Day's 81-90

Day 81


Pray (AC-ts)


Read — John 8:12-20


Message Alan Burke 


Were you afraid of the dark? Many of us when we were children were afraid of the dark, there is something about it about it that we don’t like, surroundings that were familiar to us during the day seem different, eerie, unnerving even frightening. Light reveals the world to us, it governs our biological clocks, it supplies the energy for plants to grow, gives us rainbows and sunsets, each day we are dependant on the light that shines forth from the sun. 


Here in John 8, Jesus while speaking to the people said "I am the light of the world…” (8:12) but what does it mean that he is the light of the world, what was he saying? Jesus said this during the Feast of Tabernacles, during which a lighting ceremony took place at the temple every evening, where sixteen golden bowls that were reached by ladders, were filled with oil and lit. It was said all Jerusalem was illuminated by their light, in a world with no street lighting it was a wonder to behold. This ceremony was a visual reminder to them all of how the Lord, ‘I AM’ (Ex 3:14) who had revealed himself to his people in the Exodus (Ex 13:21) going ahead of them in pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light. So the words of Jesus were a claim of his divinity "I am the light of the world…” (8:12) for God is light. Throughout Old Testament light is used to refer to God’s presence, (Num. 6:25, Ps. 4:6, 104:2, Ezek. 1:4, 27-28), light was also used to speak of God’s salvation (Ps. 27:1, 44:3, 67:1-2, 80:1,3,7,19, Is. 60:19-20) and light was also use to speak of his revelation (Ps. 119:105, 130, Pro. 6:23). In the midst of the festival Jesus as claiming to be the divine presence of God that saves his people from their slavery. And whoever follows him, will have that light of life (8:12).


Jesus had just revealed himself as the long awaited Messiah, the response of the Pharisees to this revelation was rejection (8:13). They had heard but not listened, they determined he was in error and they had condemned him for it. In response Jesus explains to them how they are culpable for their rejection of him and for their alienation from God, they had eyes but they could not see the light. But instead of condemning them, Jesus bears witness to them (8:14-18). In the midst of it all, Jesus the light of the world, shining in this world of darkness, revealing the Father (8:19), but was rejected by his own people, yet they could not stop him. For his hour had not yet come (8:20), for the Father to offer his own Son to die for the sin of all who believe.


Think how this world has advanced, how we have light at the flick of a switch that illuminates the dark, yet we are still dependant on the light that shines forth from the sun. for all the light we have, natural and electrical this world is in darkness, spiritual darkness, and the light it needs is Jesus Christ. So as we end I ask, have you committed yourself to him without ever following him the light of the world, are you still walking in darkness, are you holding on to the values of this evil dark world, judging your life by morality of a world in darkness, dreaming the dreams of this world of darkness. Or have you looked to the true light, which gives light to everyone Jesus Christ (1:9), committing yourself to him and following him. If you have then know that he is the light, look to him not this dark world to guide your path in every way. 


Pray (ac-TS) 


Sing 


Westminster Shorter Catechism
Question 81
What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?
The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate, (1 Kings 21:4, Esther 5:13, 1 Cor. 10:10) envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, (Gal. 5:26, James 3:14,16) and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his. (Rom. 7:7–8, Rom. 13:9, Deut. 5:21)




Day 82


Pray (AC-ts)


