HAPPY NEW YEAR

2013

I would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year and God's richest blessings upon you.  

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog.   I enjoy writing and I trust you find these helpful in your spiritual journey.    I hope to write on a regular basis in 2013 (about 6-8 times a month) and would love to have your comments and have you share your experiences as part of Pastor Rick's Study.    There is a comment box below each post and I invite you to interact with the material you read.   It will be a help and an encouragement to others.

During the first five days of 2013 you'll find a new post each day that you can use as a guide to personal renewal and revival as you begin 2013.

God Bless You All

Pastor Rick

A KNOCK AT THE DOOR

It’s hard to believe it was almost thirty-six years that they came to my door but I remember it well. Wendy and I had been married not quite a year and were serving together in a little country pastorate. Actually, it was a large country pastorate with five different churches spread over a large area in central New Brunswick, Canada.    We were learning to trust and serve God together.

It was kind of a wild winter night outside as we hunkered down in the little house the church provided for us.    Situated right on the main Trans Canada Highway we could usually hear the traffic as it passed by and the sounds of the big trucks as they geared down coming off the high bridge just down the road. But not tonight.

Tonight there were few sounds.    The roads were bad as the snow continued to come down quite heavily.    We hadn’t lost our power yet but feared it would soon be out.    A lot of trucks had pulled off the road and were parked in the Gas Station across the road from the Parsonage.    It was not a good night to be out on the road.

It was still a week or two before Christmas so we had been busily preparing to spend our first Christmas together.    The tree was up and all decorated as we snuggled up in the livingroom to let the evening pass and enjoy the evening together.    All was quiet and we weren’t going anywhere in this weather.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.    Who in the world would be out visiting on a night like tonight. Getting up and going to door we wondered who could it be.    As I opened the door there stood a young man with a heavy beard. "Good evening", I said wondering who this young man might be.    I’d never seen him before.    It wasn’t unusual for us to get hitch hikers coming in off the road looking for a handout and I presumed this was the case here.

"My name is Joseph he said" with a heavy French accent.    This wasn’t the French part of the province so I wondered why he had come to my door.    "My wife and I are travelling home for the holidays and as you can see the weather is pretty bad."

"Yes," I said, "It’s a pretty miserable night. How can I help you?"

Almost apologetically he said, " Well, my wife is pregnant with our first child and the roads are getting pretty bad.    We really need to stop and get off the road for the night."

There was a brief awkward silence and I tried to evaluate the situation.    We had a lot of people coming in off the highway looking for money and I wondered if this was some kind of scam.    I looked out at the foot of the driveway towards his car to see if I could see if anyone else was in the car.    Through the snow which was really starting to pile up I could see a young women sitting on the passenger side.    I wondered if they might get stuck in the driveway.    He continued, "I was wondering if there was a hotel near by where we could get a room?"

I was relieved, Wendy and I had been looking forward to spending the evening together and I frankly, I was afraid he was going to ask either for some money for a room or if they could stay for us.    No such request came.

"There’s a hotel less than half a mile down the road on the left side" I told him.    "I’m sure they will have a room tonight."    He thanked me and turned back to go get in his car while I turned back into the house closing the door behind me.

Walking back into the living room I told Wendy what had just happened but had uneasy and mixed feelings.    I was relieved that we could continue our quiet evening together.    But I was puzzled as I thought of Joseph and his wife.

It began to dawn on me that maybe all was as cut and dried as I thought.    I thought, by the age of the car he was driving and the clothes he was wearing, he probably couldn’t afford a hotel room.    Even if he had the money in his pocket, it probably was needed for something else.    Being a little slow to catch on to these things, it began to dawn on me that perhaps this man and his pregnant wife really did need someplace to stay but couldn’t really afford the price of a motel room.

I quickly put on my winter boots and jacket.    They couldn’t be too far away in this weather, perhaps not even out of the driveway yet. I hurried out the door.    Their car was not in the driveway and there was too much snow now for me to get mine out of the garage without a lot of shovelling.

