A-stray

Introduction

Hi. The following chapters are a true account of what became the reason for my pursuit of God.

I wrote this to explain why I am, the way I am; that in the midst of the images, feelings and thoughts which I share with you that you might see yourself and ponder the answers which have now become my hope, knowledge and concrete purpose beyond any and everything else.

Am I radical? Yes, as the sun is hot. Am I mad? Read on and make your own mind up.

Part 1

Party Time

“On arrival I stepped out the car with my friend Patrick (I call him ‘P’) and adopted the ‘confident’ swagger…”

I just can’t get over this place. No matter how many times I visit it will not sink in: fine leathers, beautiful glass décor, inviting colours all situated in grounds bursting with lush shrubbery…Cor-De-Bleu Club and Restaurant, Birmingham (now called Melody’s) may not be synonymous with national and international clubbers but it’s attractiveness, never fails to ensure a packed house at yet another of my friend’s exclusive parties.

On arrival I stepped out the car with my friend Patrick (I call him ‘P’) and adopted the ‘confident’ swagger as I prepared to make my entrance and join the excited revellers. At the door I was hit by a familiar smell; that curious blend of alcohol, colognes, perfumes and smoke against the backdrop of heavy bass (I mean the type you can feel whether you like it or not). The experience was a familiar one and usually excited me, but this time I was not my usual freestyling, carefree, hot-footed dance-till-my-shirt-comes-off self. Come to think of it, things were changing, and I knew it.

Sidetracked Or Changing Paths?

Being a bit confused as to my presence at the club a quick glance at the video camera around my neck promptly issued an emphatic reminder: “…to FILM, stupid!” Still, part of me wondered how long this cycle of behaviour would continue: drinking, smoking, party, home, drinking, smoking, party, home – the wrestling match was becoming tedious.

No one had to tell me drugs weren’t good for me. For six successful months I gave up the weed until it dawned on me: “I don’t want to give up. It’s my release, my fun, for crying out loud it’s my escape!” Maybe a false and costly comfort but a comfort nonetheless…then the day came when I had enough…I remember it well. Sitting in my first ‘home away from home’ (a humble, no frills one-bed hostel in Lozells) I just lit the roll-up and watched it burn, Rizla paper, weed, and roach alike, cremating like a sparkler on Bonfire Night (although not as extravagant and fancy). What a moment of liberation – although at the time I thought I was a little crazy – but these memories were ticking on someone else’s watch so I quickly collected my thoughts, focused, and with a tug straightened my shirt; I had filming to do.

“Looking sharp was the ultimate and absolute must for any party and my self esteem. Might I add the definitive word here is ‘looking.’”

When I wasn’t embarrassing someone by shining my camera’s powerful spotlight in their face I was throwing my arms around School or College friends, plus those I met along the journey of life, throwing in the generic “Hi” to people who only seemed to know me from ‘road’ or ‘clubbing’, (you know what I’m talking about: acquaintances). Otherwise my hands only had love for the camera because drinking had become as mundane as the weed. Before being T-total or (Courvoisier free in my case) nothing came close to my obsession with the Brandy. I had it in everything: hot chocolate, milk, juice, it got silly.

And yet, the drugs were not the source of my joy…it was my attire. Looking sharp was the ultimate and absolute must for any party and my self esteem. Might I add the definitive word here was “looking”. At a push to spend a hundred pounds on a full outfit I ‘looked’ as though I owned three businesses and had just arrived in my own personal helicopter – the broke man, who never ‘looked’ broke, you get me?

My Way

Struggling with my purpose but proud of my image it proved to be an excellent front. I not only perfected what to wear but how to present my thoughts and feelings to others, despite the fragments of heart I still owned after it was shattered through several different relationships. Not one to sleep around I always preferred one woman but that rapidly grew into idolising her above everything, until it became unhealthy for me and completely draining. Having gone through the pain and drama of an “intimate other” I can say in hindsight that my growing up was full of confusion. What was this all about?

God? He was not even on my radar. Religion? Islam never appealed. Sikhs? The only thing I knew of them was Famous Grouse or Bacardi. Buddhism just seemed like a cop out. Christianity? Ridiculous and got on my ‘last’ nerves. I remember Stacey, (a great friend from my days at Bournville College), who was also a Christian. We would always argue. When God entered the conversation I would say: “If God really ‘exists’ than he knows why I don’t believe in him.” The debate usually ended there with me feeling unshakeably confident. Not in an arrogant way because that was never me. It was more of a sincere surety.

I chose to look elsewhere for depth and the answers to life: Toltec volumes by Theun Mares, The Biggest Secret by David Icke, The Holy Tablets from the Holy Tabernacle Movement led by Malachi York, literature on Masonic Lodges, Zen, Alien abduction, Egyptian history and myth, Channelling…the list goes on. All this sprung from questions that I found most people were too embarrassed to ask, never mind discuss! Personally I had been through so many unexplained experiences that disturbed me – I needed help. My fledging life, views on love, and standpoint of logic had many holes and I knew it.

Part 2

My Way (Continued)

“If nothing is after this life than it’s just a sick joke at my expense”

Countless nights I would lay my head feeling empty and vacant, crying on the inside and if I’m honest, on the outside too. Do you know the feeling? You’ve just returned from a night out with everything orchestrated to impress: clothes, lyrics, weed, friends, music, only to retire to your bed thinking: “That was a complete waste of time?” Even when things were going well for me it was only temporary. Call me spoilt if you want but that’s how it was. I determined: “If nothing is after this life than it’s just a sick joke at my expense”.

I See It But I Don’t Get It!

“The whole thing was bizarre.”

