THE FIGHTING CHANCE

THE FIGHTING CHANCE

Our Confidence in Spiritual Warfare C. Doug Blair, 2011

WHEN THE SPIRIT COMES

In the 16th chapter of John, perhaps more than anywhere else in the Gospels, Jesus explains to His friends what influence the Holy Spirit will soon have in their lives.

They can expect much greater intimacy with Jesus and His agenda because of the Spirit's influence. They can expect an increase in the convicting power in their words, actions and demeanour, because of the sway of the Spirit. And they can expect a much greater degree of ostracism and persecution, just as their Lord had seen it.

Jesus is honest. He knows what is in the heart of man. He will not spare his friends the news that things are going to get tough. Idols will be shaken. Pass-times and associations will be held up to the light. Hypocrisies will

1

become transparent. Man-made rules will be exposed in all of their futility.

Not only the wicked but the self-righteous are going to balk at this, even to the point of violence and murder, whether it be of the person or of the reputation. And when you stumble, which you will, the hounds will be quick to say, "See he blew it. He isn't perfect. This thing doesn't work. Forget about Jesus. Go on with business as usual." That is the spirit of anti-christ. It needs to be prayed down, loved down, served down by the extraordinary Person who dwells within us. (Acts 10:38)

And we have been assured that 'greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world'. Some who deal with us start out peeved or fuming, but end up drawn by our indomitable asset..."joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1 Peter 1:8). That too is the working of the Spirit. The fumers may become family. We are not to respond blow for blow, but rather blessing for blow. This takes supernatural love, and the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, etc. (Galatians 5:22,23)

NEW WEAPONS

You have become my gladiators, gladiators of steadfastness, patience, mercy, long-suffering, prayerfulness, watching and waiting. You did not choose me but I chose you, and ordained you that you might go forth and bear fruit and that your fruit might remain.

Once gladiators faced their king affirming, "We who are about to die salute you." But you the new gladiators have the privilege of saying, "We who are never going to die will salute You forever with thankful hearts."

And this is the weapon I give you to defeat the devices of the enemy; it is thanksgiving. You will recall past mercies and deliverances and will go forward with confidence to do my work, partnering with me and bringing me glory.

And in this service there will be times when you will be acted upon, when

2

you will be passive, when adverse circumstances and coarse people will refine the ore. But was this not the place of my Son's greatest work? His Passion? The power is spelled out in a peculiar way in the Beatitudes (hungering, thirsting, mourning, making peace, being pure, meek, choosing not to retaliate, being persecuted for righteousness etc.)

SEND THE DOG YELPING

One story of Smith Wigglesworth always brings a smile. He had been visiting a woman on some matters of counsel and she had accompanied him to the boulevard fronting her house in order to wait for his ride.

Her little dog followed them with an imperious air to a spot dangerously close to the roadway.

"Now go on back to the porch, Rusty. You shouldn't be out here near traffic." She threw in a sweeping hand gesture for good measure.

No response. Just a cheeky look which seemed to say, 'Nope, not gonna happen.'

A second rebuke with words something like, "Now do what you're told. Scoot!"

Five perky steps in the opposite direction. Then nothing...

"Rusty, don't make me get the switch."

At this point Wigglesworth clapped those big plumber's hands, and with the booming voice which could rival Niagara, "Be gone! Now!"

A yelp. A tail between the legs. A cringing retreat to the front porch. A peeking out from behind railing pickets.

3

"And that Madam," Wigglesworth noted, "is how we must deal with the devil in the name of Jesus."

DEVIL’S DILEMMA

I am frightened and I swore I’d never fear.I am frightened because Jesus Christ is near.He has overcome my works;He has shown anointed power.Does he not know that this age is Satan’s hour?

Just today, he and disciples set afloat,And by chance Christ fell asleep upon the boat.I attacked with wind and waves;Awesome thunderings were heard;He awoke and calmed the tempest with his Word!

Once ashore, in the land of Gadarenes,That young lad with schizophrenia was seen.

4

I had long deprived his brain;Christ just set it back in line,Casting out my demon spirits into swine.

All the people of the village came to see,Evidence of that perverted youth set free.He had kept them all in fear,Lurking naked from the graves.Now he thrills to spread the message, “Jesus saves!”

Next, returning to the port from whence he came,Christ was met by crowds pressed close, praising his name.An old rabbi begged his help: “Heal my dying child,” he said.Then Christ prayed for her and raised her from the dead!

This has been a devastating day for me.He has taught of how God’s Holy Word sets free.If they realize this truth,If they stand on what’s been told,They will reap from faith seeds planted hundredfold!

I have not seen such authority in life,Since before I deposed Adam and his wife.Once they walked in full dominion,‘Til I praised the fruit forbidden,And I duped them into sickness, death and strife.

It is clear his mission here is from the Lord.How I fear this Jesus’ words won’t be ignored!If his efforts in the earth Spread the Holy Spirit’s power,It is finished! I am come to my last hour!

1 JOHN 3:8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

5

ROCK WALL

In retreatI felt a shadow at my back.Lesser spaceTo dodge oppressers in attack.Weapons drawnAnd creeping forward for the kill.Spirit drainedAnd having lost all strength of will,I hit the wall.

But this stoneHad little ridges for ascent.Nothing leftBut to cling tight, so up I went.Gaining thereA truer view of all my woes.Smaller nowFrom perch of peace, seemed all my foes.This wall was prayer.

THOSE BIG FELLAS

My thoughts often turn to our friend Geri. She and her husband Allan played a very large role in encouraging my wife and myself in early Christian experience. She was the wide-eyed, petite, feminine one with a tremendous sense of humour, hospitality and gentleness in her treatment of others. Allan, a long-trip trucker, had a remarkable way, out on the road, in meekly coming alongside a fellow trucker, hearing of his gains or losses, and turning the conversation toward Christ.

I wish that I had retained the details better on this story, but here goes. Geri

6

had a sister who was in missionary work in South America with her husband. The native communities contacted were very primitive and significantly uncomfortable with outsiders. This was over forty years ago.

The husband was called away by small aeroplane from their new and undeveloped mission camp. The woman busied herself with domestic improvements, singing and Bible reading to stave off loneliness. At night on the outskirts of the dark bush, she thought often that she was hearing the sounds of furtive native feet, or perhaps animals coming close to the shack. She made a point of keeping some lights on inside. In heated prayer, she met God on many of these occasions.

Her husband returned after about a week with good news of a safe and successful trip. One morning shortly thereafter, he discovered a native elder with a small retinue outside the home. The old man seemed embarrassed and apologetic. He admitted that, unknown to him, some of the younger tribesmen had planned to harrass and perhaps kill Geri's sister. They had felt threatened by the presence of the misssionaries.

But each night as they approached the shack, "those big fellas" were there again, guarding the front door. Tall. Muscular. White. Almost glowing. Repeatedly the interlopers lost heart in the venture. " Please, sir, who were these men that you left with your wife?"

Psalm 34: 7The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

JUST A VISIT SOMEDAY

A Cuban friend David told me a story about his Father, a pastor in the home country.

The safety of house churches appears to vacillate in Cuba from year to year. Sometimes there is rest and the worship goes on undisturbed. Other times,

7

unannounced investigations and house raids, often of deplorable violence and destruction.

In one such raid the storm troopers used clubs and pipes. David's Father was severely beaten about the head and back. Complaints were forwarded to government officials and charges of "excessive force" were laid against a few of the officers.

At the summation of the hearing the Pastor was called upon to give a victim impact statement. Did he seek revenge, punishment, dismissal? No. He simply stated that he hoped someday the officer would visit his house to share a coffee or two in peace. This pre-disposition toward forgiveness worked mightily upon the policeman and in subsequent years he became a believer and a pastor.

Such is the power of forgiveness in a world lusting for pay-back.

Paul the Apostle knew of this power:

Romans 12:

17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

8

DEADLY GRAFFITI

Paid a visit to a nearby coffee shop early this morning. This is a place with a real sense of neighbourhood. Many regular customers, and many of them elderly. Much courteous talk, happy greetings, newspapers shared, doors held open. People being decent and civil.

In the men's washroom however, I was disturbed to see new black magic marker disfigurement on doors and walls. Some youth gang insignia and an inverted cross with numbers 6...6...6 at the head and hands positions. Isn't that sweet? Somebody wanting to identify with the worst of evil as they sully the place.

Should we be saying once again, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Increasingly this is a time when good is called bad, and bad good. Music is filled with thoughts of hate and violence. Reality shows laud profane, fiery temper in the kitchen; and manipulation and mendacity on survivor island; and bare-fisted mauling and murder in the ultimate fighter's ring. The message going around is that in being open to such our youth are being strong and realistic and "nobody's fool". Sad.

Now back to the graffiti. Just as three ones represent the ultimate in God's goodness and unity, so the three sixes represent the worst that crops up in selfish man (the sixth day's creation). I am not going to spiritualize away the very real concept of a coming time upon the earth ruled by the enemies of faith, and one Anti-Christ in particular. At that time the mark (666) and the allegiance, the program and the wicked service will be the only alternative to martyrdom. All becomes grasping and fearful and suspicious. (See our previous post "Man of Sin" of January 16, 2010) Not a joke in the least...

Smarten up kids! Draw something beautiful. Write something edifying. Get out of the dark corner.

9

ENEMIES BECOME FAMILY

I recall the scene in the Book of Acts where Stephen is giving the account of his faith and the religionists of the day can hardly stand to hear him. The text says that they gnashed upon him with their teeth, and rushed to stone him to death.

Gnashed with their teeth. The sort of thing a crazy man does. And in this instance who was crazy? The one telling of God's faithful keeping of His people up to and including the arrival of Messiah? Or the ones insisting on viciously quenching the message which threatened their stultifying tradition?

Doubtless many of these persecutors were eventually horrified by their action here, learned more of the Christian community in their midst, repented and were saved. Among that number was Saul of Tarsus, eventually to become the Apostle Paul.

The immediately preceding post on this blog (dealing with the Elliot story of missions to Ecuador) provoked me to re-visit this concept of enemies becoming members of the family of faith. I see this as a tremendous aspect of revival in the coming days. There is just too much grasping and brutishness around us. This will draw many to repent and to reach out for the "living water" to be found only in Christ. Mercy will become beautiful in their eyes.

There is a marvelous scene in the movie classic Ben Hur. The carpenter of Nazareth steps forward to offer water to the thirst-ravaged Ben Hur, a member of a slave chain gang bound for the galley ships of Rome. The commanding Roman officer steps forward with his whip, but is powerless to stop this act of mercy. Indeed, deep within, he does not want to stop it. Would he someday in the near future, throw in his lot with the followers of the Galilean? End the craziness?

10

WHEN HE FINALLY CAME TO HIMSELF

I was about twelve when John MacNee Sr. took four of us boys to see the epic movie Ben Hur. It had a huge impact - scenes of Palestine, naval battles in slave galleys, chariot races, festivals at Rome, scenes of Jesus' Galilean ministry, leper colonies and Easter week.

Judah Ben Hur was an angry and vengeful man. Betrayed by a boyhood friend into slavery, years at sea fighting Rome's enemies, freedom granted by the very man who put him at the oars, training in a charioteer's stable and ultimate victory in the ring and restoration to home and Jerusalem. But only three things motivated him - staying alive, enjoying the sweet death of his enemy Massala and finding his displaced mother and sister. Judah was in Jerusalem during the trial and execution of the prophet Jesus of Nazareth. His experience was life-changing. (See the video strip posted in this blog.)

What seeds were planted by this trip to the movies? The power of forgiveness, the compassion of Christ, the matchless work of the cross. Of the four young viewers, John Jr. went on to become a lawyer and a diplomat, Peter an Anglican rector and canon, David a writer for the C.B.C. and myself, well...

The origin of the story is fascinating. Major General Lew Wallace of the Union Army in the U.S. Civil War distinguished himself only moderately, then returned in civilian life to the practice of law, and stints as Governor of the New Mexico Territory and Diplomatic Minister to the Ottomon Empire. He became interested in writing. At the time he began the novel, "Ben Hur, A story of the Christ" (1880) he would not have called himself a man of faith, but something happened...

The following account is taken from a Masters program paper submitted in the Department of History at Miami University (2005), Oxford, Ohio:

Curiously, Wallace remembered, “To lift me out of my indifference, one would think only strong affirmations of things regarded holiest would do,” such as could be found in the written and spoken words of pastors and theologians.21 Yet it was not the testimony of the faithful that shook Wallace out of his indifference; rather it was the speech of the “Great

11

Infidel,” Colonel Robert Green Ingersoll. Ingersoll was infamous for traveling the country delivering lectures on the merits of unbelief. Wallace was well aware of Ingersoll’s reputation, but he was also personally acquainted with him. Both men served at Shiloh, and they were also active in the Republican Party. In 1876, a soldiers’ reunion and the Republican National Convention simultaneously converged in Indianapolis and allowed for an encounter that would challenge Wallace’s religious apathy.

Wallace boarded the evening Indianapolis bound train in Crawfordsville. He made hisway down the aisle and was passing the stateroom when he heard a knock on the window. Wallace opened the stateroom door to discover Ingersoll inside, eager for conversation. Wallace consented to provide the conversation if he could dictate the subject. Ingersoll acquiesced. Wallace began by asking if there is a God. Ingersoll, as expected, answered that he did not know and asked Wallace if he did. Wallace continued, asking if there was a devil, heaven, hell, and hereafter. Ingersoll supplied the same response to each inquiry, “I do not know, do you?” After establishing the topics of conversation, Wallace allowed Ingersoll to begin. Wallace remembered, “I sat spellbound, listening to a medley of argument, eloquence, wit, satire, audacity, irreverence, poetry, brilliant antitheses, and pungent excoriation of believers in God, Christ, and Heaven, the like of which I had never heard.” Two hours later the train rolled into Indianapolis’ Central Station where Wallace and Ingersoll parted company. Wallace declined soliciting a streetcar to bear him to his brother’s residence on the northeast side of town; Ingersoll’s statements had made him feel like walking.

“Trudging on in the dark, alone except as one’s thoughts may be company,” Wallace recalled, “I was aroused for the first time in my life to the importance of religion.” He considered it ironic that “outright denials of all human knowledge of God, Christ, Heaven, and the Hereafter” would stir him out of indifference. Wallace’s “reading had covered nearly every other subject” except religion.

He admitted reading the great sermons of the day, but “always for the surpassing charm of their rhetoric” and not for their spiritual message.

THE FALL AND RISE OF LEW WALLACE:GAINING LEGITIMACY THROUGH POPULAR CULTUREby Shaun Chandler Lighty

12

JOHN THE BELOVED STANDS

In John 18 we follow Jesus from Gethsemane to the palace of the High Priest. We flinch as we anticipate Peter's rooster-heralded denials. But we miss something concerning John:

15And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. 16But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.

John went into the hall of stiff and starched religion and stood as a witness to the abuse which was being heaped upon Jesus' name and mission. Do we go into such places and stand with Jesus against hypocrisy, man-made tradition, compromise with worldly priorities and play-things, coldness of heart, misrepresentation of the Word of God, prayerlessness?

Well done brave beloved one. You are soon going to receive your Lord's sweet bequest of His Mother; and she your ministrations and shared love and reminiscences of the glorious carpenter.

A WITNESS FOR HIM

I am troubled LordBy what you wouldHave me announce.It is jarring,Sobering,Quite unlike formerNews of encouragement,Edification, comfort.

13

Often I have visitedYour BodyWith thrillingWords of destiny,Agenda, untapped potential,Giving the faithfulGlimpses ofThe ‘greater things thatThey might do’Because You have goneUnto the Father.Harvest, Healing,Reconciliation,Prosperous venture.Many platforms.But now I seeStraightenings, reproach,Desertions,A little flockAnd I tremble.Is this moment yourTime to showThe assembliesThat without YouThey can do nothing?To weep atThe World taken in?To repent againWith wiser eyes,Multiplied scars?From self-assuranceWhich years backHad evictedPure, holy,Precious, child-likeBeggar’s faithFrom their midst?Submission to Sovereignty?Compassion for the unlovely?Worship without shopping lists?

14

Will this be the timeFor serious harvest?In a dark and perverseGeneration?Without honest answers.May we find againYour Sabbath? (Isaiah 58)And delight inAnd through You?Only?

WISE AS SERPENTS, REALLY?

In our dealings with people outside the faith Jesus told us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. The Apostle Paul told us to honour all men and to love the brotherhood. There is a graduation of affinity here.

I came across an interesting illustration from the story of David in 2 Samuel 10:

1 In the course of time, the king of the Ammonites died, and his son Hanun succeeded him as king. 2 David thought, "I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me." So David sent a delegation to express his sympathy to Hanun concerning his father. When David's men came to the land of the Ammonites, 3 the Ammonite nobles said to Hanun their lord, "Do you think David is honoring your father by sending men to you to express sympathy? Hasn't David sent them to you to explore the city and spy it out and overthrow it?" 4 So Hanun seized David's men, shaved off half of each man's beard, cut off their garments in the middle at the buttocks, and sent them away.5 When David was told about this, he sent messengers to meet the men, for they were greatly humiliated. The king said, "Stay at Jericho till your beards have grown, and then come back."6 When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench in David's nostrils, they hired twenty thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth Rehob

15

and Zobah, as well as the king of Maacah with a thousand men, and also twelve thousand men from Tob.7 On hearing this, David sent Joab out with the entire army of fighting men.

The King of Ammon could not attribute grace to David's motives. He could not understand it. It was not in his nature. He was limited to strategizing as he thought he might have acted in a similar situation. David was stunned at the response.

How many times have we been wrongly accused of proceeding as the world might proceed, when that was nowhere near our intention. It would be wise to take on the eyes of a serpent briefly in order to anticipate the next development and to make the best possible application thereafter of gentleness. There must be a timeliness and an economy in the outreach.

It was said of Jesus that He knew what was in man. Look at the slander which He suffered! Yet look at the grace which He consistently dispensed.

DIDN’T I SEND IT?

I remember an adult Bible study session when one of the men commented on the recent earthquake devastation in Haiti. He made us aware of a time in the history of that nation when leaders fresh from a colonial experience made a public pledge of allegiance to voodoo. We know that the island is heavily into witchcraft.

Others in the group took great exception to the suggestion that God had "caused" the devastation. They reminded that the judicial hammer of the Old Testament had been over-ridden by the "golden rule" of the New Covenant instituted by Jesus, the friend of sinners.

One might take a look at the story in John 8 where Jesus spares the woman caught in adultery. Indeed the religious crowd had found her in the very act. There is no explanation as to why the male wrongdoer was not also dragged forward for censure. Jesus discerned that this defect in the process prohibited

16

any sentence of stoning unto death as prescribed in the law. No man in the gathering was sinless or impartial. No man was entitled to cast the first stone. Except Jesus. He assured the woman that he did not condemn her. He recognized her genuine contrition. He told her to "go and sin no more".

And this was entirely consistent with the mission of Jesus at that time. John tells us in the third chapter of his Gospel that 'God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved'.

As extensions of our Lord, we the members of His Body continue to woo the sinner and to offer the free gift of grace in this process of "repentance unto life". But another Day is coming! One in which Jesus will fully and truly perform the function of Judge. We must direct toward Him the same holy fear which we know the Father requires.

The Father has already said in His Word such things as the following:

Amos 4:

6And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

7And also I have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained not withered.

8So two or three cities wandered unto one city, to drink water; but they were not satisfied: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

9I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured them: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

10I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt: your young men have I slain with the sword, and have taken away your horses; and I have made the stink of your camps to come up unto your nostrils: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

17

11I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

12Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.

THIRD AND FOURTH GENERATION, BAH!

Deuteronomy 5:

9Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, (graven images) nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,

10And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

One could also look at Exodus 20:5,6 and Exodus 34:6,7 and Numbers 14:18.

18

Now let us visit the ladies' fellowship luncheon at Glory Charismatic Tabernacle and tune in on a conversation:

"I tell you Gladys, we've just got to pray for Marj. Her emotional state of late has been really sad. Morose. Prone to unexpected bouts of crying. Critical. Down on her kids for their lack of church enthusiasm. I think she needs deliverance. She told me once that her grandparents were big on the occult...you know, horoscopes, tea leaves, Ouija Boards. Might she have a generational curse? You remember that teaching on the "the iniquity of the fathers"..."

This kind of warped understanding is in many full Gospel communities. People are looking behind bushes for demons, studying old Grandad for his shortcomings, memorizing formulaic prayers and mantras to release the curse.

Consider how the scripture in bold print above could be taken out of context to manufacture an industry of deliverance, false fears and unscriptural hopes.

The hope, my friends, is in "repentance unto life" (Acts 11:18). Such repentance is a matter of INDIVIDUAL responsibility coupled with the convicting, softening, preparing influence of the Holy Spirit. The hope is also in simply praying for one another that we might be healed.

Read from Ezekiel 18:

14Now, lo, if he beget a son, that seeth all his father's sins which he hath done, and considereth, and doeth not such like,

15That hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, hath not defiled his neighbour's wife,

16Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment,

17That hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.

19

18As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people, lo, even he shall die in his iniquity.

19Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.

20The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

AH YES, REPROACH

Having dealt with the coming Evil One (in our post entitled "Great Tribulation? No?"), I must now put the other unpopular item on the table - reproach for the sake of Christ.

Little is said in church circles these days about the probability that we will face slander and opposition and alienation just as Jesus did. His Gospel brings a sword of division between those who are fore-ordained unto eternal life and those who stubbornly persist in trusting in self or other social norms.

The old man of faith Simeon took the infant Jesus in his arms in the Temple and prophesied the following:

Luke 2:

34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

35(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

20

Hear a few other passages issuing similar warning:

Matthew 5:

11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

John 16:

20Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

21But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

Hebrews 13:

12Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

13Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

14For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

2 Timothy 3:

12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Now, is the comfort, confidence and commissioning of our stand with Jesus worth the hassle? Yep.

21

GREAT TRIBULATION, NO?

It appears that eschatology, the study of end-times, has become the great "no,no" in the attentions of the Church. Christians do not want to fight or to appear to be arguing, and consequently they have wandered away lately from this area of great controversy and challenge.

Personally, I also see much more fruitfulness in a sincere study of Luke's Gospel than in, say, the Book of Daniel or Zechariah, or even Revelation. Back in the 80's things were much different. Everyone was fascinated in mysteries and in the sense of power which seemed to come from "knowing" the future. But a couple of decades later things have cooled to the point that churches and teachers avoid the mere reference to concepts of rapture, Great Tribulation, Millenial Kingdom, New Jerusalem.

This evasiveness can be just as damaging to the Church and its sense of urgency in missions and in "fleshing out" Godly living. 'Things are O.K. and probably going to get better. Tomorrow will be soon enough to reach out to that neighbour concerning the hope which we have in Jesus.'

But without getting into the prophetic time-charts and endless arguments about what comes first, what comes second...I must caution that the scripture is full of warnings that a much worsening moral climate is coming; a time of deception and oppression. Great platforms and mystifying New Spirituality will draw many into darkness who thought that they were living in the light. The net is drawn slowly and imperceptively around the school of fish. When the cords are drawn and raised the catch will be limp and lifeless.

Listen to what is said in The Message about such a time of tribulation. The words are a warning from the Apostle Paul:

2 Thessalonians 2:

1-3Now, friends, read these next words carefully. Slow down and don't go jumping to conclusions regarding the day when our Master, Jesus Christ, will come back and we assemble to welcome him. Don't let anyone shake you up or get you excited over some breathless report or rumored letter from me that the day of the Master's arrival has come and gone. Don't fall

22

for any line like that.

3-5Before that day comes, a couple of things have to happen. First, the Apostasy. Second, the debut of the Anarchist, a real dog of Satan. He'll defy and then take over every so-called god or altar. Having cleared away the opposition, he'll then set himself up in God's Temple as "God Almighty." Don't you remember me going over all this in detail when I was with you? Are your memories that short?

6-8You'll also remember that I told you the Anarchist is being held back until just the right time. That doesn't mean that the spirit of anarchy is not now at work. It is, secretly and underground. But the time will come when the Anarchist will no longer be held back, but will be let loose. But don't worry. The Master Jesus will be right on his heels and blow him away. The Master appears and—puff!—the Anarchist is out of there.

9-12The Anarchist's coming is all Satan's work. All his power and signs and miracles are fake, evil sleight of hand that plays to the gallery of those who hate the truth that could save them. And since they're so obsessed with evil, God rubs their noses in it—gives them what they want. Since they refuse to trust truth, they're banished to their chosen world of lies and illusions.

...And, no, this great Enemy of Christ is not Emperor Nero, or Napoleon, or the Kaiser, or Hitler, or Joe Stalin, or Chairman Mao. He is yet to come.

Some preparation of the heart is now necessary. Some steeling of resolve. Some quality decision to stand for Christ and his words of truth, and to urge others to do the same.

FOOTNOTES HOLLER OUT LOUD!

It is seldom these days that I attend to the study notes appended to one of my Bibles. There was a time when I needed the guidance of such resources to tie my reading into the main themes of redemption and the progressive revelation of God alone coming as Saviour.

23

But this morning I really got one. I was reading Psalm 63 which has David out in the wilderness being hounded by Saul's men, and longing for the glory of God's sanctuary.

He begins:

1O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

2To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

3Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

4Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

He continues with thanksgiving for past deliverance:

7Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

As an aside he states with confidence the likely fate of his enemies, those who transgress against his wonderful God, and hold him in derision:

9But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.

10They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes.

Now here is what struck me. The commentator's wrap up is the following:

David declares his longing for spiritual renewal (vv.1,2), he expresses his thankful mood (vv.3-6), he gives voice to his trust in God (vv. 7,8), and he announces his hope for the future (vv. 9-11). Enemies are mentioned only in passing (vv. 9,10)

That is it my friends! Let the God of your victory loom large in your consciousness. Say as did the writer of Hebrews, 'the Lord is on my side. I will not fear what man (or demons) shall do unto me.'

24

Although we must understand the purposes and devices of our adversaries we must not dwell upon the opposition and the risks which we face. Too much time spent in that fashion and we resemble the little rabbit who stares so long at the snake that he becomes paralyzed. Instead enemies in the flesh become subjects for prayer. They may one day become part of the spiritual family. Enemies in the spirit are already defeated, and their lies and threats need resolute dismissal.

WASN’T THAT A SERVICE?

(Older Woman to an acquaintance after service:)

Wasn’t that a service?Didn’t praises ring?Couldn’t miss the Spirit.How that choir can sing!

Weren’t the children eager,Coming at their time?Marvel how that teacher Keeps those kids in line!

Wasn’t that a challengeFor the mission field?Have to raise the money For a heathen yield!

Wasn’t that a sermon?Could have raised the dead!Have to get a copy.Must know all he said.

Wasn’t that a prayer line?Elders all in white.When will Sister Sarah

25

Ever get her sight?

Wasn’t that a clear callAt the closing hour?Preacher got three sinners ;Fell beneath the power.

Really, dear, so quiet;All’s not well with you?Tell me, girl, your problem;Quickly now, we’re through.”

(Younger Woman, thinking to herself:)

(Oh that I had someone With the heart to showHow to keep my husband,When he wants to go.

How my son is hurting,Failing at his school.Only needs some guidance.Really, he’s no fool.

Landlord gave me notice.Have to leave my flat.Are the foreign missions Only where it’s at?

Job is getting tricky.Boss is always right.Can’t betray my problems.Mustn’t seem uptight.

Heart and soul are hurting.Is there no relief?But the truth, we’re skirting,As it’s time to leave.

Preacher’s at the doorway,

26

Shaking hands good-bye.Couldn’t interrupt him.Couldn’t bear to cry.)

(And then speaking to the other:)

“Really, there’s no problem.God’s still on His throne.How I praise and thank HimFor this fine church home.

Yes that was some service.Time just goes so fast .See you Tuesday eveningAt the ladies class…”

1 JOHN 3: 16, 17Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Note: Face it. Believers are going through stuff. Tough stuff! And the atmosphere of somewhat unreal positive confession in the churches keeps them from opening up and receiving help. Are we listening, really listening?

A LOOK AT MADAME BUBBLE

(Taken from Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan)

STANDFAST: Aye, aye, I saw Heedless and Too-bold there; and for ought I know, there they will lie till they rot. Prov. 10:7. But let me go on with my tale. As I was thus musing, as I said, there was one in very pleasant attire, but old, who presented herself to me, and offered me three things, to wit, her body, her purse, and her bed. Now the truth is, I was both weary and sleepy.

27

I am also as poor as an owlet, and that perhaps the witch knew. Well, I repulsed her once and again, but she put by my repulses, and smiled. Then I began to be angry; but she mattered that nothing at all. Then she made offers again, and said, if I would be ruled by her, she would make me great and happy; for, said she, I am the mistress of the world, and men are made happy by me. Then I asked her name, and she told me it was Madam Bubble. This set me further from her; but she still followed me with enticements. Then I betook me, as you saw, to my knees, and with hands lifted up, and cries, I prayed to Him that had said he would help. So, just as you came up, the gentlewoman went her way. Then I continued to give thanks for this my

great deliverance; for I verily believe she intended no good, but rather sought to make stop of me in my journey.

MR. HONEST: Without doubt her designs were bad. But stay, now you talk of her, methinks I either have seen her, or have read some story of her.

STANDFAST: Perhaps you have done both.

MR. HONEST: Madam Bubble! Is she not a tall, comely dame, something of a swarthy complexion?

STANDFAST: Right, you hit it: she is just such a one.

MR. HONEST: Doth she not speak very smoothly, and give you a smile at the end of a sentence?

STANDFAST: You fall right upon it again, for these are her very actions.

MR. HONEST: Doth she not wear a great purse by her side, and is not her hand often in it, fingering her money, as if that was her heart’s delight.

STANDFAST: ‘Tis just so; had she stood by all this while, you could not more amply have set her forth before me, nor have better described her features.

MR. HONEST: Then he that drew her picture was a good limner, and he that wrote of her said true.

MR. GREAT-HEART: This woman is a witch, and it is by virtue of her

28

sorceries that this ground is enchanted. Whoever doth lay his head down in her lap, had as good lay it down on that block over which the axe doth hang; and whoever lay their eyes upon her beauty are counted the enemies of God. This is she that maintaineth in their splendor all those that are the enemies of pilgrims. James 4:4. Yea, this is she that has bought off many a man from a pilgrim’s life. She is a great gossiper; she is always, both she and her daughters, at one pilgrim’s heels or another, now commending, and then preferring the excellences of this life. She is a bold and impudent slut: she will talk with any man. She always laugheth poor pilgrims to scorn, but highly commends the rich. If there be one cunning to get money in a place, she will speak well of him from house to house. She loveth banqueting and feasting mainly well; she is always at one full table or another. She has given it out in some places that she is a goddess, and therefore some do worship her. She has her time, and open places of cheating; and she will say and avow it, that none can show a good comparable to hers. She promiseth to dwell with children’s children, if they will but love her and make much of her. She will cast out of her purse gold like dust in some places and to some persons. She loves to be sought after, spoken well of, and to lie in the bosoms of men. She is never weary of commending her commodities, and she loves them most that think best of her. She will promise to some crowns and kingdoms, if they will but take her advice; yet many has she brought to the halter, and ten thousand times more to hell.

STANDFAST: Oh, said Standfast, what a mercy is it that I did resist her; for whither might she have drawn me!

MR. GREAT-HEART: Whither? nay, none but God knows whither. But in general, to be sure, she would have drawn thee into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 1 Tim. 6:9. ‘T was she that set Absalom against his father, and Jeroboam against his master. ‘T was she that persuaded Judas to sell his Lord; and that prevailed with Demas to forsake the godly pilgrim’s life. None can tell of the mischief that she doth. She makes variance betwixt rulers and subjects, betwixt parents and children, betwixt neighbor and neighbor, betwixt a man and his wife, betwixt a man and himself, betwixt the flesh and the spirit. Wherefore, good Mr. Standfast, be as your name is, and when you have done all, stand.

29

WHICH WOLF?

(With thanks to Bible teacher Abe at the church.)

The lesson began as the native grandfather paced the forest trail with the youth, life happening all around, in the trees, in the air, underfoot.

"I tell you, we come to realize that two wolves are in constant battle in our hearts, son. I still must deal with it, leaning heavily upon the Great Spirit.

The one wolf strives for uncleanness, hatred, envy, evil report, theft, lying, lust, argument and unearned praise. The other raises the standards of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control.

If you look at a man in the quiet time, in the unnoticed time, you will see the signs of the struggle on his face. You may also ask the Great Spirit to show you how the battle is going."

A hawk flew overhead, spreading back its beautiful red tail as it lighted high in the oak. Both men observed it with respect and noted a hush among the scurrying ones, ever present.

"Well, which wolf wins, Grandfather?"

"The one who gets fed."

30

AT NO SMALL COST

Back of the factory,Just past the clamour,Out of the range of Chisel and hammer;In the apartmentUp on the third floor;End of the hallway,Room three-oh-four;Sonya cooks dinner.

Red sun is settingOver the roof-tops.Bicycles clattering,Work of the day stops.Labour retreats throughStreets filled with litter.Muffled, they peddle,As cold winds grow bitter.Vladimir comes home.

Quick is the kissAnd quick the unraveling.Nothing of newsAt work or in travelling.Dinner is ladled,Hot broth and some bread.“Markets are rationed”,The papers have said.Dishwater friends still.

Two chairs are nestledBeneath the one light.All shades are drawn down To keep out the night.Pictures of children Adorn the end wall.

31

Off at the State-School Since early this fall.How they are missed!

Telephone rings!The voice of the Pastor:“Prayer group was raided!A tragic disaster!Three brothers takenTo Heaven knows where.Wives are quite frantic.Please lift them in prayer.”Again, it happens.

Outside the chimesAre striking eleven.Church-turned-museumHurls rude sounds to Heaven.Inside the coupleKneel down by their bed,Pull out the box where Their Bible is hid,And plead their cause:

“Father in HeavenBring peace to our friends.Release our brethrenFrom tormentors’ hands.Thy Kingdom cometh.We long for that day.Keep our hearts watchfulAnd holy, we pray,In Jesus’ name.”

These are the soldiers At front-line of war,Hurting in battleAs often before.Doctrines of devilsResist the Good News.

32

Claiming their ProgramBrings much wiser viewsTo rule the land.

“Jesus, sustain usUntil you return!Proud, plotting nationsHave so much to learn!Godlessness grows inThe push and the shove.Risking our all, weWill show forth your love!And trust in you.”

SOMETIMES, STRANGE HELP

Oh, I could not touch the processAs you neared the Living Fire,As He pained and purified you,As He raised your standards higher.Though I heard your cries of quandary,And I saw your tears of shock;It was clear you were His project.(I refrained from soothing talk.)

There was only my prayer cornerWhere I dared to let it out.Where I got beneath your burden,First with moaning, then with shout.And His Spirit reassured meThis was how it had to be,That you might receive your treasureAnd a gracious victory.

It must all be of His working,

33

Measured out to challenged trust.Marvelous, such metallurgy!Making gold of baffled dust.Dare I frustrate such a Craftsman,As He works His glorious art?As He gives the form and purpose?As He re-creates the heart?

No, I could not, and I would not,For I had my times alone.When the arm of flesh was absentAnd I had to storm His throne.And the bounty from the battleSeems my richest gain to date,Which the Living Fire had purposedIn His mercy, as my fate.

Oh, I love you brother, love you,And it hurts so much to standAt the outskirts of your struggleClenching tight the helping hand.But the Master sits beside youAs your bark braves wind and wave;And the passage proves Him ableTo the uttermost to save.

THE CRUMBLING CLAN

I can tell you how He helped me.I can tell you what He said.I consider each day gifted.I have lost my greatest dread.

I embrace a broader family.I have dropped my trust in self.

34

I am focused on the treasure,Which transcends all earthly wealth.

I would love to take you with me On this Christ-embracing trek;But I know just how the SpiritFirst must leave your plans a wreck.

And the brokenness He looks forSeems a weakling's lot to you.And that list of natural talents, He will, every one, subdue.

It must rate a poor investmentWhile the game is still at hand,And the friends still pull the levers,And your house seems sure to stand.

But if Love once grabs the heart stringsAnd reveals the Cross in power,You may join the clan whose crumblingHas become their finest hour.

Are you sure that it won't happen?That this Gospel is a lie?Comes to mind another breaking,But the rebel, then, was I.

WEAPON OF THANKSGIVING

Richard arrived ninety minutes early.There had been some difficultyStarting up the old Chev.First frost on the glass.Heater rudely whining

35

At season’s change.

Samantha busy in the backPreparing Communion’s elements.Pew upon pew checkedFor hymnals and print-outs On their mission relief challenge.Bibles waiting, as always.

Truck noise in the lot Announcing Harry, Sam and Art.The hardware store.The dairy farm.The township office.Come to welcome and worship.

Sanctuary lights left off.The early sun brings delights,As it warms the one Stained glass, ChristWith his shouldered lambBack from its wanderings.

Another car arrives With tell-tale tic-a-tic.The two women finally settledUpon harvest treats worthyOf the after-hour.But this year minus Christina.

Art’s Christina…so sudden.He at the piano Sampling a few strains:“Now thank we all our God...”And he was thankfulFor rescue of friends, memories.

Richard reflects on year’s near close.One wedding, funeral, two baby girls.Two farm foreclosures.

36

The awful crash in the fog.County hospital’s new wing.Clothes bundles and books for Haiti.

And what of this morning?Fifty or so would come,Harvests all in. Lands churned, blackened,And ready for sleep.Crows in the final clean-up

Thanksgiving,A wonderful pause,And a weapon, wherein Folk laud their CreatorRegardless.The best yet to come.

SO WHO’S PERIPHERAL?

Today I saw something fascinating in The Message (Eugene Peterson) in Paul's Letter to the Ephesians:

Chapter 1:20-23All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.

Is this an honest paraphrase of the King James Version?

37

20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

The world will not countenance this order of things. Christ's ethic in the Sermon on the Mount is contemptible to them. Or perhaps he is a benevolent teacher with proverbs and astounding gifts to deliver and heal. Or perhaps he is some kind of emissary from the Creator. But certainly not divine. Our text

suggests that He is at the core of all things, and absolutely in charge.

Does the Church even get this, or do they sing the "possibility thinking" chorus of "things go better with Christ"? Side eddies of spiritual gifting, healing, outreach, deliverance and prosperity confuse the message of His sovereign place. In our Global Village of diversity it even sounds extreme to the redeemed!

Jesus said it best, "I am come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly." And we in the Church are extensions of His Body.

We recall the bumper sticker: "Know Jesus, Know life...No Jesus, No Life."

Much is said to provoke severe thought in Watchman Nee's classic “Love Not the World”:

"There was a time when the Church rejected the world's ways. Now she not only uses them; she abuses them. Of course we must use the world, because we need it; but let us not want it, let us not desire it. So Jesus continues, "Watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand (literally `be set') before the Son of man" (Luke 21:36). Would God urge us to watch and pray were there not a spiritual force to guard against? We dare not take our destiny as a matter of course, but must be constantly on the alert that we be truly disentangled in spirit from the elements of this world. There are things of the world that are essential to our very existence. To be concerned with

38

them is legitimate, but to be weighed down by them is illegitimate and may cause us to forfeit God's best."

GEORGE MULLER AND GOD’S WILL

George Muller (1805-1898) was a champion of prayer. His indomitable trust in a loving, listening, capable Heavenly Father sponsored numerous orphanages in Britain through seemingly impossible challenges.

He knew that he must be clean before God, and that above all else he must develop an intimacy with the Father, over time and experience, which would show him how to come into agreement with the Father's will.

Consider Muller's six points on discerning the will of God:

1) I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter.

2) Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If I do so, I make myself liable to great delusions.

39

3) I seek the will of the Spirit, through or in connection with, the Word of God.

4) Next I take into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God's will in connection with His Word and Spirit.

5) I ask God in prayer to reveal His will to me aright.

6) Thus, through prayer to God, the study of His Word, and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgment according to the best of my ability and knowledge.

Armed only with this simple and trusting approach, Muller partnered with the Most High and saw limitless last-minute victories, without doubt or panic. He breathed exciting life and example into the promise of the Apostle John's first letter:

1 John 5:

14This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

ESCAPE FROM THE KING’S JAIL

This is what the church lawn sign said as I left the coffee shop early this morning. Coincidentally, I had just been reading Acts 12 and the story of Peter's miraculous escape from Herod's jail with the help of an angel. Fetters fall off. Guards remain stupefied. Doors swing open. A dark city street hides the fugitive.

Peter makes his way to the house of John Mark's mother where Christians have been gathered in serious prayer for his release. But when the young woman Rhoda comes to the front door and hears Peter's voice from outside,

40

she can hardly believe her ears and retreats briefly to the inner room. Supposedly there wasn't monumental faith in that place for his deliverance, but there was earnest supplication...begging.

And that so often is what successful prayer is all about. Crying out from the heart, inarticulately.

Psalm 50 by Asaph suggests that God is not after religion and fancy approaches. He says simply, 'Call out to me when you are in trouble. I will deliver you and you will glorify me.'

One of my favourite films is "Finding Forrester" starring Sean Connery. A reclusive one-time novelist has befriended a college age athlete with a penchant for writing. He agrees to offer tutoring. In one scene the two are side by side in the musty apartment, each with a typewriter. The old Scot is busy clacking. The youth has paused with hand to his chin. The comment is made, "Don't think...write!". It would be through the enthusiastic production of words on the paper that the boy would gradually learn the art and efficiency of the craft.

Perhaps it could also be said, "Don't think...pray!"

It says at one point in Zechariah 12 that we are helped by the "spirit of grace and supplications". Nothing sophisticated.

THOUGH THE BATTLE BE FIERCE

On a sick-day's leave. Was listening to a message on the local faith radio station. Came into it a few minutes late, but sensed that I recognized the speaker's voice, cadence, style. It was Associate Pastor Joanne from a local full-Gospel assembly.

She was developing on the theme of Christ's temptation in the wilderness. The message was all about a tunnel penetrating, stormy lake crossing, refiner's fire enduring kind of faith. Jesus having emerged from the

41

challenges of the enemy, knowing full well who He was according to God's word, was truly in the power of the Spirit to bless and to minister. It was only at this point that He could pronounce His wonderful purposes as in Luke 4: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor..."

Here is the message for us. We are a threat to the enemy. He will lob overchallenges as to who we are in the Lord, and he will do it at the times we feel most vulnerable or perplexed.

Good preaching Joanne. Good balance. We are one with the over-comers and not with the "breeze through-ers". As Oswald Chambers has stated we are given the "fighting chance", and it has been spoken about us by Almighty God.

This is the honest historical message of Pentecost. Filled with the Spirit. Illumined with His wisdom. Marching with the immutable promises of God on our lips. Recognizing and engaging a formidable enemy. And winning in God's timing.

It matters not the rugged hills, if the sheep be on the shepherd’s shoulder. (Robert Murray M’Cheyne)

42

43