I made my way though the snow to the shoulder of the road.    I looked across the road to the Gas Station to see if they had pulled in there.    No sign of them there.   I then looked up the road towards the hotel.    Surely in this snow they couldn’t have reached the hotel yet and I’d see their tail lights.    There were no tail lights to be seen.

By now I was feeling pretty badly that someone in need had come to my door and I had turned them away.    Walking towards the hotel I rationalized in my mind, "Well, he never really told me he wanted to stay at my house and he did ask about a hotel."    But down inside I knew I hadn’t wanted to be inconvenienced.

It was still snowing hard and the visibility was poor but I walked my way to where I could see the motel.    I wanted to find him and invite him and his wife to come back to our house for the night.    When I got close enough I surveyed the parking spaces in front of the rooms. He wasn’t there.    I couldn’t see Joseph’s car.    He was gone and there was no car in sight.

Walking back to my nice warm house, I couldn’t help but think about that Inn Keeper in Bethlehem that first Christmas night.    What must he have felt knowing he had no room? Surely one day he would find out that the King of Kings was born that night and he had missed the opportunity to serve the King.    To have the king born at his Inn.

Even to this day I often wonder what happened to the Joseph and his wife who had come to my door in a snow storm looking for a place to stay.    I wonder sometimes if we missed the opportunity to entertain angels (Hebrews 13:2).    And I wonder whatever happened to that little baby.    I regret that we never invited them into our home.

Of course the baby born at Bethlehem some 2,000 years ago on that first Christmas has changed the world and continues to change lives of those who make room for Him.    Let me ask you, what happened to that little baby in your life.    We know that He went on to grow into a man and eventually die on a cross and raise from the dead to pay for our sins.    He was born the Incarnate Son of God, the Saviour of the World.    May you invite Him in to be Lord and Saviour of your life.

Merry Christmas to you all

Pastor Rick

And I Beheld Him

Can you imagine what it must have been like for Simeon to have actually held Messiah in his arms. This old man who had waited so long and who was well aware of all the promises associated with the Messiah actually held the incarnate God in his arms.

A few years ago I tried to convey the emotion that must have pulsated through Simeon in a Monologue I did in our church. I’m not sure now whether I wrote this from scratch or borrowed and adapted so my apologies to whomever I may have borrowed from.

Perhaps as you read it you can use your imagination to put yourself there with Simeon and feel the intense emotion of actually being one of the first to be aware that Messiah, God’s Christ, God Incarnate, had come. If you are a Pastor you may be looking for a creative way to engage your people in the Christmas story. Let this script grip your heart and then, put yourself in Simeon’s place, dress as him and present this to your church on Christmas Eve. God bless you all.
　

Conduct of Character
Simeon should speak in a very quiet, rather awestruck voice. He should move slowly about the stage as though deep in thought, deep in his remembrances. When speaking of himself he would be somewhat self-effacing. When speaking of Anna he would use a tone of deep respect, when speaking of Jesus his voice would almost choke with emotion and awe.
　

Script

Simeon quietly moves on stage and speaks:

I'd like to tell you my story. I am not a famous man, nor did I wish to be. I simply was able to play a small part in a happening a long, long time ago. In fact my story began on this very night, almost 2000 years ago. Yes, I am a very ordinary man. Even my name, Simeon, was the most common name to give a boy child in my culture. Simeon. The word means "harkening". To listen carefully. Perhaps I was well named. For it was in my harkening, in my listening carefully, in my watching attentively, that a small spot in history was reserved for me.

I was known as a just and righteous man; devout in that I was careful about my religious duties and upright in that I reverenced God. That my friends and neighbors knew me as a virtuous, upright man was not important to me, other than the fact, of course, that this meant that I was known as keeping the commands of my God. To be thought of as righteous is unfair and untrue of any mortal man. Only one in my knowledge ever was truly righteous, and it was He who was the central figure of the story which I now relate to you.
　