In-between my battle to gain an adequate reason for my existence I accepted my sisters invitation to her church in London. She was part of an African church – a massive African church. Don’t get me wrong, my views had not changed and I certainly was not about to be brainwashed or patronised…so imagine the expression on my surprised face when I ended up at the altar! The whole thing was bizarre. I can’t remember much of it now but I do remember sitting in Nando’s afterwards with a wide, solid smile. Fresh from the church with literature and an explanation on what had happened to me very little of it actually registered in my psyche; I was just full of joy, plus this was my first visit to Nando’s!

“Jesus was incomprehensible and illogical.”

Back in Birmingham I wasted no time trying to find a church but only met with disappointment, or maybe it was just that they were not African enough, huge enough, or as elaborate, I dunno. Add to that the strange things I witnessed: people falling backwards; sermons I could not understand and the whole idea became too suspect for my liking. Plus the unthinkable dawned on me: I was supposed to worship a man. I read my Bible (well the parts I liked, I thought other parts were dodgy) but I was still enjoying the things Christians say are a ‘no no’. As much as I knew my experience in London was real to me, this man Jesus was incomprehensible and illogical.

Back to the clubbing then: party weekenders, smoking, sex, drinking, and soul-searching. I re-embraced my own unwavering opinions and beliefs…or so I thought, until my close friend Herman paid me a visit. “God called me,” he announced. I was stunned. Seldom shocked I listened on (due to respect for Herman more than his topic of conversation). The whole time I sat there thinking: “God…ya smart, because even if I won’t listen to you, you knew I would listen to Herman.”

Altar episode number two – this time in Birmingham. Dejected at the prospect of finding a church (I knew what happened the last time I tried that) this time I vowed to find ‘God’ and test him. So here I am, in church, surrounded by people praying, but it meant nothing to me. I had my own agenda, and it was personal. “If this is really you God, do what you did to me in London. Do it again and I will know.” Nothing. All I heard was the people around me praying. I thought: “What are they doing? Nothing’s happening.” I went back to my seat feeling rejected and to be honest disappointed and annoyed. Whoever God was, he wasn’t listening. A no-show.

“He or ‘it’ could be black, white, green! Who cares? If he is God he is God.”

As for Christianity I still had issues but did not care. I was never looking for Christianity anyway. It was never about that. Despite my flaws I was secure enough and knowledgeable enough to know that there had to be more than what religions were offering. I was looking for God, period! He or ‘it’ could be black, white, green! Who cares? If he is God he is God. If that meant finding him a certain way, (which in this case seemed to be visiting a church) fine, but so far, zilch.

Is This For Real?

The following Wednesday I sat in my flat (I’d upgraded to a one bed flat in Hockley from my bed-sit in Lozells). Listening to a Kirk Franklin song (I loved the song, made evident by my heartfelt karaoke), I suddenly started crying! Why? I don’t know, but this would soon become the most important day of my life. I tried to carry on singing but the pendulum kept swinging between the two until it rested firmly on the side of a third contender: relentless bawling!

This next part may sound crazy but I instinctively began asking questions out loud. I couldn’t see anyone but asked: “Why do you want me to come your way? Why now?” My thoughts spiralled: “I’m not a bad person. In fact I’m quite good.” Brain ticking over to answer my own question I was interrupted by a voice that wasn’t mine and back came the reply: “Meaning.” Instantly it triggered flashes in my mind of all the people who praised me regarding the heights of my accomplishments in past years and I knew through each accolade I was never really satisfied. So what if I played for Aston Villa. So what if I was the fastest boy in Birmingham at under-11’s and beat everybody I had ever raced against in my age group. So what if I was always a captain, admired by others, and got all my GCSE’s C and above. So what if I gained a Degree. I’m not bragging but none of it answered my heart for that something greater than me. The answer “meaning” squashed endless searching and questions in one swoop.

Part 3

Is This For Real? (Continued)

“…I’m glad no-one will ever see it. The shaaame!”

Tissues all over the floor and me on my knees in eye-water (overwhelmed by it all), the dialogue got deeper: “Where have you been all this time? Why weren’t you there for me before?” I asked. The response was heart wrenching: “I was there for you before, you just wasn’t there for me.” OH MY GOSH! I finally realised how open but wrong I had been towards God.

My crying took on new dimensions similar to a person who just heard their nearest and dearest was dying. Feebly I mustered two words to sum up my feelings: “I’m sorry.” I repeated my apology paying no notice to the consoling “It’s OK” which was coming back at me; I felt like the smallest man alive and bawled so hard that in hindsight it is embarrassing to share and I’m glad no-one will ever see it. The shaaame!

“I completely missed the ball.”

Magically I had something that was far more amazing and deeper than having things in black and white. I was clean, light, fresh. With no other way to explain it the invisible but intense heavy pressure that I could always sense was gone. In those 45 minutes I had experienced a miracle: the changing of a man’s heart. Despite social, academic, and recreational success, along with good moral character, this experience gave me a front row seat to witness all of the filth that was in me – it was sickening. Yet He was always there. In fact it is an incredible thing to admit, but instead of condemning me He changed me.

Friends and family would consider me respectable and commendable but my attitude of heart towards the One who made me was as self-centred and cock-sure as it gets…I completely missed the ball.

I Can’t Keep This To Myself

If you’re still reading this (praise God for you avid curious readers) you will recognise that none of this explains why I follow Jesus. After all it could have been anyone in my room. I knew it was him yet I still had hang-ups about Jesus and the claims to his divinity, together with a shed load on Christianity, but studying the scriptures for myself helped fill in the blanks. The Bible spoke about what I had experienced before that amazing Wednesday, the way I was called, and the result: a new person. My animosity, fear, emptiness, and confusion no longer had a hold of me. I was my own worst enemy and left to my own devices taking myself straight to hell and at times experiencing it too.

I needed more. The eventuality of my belief in a God did not save me. It was belief in a name, something personal, essentially, a person, Jesus the Christ. His words gave me life. Little did I know that on top of all that He would come and find me!! ME! Little broke, had not achieved his full potential, discontent, broken-hearted from relationships, me! Trust me, I have plenty to thank Him for.

