Just a Thought by the late Rev. A. Linford

August 13, 2009 at 3:24 pm (Just a Thought)

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                                        Rev. A. Linford

WHY HE GOT UP EARLY

‘And Abraham rose up early in the morning’ Genesis 22:3

If any man had an excuse for staying in bed, it was Abraham. He could have pleaded his age. He was well over 100 years old; a many-miled joumey lay before him; and worst of all, the dire demands of duty were severe.

God had asked him to sacrifice his only son, a seemingly preposterous request. But Abraham had heard that voice too often to mistake it. The response? “God has said it: I must do it”.

The Patriarch acted with alacrity. God had given; God could take away. The Almighty is sovereign. His will is final. But He is also wise and good. He had given His word that Isaac would continue the covenanted relationship. God does not change His mind. He is immutable, His promises are sure.

On this ground Abraham believed that if his son was slain, God would raise him from the dead, “from whence also he received him in a figure” – Hebrews 11:19. Neither life nor death, nor time, nor circumstance can impede the fulfillment of divine promises

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Dave’s Snippets

August 13, 2009 at 3:20 pm (Dave's Snippets)

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                                        Dr. David Allen

THE MYSTERY OF THE TRINITY

Someone once described the Holy Trinity as follows: “An Old Man, His Son and A Bird.” Very sadly, many Christians can’t do much better, including Pentecostals. The reason is, of course, that it is a very difficult doctrine. As a result many groups and churches shy away from teaching it. When did you last hear a message or a study on it?

To neglect the doctrine of the Trinity is virtually criminal, because it is both biblical and also the foundation of the whole Christian faith. The first believers, mostly Jews, had no difficulty in thinking of God as Father; and Jesus reinforced that image by encouraging them to pray to the Father. And those who encountered Jesus of Nazareth, in process of time, regarded Him as fully divine, the unique Son of God. On the Day of Pentecost the 120 believers experienced God in the person of the Holy Spirit, so enjoying God in His Trinitarian fullness. The fully formulated doctrine, developed through several centuries, was based on that experience of the first believers. And that doctrine, though difficult, remains to this very day a bulwark against deficient views of God that tend to rob men and women of the fullness and abundance of the divine experience.

As far as the Father and the Son are concerned, we do not have much of a problem with these personal terms; but Holy Spirit, and the older term “Holy Ghost”, can be problematic. “Spirit” or “Ghost” don’t help and suggest an influence or a mere power.

But Jesus plainly tells us (John chs.14-16) that the Spirit is a person and also the perfect substitute during his  own  physical  absence, until he returns at the end of the age. Football fans will recall Ole Gunnar Solskjaer; he would often be called from the substitute – bench  and, within minutes, turn the tide of the game and win it for Manchester United. Ole, the baby-faced Norwegian, was the perfect substitute! During the absence of Jesus – while he is “off the pitch” – the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, is battling for us.

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Divine Courage

August 13, 2009 at 3:17 pm (_Uncategorized)

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                                       Rev. E. Anderson

SUBJECT               THE COURAGE OF A FOLLOWER

Ernest Anderson 

READING     Ruth 1-4

TEXT              Ruth 1:16

INTRODUCTION

Quality:  Ruth stands out as one of those quality characters and figures of the O.T. In reviewing and analyzing the brief account of her life and conduct, one has nothing but great appreciation and admiration of her.  It is not difficult to accept the fact that God and men greatly approved of her in every way and that things should turn out so beautifully on her account.  She graced the days in those she lived and serves to inspire succeeding generations.

Courage:  She can be rightly entitled to be listed amongst those who showed wonderful courage and fortitude.  The steps that she took in her life at a certain point reveal unquestionably that she was a person with spirit determination and will as she saw the proper course to be adopted in terms of belief and behaviour.  She was ready to follow out, whatever the demand and cost, to fulfill responsibility both God-ward and manward.

1/. THE COURAGE IS DEMONSTRATED IN A LOYALTY TO NAOMI

In the first chapter there is an initial display of her commitment when she is bereaved of her husband.  She does not leave Naomi in Moab to fend for herself but sticks with her. When her mother-in-law decides to leave and return to her homeland Ruth’s mind and heart is made up to go all the way with her.  The cost has already been counted and the mind and will set.  It would mean the surrender of her life and self-interest to secure the future of Naomi but that was of less importance to her moral and spiritual duty and concern.  Although she had been bereaved she did not let her own loss hinder her from doing something vital for another.

2/. THE COURAGE IS REVEALED IN HER DECLARATION OF FAITH

 She is not afraid to make an avowal of faith in Jehovah, the God of Israel.  She is prepared to move out and turn from the gods of the Moabites and place her implicit trust in the Lord  –  1:16.  There would be a looking to Him for the days ahead and a resting in Him to effect things for the good of her mother-in-law and herself. The willingness to embark into the unknown with God was a great act of faith and courage. 

3/. THE COURAGE TO GO OUT ALONE IN INDUSTRIOUS WORK

She is not afraid to go out to work for her living in order to support her mother-in-law and self.  There is no waiting for someone’s hospitality or generosity but the will to go and find work.  Putting herself courageously at the hands of providence she moved out in utter industry and so impressed others all around her.  She followed the rule of natural labour and discovered both God and man working on her behalf.

5/. THE COURAGE TO RESPOND TO DIRECTION OVER HER FUTURE

 

Naomi is suddenly aware of the change of divine fortunes and realizes that the Lord is working something out and so gives Ruth some directions that were all in accord with divine principles – ch. 3.  She is ready to do her part and acts with grace and fortitude which impresses Boaz further.  Whilst refined she is bold to carry through what is apparently divine destiny.  Her procedure impacts Boaz to such a degree that he must act courageously and effect her future blessedness. 

There comes the inevitable response and climax of God upon her faith and actions. Because she was prepared to move out with Israel’s God and not plateau off in her life and experience, she moved on to enjoy some new things and wonderful blessings. She did not settle down but became a great example of trust, movement and fulfilment. She did not lack the courage, heart, enterprise and conviction knowing that her future was full of prospect with God.

From being a non-entity shed moved into being recognized as one of the choicest women before God and so became permanently chronicled in Israel’s history. What is history going to record of us?

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