Read — 1 John 1:1-10


Message Alan Burke 


Normally when you write a letter you being with something like ‘Dear John,’ or ‘To my dear Elsie,’ if it is a formal letter and you don’t know to whom you write then you would start ‘Dear Sir/Madam,’ after which you would write the reason for your letter. These preliminaries help us as readers to know the purpose, the intention for the correspondence. Look though to how John opens, he begins by pouring out his thoughts on the page, it reminds me of a child who has ran to their parent in a state, trying to communicate something important, something urgent but their words just spill out until they run out of breath or are told to slow down. As John just spills his thoughts on the page, he reminds us of the preexisting Christ, echoing the words of John 1:1, and John has heard, seen, touched him and now proclaims the truth concerning him (1). Verse two reinforces what he has just said, he has seen, testifies to it, proclaims it, that Jesus that has appeared to us (2). John wants his readers to know that everything he says is not based on his own imaginations but what he has seen and heard, what he knows to be true about Jesus Christ, saying all of this so that these believers to whom he writes may have fellowship with God. That fellowship which is eternal life (Jn 17:3), for if they have come to saving faith then they are in fellowship with the John because he is in fellowship with the Father and the Son (3). The purpose of why he writes is now given (4) John sought his readers’ joy, but that their joy would be his, and that joy would be filled as they were established in Christian faith and fellowship (similarly expressed Jn 15:11, 16:24). John is testifying to the realities of our faith that is grounded in the preexisting Jesus Christ who died on the cross, that through faith we may share fellowship with one another and joy. 


What does it mean though to know the one ‘which was from the beginning’, the ‘Word of life’, it means to be a disciple, to follow his teaching, his truth, that’s what John now makes clear for God is light (5). Throughout Old Testament light is used to refer to God’s presence, (Num. 6:25, Ps. 4:6, 104:2, Ezek. 1:4, 27-28), light was also used to speak of God’s salvation (Ps. 27:1, 44:3, 67:1-2, 80:1,3,7,19, Is. 60:19-20) and light was also use to speak of his revelation (Ps. 119:105, 130, Pro. 6:23). Light shows us the way in darkness, light guides our path, John gives us a yardstick to evaluate the profession of all those who claim to be a Christian and that is do they walk in God’s light they are his, if not they are liars (5-6). For those who walk in this light, for the true believer, although we are sinners, we are purified from sin by the blood of Jesus (7). Whereas those who think that they are without sin, all you good people of the world then you deceive yourself, the truth is not in you (8,10), in contrast those who know God, know their sin, and confess it, the more we know God the greater our knowledge of our sinfulness will be but he will purify from all unrighteousness (9). If you are filled with the knowledge of your sin, confess it, know that forgiveness and cleansing come because of his righteousness, he is faithful, do not burden yourself with it, as the hymn writer puts it;


What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
And what a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer


Pray (ac-TS)


Sing 


Westminster Shorter Catechism
Question 82
Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?
No mere man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, (Eccles. 7:20, 1 John 1:8,10, Gal. 5:17) but doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed. (Gen. 6:5, Gen. 8:21, Rom. 3:9–21, James 3:2–13)


Day 83


Pray (AC-ts)


Read - Revelation 20


Message - Scott Woodburn
As we have walked our way through Revelation we have met the enemies of Christ and His church. Satan is the power behind the throne, the beast represents anti-Christian state power, the false prophet represents false religion and ideology and Babylon represents this current world, drunk on luxury, sex, prestige and everything else that seduces humanity and leads away from Christ. As the book comes to an end the fate of our enemies is revealed. Last week we met Babylon who collapses in on herself. The beast and the false prophet are captured and cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 19v20). But what about Satan? Will he escape the wrath to come? Not long ago I watched a TV show called "Hunting Hitler" which was based on the premise that Adolf Hitler escaped Berlin in 1945 and fled to South America where he lived out his days. If such a story were true (I don't think it is) it would seem so incredibly unjust. Here is an architect of great evil growing tomatoes in Argentina. Thankfully Satan doesn't get to board a submarine to Brazil. This chapter shows us his fate but begins by teaching us about Satan's current condition. He has been bound for one thousand years (v2). This "binding" took place when Christ crushed Satan's head at Calvary and is spoken about by Christ in Mark 3v27 and Paul in Colossians 2v15. Satan today is angry and full of wrath but he cannot stop the advance of the Gospel. He has been bound by Christ and so the church is built even in the midst of darkness. 