“Christ revealed Himself to me and can speak for Himself.”

To be frank, all I ever wanted was the truth. I didn’t care what religion, scientific theory, new-age idea or popular thought recommended and still don’t. I battled with Christians then and I battle with them now. Whatever or whoever God revealed himself to be I would have followed. I’m not here to persuade you on the truth. Christ revealed Himself to me and can speak for Himself. When I consider that my God not only watched over me but also came to see me personally, I would be a fool and a liar to settle for anyone or anything less! Yet this encounter in my living room was still to happen.

He either changed me, or I’m crazy?

I bet no one in Cor De Bleu could have predicted this was coming? Least of all me, but it does make me think, why that very night, upon leaving the club I had the urge to decide not to go back to that life. I know now I just wanted another life but God obviously took this more seriously than me after having already orchestrated the imminent change about to come.

The novelty of life was growing thin but due to that night of transformation I am in awe of a new place, because of an even more awesome life, due to even more awesome person, GOD ALMIGHTY HIMSELF!

Missing Data

Signs of the Mis-information Age

The details of three million British citizens regarding driving theory tests are lost in America. Two CDs containing the child benefit details of approximately twenty five million people are reported missing by HM Revenue and Customs. On January 9th one laptop is stolen from a car in Birmingham, England. It contained details of approximately six hundred thousand people and included their national insurance numbers, information about their doctors and families. The world-renowned Ministry of Defence were responsible for the computer. Oh did I mention a local newspaper stated that £2.3 billion pounds of information went missing in 2007! Just think what the media has not reported!

The Book of Life being found by demons…

I guess you heard eh? Yet consider this. What would it be like if God was as hapless as man with our personal data? Evil forces stealing or stumbling on my most intimate prayers, dreams and fears. The Book of Life being found by demons in the middle of nowhere, and God (like our Government) being on TV confessing that He has lost our data, not yesterday, not a week ago but a month ago and He has no clue where it is. The Holy Spirit network going down unable to lead or confirm our position. Shocking! It doesn’t take a brain-box to realise that the more information is mishandled the more men will fight to be secure and we all know where that is heading.

To prove how insecure the companies’ Web sites are one of the alleged hackers Raphael Gray even posted them online when they would not listen to his warnings.

I would personally argue that nothing stored and kept could be totally secure, because by virtue of its physical existence it can be found or stolen and probably why God has not told us everything (Duet 29:29). But let’s be honest; how can flawed beings like men make a perfect security system anyway? When 18 year olds from Wales can hack into nine banking systems retrieving details of 23 – 26,000 credit cards including Microsoft’s Bill Gates (www.silicon.com) the alarm bells must start ringing. To prove how insecure the companies’ Web sites are one of the alleged hackers Raphael Gray even posted them online when they would not listen to his warnings.

Quite simply what men secure, men can break

It’s not just electronic formation that’s gone missing. Chunks of our history have gone astray too, beginning with the biggest loss of personal identity known to man in the Garden of Eden. Consequently we spend money, time and energy trying to fill the gaps in our emotions, thoughts and physical well being sprinting away from our insecurities. These gaps result in vulnerability to attacks and corruption. A truth that any person who works with system and data quality will confirm; gaps in our human make up which Christ resolves (Col 2:10) but the world exploits.

Even if we did secure the holes there is still a virus (sin) embedded in the system and us a loooong time ago, for which the firewall of heaven will not allow entry. Passwords won’t cut it. You’ll need new software that only God can download (Gal 4:6)
With whom or what else would it be better to place your personal information and security with? In Psalm 60:11 the Psalmist states ‘give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless’. Hallelujah to that. I’m with you mate!

The Virgin

Keeping yourself to yourself & celebrating exclusivity (1Cor 6:20)*

How great is the testimony ‘I am a virgin’ in an age completely saturated with sex?

For those who desire it, keeping their sexual urges in control, is nothing less than supernatural: sex is natural, kissing is natural, fondling is natural, so what God wants us to do in abstaining until we are married, MUST be supernatural, because even when you see the sense in it, IT’S HARD! But nothing prepared me for the question from an anonymous young person: ”Should I have sex and sin so that I have a testimony?”… HELLOOO! No disrespect, but what on God’s Earth would make someone think that?

If you have not had sex you have the same confession as the greatest man to walk our planet…

I don’t know if you’ll agree, or have even thought about it, but there seems to be a tendency in human nature to lean more towards tales of rags to riches, than a consistently good life; unfortunately something that young (in the faith) Christian’s (probably unaware) are encouraging, by pursuing the darker testimonies because they draw more interest. Some churches are excellent at celebrating these cases…but commemorating those who are being kept? I’ll leave that well alone, and just say this: I believe the testimony of a person who has lived his life with minimum trouble is just as great (if not greater) than the ex-gangster, galice, thief or murderer! After all, whose story is more powerful than Jesus life?

If you have not had sex you have the same confession as the greatest man to walk our planet (need I say he was a virgin too)! Is that something to be ashamed of? Who do you want to conform to, Jesus or the world? See yourself as exclusive: worthy, special, uncommon, different, matchless, first, and essentially – valuable. Others will see your value and hence be willing to wait.

Many people self-abuse by becoming slaves to their own desires

I don’t expect anyone to remain pure because of this article, or because it’s a requirement of God. I know human nature too well for that. Yet He does give us the key: it’s not to pre-occupy yourself with stopping the sin (whether it’s the thought or the act). No? No. Should we stop it? Yes, but by concentrating on developing a consuming desire for His Spirit, and Word (Gal 5:16)**; following everyone except God will lose its appeal – your worth will become clear.

