No Vacancy

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.-Luke 2:7

2000 years ago in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary showed up at an inn desperate for entry. Labour pains searing, aching from a long journey, far from friends and family.

What is interesting to me here is the fact that there was no room at the inn for them. This begs a question. Why was there no room in an inn for a woman going into labour? Could the inn keeper not see the urgency of the situation? True, his inn was full. But it causes me to wonder why he didn't have any other guests leave in order to make room for this most special of guests being born.

He could have feared how his business ethics would be called into question. Maybe he was concerned about how he would be perceived by the community asking someone to leave the inn to make room for a couple peasants. He may be concerned that his status in the community might suffer. It's possible he was afraid of the people who were staying in the inn and thus more concerned about what might happen to him than this critical need. It could be he was more concerned about the effects on his business. If word got out that you might lose your reservation, his future revenue may be affected.

Whatever the case, that which was inside needed to be replaced by that which was at the door.

As Christmas approaches, it is good to consider the effect of the birth of Jesus on others such as the inn keeper. The problem today is that there is no room in the inn of most people's hearts for Jesus to indwell them. They hang a "no vacancy" sign over their hearts because to allow Jesus inside would require the keeper of the heart to evict certain residence. Tim Keller in his book Counterfeit Gods makes a statement throughout the book that gods or idols cannot be removed. They must be replaced. This is the case we find today. There are many things that people are trusting in and treating as a god. These are similar to what the inn keeper 2000 years ago may have been going through.

Some people will not let Jesus be the God of their life because it would mean admitting defeat. To receive Jesus is to acknowledge that your own morality and righteousness are leprous and festering. It is admitting that they are sinners and they need Jesus to bear their sin. Some people today are more afraid of how people will view them if they became a Christian. To them their self-image defines who they are, and to surrender that god of self-image to the true God is more than they are willing to bare. Others find importance in how others perceive them, and so keeping others happy and seeking man's acceptance would cause a person not to open their heart to Jesus. It is too much for them to be accepted by God and rejected by men. Still others keep the door to the inn closed because it will affect their lifestyle, business ethics, home etc.

Christmas is a great time to remember that the one who was refused entrance to the inn now knocks on the hearts of all men. Jesus says, "Behold I stand at the door and knock..." (Rev 3:20). The door must be opened from the inside. And the things we trust in, we need to allow Jesus to throw outside as Jesus is received inside.

Jesus came to dwell among us. He knocks on hearts to dwell within us. Is there room for Jesus in your heart?

Symbols of Christmas

I just read this post by John Piper on DesiringGod.org about all the symbols that relate to Christmas. I was blessed by his (and his wife's insights) which echo some of the things we are doing in our home.

To read his post, click here.

PS - if you've never heard of John Piper, let me whole-heartedly recommend his books and teachings.

Unfair!!!

The children of your people say, 'The way of the LORD is not fair,' But it is their way which is not fair! - Ezekiel 33:17

Having four small children, there are many things that come out of their mouths, both positive and negative. One of the beauties of small children is they say what they mean and they mean what they say. They haven't learned the art of cover-up. If they do not like something, they simply tell you. If they are excited, it cannot be hidden.

One of the phrases that often comes forth in the midst of sibling rivalry is "Not fair!". The essence of the statement is that I have been wronged and dealt with unjustly. You have received what I deserve to have, give it to me. This is obvious in small children (remember, they do not hide their feelings well). However, when it comes to us mature people, we hold the same mindset however enshroud it with a sophisticated arrangement of smoke and mirrors so things do not appear as they are.

The problem is what we may call an ego-centric perspective. We have a wrong assessment of ourselves and therefore deem ourselves worthy of whatever it is we feel we are lacking. Humanity as a whole has the same problem (anthropo-centric). When difficulty happens and tragedy befalls us, humanity is quick to place the blame on God and claim that God has not dealt fairly with us. This is evident by the statement often uttered "If God is good, then why ________?" Fill in the blank! The problem with this perspective is that man thinks that God owes man something. God has somehow deprived him or someone else of the right to health, wealth, comfort, security, and ultimately of self-defined happiness etc.

We see this here in Ezekiel 36. "God is not fair!" They rail their accusation against God claiming Him to be corrupt. However the prophet puts the emphasis of corruption (unfairness) back on the people.

God created a beautiful world and made mankind in the perfect image of God. God, the Creator, blessed man and endowed man with myriads of gifts, the greatest of which was the very presence and favour of God. God had told man that there was one thing he was not supposed to touch. Man then said in essence, "That's not fair. I deserve the fruit of that tree." Thus corruption entered the world. The core of this problem is a high view of man (anthro-centric) and a low view of God (theo-centric). Somehow the roles were reversed and the Maker is to become the servant and the servant then judges the Maker.