This period of Satan's anger is called the one thousand years. This term has been the source of much discussion in the church about how to understand the 1000 years. For what it is worth I'm in the "amillennial" camp and so I believe this phrase describes the current age we live in. We have met the number 10 throughout this book. Satan is described as having ten horns symbolising great power. So if we take 10 times 10 times 10 we arrive at 1000. A great period of time. It is also described in Revelation as 3 and a half years, 42 months, 1260 days or a time, times and half a time. It is half of a perfect 7 years and therefore whilst the 1000 year period has already lasted for 2020 years, it will not be forever. 


However there will come a future time at the end of the age when Satan will be loosed. We've already heard about how he deceives the nations and prepares them for one final assault on the church called the battle of Armageddon. We see the story again in this chapter (v7-10). The ending remains the same. Satan gathers his allies, they march against the church, called here the city God loves (v9), but finally they are destroyed as Christ returns. Satan then receives his true reward. He joins his allies in the lake of fire where they endure eternal punishment (v10). Indeed this will be the abode of all who have rejected Christ (v15). They will not stand in the judgement to come (v11-12). But what about the Christian? Revelation 20 is like a treasure trove. Christians have experienced the first resurrection (v5). They have been made alive by the Word preached and the Spirit's work. They have embraced Christ by faith. They have moved from death to life. For the Believer these can be days of delight as they meditate upon the phenomenal transformation that has occurred in our lives. 


Today we know trial and trouble but we have been raised with Christ by faith. Indeed as we spend too much time in too many graveyards we have hope for our brothers and sisters who have gone on before. Where is your mother? Where is your friend? Where is your child? All of these who died in faith, where are they? Glory is the answer. They have come alive and today reign with Christ for one thousand years (v4b). There are many dear saints that I miss. One in particular is my wife's late grandfather Samuel Bunting. He was such an extraordinary man of grace. Always composed. Always exuding a peace that passes all understanding. I remember on the boat home from Scotland in the middle of a storm, there was Mr Bunting reading what seemed like an endless supply of Christian tracts that he had in his pocket. He is missed and yet today he reigns with Christ which is better by far. 


None of the church triumphant (heaven) or the church militant (earth) have anything to fear from the second death (v6) which is the lake of fire (v14). We are the blessed and holy ones spoken of in verse 6. Certainly this book has prepared us for difficulty. Certainly we already know from bitter experience that life isn't always sunshine and rainbows. But beloved of the Lord, rejoice today in the extraordinary change worked in you by Christ. "Remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh...remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." (Ephesians 2v11-13) Amen, amen, amen.


Pray (ac-TS)


Sing


Westminster Shorter Catechism


Q83 Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.


Day 84 The LORD’s day 


Westminster Shorter Catechism
Question 84
What doth every sin deserve?
Every sin deserveth God’ s wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come. (Eph. 5:6, Gal. 3:10, Lam. 3:39, Matt. 25:41)