All Israel waited and longed for the Messiah, the anointed Saviour. Unfortunately the most intense longing seemed to always coincide with the times when we, the people of Israel, had sinned against God and had invoked His wrath against us. Israel wanted a Messiah who would come to solve their problems. All Israel had deserted God and worshiped not just the true Living God, but many other gods as well. Throughout history it was this attempt to place God in the same category as the many other gods which most angered Jehovah. The covenant made between Jehovah God and Israel was based first on the exclusive worship which God demanded. Anything less was totally unacceptable to God.

So all Israel was waiting for, even praying, for the Messiah. Waiting and praying for the comfort and solace which His coming would bring.

... I too waited and prayed. But where most in Israel waited in desperation, I waited in, . . . expectation. Expectation for the fulfillment of God's promises that He made to me. For my knowledge was grounded on personal experience. The Holy Spirit had revealed to me that sometime before I died I would see the Messiah, God's anointed son, the Lord's Christ. That being promised, I saw no reason to doubt it's validity. It was not unusual for the Holy Spirit to be with men and women of my generation, the pity was that the Holy Spirit seemed to be an infrequent visitor in their lives, not an ongoing inhabitant.

Each day I felt that special feeling of anticipation. God had not granted me the knowledge of when the Messiah would come, nor was there any reason why He should have done so. Mine was only to harken, to wait and to watch attentively.

On one particular morning as I entered the temple I paused for a moment to talk with a dear friend, Anna. Now, where I was ordinary and common, Anna was very special, she was a very godly woman and a prophetess. It is to be noted that Israel had been given no prophet for several hundred years therefore the prophetess Anna was very significant. Significant too was that Anna was one of only seven prophetess' to be mentioned in the Talmud.

Anna was very old in years and very respected for her devotion to God. She worshiped continuously in the temple. But as she worshiped she served. A prophetess, serving God as would a menial servant. Anna fasted, but not as most people did. Anna's fasting was not public but private. And her prayers were those of childlike devotion, an open heart's conversation with God.

Anna shared my expectation of the immediacy of the Messiah's coming. Prior to parting that morning, Anna and I shared a moment of prayer as we thanked God for His soon-coming Messiah. Then each of us went on to our duties in the temple.

As I walked away my eyes came upon a young couple with a baby in arms. There was something special about them. Oh, not visually special, in fact they appeared to be rather poor and lowly in dress. Likely Nazarenes I thought, from the style of their clothing. As I moved closer to them I noticed that they were very young, the girl in her very early teens, the boy not yet twenty I surmised. As they observed the custom of the law, the offering of five shekels on behalf of the child, I realized what a hardship this offering must have created in their young lives.

I moved closer and moved the swaddling that I might see the young child's face.

And then my eyes beheld Him.

And I knew it was He.

And I took Him in my arms.

And I worshiped Him.

Blessed be Thou, O Lord!

Blessed be Thou, O Lord!

Now my eyes have truly seen Your Salvation.

The Messiah is with us as You promised me!

Should it be Your will I am now content to die, for truly I have seen Him!

He who is the hope of future salvation.

He who has been sent ahead to make the way passable for all.

His salvation shall be available to all, both Israelite and Gentile.

For just a moment as I looked in the eyes of the young mother I could see the trials ahead for the Babe and for the mother as well.

But again I looked in His perfect face and rejoicing I called to Anna.

Come see the Messiah! Anna. Come see the Messiah!

Truly He is with us!

And Anna came, and she saw the child.

And she too bowed down and worshiped Him.

And she began to speak to all who were in the temple:

"Listen to me. You who have been awaiting the Saviour.

"Wait no more.

"He is with us.

"The Messiah has finally arrived.

"He has truly arrived."

Lights out.

Exit stage.