Man says he doesn't want God but then demands that God give man those things associated with God (i.e. God's blessings, favour, joy, provision). Maybe God hasn't been fair, but if that's the case it's only because He has been more than fair.

All of humanity has fully earned hell and God's judgment. Yet they cry out for fairness. If God were to deal fairly, all would be under His wrath. Yet God gives bread to the eater and rain to the sower (Isaiah 55:10). God blesses all mankind with this life. As if this were not enough, God has made it possible for us to be saved from our well deserved judgment by sending His own beloved Son to bear the wrath of God's justice for fallen humanity. Anyone who puts their faith in Jesus shall find that God's fairness towards them was given to Jesus in the crucifixion.

If we were to cry out to God and say, "The way of the Lord is not fair!" We should do so acknowledging that "The way of the Lord is more than fair!" Truly it seems unfair for Jesus to bear our judgment. However, because God loves you, Jesus willingly suffered your fair death, that you could have His fair life.

Steal No Longer

Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labour, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. – Ephesians 4:28

The fourth chapter of Ephesians has a great emphasis on the importance of the body of Christ. In Eph 4:4-6, we read that there is one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, God and Father that unify us as the Body of Christ. In other words, in Jesus we are all one. Paul continues then to show in Eph 4:11-13 how certain parts of the Body exist to enable and equip the whole Body of Christ to edify one another, unifying us further. Then in Eph 4:16 Paul goes on to point out the fact that the body of Christ is made up of individual parts who work corporately emphasising the importance of every part doing its share.

It is in this great context of oneness and one-another-ness that we find Eph 4:28. Often this verse is read in relation to those who stole before coming to Christ, and now should seek to do the opposite (give). But what if (keeping in mind the predominate context of the chapter) this is a message to Christians as Christians. In other words, the context of this passage could mean that Christians (as members of the Body), who do not do their share, are actually stealing from the Body of Christ.

How our own physical bodies function will lend light to this concept. God has designed our body’s members to work in harmony for the whole body’s ultimate good. In other words, the feet do not work simply for their own purposes. The feet serve the body, but also receive what they need from the body. The feet enable the body to walk from point A to B, but the body also supplies the feet with the nutrients (via digestive system through the blood), oxygen (via the lungs through the blood), direction and balance (via the head) etc. that the feet require to do their job and to exist. If part of our body did not contribute toward the wellness of the body, and only absorbed the body’s energy, we would call that part a parasite. A parasite only seeks its own benefit which weakens the body and does not strengthen it.

Christians who do not do their part in the body, I believe, are being exhorted here to steal no longer. Rather let them use what God has gifted them with for the benefit of the Body, that way he can give to him who has need. He will be receiving, but not thieving. He will be giving, but not depleting. It has been said that in churches 90% of the work is done by 10% of the people. Oh wouldn’t it be beautifully healthy if 100% of the work was done by 100% of the people? The irony of it is, only those who do their part truly enjoy the blessing of being part of the Body. Eyes that do not function but only draw away energy and nutrients are neither blessed nor blessing, yet always absorbing. Oh the beauty of a functioning body. Let him who stole steal no longer, rather let him fulfil His God-given role in the Body of Christ, that he may be used to satisfy him who has need.

The Will of God

Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. – Ephesians 5:17

What is the will of God for my life? This question comes up often in conversation and in prayer. It seems Christians are always struggling to figure out what God’s will is for their lives. Usually, this is a question in relation to specific matters such as whom I should marry, where I should work, when should we have kids, when should I retire etc. Verses such as Ephesians 5:17 can cause panic as we realize there are many situations in which we find ourselves and we do not know how to proceed. Rather than do something that is out of the will of God, we do nothing, which often is no better.

What is the will of God for your life? Here are some verses that clearly reveal His will for you.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 tells us that the will of God is that we are sanctified, or set apart for God’s purposes. Paul then gives the example of sexual immorality being one of those things that works against sanctification (being set apart for God’s purposes). It is God’s will that we allow Him to conform us into the image of Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us that the will of God is that we give thanks in everything. It is God’s will that we don’t complain about our problems, but rather in them offer thanks to God. To complain is essentially to say God has dealt with us in an unjust manner. God is never unfair. He is more than fair. God’s will for your life is for you to have an attitude of gratitude towards God.

1 Peter 2:15 tells us that the will of God is that we do good. God’s will for you is to seek to bless and be a blessing to others. As a Christian, God wills you to show through your life the goodness that you have received from God.