Day 85
Pray (AC-ts)
Read — Deuteronomy 8
Message Alan Burke 
We’ve now had 85 days since lockdown began, We have gotten used to the new normal, even though we would love things to go back to the way the were, most of us have all resigned ourselves to how this could be the way life is for a good while yet. It’s nothing compared to the 14,600 the Israelites had been in the wilderness, 40 years! Here they are on the verge of entering the Promised Land, the time in the wilderness was not only a punishment, it was also a test (8:1-5). This new generation were urged not to repeat the mistakes of their parents, their hardness of heart, their sin. For their time in the wilderness was preparing them for their future, they were difficult years but they were not wasted ones. For they had learnt that life was about more than eating or drinking, for “…man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word, that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (8:3). Words that are familiar to us because Jesus uses them (Matt 4:4, Lk 4:4), they teach us that even more basic to life than physical food is the sustaining Word of God (Heb 1:3). Only by living by the word of God could they live, truly live, live life that gives lasting satisfaction and eternal security. They instead they should keep the LORD’s commands, walk in his ways and fear Him (8:6).
The Promised Land that they would enter will be one of abundance ‘flowing with milk and honey’ (8:7-9), this is what awaited them and their response was to be the praise of the LORD their God (8:10). But there is a warning, when they have eating and are satisfied, that they are to be carful not to forget the LORD, his commands, his decrees, the LORD gives them a guide ‘how not to forget Him (11). They were not to allow their property be a means of forgetting the LORD (8:12-14), they were to be careful that they do not repeat what had happened in the wilderness (8:14-16), they were to be careful not to place their trust in their own strength, letting pride consume them and as a result take credit for what the Lord had done (8:17). Because if they forgot, it would lead them to forget the LORD their God and to idolatry and ultimately to destruction (8:18-20). Sadly we know that happened, the people did not obey the LORD their God.
What do we learn from this, what should we take away from this warning of the LORD to his people, it may be 85 days since lockdown but we’re not in the wilderness waiting for the promised land? Well likewise we will face times of testing of our faith just as the people did in the wilderness, this testing is to produce steadfastness (Jam 1:3). When life is hard, when lockdown stressful, when that argument is had with a loved one, all of these things and the circumstances we face do not make us who we are, rather they reveal who we are, so that the tested genuineness of your faith may be proven. Sadly there are many who have the appearance of godliness but deny its power day in day out (2 Tim 3:5). Know that God is using our trials to refine us (1 Pet 1:7). Also be careful not to let the prosperity we enjoy in the West lead you to forget God and to idolatry and ultimately to destruction, Hell awaits, all deserve this (Rom 3:23), but Jesus message was one of repentance (Matt 4:17, Luke 5:32, Matt 12:41 etc.), if we believe in him we will be saved from what we deserve (Acts 16:31), do not trivialise what awaits the unrepentant because Scripture doesn’t trivialise it, instead they should know, like we should know “…man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word, that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (8:3, Matt 4:4, Lk 4:4). Only by living by the word of God can anyone live, truly live, live life that gives lasting satisfaction and eternal security.
Pray (ac-TS)
Sing 
Westminster Shorter Catechism 
Question 85
What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and cursedue to us for sin?


To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, (Acts 20:21) with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption. (Prov. 2:1–5, Prov. 8:33–36, Isa. 55:3)




Day 86


Pray (AC-ts)


Read — Proverbs 8


Message Alan Burke 


We spend our lives caught up in the everyday things, we place our hopes and our dreams in our family, our children, our friendships, our finances, our homes, our jobs, our success, our retirement, for some it can even be the football team that they followed since a child, or the horse that they put every penny they have left on. And on all these things often depends our emotional wellbeing. When things don’t work out how we had hoped for or how we imagined, then our world comes crashing down and we despair because we are preoccupied with the things of this life. Here in Proverbs 8, wisdom is calling out, looking for our attention, in all places, everywhere inviting all to embrace her, it doesn’t matter who you are, what your background is, what your education, whether you are the farmer in the field or the academic in the lecture hall, wisdom calls out to you. Why? So that you may gain understanding, that you may stop focusing on the things that will let you down the things that you have placed your hopes and dreams upon and instead look to wisdom (1-5). What is this wisdom, well this wisdom is the wisdom of the LORD God that is personified here, depicted to us as Lady Wisdom. 


This wisdom doesn’t desire to mollycoddle us, it calls a spade a spade, it makes clear what is right and wrong in sincerity of speech (6-7). Wisdom’s words lead to righteousness, that is right standing with God as it directs us from crooked or perverse ways, enabling is hearers to grow in God’s wisdom (8-9). What it offers to us should be far more desirable than even the most precious metals or jewels, it is to be desired above all else (10-11), for it will help those who know this wisdom in their dealings with others (12). Once more we are reminded of how those who have wisdom fear the Lord (13). What does this mean, to fear the Lord? To fear the Lord is to know him and to trust him, not the fear of a servant towards their master, but a child towards their parents. When we fear the Lord we will turn from evil and to turn to Him. For when one has wisdom, true wisdom then they come to know and to understand what sin is, they are convicted by it, they know the judgement and displeasure of God towards it and instead of turning from him, they come to know him through Christ crucified, the power of God and the wisdom of God. God showed his wisdom and power in the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus so that we might know him, it the wisdom of God unto salvation, and he calls us to respond to his call (1 Cor 1:24, 30, Rom 1:4, 16, Col 2:3). 


