came from Adam’s rib! So if you think I’m raving and mentally deranged? Note, I’m very normal and Jesus hasn’t changed. He’ll welcome you this morning or any other day. Darwin’s dumb hypothesis has led men far astray. Science has deceived you and you have swallowed whole, The biggest load of rubbish that destroys the human soul. Jim Strickland – Written  13th March 2012

THE SCIENTIFIC TEST

Time with Jesus - Monday, 12 March 2012

Hi all,

Scripture makes it very clear that we are not to put God to the test. It’s no good my saying I can walk off a roof and not fall because I’m a Christian. I will fall on my nose; rightly so! The test has more to do with my big mouth than a call on God. Even Jesus would not put His Father to a foolish test. The message is very clear. But there is one area in which God invites us to put Him to the test. We find it in Mal 3:10.

10 "Bring the entire tenth to the storerooms in my temple. Then there will be plenty of food. Put me to the test," says the LORD. "Then you will see that I will throw open the windows of heaven. I will pour out so many blessings that you will not have enough room for them. Mal 3:10 NIrV

16 "You shall not put the LORD your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah. Deut 6:16 ESV 7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Mat 4:7 ESV

Now you and I are aware that today’s Scriptures have nothing to do with money. However, there is an important principle here. In Malachi, God invites the people to test Him. I have heard it stated that He refers to a “scientific test”. Consequently, on occasions we are permitted to, “put God to the test”.

Now science states categorically, that proof is required in order to establish that something is true. For example, the entire world believed it was flat until science came along and proved otherwise. The scientific principle is that you start with an unproved hypothesis. Then, by repeated test and experiment, prove your theory. The theory is then usually checked by others. Finally, the theory is proved correct and is universally accepted. The procedure is 1) hypothesis 2) test 3) proven theory.

Today I would like to invite the world to test the hypothesis that God exists and is real. All I’m asking them to do is what every scientist does. Accept the hypothesis that God is real and go about establishing whether or not it is true.

All that’s needed is to pursue the Lord as though He is true. Don’t begin by believing. Begin with the assumption that you expect your experiments to prove successful. Hebrews states, ⁶ And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him. Heb 11:6 NLT

My point is this. Conduct your own scientific experiment with the Lord. Believe He exists. Then test the truth of this statement. In Malachi, God stated that if they test Him with their money, He would “open the windows of heaven” and pour out such a blessing that they could not contain.

Now I am not God. However He has said I am one of His many authorised representatives. So, on His behalf, I’d like to invite you to take part in this small scientific exercise. God has already said, ⁸ Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see-- how good GOD is. Blessed are you who run to him. Psalm 34:8 MSG Here is His personal invitation for you to carry out this little scientific test. Go for it. He will answer you in ways you never thought possible

Today’s meditation is an imagined dialog between an unbeliever (In red) and a believer. (In blue) Go ahead. Taste and see! You won’t be disappointed.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

The scientific Test

Do you believe in Jesus? I’m here to ask you why?     What is it that convinces You? Perhaps it is a lie? Please tell me where you saw Him? I’d like to go there too. An optical illusion, I’m sorry, will not do! You tell me He has saved you. From what have you been saved? Was it a true conversion or a nice way to behave? Don’t beat about the bushes. Relate the truth to me. How is it you’re a follower of someone you can’t see? Don’t give me your opinions. Religious platitudes, Are not what I’m in need of. Be honest and be rude. I find it fascinating. You say, “In God I trust” But science says conclusively your dreams are only dust. So what is it your trusting in? How can you say for sure, That Jesus Christ is still alive and that His life is pure? (Answer) I thank you for the questions. So now please hear me out.         The One Whom I believe in is here without a doubt. Of course I cannot see Him. It doesn’t work that way. But He is just as much alive as He was yesterday. You challenge me with science. But science tells us how. It cannot tell us where or why. It’s just a holy cow, The people need to slaughter. You cannot reason God. Perhaps you find that difficult, remote, or even odd. You have to first believe in Him. Believe that he exists. Perhaps you think it’s rubbish, but friend I must insist. For if you can’t accept it, I’m sorry friend to say, You really cannot know Him in an ordinary way. We say that faith is needed to prove that He is there. That’s when He starts to visit you and talks to you in prayer. This truth is the first hurdle that you must overcome. And if you don’t believe it, It’s rather sad, old son. For He is a rewarder of those who seek to find. And if you are not looking, I’m sorry, you’ll stay blind. It’s really sad to tell you, no other way will do. And if you do it truthfully, you’ll find He’ll come to you. The Lord rewards a person, who diligently seeks. To come in any other way, brings tears to both your cheeks. I’m sorry to inform you, that if you do not try, You’ll end up on the road to hell the moment that you die. So let’s be scientific and put it to the test. Say that you believe Him. He’ll see to it your blessed! And you’ll be on a journey into the Master’s heart, And have your questions answered, in every little part! Jim Strickland – Written 12th March 2012

ME AND YOU TOO?

Time with Jesus - Sunday, 11 March 2012

Hi all,

What do we really know about God? Not very much! It’s a bit like asking fish what they think about water? They can’t answer because they have no voice. Even if they could speak, what could they tell us about the substance in which they live? In a way, it’s much like that with our knowledge of God. We know that in Him we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28) But what do we really know about Him?

We know He is unknowable! It seems a contradiction. He dwells in a different dimension to us. It is timeless and changeless. We have no idea what this is like. The little we do know is what He has chosen to reveal.

But we know Jesus. At least we think we do. We have the account of His life recorded in the four Gospels. They show us something of His nature. He is revealed as very human. At the same time we are informed that He is God! As investigators we are inclined to say, “Which bit is man and which bit is God? Left eye, right eye; left ear, right ear. That seems logical. But logic is not always correct. We are taught that He was 100% man and 100% God. That sound’s like 200%. But it isn’t. In the early Church, this topic was discussed extensively. It was settled at the First Council of Nicaea  in 325 AD and adopted at the First Council of Constantinople in 381AD. Anglicans among us will remember the Nicene Creed from their prayer book.

Why is it important? Well, He had to be 100% man or He could not die for us. He had to be 100% God for His death to be efficacious for all of us. So we end up with this paradox.

To be 100% human meant that He was emotionally and physically just like us. I’m inclined to say 100% similar to us mentally, but think this is skating on thin ice.

The only person, who could take back from Satan what Adam had given him, had to be human. At least as human as Adam had been. He also had to be completely sinless. Jesus complied in every way. He was as human as you and me and as divine as His Father. Satan thought he could defeat Him. But no one can beat God.

Our meditation today looks at His humanity. It takes a glance at His Divinity. It concludes by asking who was responsible for the crucifixion. The answer I give is not my original idea. I read it in a book many years ago. I’m not sure of the author’s name. Never mind. The conclusion is as real today as it was when I first read it.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Me and You Too?

Jesus’ humanity, is quite astonishing. We know He is the Son of God; that He made everything. We know He formed the mountains on which He came to preach. Before He barbecued the fish, he also made the beach! The earth and all upon it are here by His design. So how can someone human, be someone who’s Divine? I wish I had an answer. I only know it’s true. The one, who had created life, came here for me and you. He made the very minerals from which they forged the nails. He made the trees which made His cross. My comprehension fails! How could someone exalted, above the very sky, Come to earth to be with us and for us all to die? But He was also human. He came here as a man. Nothing of the Trinity was seen in His great plan. He came here as a nobody. Our God in overalls. He learned to suffer, felt our pain and heard our God-ward calls. We know He had emotions. We even saw Him weep. And He could get exhausted. So much, He needed sleep. The prophets told us of Him. They said He’d be despised. Rejected by His people. His Godhood was disguised! He learned by what He suffered, the same as you and I. He even let them whip Him, before they watched Him die. They mocked and spat upon Him. They pulled His beard out too. He prayed, “Father forgive them. They know not what they do!” They nailed a sign above His head. It said “King of the Jews”. But He was so much more than that. They didn’t get the news; The one that they had crucified and hanged upon that tree, Was truthfully the Son of God Who died for you and me! And as I think about it, it makes me cringe and wilt. I shake my head, acknowledging for me His blood was spilt. Because I know for certain, that I drove home those nails. I know for sure, I turned the lock that kept Him in their jail. The whip I used to flog Him was held within my hand. And every detail of the deed was done at my command. Could such a thing be possible that I should take the blame? I may as well have done it. For Him it was the same. To murder God Almighty, was no collective act. I must have been involved somewhere! I know that as a fact. For all the dreadful things I’d done. The murderer was me. And yet in spite of all of it, He said He’d set me free! That is the greatest miracle that I have ever seen The very one who did it all, by Him has been washed clean. So now what can I give Him? My heart and mind and soul; The very life inside of me is under His control! And there are many others who toiled with me that day. Perhaps you too are one of them?  My friend, what do you say? Jim Strickland – Written 11th March 2012