Many people self-abuse (1 Cor 6:18)**, by becoming slaves to their own desires but not you. You (with sexual instruments on lock down) will hold your head high, recognise the treasure you are, and realise that rare things are the most valuable. Why do you think Gold has increased in value approximately 400% since 1999? You will not be another person’s trophy – you will know, what you have, and say with conviction: ‘I AM EXCLUSIVE’ – what a testimony

Scriptures (NKJV)

* For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. – 1 Cor 6:20

** Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. – 1 Cor 6:18

*** I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. – Gal 5:16

What are you like?

Have you ever heard, or had someone say this statement to you, “That’s all you care about,” or “You worship, the floor he/she walks on”? Maybe the target of his or her statement was someone you were madly in love with, like a spouse, a celebrity or a musician you followed religiously?

Let’s chose the musician. Everything centered on them. You had the posters. You had the songs. You know their biography. You may even have the sweaty towel they threw from a stage at their concert, and you vowed never to wash it. I’m talking real FANS (as in fanatics).

Their emphasis (unlike most of the religious advice we get), is on love for what they do, and love for whom, or what, they are doing it for

As an example let’s take the fans of the cult series Star Trek, in particular the Cling On alien race that featured in it. The serious fans not only watched the TV show, but paid money to visit the Sci fi fairs. They by the clothes, the merchandise, learn the Cling On hand signals and even the language.

Find fans (I mean real fans), and you find worship. Real fans dedicate their lives to what or whom they worship. Their emphasis (unlike most of the religious advice we get), is on love for what they do, and love for whom, or what, they are doing it for. It is not based on being perfect, which in practice amounts to flawlessness. No wonder the world sees us as thinking we are holier than thou!

What’s real worship?

Now I guess you are wondering, ‘What has this got to do with worship?’ Well, worship that Christians display through song dance and other performing arts, should actually be the expression of their real worship. What’s real worship? I’m glad you asked. Real worship can be seen through the principle of being a fan and is simply this. The dedication of our life! Not just a moment based on our confession but the presentation of our very lives! Yes there are many who talk a good talk.
But it is our life, which will separate the believers from the unbelievers. You see, people ultimately worship what they can see, or believe themselves to be like. Or in some cases want to be like. This is why Jesus said; God is looking for those who will, ‘Worship the Father in spirit and truth’ (Jn 4:23).

‘Spirit’ so it can relate to Him as He is Spirit, and ‘in truth’ so it is genuine. Not because we sing or dance well, claiming to be anointed (divinely empowered). Its ‘truth’ because our lives are lining up with the pure worship we are confessing in our songs.

The worship principle reveals that we mould ourselves around whatever we give our life to.

The crazy thing is, all sorts of things are being worshipped, but only one person deserves it. He is Christ, and He honours your worship by making you more like Him. Worship is the key, and in truth all we can give Him. Unlike celebrities or sports stars, God owns everything! Yet out of His wisdom, He has left the choice to us, on whether we offer back to Him, (as an act of worship), what He has given us in the first place.

The first offering of our worship, must be of ourselves (Rom 12:1). God knows the importance of worship. That’s why He said ‘seek the Kingdom first’ (Matt 6:33). This enables you to live the righteous way, from which God, adds everything you need for life.

The worship principle reveals that we mould ourselves around whatever we give our life to. My desire then, is to pay attention to Jesus: to give my energy to Jesus: to talk His language of wisdom: to wear His clothes of honour: to live His life of love.

Becoming like Jesus. Now that’s, WORSHIP!

Creed of the Modern Thinker

An excellent article by man a British journalist called Steve Turner. I heard it quoted in one of Christian Apologists Ravi Zacharias talks (www.rzim.org). The talk was called ‘Why I am not an atheist’ and you can listen to Part one or Part Two – I recommend both. Be prepared, this man’s vocabulary is astonishing and you are sure to learn something.

Here is the creed for the modern thinker:

We believe in Marx, Freud and Darwin.

We believe that everything is okay as long as you don’t hurt anyone, to the best of your definition of hurt and to the best of your definition of knowledge.

We believe in sex before, during and after marriage.

We believe in the therapy of sin; we believe that adultery is fun; we believe that sodomy is okay; we believe that taboos are taboo.

We believe that everything is getting better despite evidence to the contrary. The evidence must be investigated and you can prove anything with evidence.

We believe there is something in horoscopes, UFO’s and bent spoons. Jesus was a good man just like Buddha, Mohammad and ourselves. He was a good moral teacher although we think basically that his good morals were really bad.

We believe that all religions are basically the same; at least the ones we read were. They all believe in love and goodness, they only differ on matters of creation, sin, heaven, hell, God, and salvation.

We believe that after death comes nothing, because when you ask the dead what happens, they say nothing. If death is not the end, and if the dead have lied then it’s compulsory heaven for all except perhaps Hitler, Stalin and Kahn.

We believe in Masters and Johnson – what’s selected is average, what’s average is normal and what’s normal is good.

We believe in total disarmament. We believe there are direct links between warfare and bloodshed. American’s should beat their guns into tractors and the Russians would be sure to follow.

We believe that man is essentially good, it’s only his behaviour that lets him down. This is the fault of society, society is the fault of conditions and conditions are the fault of society.

We believe that each man must find the truth that is right for him and reality will adapt accordingly. The universe will readjust; history will alter. We believe there is no absolute truth, except the truth that there is no absolute truth. We believe in the rejection of creeds and the flowering of individual thought.

If Chance be the Father of all flesh, disaster is His rainbow in the sky. And when you hear “State of Emergency”, “Sniper Kills Ten”, “Troops on Rampage”, “Youths Go Looting”, “Bomb Blasts School”, it is but the sound of man worshipping his maker.

Advice to Pastors: Preach the Word

Installation Sermon
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By John Piper February 4, 1996
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Introduction

I am more honored and more happy to be in this role right now than most people can know. I am honored because what we are about here is more important than the installation of a mayor or governor. You will see why in a few minutes. I am happy because I love to be involved in the most important things in the world.