When we know this wisdom, when we fear the LORD and know him through the Son, we will hate evil. How should the believer respond to evil, hate it. What does it mean to hate, to dislike intensely, to have an aversion to something to detest it, well we are to hate every false way, we are to hate pride and we are to hate arrogance, hate evil behaviour, hate perversive speech, we are to hate sin (13). This will align our heart with what the Lord loves, it will help our lives to have a right orientation, orientated on God first so that we won’t be preoccupied with the things of this life. For we are to examine our hearts and guard them, but I ask do you hate the sin that you see, the sin of this nation, how it celebrates evil, or does it not cause you a second thought? Or what about your own sin, do you hate it? You know what I’m talking about, those secret hidden things, what you watch, what you enjoy, what you do, you should hate what is evil. As we close look with me to verse 35-36, we are told that for those who find this wisdom of God they find the Lord himself (35) but then there is a warning those who fail to find wisdom, they harm themselves, what is more they hate wisdom and love death. Ultimately they have rebelled against the Lord God, they have not accepted his wisdom shown in Christ Jesus, his life, teaching, death and resurrection and therefore they hate God himself and their punishment will be just for they love death (36). If that is you then turn to the way of wisdom, turn to Christ and find life! 


Pray (ac-TS)


Sing 


Westminster Shorter Catechism
Question 86
What is faith in Jesus Christ?


Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, (Heb. 10:39) whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation as he is offered to us in the gospel. (John 1:12, Isa. 26:3–4, Phil. 3:9, Gal. 2:16)




s based around the word covenant. We believe that God deals with people by way of covenant, it is a "bond in blood, divinely administered.". The first covenant, the covenant of works, was between God and Adam in the garden. Adam had all the tools at his disposal to keep this covenant and enjoy everlasting fellowship with the Lord. As we tragically know, Adam fell and with him died man's ability to keep the covenant of works. What followed in Genesis 3 was the covenant of grace. God took the initiative, promising a seed of a woman and vowed to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the sand on the seashore and that "I will be their God, and they shall be my people." 

In Jeremiah 31 the Lord restates the benefits of the covenant of grace. It is an immutable or unchanging covenant. This delights us as we realise that the Lord is faithful to His promises and will not change. Also the covenant of grace is a covenant of faith and not works. It promises inward renovation and doesn't call on us to "be good" and "maybe" we might be saved. The Lord says He will write His law on our hearts (v33). Indeed, elsewhere he has promised to give us new hearts, hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36v26) and how we need them! The people brought out of Egypt were stiff necked and rebellious (v32). Despite the Lord acting as a husband to them (v32b), they still saw fit to grumble. How like them we are! Thanks be to God for transformed hearts and His abundant mercy.

We are additionally promised an immediate knowledge of the things of God (v34a). How can this be so? Because the Holy Spirit is the one who causes us to be born again. He opens our eyes to realise our sin and to look unto our only Saviour Jesus. When the work of the Gospel comes home in a sinner's life, they are moved from death to life immediately. Their sins are forgiven and they are remembered no more (v34b). 

It is interesting that we read here about a "new covenant". Such language makes us think of something brand new, something that has never existed before. Yet by the time Jeremiah 31 was written the new covenant was already a reality. So in what why was it to be new? At Mount Sinai, Moses and the people gathered before the Lord. He gave them His law written on stone tablets. They were to obey Him as they lived in His land. They were to worship Him in ways directed by Him. They would have prophets, priests and kings and they would be constantly pointed to a coming Saviour.