LAUGHTER IS GOOD
FOR THE HEART

Laughter is good for the heart.   I love a good laugh and enjoy those with a good sense of humor.   For years my favourite gospel quartet was the Cathedral Quartet.   They were the standard of Southern Gospel Music for over 50 years.   I think all of the original members are now with the Lord.  


 I came across a video clip of original quartet member George Younce in his later years singing a song about aging that made me really laugh out loud.    Click on the link below and have a good laugh.   It will do you good.   Have a good laugh.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcO9FDSHngQ

 

What’s it going to be like in Heaven?     I don’t know how many times I’ve been asked that question.    I’m sure you’ve wondered about it too.someone said, "Everybody wants to go to Heaven but nobody wants to die."    In fact I think God has placed a survival instinct within us for our journey here on earth.   

We all long for Heaven, even get homesick for heaven at times and rejoice in the hope that someday we’ll be there in the Celestial City of God with our Saviour for eternity. But for now, we sojourn in this world waiting for the day when we will be with Him.

 

One of the best selling books of all times tells the story of the Christian’s journey through this world.    It mays surprise you to know that this book was written in the 1660's and continues to encourage believers in the 21^st Century.

 

John Bunyan was born Elstow, England in 1628.    One day while passing through the streets of Bedford not far from his home, Bunyan heard "three or four poor women" sitting at a door, "talking about the new birth, the work of God in their hearts, and the way by which they were convinced of their miserable state by nature.   They told how God had visited their souls with His love in Christ Jesus, and with what words and promises they had been refreshed, comforted, and supported against the temptations of the devil."    From these women Bunyan learned to despise sin and to hunger for the Saviour.    Later, while passing into the fields, he recounts, "This sentence fell upon my soul, 'Thy righteousness is in heaven'...for my righteousness was Jesus Christ Himself, the same yesterday, today, and forever." Then "his chains fell off," and he went home rejoicing.

Bunyan came to believe in what is called believer’s baptism¹ and was baptized by immersion (immersed under the water)  in 1655 and was called to Preach the Gospel.    He was arrested on November 12, 1660 for preaching without approval of the Anglican Church and teaching that which was contrary to the law (believer’s baptism).    He spent 12 years in prison where he wrote perhaps one of the greatest classics of all time, "Pilgrims Progress."

Pilgrims Progress was written as an allegory about Christian’s² journey to the Celestial City and is second only to the Bible as the most widely sold book in the world.    I have enjoyed reading Pilgrim’s Progress several times over the years and am doing it again now.    I’d love to book in the hands (or on the Ipads and e-readers) of a whole new generation.

As I began reading Pilgrim’s Progress, Pilgrim having just talked to Evangelist heads off to the Celestial City. One of the characters who joins Christian on the way to the Celestial City, at least for a short time, is a man named Pliable.    As they walk along Pliable wants to know what the Celestial City is like and so Christian gives him a glorious description³ that has encouraged believers for centuries. Let me share it with you here that it might also encourage you to realize what God has waiting for the followers of Jesus.

Pliable:Come, neighbour Christian, since there are none but us two here, tell me now farther, what the things are, and how to be enjoyed, whither we are going.

Christian: I can better conceive of them with my mind, than speak of them with my tongue: but yet, since you are desirous to know, I will read of them in my book.

Pliable: And do you think that the words of your book are certainly true?

Christian: Yes, verily; for it was made by Him that cannot lie. (Titus 1:2)

Pliable: Well said; what things are they?

Christian: There is an endless kingdom to be inhabited, and everlasting life to be given us, that we may inhabit that kingdom for ever. (Isaiah 65:17; John 10: 27–29).

Pliable: Well said; and what else?

Christian: There are crowns of glory to be given us; and garments that will make us shine like the sun in the firmament of heaven. (2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 22:5; Matthew 13:43).

Pliable: This is very pleasant; and what else?

Christian: There shall be no more crying, nor sorrow; for he that is owner of the place will wipe all tears from our eyes. (Isaiah 25:8; Revelation 7:16, 17; 21:4)

Pliable: And what company shall we have there?

Christian: There we shall be with seraphims and cherubims, (Isaiah 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; Revelation 5:11;) creatures that will dazzle your eyes to look on them. There also you shall meet with thousands and ten thousands that have gone before us to that place; none of them are hurtful, but loving and holy; every one walking in the sight of God, and standing in his presence with acceptance for ever. In a word, there we shall see the elders with their golden crowns,(Revelation. 4:4) there we shall see the holy virgins with their golden harps, (Revelation 14:1–5) there we shall see men, that by the world were cut in pieces, burnt in flames, eaten of beasts, drowned in the seas, for the love they bare to the Lord of the place, (John 12:25) all well, and clothed with immortality as with a garment (2 Corinthians 5:2).

Pliable: The hearing of this is enough to ravish one’s heart. But are these things to be enjoyed? How shall we get to be sharers thereof?

Christian:
The Lord, the governor of the country, hath recorded that in this book, (Isaiah 55:1,2; John 6:37; 7:37; Revelation 21:6; 22:17) the substance of which is, if we be truly willing to have it, he will bestow it upon us freely.
---

The more affluent the culture in which you find yourself it is likely more difficult for you to appreciate Heaven.    I hope this little clip from The Pilgrim’s Progress will cause you to want get a copy and read it and also stimulate your thinking about heaven that glorious Celestial City that God has promised to the followers of Jesus.


　

1   Believer’s Baptism is the belief that only believers should be baptized as a visible expression of their faith. This was actually illegal in Bunyan’s day as it was outside the practice of the Church of England. Baptist were actually persecute all over the world until the founding of Rhode Island where true religious freedom was established around 1683.

^{2  Christian is the name of the main character in the allegory.3}   Based on the teaching of scripture.
You can obtain at free PDF copy of The Pilgrim’s Progress at the Chapel Press website by clicking on the link below. If you live in North America they will send you a free hard copy. www.chapellibrary.org/files/archive/pdf-english/ppro.pdf



The Coming World Peace

Well, since we started this mini series on the nation of Israel, things have settled down a little bit in and around Israel. Well, at least there is a cease fire in effect for the time being, but as I’ve pointed out, hostilities in the middle-east are always just below the surface at best. Even though we should pray and work for peace in the mid-east we know that until Jesus comes again, there will be no lasting peace.

Eschatology is my theological weak point so I’m somewhat dependent upon other scholars to help us with some summary events leading to the coming of Christ who alone will bring permanent peace. Scripture seems to indicate that just before Christ returns there will be peace, but in the end, the world stands of the brink of a war like it has never seen.
Therefore, son of man, prophesy, and say to Gog, Thus says the Lord God: On that day when my people Israel are dwelling securely, will you not know it? 15 You will come from your place out of the uttermost parts of the north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great host, a mighty army. 16 You will come up against my people Israel, like a cloud covering the land. In the latter days I will bring you against my land, that the nations may know me, when through you, O Gog, I vindicate my holiness before their eyes. (Ezekiel 38:14-16)

Let me see if I can quickly summarize what many Bible Scholars have determined in their study of scripture. Understanding of course that there are various views. I find myself not always in the majority view but let me quickly outline some end time events.

THE EVENTS TO COME

1. Peace Settlement Just Before The Great Tribulation

2. Rise Of The Anti-Christ
The term Anti-Christ is used only by the Apostle John ( 1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7) . Paul doesn’t use the term but its generally agreed that his reference to the ‘man of lawlessness’ is a reference to the Anti-Christ. The Anti-Christ refers to one who ‘opposes and exalts himself against every so-called go or object of worship’ (2 Thessalonians 2:3) who claims to be God. Though not Satan himself many believe he will be possessed and empowered by Satan in his ultimate fight against Christ and His followers.
Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. (2 Thess 2:3-6)

It is believed that in the end-times Anti-Christ will arise as a sort of world dictator. One who at first gives the appearance of bringing peace to the middle-east but is totally opposed to the Kingdom of God.