I believe that when we do what we know, then what we need to know will be revealed to us. In other words, rather than fretting about what God’s will is in your life in regards to the specificities of life, step back and see His will universally (generally). Are you being sanctified, giving thanks, and letting God’s goodness shine through your life? If you would answer ‘no’, then I think that is an indication that you should focus your attention on what you know you should be doing. Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. If you are letting Jesus work out His will in your life in these ways, I trust that, as you continue to seek Him, He will make His will, in more specific matters, clear. Be faithful in what you know and let the Spirit work out the details.

Jesus: The Only Way For Salvation

This 7min 28sec video features RC Sproul. Sproul powerfully explains here why Jesus is the only way to God. This is definitely worth a few of your minutes.

A Boundless Gospel

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” -Acts 1:8

Jesus’ words here are potent with depth and swelling with perspective on God’s gospel. Jesus tells us that the proclamation of the gospel by our lives requires the power of the indwelling Spirit of Jesus. This is an absolute essentiality in our witness of Christ. But here we also see something of the nature of a Spirit-empowered witness: Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Our gospel witness begins at home, but it does not simply remain there. In science we learn that nature hates a vacuum. This is why air in a balloon is not content to stay bound up. As soon as the nozzle of the balloon is open and released, the air bursts forth.

In many respects, the gospel is similar. God’s message by nature demands the pushing of our boundaries. Our comfort zones are always put to the test by the ‘going’ nature of the gospel. Indeed, the first word of the Great Commission is “go” (Matt 28:19). Have you become content with your gospel witness being compartmentalized in areas of your life? Are there places/people where you are in Jerusalem or “at home” with the gospel (i.e. certain friends, home, some neighbours)? If so, the Lord would call you out of your comfort zones into the next sphere of your life. The Lord would say, “bear witness in Judea and Samaria” (i.e. work place, school, acquaintances). From there, the Lord would say “bear witness to the world” (i.e. strangers). The nature of a Spirit-empowered, gospel witness is ever expanding, and always moving outward until the whole world hears.

The Spirit-empowers our witness of Jesus to not simply remain where we are comfortable, but to ever expand and take ground causing us to live in ordinary life as missionaries empowered by the Spirit of God, to a world that needs to see a witness of Jesus.

Creative Beauty

This past week, on our family day, we went to Birdworld as a family (praise God for Tesco Day's Out Vouchers). Included are some of the pictures I took when we were there. I was reminded afresh of the absolute beauty that God has placed in creation. He truly has given us all things richly to enjoy (1 Tim 6:17).

Looking at the various species of birds in their shapes, sizes, colours, and the grace with which they fly was humbling. I was humbled because God displayed such vibrancy in creation for our pleasure. He could have given us eyes that were monochrome and could only see black/white. He could have given us 2-Dimensional sight so we would have no depth perception. Yet, because He desires to display to us something of His own character in creation, He has given us sight/taste/touch/hearing/scent. Senses to perceive aspects of who our God is. That means that God has graced us with what we require to observe and discover Him as well. We have the Holy Spirit who reveals to us the deep things of God (1 Cor 2:10).

By the way... He is not dull and uncreative. He has shown such imagination in creation. Consider this fact. God is the first abstract artist! Artists re-create in art, something in nature. Even abstract artists, because they use shapes, colours, etc. None of these things existed before God created, so even our abstract artists are only copyists. God was not copying rather creating (we re-create, but He creates).

Such observations are reminders of how God not only gives us perception to observe such things, but He actually desires us to take enjoyment in the observation. Why? If it is enjoyable observing the wisdom in design and the beauty in form of creation (Psalm 104:24), how much more enjoyable must it be observe God Himself? I found great pleasure in observing the shapes/sizes/colours of these birds (objects of creation). How much more pleasurable must it be to observe and discover more about our God who has blessed us with these things? Oh, there is great pleasure and joy in discovering God! God doesn't desire our discovery of Him to be dull and flat obligation, rather an enthusiastic*, joyful, adventure where each ascended peak reveals a yet greater peak in the endless joy of ascending in knowledge of God.

*enthusiastic - comes from the Greek word enthusia, which is a compound word of en (in) Theos (God), which essentially means "a response to God in us".










































































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Running to Jesus

When I was thirteen years old, I once ran a mile in 6:15. That may sound fast, and it was fast for me, but there are plenty who are much faster. Yesterday, I decided that I needed to get back in shape. It wasn't raining, so I decided to go for a run. I ran a mile in 9:20! I was ashamed of my time. Granted when I was running at 13 I was about 5'11" and 140lbs (that's 10st), now I am 6'3" and 240lbs (17st 2lb). That's 4 inches extra and 100lbs extra!