Please note that the Lord did not usher in an new path of salvation under Moses. Old Testament believers were saved by grace alone, faith alone and Christ alone (Hebrews 11). The covenant of grace was still in full effect during the days of Moses but the church of Christ (of which Moses was part) in the Old Testament was organised as national Israel. And yet all of this has gone. The people of God no longer worship at the Jerusalem temple. The nation of Israel exists but it is not the one founded by the Lord. There is no priest offering sacrifices today and no king on a throne in Jerusalem. These things came to an end with Christ. Christ is the true Israel (Hosea 11v1) and because we have trusted Him, we too are the Israel of God (Galatians 6v16). Jesus brought to a close the "old covenant" made with Moses and brought fullness to the covenant of grace. It is the same covenant of Genesis 3 and the one spoken to Abraham, but it is "new" because the types and shadows have gone. Christ the fulfilment has come and the full glory of the covenant of grace, the new covenant is realised. 

This all sounds very technical for a Wednesday morning so here is a simple thought to begin the day. How blessed are we that we no longer need to journey to Jerusalem to worship? How blessed are we that we no longer need the blood of animals and an earthly priest to intercede? How blessed are we that we don't worship in types and shadows? How blessed are we that we can enter the most holy place by the blood of Christ?

Today we are men and women of the new covenant. A new covenant that is ancient in years but fulfilled in Christ. Today all the promises of the covenant of grace are yes and amen in Jesus. Certainly we don't know everything but we know an awful lot more than Abraham or Moses or any other Christians living before the birth of Christ. Yet both believers before and after Christ's death have been made one (Ephesians 2v14). Truly the old has gone and the new has come! I'm thankful too that it is the covenant of GRACE. God's unmerited favour to those who deserve His wrath. The covenant of grace is fulfilled by Christ, the ancient promises are realised in Christ and by faith we are made new in Christ! Praise the Lord!

Pray (acTS)

Sing

Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q87 What is repentance unto life? Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, with full purpose of, and endeavour after, new obedience.


Day 88
Pray (AC-ts)


Read — Acts 11:1-18


Message Alan Burke 


There are divisions amongst us, we all know it, look at our own wee county and it’s clear. Our names, the sports that we play, how we say the letter ‘h’, where we live, what school we went to, what tradition we grew up in, the churches that we go to or don’t go to, divisions are everywhere. Some of those divisions are inconsequential, what school we attended doesn’t really matter its the education we received, the house that we live in doesn’t really matter whether its a two up two down, a bungalow, semi or apparent what matters is that we have a roof over our heads. For some though arbitrary divisions do matter, social and cultural boundaries matter. 


We see a similar division in this passage in Acts today as the good news of the Gospel was spreading. Chapter 10 gives the account of the conversion of Cornelius and we know others had received the word of God (1). The reaction of the Jewish Christians (circumcised believers) is all important though, it reveals a deep rooted division as they criticised Peter (2). To know what’s going on we need to remember how the sign and seal of the Covenant of Grace was circumcision (Gen 17:9-14), that sign and seal of the Covenant of Grace was replaced with Baptism for believers and their children in the household of faith, but these Jewish Believers were still of the mind that believers had to follow institutes and traditions of their forefathers, they believed Peter had broken the law by by eating with the unclean Gentiles (3). 


To this, Peter responds by giving an account of all that had happened, first his vision that shows how dietary laws that once marked a distinction between Jew and non-Jew are abolished. There is no distinction now between Jewish believers and Gentile believers for all are one in Christ (11:4-10). Then God led him to go to Cornelius immediately after this vision, as three men arrived and he heard a message from the Spirit to go (11-12). They entered the house of Cornelius who had received an angelic message that Peter would bring him a message of salvation (13-14). Then just as at Pentecost the Spirit came upon them (15-16). After recounting all that had happened, Peter challenges his critics, that no-one should try to prevent God’s expanding of the church to the Gentiles, for Cornelius and his household were baptised because of God’s saving grace that extended to Cornelius and his family just as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their families for God (17, Gal 3:28). In response the Jewish Christians praised God for what he had done (18). 