3. The Great Tribulation
The Great Tribulation is a time of terrible trouble upon the earth. This is a seven year span of great tribulation in the world. Revelation indicates at least part of these troubles is the direct judgement of God on the world. Of course there are various views as to when the tribulation will occur and at which point the Church of God will be taken out in what is commonly called the ‘Rapture’. Some believe that this rapture, the taking of the church out of the world, will occur just before the tribulation period, others believe it will happen half way through this seven year tribulation while others believe it will happen at the end. In any event, Jesus spoke clearly of a time of great tribulation which would come upon the world and most scholars believe that time is yet to come.

THE INVASION OF ISRAEL

As we’ve seen, the Arab nations are relentless in their desire to see Israel destroyed. According to the Bible this will cumulate in a final colossal world war often referred to as Armageddon 1

Unprecedented World War – Armageddon

And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame." 16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. (Revelation 16:13-16)

Anti-Christ seems to bring Peace for Israel but ½ way through Tribulation he betrays Israel and actually sets himself up as God in the temple. The Bible describes this great battle at the end of the Tribulation.

– Millions from South (many believe to be Africa) - Daniel 11:40

– Millions from North (many believe to be Europe + Russia) - Dan. 11:40

– Millions from East (many believe to be China) - Dan. 11:44

In these final days, all these armies are marching on Jerusalem and only Divine intervention can prevent total destruction. As the armies of the world stand on the brink of the destruction of Jerusalem, God’s holy city, Christ Himself returns in great glory at His 2^nd coming. It is at this time that He will establish His 1,000 year reign and rule from Jerusalem the holy city. This is often referred to as the Millennial Reign of Christ. He will rule in peace for 1,000 years.

　
THE FINAL PEACE

When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.

21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. The Coming of the Son of Man (Matt 24:29-31; Mark 13:24-27) 25 "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. (Luke 21:20-28)

What Are We Looking For

So, as we stand this side of Christ’s return, what should we be looking for in world events. Well, for one thing we should look for continual struggle in the Middle East. This struggle will drive the world to seek someone, anyone, who can promise peace. In all likelihood, Israel will compromise its security for peace.

Again, I’m not a prophecy expert, however we should anticipate the signing of a final peace plan that will set the slate for Christ’s second coming and His Millennial Kingdom. I’m not sure we’ll know which peace plan is this final one, but from this time the coming of Christ will be as few as 7 years away.

There have been many peace treaties signed. Some suggested this or that plan was the final one but all proved not to be so. We just don’t know. Care must be given in declaring fulfilled prophecy. If Rapture takes place before the Tribulation then it will likely take place immediately before or immediately after the Anti-Christ’s Peace Plan.

As we survey all these things as we have in this series of blogs, it may well be that we are seeing before our very eyes the final preparation for the coming of the Lord Jesus.

　
HOW SHOULD WE VIEW WORLD EVENTS AND THE COMING OF OUR KING
.
In light of these things, if we may be seeing Biblical prophecy fulfilled before us and if we might see the coming of the Lord Jesus in our life time, how should we view world events and how shall we prepare ourselves. Let me give just a few thoughts.

　

1. Don’t Be Disturbed Over World Events – God Is In Control

2. Pray And Work For Peace In the Middle-East But Understand That There Will Be No Lasting Peace Until Jesus Comes Again.

3. Understand That We Could Be Living In The Last Days

4. Live Your Life As If Jesus Could Come Any Day.

Work and live in light of His return.

As we watch all these things taking place, hear the words of the Lord Jesus.
Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. (Luke 21:28)



¹ The word properly means the "mount of Megiddo." It is the scene of the final conflict between Christ and Antichrist. The idea of such a scene was suggested by the Old Testament great battle-field, the plain of Esdraelon (q.v.).