I thought that I would give two messages in this one sermon, one for [the pastor], and one for the congregation. But there is time only for one. So let me just quote the text of the one that will not be given. At the end of the parable of the soils where there are four different ways to receive the Word of God, but only one way that bears fruit and leads to life, Jesus says (in Luke 8:18), “Take heed how you hear; for whoever has, to him shall more be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.” So let it simply be a word of exhortation to all of us to take heed how we hear this afternoon. And as you hear my message to [the pastor], think over what it will mean to help in this charge and to respond the way Jesus wants.

The message is mainly to [the pastor].

First let’s read the text, 2 Timothy 3:16-4:4 (NASB). Keep in mind that in the original letters the chapter and verse divisions were not there. They were added later to help us tell people where we are reading.

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 4:1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.

[Pastor], my message to you is very simple and very precarious. It is 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the Word.” I call it precarious, because there is a constant temptation to do other things in the place of this. There ARE other things to do in the ministry, as these letters to Timothy show. And we must do them to be found faithful. But none of them is treated as solemnly and forcefully as this one simple exhortation from the apostle: “Preach the Word.”

Five Things That Intensify the Command
Notice the five things in verse 1 that intensify this command:

“I solemnly charge you”;
“in the presence of God”;
“and of Christ Jesus” (both the Father and the Son have a great concern in this matter);
“who is to judge the living and the dead” (the stakes are raised to life and death, and beyond life and death to final judgment—this is why what we are doing here is more important than the installation of a mayor or governor. [A pastor] is called on to deal in more than life and death—the eternal judgment of Christ and what becomes of this congregation not just in your earthly state, but much more in the eternal state);
and by his appearing and his kingdom—that is, “I solemnly charge you . . . by the appearing and the kingdom of Christ.” That is a remarkable reinforcement of the charge. It must mean that the ministry of preaching has a lot to do with what happens at the appearing of Christ in glory. At that appearing you, [pastor], will be called to account. Were you faithful to this charge? And at that time the congregation will be judged: how did you respond? Were you like the people in verses 3-4? Some “will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.” That’s what the appearing of Christ and his kingdom will reveal.
So I say the command is precarious. Paul realizes that there are many distractions and many obstacles and many temptations to make this seem less important than it is. So he leads into his command with the five introductory intensifiers. And then says, “PREACH THE WORD.” So that is my message to you. “Preach the Word.”

To unfold the command we will ask first, what the “Word” is and second what it means to “preach” it.

What Is the Word?
We can see two clues in the immediate context.

The God-Inspired Scripture

First, in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” This is immediately followed by the command, “I charge you to preach the Word.” So it is fitting to say that the Word to be preached is first the Scriptures that Timothy grew up on, the Old Testament. When you preach, preach the inspired Scriptures. The “Word” of 4:2 is the “God-inspired Scripture” of 3:16.

Don’t miss the simple fact that the word “Scripture” means simply “writing” or “letter.” This means that the Word of God has come to us in a written form—in a book. Which means that your preparation for preaching will be in large measure book work. You must find your preaching in a book. It must not be dead. It must not be bookish. But it must be book-derived. Book-faithful. Book-saturated. Book-balanced. It must be Spirit-given, Spirit-shaped, Spirit-carried, and Spirit-delivered. But the Spirit inspired the book and broods over the book and lives to exalt the Christ of the book. So preach the Word, [pastor], that is, preach the book.

The Standard of Sound Doctrine

The second clue that we can see about “the Word” in these verses is in 2 Timothy 4:3 which gives the reason for preaching the Word: Preach the Word, “FOR the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine.” So the Word to be preached is “sound doctrine.”

Now what does this “sound doctrine” refer to? 2 Timothy 1:13 gives us the answer: “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me.” Sound doctrine in 2 Timothy 4:3 refers to a “standard of sound words” transmitted to Timothy by the apostle Paul. “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me.”

Notice two things: the word “standard” or “pattern,” and the phrase “from me.”

There is a “standard” or a “pattern” of sound teaching. This means that in the early church there was developing a body of fixed doctrine (or teaching) under the care of the apostles that was being faithfully passed on from church to church. That’s what “from me” indicates in 1:13. Paul delivered his authoritative “standard” of truth.

To put it most simply and relevantly, this “pattern of sound words” or “sound doctrine” is what came to be recorded in the New Testament. Just as with the Old Testament, we needed to have the apostles’ doctrine written down to preserve it from corruption—that is, to keep it “sound,” to keep it healthy.

So the answer to our question is that the Word is the writings of the Old Testament and the writings of the New Testament. God’s word to you this afternoon is to “Preach the Word.” That is, preach the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament. Know this book. Make this book the main dwelling place of your mind. On every question, ask, what does the Bible say? Meditate on this book day and night. Take the word given to Joshua (1:8) for yourself: “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.”

Why Does Paul Say to Preach This Word?
Now we ask, Why does Paul say to PREACH this Word? Not just teach it. Not just read it. Not just share it. Not just memorize it. But preach it. What does that mean? And why is this so important that there should be five intensifying phrases leading up to this command?

Preaching Is Not Just Explaining or Teaching

Preaching (kerussõn) is different from teaching. In 2 Timothy 1:10-11, Paul says, “[Christ] abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.” That is, I was appointed for three tasks: heralding or announcing the Truth as a preacher; composing, preserving, and transmitting the authoritative pattern of Truth as an apostle; and explaining and applying the Truth as a teacher.

So preaching is not just explaining or teaching. Preaching is heralding. Preaching is what a town crier does when there is a message from the king.

Preaching Is Heralding and Exulting

He gathers a group of people and says, “Here ye, hear ye, be it known to you today that by royal order of his highness, the king, there will henceforth be granted to this town an imperial watch of one hundred soldiers to protect you from the rebel bands who plunder the king’s subjects.”

And a cheer goes up among the people. (Those are the amen’s of the congregation.)

And he continues, “Furthermore be it known to you that the cost for this protection shall be born not by taxation but by the beneficence of the king from his royal treasury!”

Again cheers! (Amen!)

“Moreover, the king would have you know that he loves you, his loyal subjects, and will use all his royal counsel and power to defend you and supply your wants.”

Again cheers. (Amen! Amen!)

“And lastly he sends through me his royal blessing. Blessed be the people whose trust is in the king!”

Cheers. (Amen!)

Preaching is more than teaching. It is, exultation in the Word. “Preach the Word,” means “exult in the Word.” That is, announce it and revel in it. Speak it as amazing news. Speak it from a heart that is moved by it.

Two Reasons Why This Kind of Speaking Is So Crucial

There are two reasons why this kind of speaking in the church is so crucial. One is that the subject matter is infinitely important. There is no other organization on earth that deals in matters of eternal life and eternal death—matters about God and his Son and his Spirit, matters about salvation and judgment, matters about the life that pleases God or displeases him. In other words, no other group of people, besides the church, gathers regularly to deal in such tremendously important realities. This means that there is a form of speech that is fitting as part of that gathering that fits the greatness of that truth—namely, preaching. So the first reason for preaching is that the nature of the truth calls for something more than mere explanation or discussion or conversation.

The other reason why preaching is so crucial is that our hearts yearn for the truth to come to us in ways that highlight the worth of the truth. In other words, not only does the magnificence of the truth call for a heartfelt heralding and passionate exultation, but our hearts call for this too. Our hearts will not be drawn out to worship if someone just dissects and analyzes the worth and glory of God but does not exult in it before us. Our hearts long for true preaching. Some of us don’t even know that is what we are missing. Like children who grew up in homes where mom and dad never exulted in anything. They never rejoiced or praised or verbally admired and treasured anything. They were always flat and unenthused (except when they got angry). You couldn’t tell if anything really moved them deeply and positively. So the kids grow up not knowing what they are missing. That is what many people in the church are like who have never tasted true preaching.

Preaching Must Be Expository Exultation

God exists to be worshiped—to be admired and treasured and desired and praised. Therefore, the Word of God is written primarily to produce worship. This means that if that Word is handled like a hot-dish recipe or a repair manual, it is mishandled. And the people will suffer. The Truth of God begs to be handled with exultation. And our hearts yearn for this and need it. Something in us starts to die when precious and infinitely valuable realities are handled without feelings and words of wonder and exultation. That is, a church starts to die, without preaching.

But, of course, this assumes something massive. To treasure the Truth, and to love the Truth, and be impassioned about the Truth, and to exult in the Truth, you have to know the Truth. So it’s not enough to say that preaching is exultation. We must also say it is “expository exultation.” It is exultation in the Truth of God’s Word. And the exultation is in proportion to the Truth delivered.

In 2 Timothy 2:15 Paul tells Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” This too is part of preaching. Preaching is handling accurately the Word of truth. In other words you can never twist or exploit the Word in order to increase the emotional response of the people. Preaching is not exultation without exposition of the Word. Nor is preaching exposition of the Word without exultation. One error cuts off the head. The other rips out the heart. In both cases the victim dies. No heart. Or, no head. You’re dead. And so is preaching. And not too long after, the church.

Preach the Word
So the command of the Lord is, Preach the Word. Keep your head on (exposition) and keep your heart alive (exultation). Handle the precious living Word of God accurately. And come to this pulpit week after week and do expository exultation. Don’t out-exult the Word. And don’t under-exult the Word. There is enough glory in the Word that you need add nothing artificial. Just eat it until your heart is deeply and truly satisfied and then serve the same banquet for your people.

Martin Luther was one of the great preachers of all time. He explained the need for preaching like this:

Because heresies threatened the living apostolic message, it had to be recorded in a book to protect it from falsification. Preaching reverses this process of conservation again, allowing the Scriptures of the past to become the tidings of the present . . . The Gospel has been committed to lifeless paper; fresh words can transform it into glad tidings again.

Scripture turned into glad tidings—that is what happens in expository exultation. [Pastor], if the Lord wills, there are many years in front of you and many trials. You will be tempted in many ways to give up preaching. Satan will lie to you that it is not a great thing. Or that you could devote yourself to something more significant. But when that happens, go back to 2 Timothy 4:1-2 and listen to the apostle. “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word.”

Then you will rise up and say with Martin Luther, “If I could today become king or emperor, I would not give up my office as preacher.”

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© Desiring God

By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org

Must We Believe Jesus is God?

By Gregory Koukl www.str.org

If you believe in Christ but reject His unique deity, you might have a very nice religion, but can you call it Christianity?

Must a person believe that Christ is God in order to be saved? I don’t think it is necessary for you to be aware of that doctrine and hold to it before you can become a Christian and receive forgiveness. But I think that you have to know some doctrine in order to be a Christian, in order to receive God’s gift of salvation. I think it is a very fundamental and basic doctrine that you need to know. Basically, you need to know your need and God’s provision in Jesus, and then respond to that by trusting Jesus for your salvation. In other words, you trust in the person of Jesus Christ. It may be after that that you find out that Jesus is also God. You don’t need to know that Jesus is God before the fact.
In fact, I don’t think that the early church had a precise view of that like we do now. I think some of the details of this were worked out in the history of the church during the first couple of centuries. I think it’s all there inherent in the Scriptures. I think the early church believed in the divinity of Christ but wasn’t sure what to make of that. They weren’t sure exactly how all that worked out, and they didn’t bother themselves with it because their job at that point wasn’t to refine their theology; it was first of all, to get the basic Gospel out and, secondly, to stay alive. So it wasn’t till later that they refined these things.

I don’t think that a person can repudiate the deity of Christ and call themselves a Christian because I think that the notion of the deity of Christ–God becoming man, God in three persons, one essence–is an essential defining doctrine of the faith. In other words, if you reject an essential or defining doctrine then you cannot call yourself by the title that is defined by these doctrines.

Every word has a definition and usually the definition entails a couple of different things that make the full definition, and if the details are not there, you can’t apply the word. The same is true of “Christian.” The word Christian and being a Christian entails a couple of particular things historically. One of those particular things is that you believe in the unique deity of Jesus Christ–the Trinity, God become man, Jesus Christ being fully God and fully man, two natures, one person. If you reject that, you might have a very nice religion, but you just don’t have Christianity. So in that sense you can’t be a Christian and reject the deity of Christ.

Part of the reason I would say that is that we are to believe in God and in Jesus Christ as He is in Himself. In other words, it doesn’t seem to me that you can deny the nature of God, the nature of the God of the Scripture, and still call yourself a Christian. John says in John 4:24, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.” In other words, there are some fundamental things you have got to have right about God or at least not be willing to repudiate. You can learn them, but once you repudiate them you are repudiating the very God you are saying you are seeking to worship. This is a God who is one God in essence and in substance, but has three persons, Father, Son and the Spirit; and the second person, called the Logos in John 1, takes on humanity, becomes a real man such that Jesus Christ is one person with two natures–the full nature of divinity and the full nature of humanity. And if you reject such a thing, I don’t see how you can then say I have put my faith in Jesus because the Jesus that you put your faith in is not the Jesus of the Scriptures, and it is only the Jesus of the Scriptures who really saves you.

So I think that it’s actually very critical and I think it’s important to point out that Paul himself talked about another Jesus that was preached that some unfortunately accept, but a Jesus that is contrary to the Jesus of Scriptures. In fact, Jesus warned in Matthew 24 that one characteristic of the end times is the fact that false messiahs would come and claim to be someone special and mislead many. And I think that false messiahs are individuals who claim to be messiah or else substitute definitions for the Jesus of Scripture. I think the denial of the deity of Christ is such a substitution.

The Scripture teaches clearly not only that any old god won’t do–and we see that in statements like Exodus 20:2-3, “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.” The first commandment in fact. We must have the correct God before us. By the same token, any old Jesus won’t do either. Jesus says in John 8:24, “Unless you believe that I Am, you shall die in your sins.” According to Jesus it was very critical that we have a particular belief about him, and if we don’t then we are lost in our sins.

It isn’t enough to simply believe in Him. And by the way, that text in John 8 is when Jesus was addressing particular people who had believed in Him in some fashion. But one needs to have an accurate belief in Jesus, not just any belief in Jesus in order for the true Christ to be their savior. I think that those are very critical distinctions and we have to hold to those if the word Christian is going to continue to mean something in particular and not just any religious thought that has to do with some man or any man named Jesus.

This is a transcript of a commentary from the radio show “Stand to Reason,” with Gregory Koukl. It is made available to you at no charge through the faithful giving of those who support Stand to Reason. Reproduction permitted for non-commercial use only. ©1994 Gregory Koukl

For more information, contact Stand to Reason at 1438 East 33rd St., Signal Hill, CA 90755
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A Change is Coming

The wicked run when no-one pursues but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Prov 28:1

As I’m writing this article I am feeling anything but bold. I’m sure even lions get tired sometimes. God knows I am. My desire to push is weak. I don’t know what I want. I’m more suspicious than I usually am. I’m indecisive (which I hate by the way).

I’m not happy, period, and most of it is from being worn down. Ironically this began straight after my periods of being a lion, ready for the world and encouraged beyond measure. What happened? God…what happened? I’m watching my back now, seeing things which aren’t there, and finding the whole experience so perplexing.

…excuses on top of excuses: if I just had more time, if I just had more money, if I just, if I just, nobody understands

Proverbs 28:1 says ‘the wicked run’ but I wonder what makes them run. The context surrounding the use of the word suggests that it is fear, clues given by the statement that ‘no-one pursues’. Could they be running from themselves?

Not being ready to face tough situations can often send me down the road of a victim mentality. I know I’m saved but which Saint can tell me that they have not behaved wickedly through fear in just trying to see through another day? Oddly enough daily living is not the problem. It’s the way I’m seeing it, excuses on top of excuses: if I just had more time, if I just had more money, if I just, if I just, nobody understands. The same things which used to inspire me are now getting on my last nerves! Even God seems to have gone a.w.o.l. No wonder fear is shaping my thoughts and decisions.

I can’t blame this on the devil either

Please understand that this did not happen through some mystical shift or transition concerning my spiritual fervour. It can happen that way, but not this time. This time it is far more down to Earth. I can’t blame this on the devil either. Yes the world or the devil may have set an attack for me but it was my response to the attack which initiated my steps back into my personal shell.

You would think that noticing it I would shake myself up, realise knocks happen, and just forge ahead with what should be done – after all, the righteous are bold as lions

.…the lion will be BACK

Suddenly it has occurred to me this period is exactly that: a period. It’s seasonal and supposed to change; the anxiety, the indecisiveness and being so unsure of myself will not last forever.

That’s incredible news for me, as this means a change is coming, and the lion will be BACK. But I know I am not the only one going through this so I ask when is your lion coming?

Coming Together

‘Why we have to live with them and can’t live without them’

So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. Gen 2:20 NIV

The very fact that no help was found for Adam meant that he needed help. Although the help needed could be everyday chores I believe under the surface there is ‘a help’ required, which is not so obvious. Any woman worth her weight in gold cares more about helping a man be who he is meant to be, more than being the man’s means to get a job done. Don’t let anyone fool ya, ultimately men need help, but it is more than work. He was already ordained to work, and protect what he has (Gen 2:15).

…if there is two things men and women love to talk about, it’s men and women.

So what is the help in question and how is it tied up in ‘coming together’ from which the ultimate example I am going to chose is the act of marriage? Everyone enjoys the ‘coming together’ part, but why we get together is another matter entirely and hotly debated. So lets debate. You ready?

Me being the me that I am, took my debate to God and trust me, I had to interrogate Him on this one. I admit it, this was one of my (pardon the irony) strongest weaknesses. Why wait and then marry? Surely to look after her is the main point? Well I’m going to share what He told me and I know you don’t mind, because if there is two things men and women love to talk about, it’s men and women.

..I feel like they were made, just for me. It’s not fair that I have to control myself.

His revelation was revealed to me through a very haaaard time. Hot revealing summertime to be exact. Yeah, I love the Lord, yeah I live to know He is pleased with me, but I am not blind! There are times when if I could walk through my Shopping Centre with a blindfold, and still get what I want done, I would. Why? Its simple. Women. They were driving me crazy and when I am weak I have to steer well clear. The conversation in my head with God went something like this: “They don’t look like they were born…I feel like they were made, just for me. It’s not fair that I have to control myself. You make them sweet like that and then expect me not to touch. Really, what gives?”

Perfumed and shaped just to get my attention and rope me in (or at least that’s what it felt like). What’s a man to do? I needed answers, and quick. The pull (temptation) was killing me. Its one thing to be tempted by something you can walk away from, but when its someone who can reason with you, call you and even follow you, when you are trying to ‘reason with’ ‘call on’ and ‘follow God’, can be a nightmare.

So God in His wisdom lead me right back to the beginning with Adam.

To my surprise I noticed Adam’s need for help, (this demand that was not being supplied), was in him before women were made! Yes that’s right. All this time I was trying to justify my intense passion by blaming it on the way women look, when it was my strong desire being twisted, which was the real problem, or as James 1:13,14 warns ‘When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed,’ (NIV). Basically, passion if not controlled, will ultimately control you.

To quote preacher Nathaniel Bronner women was ‘a good reason, but not the real reason.’ God had my attention now, loud and clear but what I saw next was nothing short of mind blowing!

God made women so that He could not only love them, but so man would also love her too, putting her before all created things on the Earth. God had this in mind when she was designed

The last creature God made was a woman. If you like ‘the cherry on top’, God’s final piece, made to grace and rule His creation! The last act! The finale! So THAT’S, why they look the way they do. It’s now making sense. Admittedly all women may not appeal to you but you are not ‘all men’. Were all different. God made women so that He could not only love them, but so man would also love her too, putting her before all created things on the Earth. God had this in mind when she was designed, for her protection and security, making her such that at one look man would have no trouble laying down his life for her. Sound familiar? No wonder females could wrap me around their finger. There supposed to be able to.

So why all the problems between men and women? One reason is because women use their God-given powers of persuasion for destruction, instead of the strengthening of man. It goes without saying that men have abused their position too. We still have not answered the question regarding what help a man needs. What is it? He needs help knowing how to love, in defining who he is, ‘in love’ and ‘as love’. He needs someone to facilitate and be reciprocate of this essential role. He can’t do that with animals.

Interestingly enough Adam was ecstatic when He saw Eve, but I don’t read about him giving any credit to God

He needs someone in whom he can see a reflection of God. Someone he can talk and listen to, funnily enough making a woman the defining test for whether a man is becoming the creature that he is purposed to be. When men and women look at each other we should be in awe of the creation God has made and not awe as though the person gave birth to themselves. Interestingly enough Adam was ecstatic when He saw Eve, but I don’t read about him giving any credit to God. Could this be when trouble between men and women really starts?

Present Yourself

Romans 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Christmas is such a crazy season. Amidst the presents and excitement there is an increase in negativity too. It seems to pull out the extreme in people. For some reminding them of great times and for others a flashback of times in their life when it was sheer hell. Hype, tradition and excess indulgence go through the roof and if the truth be told the very point of Christmas becomes a celebration in consumerism with many people spending their last penny to make sure others have presents to open on the 25th.

Me, a walking gift?

But for a minute lets imagine they wanted you open, instead of a present. What would they find? Would they still want it? How would your behaviour change if you knew were a gift to be unwrapped by your brother and sister? How would you (pardon the pun) present yourself? Would you change the spirit in which you do things, what words you use, your behaviour, and your outlook on life? Think about it. Me, a walking gift? We spend much time talking about ministry (serving) and developing ministry but what ministry is greater than your personal one to one service with the people you see everyday? What are they getting?

Let me suggest that while Christians are running around setting up ministries please do not forget that God has a ministry too. In Christ that ministry is YOU. While we are busy representing God, God is also presenting the real son’s of God to all creation, from a plan that even angels want to look into!

WE are God’s ministry to the rest of creation including your household, workplace, College or University! Wow. A walking blessing! When we look closely at his Word we see that God never fobs you off with something in order to keep you quiet. He keeps you company when no one else will. When God gives, he gives advice, time and input. Only that which a person can do! Animals or machines can’t advise or love as men and women do.

That’s why people are valuable, but this is also why we must avoid the temptation to use them as a commodity to increase our own gains. The slave trade of the 1600’s should be enough to see that. To have the hands and feet of men serving you is one thing but to have the heart of man is completely amazing. Men offering themselves not because they have to, but because they want to.

What will people see when they unwrap you?

Many believe Christianity to be some ‘thing’ when in actual fact it is wrapped up in some ‘one’, Jesus Christ. So I turn the tables and ask: Do you have His heart?

What will people see when they unwrap you? The question is important because unlike Christmas you are not for a season, but for life. And if you won’t let anyone unwrap you, you can be rest assured that God will, on the day you face Him. Christ gave everything by offering Himself. Can we offer anything less?

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