Barnabas Ministries UK

                                       Rev. E. Anderson

FREEDOM

This must be of the choicest words to be found in the dictionary that speaks of an essential experience that must be known and appreciated. It simply means ‘the state of being free, liberty, independence, non-slavery, liberty of action, freewill.’ It signifies being at liberty in spirit, soul and body, free to be and do as one thinks and desires. Of course, freedom has to be rightly channelled and used so that it creates and cultivates the maximum good. One is not emancipated from a list of rules and regulations to do as one wishes but to select that which is the best and highest interest and benefit.

The word contains the letters ‘dom’ which could represent domain. This might convey the idea of being completely free in every aspect of your domain, not being in bondage or captivity in any way to anyone or anything. In the total area of the kingdom of your life there is the need to be perfectly and absolutely free.

Christ came with this personal message not only to the people of His day but to succeeding generations. He said: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed” -John 8: 36. He had truly pointed out the fact the religious leaders and people that they were slaves, the reason being, they were ‘servants to sin.’ The Jews were at that time subject to Rome and were not independent but the worst thing, as He points out, they were all in captivity to the principle and rule of sin and needed to be liberated. This was the reason for His personal advent, that He might emancipate men and women from sin and from Stan’s hold upon their lives and destiny.

Looking back over their history, they had once been slaves and the victims of a very evil and dominating regime, Egypt – see Exodus 1 & 2. That nation through its king, Pharaoh and his people had made them serve with rigour and hard labour and made existence miserable. But God sent an amazing deliverer, Moses, who through God, in a unique and unusual way set them free from this domination. By reason of the sacrificing of a lamb by each household and the sprinkling of its blood on their doorposts they were spared from a visit by the angel of death and this became a means by which the tyrant Pharaoh let them go – see Exodus 12. So it happened! In one night they were miraculously spare and delivered by the death of a lamb.

This is but a picture and illustration of who Christ is and what He had done. He came to bring freedom from the spiritual slavery caused by sin and made all men the victims of Satan, the ruling force of wickedness. By His death on the Cross and the shedding of His blood he made it possible for God to forgive sin. When people, by faith apply the blood of Christ to their hearts, they are cleansed from sin and covered from the angel of death and destruction. John the Baptist cried out concerning Christ: “Behold, the Lamb, which taketh the sin of the world” – John 1: 29. His death has made it possible to save you from death and take its sentence off from you. But He rose from the dead to give you life and be your divine leader and to set you absolutely free from the law of sin and the rule of Satan. He said: “you shall be free indeed.” When Christ comes into a person’s life it is not to bring bondage but glorious freedom.

Martin Luther King was deeply concerned that his people in America should be set free from the yokes of bondage attached to their existence. Nelson Mandella was burdened that his people should be liberated from the apartheid system that held them captive. They spoke and laboured for this vision to be fulfilled. They did not suffer in vain because their dreams were realised. So God has sought and provided the means by which sinners can be gloriously freed from their sins through Jesus Christ.

Paul, one of the greatest Christians of all time described his estate before Christ came in and took over. He speaks of the fact that though he wanted to do good he couldn’t because of the presence and power of evil within him. He wanted freedom but was utterly bound by a sinful nature. Then Christ came into his life not only in forgiveness but actually broke the chains of sin and gave him a new nature – see Romans 7; 18-25. He was now able to choose that which was good and right and perform accordingly. He was free to live and lead a qualitative life by God’s Spirit and grace.

                                    Rev. E. Anderson

CIRCUMSPECT

This is a word that is not used or heard very much but has a significant meaning and application to life. It is defined as being prudent; looking on all sides and holds the concept of being cautious and wary, careful and judicious after what has been seen. It means being  most watchful especially from a Biblical standpoint of one’s behaviour and conduct that there is nothing done that is likely to bring harm. It signifies taking everything into account so that a procedure can be taken that will prove to be wise and beneficial.

I once heard it illustrated and described as a cat walking over a glass covered wall taking each step gingerly and with extreme diligence and care, noting where it placed its feet in its progress. Wisdom had taught, it could not hurriedly negotiate this route otherwise it would cause a great deal of damage to its paws. It was not like scurrying across a lawn where there was no impediment. In this instance, it could not afford to be reckless.

The Christian in the execution of his Christian life must proceed with circumspection. There has to be a taken in by spiritual sight where he is and what is all around, making sure that has he treads and moves that each step is certain and there is avoidance of all mishap. The road of life can be treacherous at times and when this is so, one needs to be circumspect.

Writing to a Christian community Paul expresses this though and idea. He says: “See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” – Ephesians 5: 15. Even in his day he was conscious of the fact the evil one in his strategy laid in the path things aimed at making things torturous and difficult for the believer with the object of creating panic and pain. Sometimes, like the feline creature treading a wall of scattered glass, the believer must move with caution taking each step judiciously.

According to Adam Clarke “the original word signifies correctly, accurately, consistently, or perfectly.  You who have received the truth, be careful of your conduct; walk by the rule which God has given you; do this as well in little as in great matters; exemplify your principles, which are holy and good, by a corresponding conduct; do not only profess, but live the Gospel.  As you embrace all its promises, be careful also to embrace all its precepts; and behave yourselves so, that your enemies may never be able to say that ye are holy in your doctrines and profession, but irregular in your lives.”

Foolish and senseless people are heedless and go ahead inattentive to what is around and so act wildly and recklessly. They lack understanding of the situation and so behave in a manner that is sure to create disaster and ruin. They don’t think there is anything to be unduly concerned about and so disregard spiritual and moral principles. But the end of such stupidity is sure land them in deep trouble.

This can be avoided if there is a communion with the Lord and a conversancy with His will. He will cause the believer to ponder the path of their feet and slow them down to the pace where they can handle the most deceitful and destructive route waylaid by the devil. You will be able to pick out those things that would harm and hurt and go ahead amidst the evil unscathed. The evil purposed will not damage because you have been sensitised to the impediments and so come through all intact. The temptations and allurements will not gain any advantage but will be overcome to great profit.

Joseph had to tread rather an awesome pathway in the home of his master who had promoted him – Genesis 39. In all his dealings within the home from a business angle he acted circumspectly. This was also so when Potiphar’s wife sought to allure and seduce him. He acted with great discretion and wisdom and was circumspect before God and her. Although he was wrongly accused and judged yet ultimate he was justified by God for the path he had taken.

Make sure that you take knowledge of all that is happening around you and what is taking place in your life. There are time when you walk with great care. Thankfully, as you use prayer, He will aid you so that you do not fall foul of any wicked strategy.

                                          Rev. E. Anderson

ENDUED

This is a word that a lot of people are unfamiliar with because of lack of use. Its connection is mainly with the Bible, and, in some respects, is to be understood and interpreted from its use there.

Its well-known employment was by Jesus Christ when He left a sacred command to His disciples before His ascension to heaven. He gave them this directive: “tarry you in Jerusalem, until you be endued with power from on high” – Luke 24: 49. It is apparent from the expression that something significant and meaningful was implied in the application of this word.

The dictionary definition describes it as ‘to put on (as clothes); to clothe, to invest (with), to endow, furnish. It is from an old verb which means ‘to clothe.’

The matter of clothing is a subject of life and the Bible. One gathers and gleans from the Scriptures that the Master – Designer of the universe and this world specializes with regarding to clothing in a grand, artistic fashion. He is quite able to furnish, endow and mantle with regard to everyone and everything. It is His business and within His immense capabilities to dress and fit out virtually all that He touches and is involved with in a magnificent manner.

Genesis one, for instance, reveals Him performing an amazing work of enduement in His work of creation. He did not want to see the world above denuded but garnished in grand style and looking most attractive. The heavens were to be clothed with a divine grandeur, embellishing such with blue, and white clouds that constantly are changed day and night, with addition of sun, moon and stars. The earth below was to be graciously and gloriously clothed, too. The green grass to adorn the land, trees, hedgerows were to be dressed up and beautified by foliage, leaves and fruit, whilst the birds were to duly clothed with feathers of splendour and the animals likewise were clothed with appropriate skins etc. Even the sea was to be inhabited by creatures clothed by God!

With respect to man, he was not to be by-passed, but was initially clothed with the divine likeness – Genesis 1: 26, 27. They were clothed in a divine manner not requiring natural clothes because God invested them with unique bodies of glory that was honoured by the rest of creation. The Bible states: “And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed” – Genesis 2: 25. The reason why this was so was due to the fact that they had been invested with a body of divine glory which was superior to all other factors that had been created. Regrettably, when they sinned, it seems that they immediately lost this divine and beautiful apparel. Isaiah makes the point that man is in a filthy condition. He says: “But we all are as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags.”

Jesus Christ has come to radically change this untoward state by doubly clothing and furnishing people anew in a divine manner. By reason of His death and resurrection He makes it possible for those who believe in Him and His work, to be thoroughly washed and cleansed from sin, with the complete removal of the filthy rags that condemn and to be attired anew with the robe of His spotless purity and righteousness. The first thing Christ does for the sinner is to clean up and then divinely clothe so that such is accepted of God. When the prodigal son returned home robed in rags the father sought to dispose of them and to see him properly attired as his son – see Luke 15: 22. Before he could have the best robe put on him, he required a real cleansing! This is also illustrated when God cleaned up Joshua the high priest, then clothed and commissioned him – see Zechariah 3: 1-7.

It was the custom in Roman times that when any one was justified and proven not guilty in their courts that the person was then attired in white and left the court free from judgment and approved of before all. The white garment said it all.

Following the clothing of justification there is the investment with a robe that signifies authority and power. This is what the word indicates in Luke 24: 49. Kings, priests and prophets were mantled and clothed in Old Testament times and as such from that moment were invested with due authority. Elisha sensed the importance of Elijah’s mantle and seized and claimed it as his own and then acted with great, divine influence from that moment on. On the day of Pentecost – Acts 2, the Lord clothed His Church with heavenly power to conduct business on earth for Him under His rule and blessing. The early Church leaders sensed and knew and worked in the knowledge of it.

Dear Christian believer, you likewise have been called upon not only to be dressed in Christ’s righteousness, ‘you must be endued with power from on high.’ Don’t miss out on this special investiture and clothing. It is so important that you be divinely endued – dressed!

                                      Rev. E. Anderson

This is a word that is very much related to life and activity in a specific field. It is something that is required in certain areas if things are to reach their full maturity and productivity. This is particularly so in the realm of nature.

The dictionary defies it as “to till, to prepare for crops; to raise or develop by tilling; to improve by labour or study; to civilise; to seek the friendship of.” It will be noted that it can be observed in a number of connections.

One of the best uses and illustrations of the word is that as seen in the farmer and his industry. A principal task is that of seeing that his land is properly prepared and tilled before the next stage of sowing seed. This involves a lot of sweat, toil and hard work in ploughing the lad, disking the clods of earth, chopping them up and then running a set of harrows over in order to break and refine the soil further. The seed to be sown will only get off to the best of starts in germination when the work of cultivation has been thoroughly done. Even after the seed has been sown and springs up, there is to be further cultivation in keeping the ground released so that air can get to the plants.

The vine-dresser is also a cultivator. Not only has there to be the setting of healthy vine plants in the ideal conditions, great care must be taken as to their development and structure if they are to bring a prolific yield. The right pruning must proceed, that is the cutting off and away any extraneous growth that I not required so the best results are assured.

The horticulturist is in the business of cultivation. Much time is spent on fruit trees, bushes, plants and flowers making certain that they receive the best attention so when the final fruition takes place, all is bountiful and beautiful.

Even in family life there is the responsibility placed on parents to make sure that there are children are brought up in the best of environments and that right, good and needful disciplines are introduced and applied that ensure the proper development of their offspring. They are not simply present in the home to fill space but to be wisely invested in with healthy cultivation. Such requires time, labour foresight, love, discipline etc., so that they yield profit and pleasure.

God, likewise is in the immense business and task of cultivation. He cultures those who come into a spiritual and dynamic relationship with himself. He is not simply interested in growth of any sort but of the best kind, that which produces quality.

It can be seen in His dealings with Israel as a people of ancient times. He not only brought them out of Egypt as a nation of slaves, He adopted them as His own and then set about creating a divine culture in them. It was not enough to come out of Egypt, the ways of Egypt must be erased from their nature and life-style. The wilderness experience of 40 years was designed to do just that. There were divine disciplines introduced to make them a choice and quality people.

The Church of Christ as a whole must be cultivated by Christ through His Spirit and Word so that it is perfectly developed and matured into His likeness. Christ not only creates a people to himself, it is is plan and intention that all shall conform to His life and standard of behaviour. There has to be the work of cultivation and much of the New Testament doctrine focuses attention on this matter. He comes to cut off and out things that do not serve the best interests of the believer or himself. A study of John 15 makes this clear.

As you are cultivated by Christ, so you will be brought to a state of luxuriant and rich fruitfulness. This is what He has in mind for you as you trust and allow Him to perform His perfect plan for your life and service.