Today I decided to go for another run. My time today was 8:19! Why was my time so drastically different? I am no authority on running, but here's what I think. Yesterday, I didn't know how far I was going to run. I figured I would run for a bit. When I hit a mile I was absolutely done. I thought maybe I would run anywhere from one to two miles. Today I had determined to run the one mile. The difference was over one minute improvement in my time.

This time my goal was set and my course was clear. I knew where I was running and what my goal was. I began to consider Hebrews 12:1-2 which says:

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

There are a number of things that could be brought out of this passage which, as a runner would improve your running time, but more importantly, as a Christian, strengthen your pursuit of Jesus. Let's briefly look at five things.

1. Laying aside every weight - a weight is something that slows you down. It isn't necessarily something that is not allowed, but rather not helpful. A runner in a race is free to run wearing wet blue jeans and combat boots along with a winter parka. However, he will find himself quickly exhausted because all his stamina is diverted to carrying these weights. As a Christian there are things that are not necessarily sin, but are also not helpful in my walk with God (1 Corinthians 6:12).

2. Laying aside the sin - distinct from mere weights, these are things that the Bible reveals as sin and are not just unhelpful, but rather detrimental. These are those things that trip us up in the race and can keep us from ever finishing (Galatians 5:1).

3. Run with endurance - the Christian life is not a short sprint, but rather a lifelong marathon. To endure means to push through the pain. We are not to quit just because we are running up hill or over rocky terrain. We are to continue our course (Matthew 10:24).

4. Run the race that is set before us - there are many other courses in life that one can run, but only Jesus is the Way (John 14:6). We need to run where God has directed us to run and allow His Word to be a light to our feet and a lamp to our path (Psalm 119:105).

5. Looking unto Jesus - we keep our eyes on the goal and the goal is Jesus. There are many things that want to distract our gaze, but we need to keep our eyes on the reason we run. We run to Him. The way I ran yesterday, I was uncertain as to what my goal was and this made my race more difficult than it needed to be. It was exhausting either way, but with our eyes on the goal, we run better. It was because Paul had his mind fixed on Jesus who was his goal that he said, that this race of life was a momentary light affliction compared with the glory of the eternal goal (2 Corinthians 4:17). At the end of his life he could say that he finished the race (Acts 20:24; 2 Timothy 4:7).

Let's pursue Jesus!

photo courtesy of Brad Peters Photography.

Are You Known in Hell?

I was meditating this morning in Acts 19. Paul is in Ephesus preaching Jesus and some Jewish exorcists show up on the scene.

Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches." Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirits answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" (Acts 19:13-15)

As I was reading the passage I remembered a book I read a while back by Leonard Ravenhill called Why Revival Tarries. In this book he has chapter called Known In Hell where he references this passage.

These exorcists attempt to cast out a demonic spirit from a man by the "Jesus whom Paul preaches". The demon then replies "Jesus I know, and PAUL I KNOW, but who are you?". The point that Ravenhill makes is Paul as a soldier of Jesus Christ was a threat to hell and thus was known in hell. Does the devil view you as a threat to his schemes? Ravenhill says, "Paul no longer wrestled with flesh (neither his own nor any other man's); he wrestled 'against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.' Does that shed any light on why this demon said, 'And Paul I know'?"

It's good to be a nuisance and a threat to hell. It's good to storm its gates, giving those who are lost the everlasting Gospel. I desire to be known in hell.

Real Help

I was reading this morning in Acts 16, and I thought I'd share something that stood out to me in the text.

9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. (Acts 16:9-10)

What does it mean to help someone? There are many ways in which we can offer help (or even things that we perceive as helpful that are actually unhelpful). What caught my eye here was a view into the biblical theology of real help. To really help someone is to tend to their 'realest' need. For example, we can help someone who has a headache by giving them paracetamol. But whether that actually is helping them is not immediately clear. If their headache is simply a symptom of a much greater problem, and the paracetamol only relieves the symptom but ignores the true need so that the person being helped can ignore the urgency of their real need, and thus we haven't actually helped them. In fact, we have given them a drug with which to escape the reality of a pressing need.

I'm not implying paracetamol is bad, but I say this to illustrate a point. Sometimes we think people's greatest needs are comfort, health, or some social or emotional need. If we make our primary occupation meeting these needs in an effort to be helpful, we can miss the great need.

The great need is the gospel, and the realest help for that need is for the gospel to be preached to them. The Apostle Paul understood this. The man appeared in the vision and said 'help us'. Paul and his companions concluded that the best help was to preach the gospel to them. The gospel addresses the core of every problem that people face. If we are consumed with medicating, then we never come around to the healing that only the gospel can bring (Isaiah 53:5).

I do not discount the reality that the preaching of the gospel is often partnered with meeting needs socially/physically. However, if we think we are helping anyone with what we do, and what we are doing does not involve the gospel, then at best we have given the one we are trying to help a false security. Should we help people socially/physically? Absolutely, however the core must be the cross of Jesus and the message must be the cross of Jesus and our 'help' is then only a shadow of the real help that only Jesus can give.

Jericho in Archaeology (Living Hope Ministries)

This video is about 33 minutes in length, but worth watching. It establishes much of the archaeological evidence for Jericho. If you would like to buy this DVD, click here or you can watch in here online.

Sharing Your Testimony

The Christian’s testimony is a hugely effective tool to open doors to share the Good News (Gospel) of Jesus with nonChristians. Essentially a testimony is an account of your personal experience with Jesus. The reality is, every Christian has a testimony. Many do not believe they have a testimony because they grew up in a Christian home. Yet, if Jesus is your Lord and Saviour, then you have experienced Him in your life and therefore you have a testimony. That testimony is a powerful tool of which we need to avail ourselves. A great example of this is in the book of Acts chapters 22-26, the Apostle Paul shares his testimony three times!

As Christians we know the Bible tells us very clearly to share our faith. One of our struggles is finding a bridge to bring the Gospel into the conversation. It can prove difficult to transition from the secular to the spiritual. As your testimony is an account of how you went from a life without God (secular) to a life hidden in God (spiritual), it carries with it a natural shift to talking about spiritual things. Since a testimony is an account of personal experience, it brings the Gospel from the realm of the abstract (from which one can distance himself personally) to the tangible (showing that the Gospel is applicable in a personal life). It is also easier for a person to relate to a personal story than it is cold truths. I say ‘cold truths’ because if they do not see how those truths relate, they simply do not warm up to them.

However, when your life is a result of a relationship with the Truth, then that truth is perceived as a living truth and they can see the power it has had in your life. This can bypass intellectual defences that a nonChristian may hide behind. Another interesting fact about your testimony is that it is a unique account of God’s work. Every Christian experiences the same truths, but the contexts in which those truths are revealed is variable.

It is also important to remember that our witness (testimony) is not to be in our own power. Acts 1:8 says that “you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be witnesses unto me.” That means that God’s Spirit will enable your witness. If you consider this in legal terms, a witness takes the stand and responds to the prompting of the lawyer (i.e. the lawyer asks a question and the witness responds with giving an account of their experience). It is not for the witness to convince the jury. It is for the witness to give an account. It is the job of the lawyer to convince the jury. In a sense, the Holy Spirit is the lawyer and as we rely on Him, we relay those experiences that He can then use to convince the hearer.

Since we understand that our testimony has great value, how do we relay share our testimony? We can draw some wisdom for the Apostle Paul. Acts 26 is a good example to consider when sharing our testimonies. Paul’s testimony here can be broken up into three sections:

1. Before: What his life was like before Christ (Acts 26:4-11).
2. How: How Paul became a Christian (Acts 26:12-20).
3. After: What difference Christ made in his life (Acts 26:21-23).
4. Follow Up: Moving from his personal experience to their personal need (Acts 26:24-29).

1. Before

As you think about the work God was doing in your own life, what were some of the things that revealed your need for God?

• Inner unrest
• Emptiness
• Life seemed without meaning
• Loneliness
• Lack of security
• Lack of purpose
• Fear of death
• Futility of religion

It is important to share only a few of these experiences. It is better to focus more on one or two points than to vaguely mention many. It is also important to always be honest. Never try to embellish your testimony (that would be bearing false witness and thus cannot be true witness).

Many without Christ are struggling with a huge sense of lack. The Alpha Course has caught onto this with their slogan “Is there more to life than this?” As you share about the need that you sensed you can then share about some of the pursuits you tried to fulfil that need with. Here are some examples.

• 

  Relationships
• Sex
• Power/Influence
• Sports
• Entertainment
• Money
• Substance abuse

2. How

What was taking place that helped you realize that your pursuits could not satisfy your need? What was the event (or sequence of events) that led to your conversion? Was there a crisis involved? What were some of the biblical truths that became clear to you at that time? This is a good place to share the Gospel in your testimony. The Gospel is fundamentally:

• Everyone has broken God’s good and holy law (Romans 3:23)
• The just penalty for breaking His law is hell (Romans 6:23).
• Jesus lived a perfect (lawful) life so He could pay our penalty (2 Corinthians 5:21).
• Those who trust in Jesus’ work and receive Jesus as their Lord have eternal life (Romans 10:9-10).