What is the take home message for us? Well firstly, divisions like that in the church in Acts 11 remain. We only need to look around to see how many churches or fellowships their are across our land, remember thought if someone is saved, it doesn’t matter where they go the Gospel Hall, Free’s, CoI, Baptist's, PCI, etc etc, what matters is, if they are our brother or sister. If they are then we can share fellowship with them. I’m not belittling the difference in belief that there are, the distinctions between us that mean we cannot worship together but if they are manifested in cultural snobbery, sexism, racism, tribalism etc they have no place among us, we have to learn that God does not show favouritism just as Peter learnt ( Acts10:34). Next, God works by his Word and Spirit in the lives of sinners, salvation is the gift of repentance, we may expect the ‘outsider’ to meet our standards, our criteria but God has called sinners to himself that if we are honest we would not have. Our response always should be the praise of God for the salvation he has brought. But are we too comfortable to want God to move among the perceived undesirables no matter who they are or their history?


Pray (ac-TS) 


Sing 


Westminster Shorter Catechism
Question 88
What are the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to usthe benefits of redemption?
The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption, are his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation. (Matt. 28:19–20, Acts 2:42,46–47)


Day 89


Pray (ACts)


Read - Jude 1:17-23


Message - Scott Woodburn


When trouble arises in a local church it is always tragic, rarely wanted but always expected. Did you read that right? Trouble in a church is always expected. Probably though we never expect trouble. Our churches are filled with nice people. They wear nice clothes and say nice things. They drive nice cars and have nice children whose names are Melchezidek, Moses and Malachi. Yet when something doesn't go according to their plan, the tanks are dusted down, the camouflage is put on and war is called and let's be honest no one does war like a local fellowship. False teaching is proclaimed. Lies are told. Rumours are spread. Baseless accusations are thrown. Our communities are filled with gossip about "that church". Always tragic, rarely wanted but always expected. 


This is nothing short of the "predictions of the apostles" (v17) who made it clear that in our day there would be scoffers led not by the Spirit but by their own ungodly passions (v18). These men and women are part of the visible church (the one that gathers on Sunday) but have not trusted Christ. They cause division (v19a), they are of the world (v19b) and do not have the Spirit (v19c). Is it any wonder that trouble should always be expected?


What should we do? Jude tells us to build yourselves up in the faith (v20a) and pray in the Holy Spirit (v20b). In other words we are to stand in the face of opposition and false teaching by cementing ourselves in the Word of God. The doctrines of our holy religion are to be our bread and water. Allied with the Word is a passion for prayer. What do we do when division rocks a church? We pray. We call to the Father, in the name of the Son and in the power of the Spirit. It is frustrating when your side of the story can't be told. It angers when your name is slandered and you know lies have been told, but Jude urges a response of prayer. 


As the passage continues Jude urges us to keep ourselves in the love of God and wait for Jesus (v21). When you believe that you are unloved, you rest in the steadfast and unchanging love of God and when your situation seems hopeless, wait for Jesus, wait for Jesus, wait for Jesus. Wait for His mercy, look and long for His coming. The insults of your enemies will fade like snow from a ditch, but your hope in Christ isn't in vain.


Our focus is also to be outward, responding to those around us. In our churches we will meet men and women who have trusted Christ but are plagued by doubt (v22). False teaching and division haven't helped. They are not to be belittled or scorned in their weakness but instead we must have mercy on them. There will be others living in rebellion and sin (v23a). They have believed the lies and their lives seem set on a path away from Christ. We are to snatch them from the fire. We are to reach out to them urgently, praying for them and trusting that the Spirit can restore our wayward friend. To others caught in sin, we are again to be merciful but also careful. We are not to fall into the same snare as them, hating their sin but having mercy on them (v23b).