                                 Rev. E. Anderson

PROPAGATE – PROPAGATION

This is a word that is very closely allied to the Christian Faith in its spread, growth and development. One of its meanings is to simply ‘to cause to multiply by natural generation or other means; to reproduce; to cause to spread or extend; to diffuse, disseminate; to impel forward.’ Other words aptly describe it, such as ‘to broadcast, circulate. Proliferate . . . . .’

In the natural order of life there is the constant active working of this so as life can continue. If this powerful principle did not operate all existence would be in demise and difficulty. In the animal world, bird life and vegetation etc., there is the incessant function of propagation. Our human race continues to be given fresh birth and growth because natural seed is disseminated.

It is to be seen from the Bible that this is what the great Creator purposed from the onset. In Genesis one that repeated command was ‘let everything reproduce after its kind.’ So there was to be no confusion or chaos in the matter of propagation and reproduction. Concerning mankind He said: ‘And God blessed them , and said, be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it’– v28. There was to be untold propagation amongst humanity. He had no problem with the increase in numbers as to how they would be catered for in every way. It would appear that He wanted the human race to proliferate at a great rate in the right way and become true kings of the planet.

In the advent of Christ and His subsequent life and work He created a message that if heard and responded to would make a difference to all the human race, yes to each person. His death on the Cross was a work of atonement whereby He died to atone for and pay the debt for every sinner. His sufferings and death has made it possible for the judge of all men to freely and fully forgive every sinner because divine justice was carried out by means of it. The Bible affirms: ‘For He has made Him to be sin for us who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God through Him’ 2 Corinthians 5: 21, and, ‘For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God’ – 1 Peter 3: 18.

But Jesus Christ rose again to prove beyond doubt that what He had performed on the Cross was valid and can be trusted. His death was not a vanity but a reality and is the divine seed that is to be broadcasted far and wide for all to hear and receive so that all men can be forgiven, pardoned and justified before God. But His resurrection was also for the purpose of Him to come and enter into the heart and life of all who will receive Him. He is the dynamic seed of life that causes people to be come to spiritual life and to live a new, dynamic kind of life.

The responsibility of the Christian Church is to spread and declare the truth and reality of the Christian message. Jesus Christ gave His first disciples the commission to ‘Go and preach the Gospel to all Matthew 28: 20. They did not have to create or amend it it; no, they simply had to preach and teach it and as they did so, the seed would propagate and be highly productive. The divine potential was in the seed to do its work. Their task was simply to be sowers and allow the seed to break out into life and reproduction. Jesus Christ regarded himself as a Good Sower and anticipated in the future a welcome harvest.

The Acts of the Apostles sees the Christian Church active in propagation. There was the initial and continual preaching and spread of the Gospel until countries, cities, towns and villages came under the power of the Christian message. Even persecution could cause a break or halt to its task of spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. It states, ‘Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word’ – Acts 8: 4. They could not be restrained or silenced but mad sure that everyone became aware of the message of Christ. The seed fell on fresh, good soil and so the spread and growth of the Christian Faith.

Today’s task for Church in these days is the same: it must make sure that the Gospel of Jesus Christ with its message of salvation from sin and its presentation of glorious hope is passed on. The Church has ‘the Evangel’, which contain the message or doctrine of ‘spiritual regeneration and reformation through Jesus Christ’. Its work is evangelism, which is the telling forth of the only message that can transform sinners into saints, sons of men into the sons of God. There is nothing and no one else who can change mankind in the way that God transforms men through Christ. It is the Good News that calls for propagation and when performed under the power of he Holy Spirit will bring about the renewal of men.

Every Christian is called upon to be a Good Sower and propagator of the Gospel of Christ. The divine seed that has been sown in you and has brought forth fruit, will take place in others as you propagate it, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said to His disciples: ‘you shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth’ – Acts 1: 8.

                            Rev. E. Anderson

COMPENSATE

This is an excellent word that we love to see demonstrated in a practical manner in a good fashion.

It is simply defined and described as ‘to furnish with an equivalent weight or other device forming compensation’. And compensation comes in the form of ‘a payment, recompense amends; payment of a debt by an equal credit.’ It is the act of reimbursing in a financial or practical way or by other means to a person for work or a deed performed. There is the thought present in it of at least recompense equally to what has been graciously done or given.

An instance of this is given in the book of Esther where Mordecai, her uncle, had performed a notable deed on behalf of the king. There was a conspiracy taking place with the idea of disposing of the monarch (which was her husband) in an evil manner and Mordecai became aware of it. He was able to pass on the inside information to the queen and she in turn to her husband. As the inquiry took place the truth was discovered and so the king was saved from certain death. The deed was recorded but no immediate compensation took place. In the purposes of God, at the right moment, it is possible to see how he was compensated –see Esther 6.

This is a principle that is very much noticed in the Bible in God’s dealing with those who believe in and honour Him. He has a bountiful and beautiful way of compensating all those who decide to fear and respect Him in their faith and living. Abraham, because he believed and obeyed God, was justifiably compensated in so many ways by the Lord. He knew what it was to have a sound and sweet accord with Him, to have the addition of a son to his family, be provided for materially and preserved in remarkable ways besides other things.

To those who become true Christians and followers of Christ this matter of divine compensation is a real factor. Christ assured that those who loved and accepted His leadership would know what it was be greatly rewarded in the now as well as the future life. He went on to teach and affirm: “For whosever shall give a cup of cold water to drink in my name , because you belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward” – Mark 9:41. Fancy being compensated for a simple thing like that!

For the Christian, there is to be a great day when all his life and work shall be reviewed and will be duly and divinely compensated – see 1 Corinthians 3: 1-15. This is something that ought to dictate and direct the whole attitude to the Lord, Christian service during his short stay and passage on earth. There must be an honest and humble approach to work and ministry for Him and others in labouring well in the light of such an event and experience.

In a well-known parable Jesus Christ highlighted this particular factor. In Matthew 25: 14-30, He taught the truth that He was like a man taking leave and going to another country but during his absence gave talents to his servants to be used in order to make profit. On his return they would be called to account and justifiably compensated for their loyalty and industry. Two out of the three mentioned had every reason to be pleased when he returned because they had used time, talent and energies well and greatly produced. The reward was quite magnanimous!

In the final chapter of the Bible we are informed three times of the return of Jesus Christ – Revelations 222: 7, 12, 20 and in v12 in clearly states “And behold I come quickly, and my reward is with Me to give every man according to his work’. Every Christian therefore should so serve the Lord full aware of this moment that is to be, when they will be confronted by Him and duly compensated.

Let us make sure that when that actual time arrives the reward will be of a tremendous order because we have served Him and the Christian Church well.  We serve the Lord out of love and gratitude but He has determined to reward all such service and commitment.

At a boat-race the crews of three great colleges contested. Of course, only one took the prize. One cannot but feel for those had trained so long and worked so hard, only to be beaten and gained nothing. How different in contrast is God’s reward system. In His gracious ordering, no one need fail and will be rewarded. The promise holds good: “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life” – Revelation 2: 10.

                                   Rev. E. Anderson

PERPETUATE

This is a word that signifies continuance and embraces the idea of that which is unending and constant. It is more than simply existing but embraces the truth and fact of propagation and increase. Whilst it does indicate keeping and maintaining life and order there is also the concept of progress and enhancement. There is not much sense in perpetuating something that has no prospects of any meaningful future.

It is good to know that God in His original creation of things and man in Genesis 1 that He proclaimed perpetuity. Having begotten life in so many ways, in the animals, fish, birds, trees and in the amazing production of man, it was that they should multiply, continue and go on from strength to strength. He did not want simply to preserve but to produce and be perpetuated and to achieve full destiny. There was no way that God wanted things to stagnate or be brought to an end or sudden conclusion.

With regard to himself, God does not have to perpetuate because He is the Eternal. From eternity past to eternity future He will always be distinguished as the Ever-Existing One. This is embodied in His Name, Jehovah, the I Am that I Am. The hallowed and sacred title embodies the three tenses, past, present and future and discloses Him as the One who always has been and will be and forever is. He is ageless and timeless and is the great Creator of the ages and time, and is in absolute control of such. It is within His deity and capability to perpetuate all that He commences and see everyone and everything realise their design.

There are, however, important considerations that He does perpetuate and is committed to seeing fulfilled in relation to those who truly relate to Him. With regard to mankind, He has noble factors that He wills to see brought to pass. In no way does he want man to merely exist or stagnate but perpetuates to glorious purpose. What is started in connection with man is to unfold to eternal significance.

God perpetuates His covenant. The Bible consists of two parts which reveal two covenants. The Old Testament makes known the fact of God making a covenant with a man by the name of Abraham, expressing the promise he was to form a special nation through Him that would be uniquely blessed and through whom He would make known His purposes – Genesis 12: 1-4. Through him, his seed the covenant continues and the history of the Old Testament is about the continuance and fulfilment of the covenant. God was able to bring to pass what He had vouchsafed. The promise was perpetuated until its realisation and is still, to some extent, in motion for Israel’s ultimate good – Romans 9-11. God wrought so much through this covenant to bless a world and it was to prepare the way for a greater covenant to be brought into being through Jesus Christ. 

God perpetuates Christendom through Christ. It is by and through Jesus Christ things are further perpetuated. He is the fulfilment of the prophetic word of the Old Testament and brings into being something infinitely greater. The New Covenant established by Him makes it possible for a new race of people to be birthed and developed of which Israel is but a type. They were redeemed out of Egypt by atonement and released from a wicked slavery and bondage. Those who receive Christ as Saviour and Lord are redeemed from a worse state. They are freed from the tyranny of sin and Satan on the basis of a new agreement wrought in and through Christ. His salvation is perpetuated in those who receive Him and the work He did on the Cross. The Church belongs to God and through Christ enables it to continue and increase. It can never die or cease to be because it has a divine continuum in it.

God perpetuates His blessings. He is the blessed God and from Him originates and flows blessing of a continual character. It was God’s purpose that blessing of a perpetual kind should be the lot of Abraham and His seed. No one is left in any doubt whatsoever that in forming Israel it was with this specific intention: that it should be a blessed nation. He designed to bring them into the blessed land of Canaan so as to prosper and enhance them in an incredible manner and measure – see Deuteronomy  It was not to cease but to grow and grow.

Through Jesus Christ, likewise, there are immediate, present blessing to be known and enjoyed with the hope of prospective, ultimate blessings. It is by Him that a life of blessing and blessedness is initiated and perpetuated. An existence and experience of spiritual and natural blessing comes through His entrance and rule in and over life – see Ephesians 1: 3. Isaac  Watts proclaimed it: “Blessings abound where’er He reigns . . . . .”. God intends to perpetuate good now and eternally in and through those who acclaim His ownership.

It is assuring to know that what God has assured in sacred covenant He will not only keep up but will cause to abound in a greater way. There is to be no end or conclusion to what He has begun in you through Christ. You have everything to look forward to!

Rev. E. Anderson

CONSEQUENCE

This is a word that is very much a part of the procedure of life. It is an inescapable factor that is closely connected with a person’s thinking, feeling and action. It is simply defined as ‘that which follows as a natural and logical result’. What has gone before has a direct impact and bearing upon that which follows after. So it is important in the working of life that everything that we think, feel and do is good and right so that which comes inevitably after is also good.

There is a phrase so often used that kind of sums up this, it is, ‘you have to live with the consequences’. Registered deep within the mind of each person is the intuitive knowledge that if a certain thing is done then there are sure to be a definite, direct end result. For instance the Bible expresses a true law that is operative in the realm of nature that is also applicable to man in his procedure and process of life. It is that of sowing seed and reaping a harvest. What is reaped is a natural consequence of what is sown. The message to man is clear: ‘God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap’ – Galatians 6: 7. People only have to look into the natural world to discover vital truth that is important to life and conduct.

The consequences therefore are the result of what has gone before so it is absolutely necessary that a tremendous amount of care and attention is paid to the before part. This is where we require a great amount of true wisdom so that no mistakes are made and that we reap the best of results in all our relationships and in all that we do.

In studying and looking at the many people that are within the Scriptures and others too, it is possible to discern and trace this feature and so be educated in making sure we get the consequences flowing in the right direction in our lives.  Many men and women got the ‘before’ wrong and so the ‘after’ factor became a sad story. Adam and Eve had to live with their sinful disobedience, and so did many others like Cain, Saul, Rehoboam etc. If only they had given more forethought to their thinking, feeling and doing they would have reaped better consequences. In contrast, there were those who did get the before correct and so benefited enormously by the consequences – eg – Abraham, Joseph and so on.

We live with our consequences in relation to God.

A great deal of thought must be given to this: if little regard is paid to God then inevitably life is disastrously affected. One cannot ignore and act ignorantly towards one’s Creator and Maker without tragic results. Priority must be to come to know, believe, revere and obey Him so that the follow through is tremendously advantageous. People should not think that this is mere option: it is a necessity because if God does not play in sovereign role in faith and conduct the loss is immense. God’s Word makes it plain from His standpoint and should be known and hearkened to – ‘for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed’ – 1 Samuel 3: 30. If you want to know God and receive His backing and blessing then He must hold first place in your life and affairs.

We live with our consequences in relation to others.

It is absolutely essential that in dealings with all those around you that due care and attention be paid to doing what is right and good to them. Because Jacob failed to perform justly with regard to his twin brother, Esau, he had to face and live with the awful consequences – see Genesis 27: 41-42. He had to flee and was plagued for years with the fear and threat of reprisal. When Amnon committed immorality, Absalom held it against him and was determined to deal judgment out to him – 2 Samuel 13: 22, 28, 29.  Even he had to live with the consequences of taking the law into his own hands! – see 2 Samuel 18. Treating other people in right manner is vital to wholesome living. Paul makes the point in Romans 12: 14-21 how essential it is to overcome all evil with good and so the consequences will be the best.

We live with our consequences in relation to ourselves.

At the end of the day, consequences affect the individual. To save finishing up pained, remorseful and full of regrets, it is vital that personal attention is paid to all that is done before. Many people would like to turn the clock back with the wisdom they now possess and the situations they are in to amend what has preceded. Instead of knowing blessed consequences they are plunged into untold sorrow. One cannot live any old how now and expect the end result to be the best.

Realise that you have only one life to live. What you do today affects greatly your tomorrow(s). In linking up with a genuine accord with God, he will enable you to keep up a wholesome behaviour that He approves of and will bless, will cause you to act properly to other people and make possible for you to live with yourself and with all the decisions you will make.

Rev. E. Anderson

CELEBRATE – CELEBRATION

These two words are evidently connected and they are to be an essential part of life both naturally and spiritually. A person must have times of celebration and must know how to truly celebrate on those occasions. They are purposed to be an essential and beautiful part of life which should not be missed.

The dictionary defines it as ‘to praise, extol, to make famous, observe, commemorate’. There are good and great things that should happen in life that have been an untold pleasure and delight and should not be forgotten. In review there should be a desire and will to have a time of festivity and joy in recollection. Within the idea of celebration is that of being filled with ecstatic gladness because of what has been or is being accomplished. There are moments when there should be intense and immense celebration, when all should be expressive in jubilation over some wonderful blessing.

When the prodigal son returned home to his father after long absence and having ruined his life, his father there was every reason to celebrate the occasion with great feast. He did it in splendid style by embracing his son, giving him a new set of clothes and a ring on his finger, killing the fatted calf and having a real party – see Luke 15: 22-24. it wasn’t a time to be miserable and melancholic. He had been waiting a long time for his son to show up, and when he did, it was apparent to his son that father was overjoyed. He had been waiting for this moment. In no way was he going to allow this slip by without any recognition because he had lived for this moment and it was a cause for celebration.

I remember at the conclusion of the last war when I was thirteen years of age the sense of relief felt by our nation and at the same time a wave of ecstatic delight as the people felt it was all over and everything could return to a state of peace etc. Never shall I forget V Day, when all the streets were filled with happy and dancing people over the fact that we had won. There was every reason to celebrate and have a feast of celebration. Where the food came from that day, one will never know, but somehow tables were laden in the streets and everyone appeared to be of a merry heart.

In Old Testament times God wanted His people to know how to celebrate and introduced annual feasts of celebration, and some of the feasts lasted for at least a week! – see Exodus 34: 22, 23; Leviticus 23: 32, 41. Josiah held a very memorable celebration of the Passover that everyone was thrilled with – see 2 Kings 23: 21, 22. Even Christ went with His parents every year to celebrate in Jerusalem and must have thoroughly enjoyed the occasion – Luke 2: 41. Looking back, Israel had every reason to rejoice as they commemorated the unique happenings that had taken place in their history through the favour of God. The idea in the celebration was to remember, God was still among them to do even greater things!

Christians have every reason to celebrate and have seasons of great celebrations. Jesus Christ gives all within the Christian Church to be thrilled, excited and glad in the light of His person and all that he has accomplished on the behalf of all. With the angels, we celebrate the glorious fact of His incarnation and His will and desire to be like us and one with us. We celebrate the truth and experience that He is our ‘Immanuel’ – God with us. His coming and dwelling has made all the difference to life,

His death is a tremendous cause for celebration for all who have tasted the blessing of His Saviourhood and salvation. By means of His sacrificial and substitutionary death on the Cross He has made it possible for God to forgive sin and to cleanse the life of its presence and power, to freely and fully justify the sinner who believes on and receives Christ as Saviour and Lord. The pardoned sinner can celebrate what Christ has effectually wrought for Him by His atoning death because no longer is he condemned and doomed but free, justified and accepted of God. When Christians celebrate the Lord’s Supper it is to be a glad and happy occasion!

But there is the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Christ not only conquered sin but also death and the grave not only for His own sake but for all who trust Him. He not is alive but gives resurrection life to those who receive Him. He not only makes men and women live He also gives the kind of life they need, the divine life – see John 10:10. Christians celebrate the fact that Jesus is alive and as it is celebrated he makes himself known – Revelation 1: 18.

There is to be a further reason to be jubilant and celebrate. This Jesus who went to heaven is coming back again and when that occurs there will an indescribable celebration when all the Christian Family are joined together with Him to live and reign with Him – John 14: 1-3. Even now, Christians are filled with a sense of rapture at the prospect because of what that will mean. Eternity and heaven are to be one eternal celebration! So get used to it!

People are always good company when they are doing what they really enjoy. –Butler

Rev. E. Anderson

INHERIT – INHERITANCE

These two words are closely linked together and have a ‘wealth’ of meaning attached to them. The first word is described as ‘to receive by legal succession as the representative of a former possessor; to derive from one’s ancestors as part of one’s nature’. And ‘inheritance’ signifies a possession acquired as one’s own proper portion’.

A fact of life is that of people not only in having families but also in building up properties and possessions that can be handed down to their offspring before or after their decease. Children are often referred to as being ‘heirs’ of what their parents own.  They know that they have something of worth to look forward to when their parents pass on. Sometimes it can be bestowed whilst the parents are alive or written out in a will guaranteeing them as inheritors of all that is bequeathed. An heir has a right to the inheritance that has been legally made over to him. The prodigal son, for instance, requested of his gracious and generous father that he would give him the inheritance due to him prior to his father’s decease – see Luke 15: 12. And he lovingly responded!

One of the things that is in the plan and purpose of God was that man should be an inheritor and have a worthy inheritance. He desired that Adam and Eve should know and enjoy being great possessors of all that was good. The world was God’s love gift to them, and as they respected him and His government, they would have been able enter into the fullness of their heritage. It was their legitimate birthright to be fully appreciated. Unfortunately they missed out on experience of the divine legacy to the full because of their sin.

In choosing Israel to be a special people to Himself, God was concerned they should be a nation of heirs and that they would have an immense inheritance to call their own and exploit. He revealed to Abraham their founding forefather that they would become possessors of a beautiful and bountiful land. This He, prophetically revealed, would take place after a long period of slavery when they would have nothing and be regarded as nothing – see Genesis 15: 13-14.  It happened as God said it would and Israel were in captivity to Egypt before being released and given the land God promised – see books of Exodus and Joshua. Canaan became the land of their possession and so all Israel were inheritors.

Similarly, God has instituted a new body and family in and through Jesus Christ. As a person receives Christ into their lives they are made sons and children of God – John 1: 11, 12. Paul also affirms that such also become ‘heirs and joint heirs with Christ’ – Romans 8: 17. Before a person comes to Christ they had nothing of any real worth but now being born anew they have and are worth everything. From being a beggar and pauper such have been enrich in a manner and measure that is simply incredible. It is God’s intention through Jesus Christ that everyone who owns Christ will be owned by Him and receive every wonderful blessing in and through Him. It is clearly stated in Romans 8: 32 – ‘He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up to the Cross for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?’

Two things that the Christian believers must realise and ever be conscious of: being first a son and heir to God in and through Christ and secondly, there is a rich inheritance to recognise and possess here and now – ‘knowing that you are thereunto called, that you should inherit blessing’ – 1 Peter 3: 9. God has planned and willed that you should possess Him and own all that there is in Him so that you no longer live in spiritual poverty or penury but be enriched everyday in every way in and by Him.

‘It is neither an earthly portion nor a heavenly portion; but GOD himself, who is to be their portion.  It is not heaven they are to inherit; it is GOD, who is infinitely greater and more glorious than heaven itself.  With such powers has God created the soul of man, that nothing less than himself can be a sufficient and satisfactory portion for the mind of this most astonishing creature’ – Adam Clarke

PROMISE

‘Blessed be the God and Father of our lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ’ – Ephesians 1: 3

PRAYER

Help me to know who am in you and what I need to claim as my possessions and enjoy them in the way you have