3. After

How has Jesus been working in your life? How has He changed you and filled your great spiritual need? How is the reality of your spiritual need being met seen in your life? i.e. the sense of significance I lacked which I tried to fulfil through being a workaholic, is fulfilled; my significance is in the fact that God loves me and gave Himself for me.

It is important when sharing this not to lead your listener to assume that your life is now easy and without difficulty. Christianity is not an escape from hardships.

Different people have different testimonies

If you grew up in a strong Christian home, your testimony may seem a bit different from the person who was a prostitute or a drug abuser. However the Gospel is the same for all people. For example, you may have grown up in a Christian home, but maybe you thought religion or morality was going to save you. Your testimony may be about needing to repent of self-righteousness. If you remember receiving Christ as a child and have always walked with Him, your testimony may have less “before” content, however there is always a before.

4. Follow Up

After telling your story

This is often a good opportunity to invite the person to whom you are testifying to talk about spiritual things. You can ask questions such as:

• Has anything like that ever happened to you?
• Would you be interested in talking about what the Bible says?
• What do you think happens when you die?

If they respond with a lack of interest, you can leave the door open for future discussion by saying something like, “These are important things. If you ever want to talk about the Bible or spiritual things, let me know, I’d love to talk about this with you.”

Some last notes

Try to make sure that you avoid the foreign language of “Christian-ese”. Here are some terms that we Christians are familiar with but nonChristians may not understand. Along with these words are some possible substitute phrases.

• Believe/Accept -> Trusted in, Relied upon
• Sin -> Breaking God’s law, Disobedience
• Saved/Born-again -> Became a real Christian
• Christian -> Committed Christian, Real Christian
• Righteousness -> Having a right relationship

It may also be helpful to write down your testimony and to memorize it as well as any Scriptures you use in connection with it. This doesn’t imply that you read your testimony to people. Our testimony should not simply be a mechanical exercise. I often find that the details that I share with one individual may be different from the details I share with another individual. Pray and ask the Lord to lead you as you share your testimony. Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you the words to say and that the Holy Spirit would open up the hearer’s heart to receive.

If you are interested in hearing some testimonies, a good place to go is iamsecond.com. Many of these are well worth watching.

A Parable on Salvation

This short 3min video is well worth your time to watch. Why is Jesus different from every other religious leader? Watch and see.

Answers...

We have just finished a four week series of events called "Answers on the Green". So often people hold the notion that Christians follow a blind faith that doesn't provide answers. Ironically, they usually arrive at this view not because they have researched the answers and or asked questions of thoughtful Christians. Rather they have heard the question posed and not being able to answer it themselves, assume there is no valid answer. Others claim that the Christian just uses circular reasoning and never adequately give intelligible answers. It then becomes easy to dismiss Christianity because an inaccurate stereotype has been applied to it.

This stereotype is most unfortunate for there are some extremely compelling rebuttals for many of the questions posed to Christians. We chose to hold these open air meetings to public allow anyone who had asked some of these questions to take some time to listen to a biblical Christian response. This does not imply that everyone will be satisfied with every answer, but hopefully it will help those asking the questions to see that though they may have trouble giving ascent to the answers given, they may acknowledge that the Christian faith isn't simply a bunch of unthoughtful simpletons who blindly follow a piper. But rather the Christian faith is for thinking people and that the answers given do contain logic and reasonableness. In our meetings we tackled four of the questions that are commonly asked of Christians. Those questions were:

1. Can there be only one true religion? (mp3)
2. How can a good God allow suffering? (mp3)
3. How can a loving God send people to hell? (mp3)
4. Doesn't science disprove the Bible? (mp3)

Of course, these were only four of the questions that are often asked. There are others, however in each case the Bible gives sufficient answers for them.

As those who do not have a blind faith but rather a faith that is both informed and rational, we desire as best as we can, to give answers to your questions as the Bible says in 1 Peter 3:15. If you have a genuine question, please contact us and we will do our best to give an answer.

Israel Study Tour Update

Update: The time has been extended so if you are interested in joining us in Israel, please contact us!

The time has come to make some prayerful decisions as to whether individuals in the body want to go to Israel. We will need to know by the 15th of June who is committing to going on the study tour. Going to Israel is refreshing and enlightening. I was amazed at how much of the Bible was opened to me when I saw the land, geography, and archaeology. It was the Bible in 3D. Often times when thinking about passages in the Bible, my mind goes to the many scenes in my head as I can picture exactly where a biblical event took place.

For the booking form, follow this link. The booking form needs to be returned by the 15th of June as we need to get deposits in for the airfare.

This trip is not exclusively for members of Calvary Chapel Leatherhead. If you are interested in coming, please contact us.

The Anchor

Why is our radio broadcast called "Anchored Deep"?

Growing up on the beach in Southern California, I had many experiences with the ocean. When I consider the ocean many images come to mind, but of those images, two are waves and currents.

I remember often going into the water from the beach at one place and 20 minutes later I find myself in a different place because of the current. I also remember the many times I would go snorkeling to explore the world under the waves as the water flowed back and forth in an almost hypnotic way as the long sea grasses would sway back and forth. That watery atmosphere influenced me greatly when in the water. One time I specifically remember (having been snorkeling for well over an hour) I had tremendous difficulty getting out of the water. My equilibrium had given itself to the sway of the waves and when coming out of the waves I staggered as a drunkard.

In this world we live in, it is easy to be swayed by its atmosphere and become disoriented or even to begin to drift. This is where the image of the anchor comes in for the anchor lodges itself under the edge of a rock and as long as that rock doesn't move and drift, neither does the boat that is anchored to it.

The Bible tells us that we have an anchor to our souls. In Hebrews 6:19, we read that our faith in Christ is an anchor that holds within the veil (within the presence of God). Jesus is a sure and steadfast rock, and when our faith is in Him, the swells and currents of this world may pull on our faith, but they cannot dislodge it from the object of our faith (Jesus). Curiously, our anchor as Christians does not go down but up. We are not anchored to this world, but to heaven!

God's Word, which is all about Jesus, declares the strength of that Rock to whom we are anchored. That is why we call the broadcast Anchored Deep. It is God's word that strengthens our trust in that rock which shall not be moved.

To read about the anchor as being an early Christian symbol, click here.

To become a fan of Anchored Deep's Facebook page,, click here.

To listen to Anchored Deep, tune into Sky Digital 0156 or listen to is on the internet here.

The Jesus Tomb Unmasked

Two years ago there was a "documentary" produced by the Discovery Channel called "The Lost Tomb of Jesus". The "documentary" would lead the viewer to believe that Jesus never rose from the dead. The film maker who made it had come to his conclusion before viewing any evidence.

The Jesus Tomb Unmasked has been long in coming as they interview many archaeologists including those interviewed in the Discovery Channel documentary. This true documentary does a great job in debunking "The Lost Tomb of Jesus".

If you are located in the US you can buy this DVD from Amazon.com, you can also watch this video online for free at Expedition Bible. I watched it online and I think it was about 25min long.

This is a great resource for anyone you know who put stock in the Talpiot Tomb as being Jesus' tomb.

Matthew 28:6

Never An Empty Word

"For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

Isaiah 55:10-11

I was meditating on these verses this past week. God's Word does not return void (empty). It always accomplishes what He sent it forth to accomplish. So often I speak words in vain. There are times I speak and nothing results from my words. Not too long ago I wrote a lengthy e-mail to someone to offer counsel on a trial they were going through. My e-mail programme crashed and I lost the e-mail. That meant 30 minutes of work lost instantly. I sensed my typing was in vain and I set out to retype it.

Unfortunately we can project our own vain efforts onto the Lord. Since we can do things in vain we often times subconsciously approach God as if He suffers the same limitations. However, God's Word is never ineffective or in vain. The purpose it accomplishes is His purpose, which may not be in accord with our own.

To help see how effective His Word going forth from His mouth, accomplishing His work, and returning to Him when the work is fulfilled, we look to Jesus!

Jesus is the Word of the Father (John 1:1). The Father sent Jesus (John 17:3). Jesus accomplished the work that He was sent to accomplish (John 19:30). Jesus returned to the Father (Eph 4:10). The Word of God did not return to Him void, but accomplished what God pleased (Isa 53:10).

As we speak God's Word to people and God's Word is spoken to us, let us acknowledge that God will use it. It may not be in the way we think, however we know it will be as the Father pleases and will not return to Him empty.

Children's Bibles

There are numerous children's Bibles on the market. We must have about a dozen in our home. Some of them as you read you wonder if the author has ever even read the Bible! Not all books are created equal. Discernment is important even (or should I say especially) at the children's level.

Usually children's Bibles take each story as a unique and disconnected pericope and neglect to weave the story into The Story.

In our desire to read good books with our little ones, I have recently come across two children's Bibles that I enjoy greatly.

The Big Picture Story Bible
amazon.co.uk eden.co.uk
This book written by David Helm and illustrated by Gail Schoonmaker fits the title: THE BIG PICTURE. Reading through this book with my kids was exciting! Each story leads to the next chronologically through many Bible stories, but each one is connected. They build upon each other, unfolding God's divine plan of redemption.

At the end of each chapter a door is opened to discuss God's purpose for man and God's reason for sending Jesus.

ISBN: 978-1-58134-277-2


The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name
amazon.co.uk eden.co.uk
This volume is written by Sally Lloyd-Jones (no relation to "the Doctor", MLJ) and illustrated by Jago. The tagline in the title says it all, "Every story whispers His name".

All of Scripture is about Jesus and S. Lloyd-Jones, brings this to light as each story points to one who is greater: Jesus. Again this book is a great conversation starter with the kids and it teaches the kids at a very young age to look for Jesus in the Scriptures.

ISBN: 978-0-310-70824-4


If you find yourself looking for a children's Bible for your family or as a gift for another family I would recommend either of these. Especially if the family are unbelievers (great bedtime reading with the kids), these will lay out both the need for the gospel and the promise of a Redeemer for those who believe throughout Scripture.


btw - Here's my review of the Jesus Storybook Bible over at Living Social:

This is a great children's Bible. I think the 2 that have really nailed it for me are this one and "The Big Picture Story Bible". So many children's either emphasis some peripheral aspect of the story as opposed to the Bible's main objective. Others have absolutely appalling theology. One children's Bible I read began with creation and went on to say that God rested on the 7th day because He was so exhausted from all his work. In trying to be 'cute' and relatable, the story denied the omnipotence of God relegating him to some demi-god at best.

This Bible puts the emphasis where it should be - Jesus. Jesus told the religious leaders in John 5, "You search the Scriptures and in them you think you find life, but these are those which testify of ME."

If we read a Bible and don't walk away with Jesus, then we walk away without life. Often times children's Bibles will have you walk away with a moralistic nomism or quaint tales akin to Aesops Fables painting proverbial wisdom which is not much different than Confucism. This children's Bible points to Jesus in every story. Jesus is the Hero. Jesus is man's only hope of salvation. Behold the volume of the book is written of Jesus.

Though Your Sins Are Like Scarlet, They Shall Be As White As Snow

The whole appearance of Leatherhead changed yesterday. Snow, snow and more snow. Dianna and I took the kids out for the day as we walked all over Leatherhead. There was a great vibe in the town as an abundance of people were about enjoying the snow. A real gladness was visible on everyone's faces. It was a lot of fun.

As we were walking through the foot deep snow which covered everything, we enjoyed the newly created landscape from the snow. We passed people building snow men in various places, random snowball fights breaking out across the town. Starbucks coffee shop's windows were steamed over for the multitude of people buying hot beverages. There was a sense of celebration.

What a joy the snow brought, but snow does not last. Even now I look out my window as I blog and the snow is melting. It is temporary. What lies underneath will soon be visible again and the pure white snow will have disappeared.

I am reminded of what God said through the prophet Isaiah...

"Come now, and let us reason together," says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)

The Lord says that He wants to take our scarlet / crimson sin-stained heart and turn it pure white as snow. People in Leatherhead and indeed throughout the U.K. were enjoying the beauty of pure white over the land. Yet, there is a greater beauty for those who put their trust in Jesus as their Saviour. The sin stained heart is cleansed and made white as snow. This isn't simply a passing enjoyment such as the snow that melts away and what was previously there is revealed. This is a transformation of the heart as Jesus gives a new heart, a clean heart. What Jesus does is eternal. Our enjoyment then isn't simply white on the town, but white in the heart. With a clean heart we can worship God and enjoy His goodness for His favour will never melt away.

On Purpose

We have a wonderful gospel that we preach. It is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe (Rom 1:16). Yet so often we walk with that gospel haphazardly, and lose the intentionality of Jesus.

When reading of Jesus' ministry in the Gospels, it's vital to remember that He didn't minister on accidentally, but rather purposefully.

His view of His time of earth was to summed up in a word: MISSION. Jesus was a missionary. Do a study of the statements Jesus makes in the Gospels regarding His purpose for coming. Time and again Jesus says things like.

Mark 1:38 But He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth."

John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

John 12:27 Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour.

John 18:37 Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

Jesus, the Missionary, sent out by the Father, lived with intentionality and purpose. This is what He taught His disciples as well. They too lived with purpose. Acts 8 is extremely revealing.

Acts 8:1-4 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.

The church went out of Jerusalem (except for the Apostles) to the surrounding region, but notice that they went preaching the gospel. Circumstances caused them to change location, but the whole body of Christ had a sense of the mission to spread the Gospel. They walked with intentionality in their purpose, the shoes of the gospel on their feet and the Holy Spirit over-flowing their heart. Here we see the Master's reflection in the life of His disciples. May our Master see His reflection clearly in our gospel purposed lives.

John 20:21-22 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.