An old friend once told me of his church fellowship that in the 1950s was split down the middle by a new preacher. The preacher over several years gathered his supporters around him and it seemed that he was working towards an engineered split. The elders spoke to the preacher about the increased division and he met their concerns with scorn before walking out during a service and taking many followers with him. A new fellowship was organised and relationships between families and friends were strained and destroyed. Several years later the preacher left the new fellowship, departed from the faith altogether and emigrated from Northern Ireland. Sadly some of the individuals who followed the preacher never recovered from the turmoil but many returned to the original fellowship. They had said awful things and had done their best to cause as much damage as possible on the way out the door and suddenly here they were back home. "What happened?" I asked this older Christian. "We welcomed them with open arms." my friend said. "It was hard and many tears were shed, but how could we not forgive them?"


We shouldn't be surprised when trouble comes to a church, but may the world always be surprised at how we deal with it.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q88 What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption? The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption, are his ordinances, especially the word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation


Day 90


Pray (ACts)


Read - Revelation 21


Message - Scott Woodburn
Imagine living in a place where you could keep your doors open all night long and no one would hurt you. Imagine your children roaming free and you wouldn't have a single worry over their safety. Imagine a city that didn't require any apprentice boys because its gates were always open. It isn't Portballintrae. It's heaven. When we think of heaven, we imagine a cloud, angels, harps and Peter with full control over the gates. Revelation 21 gives us the true picture, and heaven will quite literally be heaven on earth. The chapter begins by telling us exactly that, God makes all things new (v1-2). The bliss and peace of Eden will be restored and once more the dwelling place of God will be with man (v3). Things will be so categorically different, that all the troubles of this world will have gone (v4). This will be the heritage of anyone who has trusted Christ (v7), but conversely, Christ rejecters have no hope of seeing the glory of heaven (v8). There will be no more sea (v1b) and consequently no place for Satan and his minions to hide.


A few weeks ago, we met Babylon, the city of man, the false church. She may look the part, but she is like a glossy apple whose insides are rotten. The true church now appears, she is called the new Jerusalem (v10) and she is beautiful (v11). She will never fall as she has twelve foundations (v14) with the names of the Apostles written on them. She will never be defeated as she has twelve walls (v12) with the names of the tribes of Israel written on them. Here is the church, 12 + 12 = 24. An image of the people of God from every age and they will be people of all skin colours. We live in days of racial tension but in the city of God there are gates on each point of the compass (v13) highlighting that God's people are a multiracial people from North, South, East and West. Therefore, racism of any form is repugnant before the Lord.


The city is described as a giant cube, 12000 stadia or 1500 miles in length, width and height (v16) with walls that are over 200 feet thick (v17). This picture speaks of God's people as measured, known, safe, secure. Their city will stand for eternity, no army will ever take it, nothing outside can pluck God's people from His hand. The church is secure, and the church is of staggering beauty. We read of golden streets, pearly gates and precious stones of various kinds in walls and foundations (v18-21). The church today may seem small and hated but when Christ returns the beauty of His Bride will dazzle like the brightest star in the sky.


Yet the most glorious aspect of the new Jerusalem isn't the beauty of the walls but the reality of the One who dwells in the city. The Lord is there. He is the city's temple (v22) and He is the city's light (v23). This wonderful, glorious and God filled place is our eternal home. A place with constantly open gates (v25). A place where night never comes (v25b). A place that nothing unclean will enter (v27). A place where God's people walk by God's light (v24). Utterly magnificent and yet our imaginations still fail to comprehend the magnitude of what is to come for the one who has trusted in Christ.


If I were to die today my soul would be made perfect and I would go to be with Jesus which is better by far (Philippians 1v23). We call this the intermediate state and describes where our deceased brothers and sisters go after death. But while the intermediate state is glorious, it isn't the complete story. What we meet in this chapter can be described as our final state. Christ will raise us again to life and with resurrected bodies reunited with our souls we will dwell in the new heavens and earth forever more. Our destiny isn't to float disembodied on a cloud, but to live and walk and eat and drink and talk and sing, on a restored earth, with Christ, for eternity. I can only dream of the wonder of heaven, I can only dream of the unspeakable joy of that day, but today as I live in dark Babylon, I choose to dream. Come quickly Lord Jesus! I want to go home.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q90 How is the word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation? That the word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation and prayer; receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives