Someone asked whether I thought my work in ministry has really made any difference in people’s lives, or is it just ‘same old, same old’?  Perhaps it is a question you have considered in the ministry you are involved in as well, for we don’t seem to see much changing in the church, nor do we see revival, within the church or beyond.  Sometimes it may seem the opposite is true.  If only we had a tried and tested formula that would guarantee growth and revival.   Then again, to think that we could possibly change hardened hearts by ‘magically’ introducing a new outreach program, or delivering a more riveting sermon, is not only unbiblical, it is childish thinking. 

The winning of a soul for Christ is often difficult and attended with many discouragements.   If one’s ministry and effectiveness is to be measured by revival in the church, or the number of new converts coming in, then most of us, and yours truly included, should have changed careers a long, long time ago!  

When it comes to revival and winning people for Christ, we need to remember what Paul writes in Romans 8:7, “…the sinful mind is hostile to God.  It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.”  The devastating effect of sin has left the heart of the natural man very hard and unbelieving.  Sinful man, apart for the Holy Spirit, is blind to their own lost condition and need for a Saviour.   Matthew reminds us, “small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Mat 7:14).   

So, what is the antidote to becoming despondent in ministry and missions and thinking that nothing really changes?  Here are some suggestions which may be helpful to consider, and you might have some other suggestions that you can share with us.  First, God’s word is living and active (Heb 4:12).  It may seem like ‘same old, same old’ week in and week out, but the promise in Scripture is that God’s word, will not return to him void, but will accomplish the very purpose for which He caused it to be sent (Isa 55:11).   Just as last Monday night’s meal nourished you, so the word of God nourishes us when we read it, hear it proclaimed, and prayerful apply it to our lives.

Second, the work of saving souls belongs to the gracious and active work of the Holy Spirit applying God’s word.  However, in applying God’s word, He uses broken, cracked vessels like us (2 Cor 4).  We are called to be the Holy Spirit’s voice, and so we keep telling people about the good news of Jesus Christ as it comes to us from God’s word.  That is the way God has determined to draw people out of darkness and into his fold, the marvellous light of His Son (see Jn 10:16. Rom 10:14).  So, we do what the prophets of old did and what the New Testament prophets and writers did, we plead, implore people to repent and believe and to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:20).   We are also the Holy Spirit’s hands and feet and so we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the prisoner, care for the widow and orphan, and a whole lot more so that they may praise our heavenly Father (Mat 5:16; Eph 2:10; 1 Peter2:12).   

So, it is not ‘same old same old.’   In thankful response to Christ’s saving work in our lives, we are called upon to be faithful workers, and our reward is not according to the successes we have, or the souls saved, although even one soul won for Christ is great reward.  Our reward, our wages, will be according to the quantity of our work.   So, while it is still day, we sow the seed, feed the hungry, help the sick and faint of heart, until we hear our Saviour say, “Well done good and faithful servant… come and share your master’s happiness.”  JZ

This coming Sunday, it is Father’s Day and it does come with mixed emotions. Some of us no longer have earthly fathers. Others have wonderful fathers whom we love. Others have fathers they do not wish to know. And for others, the relationship with their earthly father is strained at the best of times. Since Father’s Day is celebrated on Sundays, it’s good to be reminded that we are not worshipping our earthly fathers today, but our heavenly Father who is, with respect, so much greater and awesome than any earthly Father. There is an often-told story of Jonathan Edwards who wrote the following to his daughter Lucy shortly before his death. “Dear Lucy, it seems to me to be the will of God that I must shortly leave you; therefore give my kindest love to my dear wife, and tell her, that the uncommon union, which has so long subsisted between us, has been of such a nature as I trust is spiritual and therefore will continue forever: and I hope she will be supported under so great a trial, and submit cheerfully to the will of God. And as to my children you are now to be left fatherless, which I hope will be an inducement to you all to seek a father who will never fail you.”Jonathan Edwards was referring to our heavenly Father, after all, He is the only one who would never fail us. Earthly husbands and fathers, try as they may, cannot please all the time, and will occasionally fail and fall short of expectations, whether rightly or wrongly. Not so concerning our heavenly Father. However, if we wish to take comfort and delight in our heavenly Father, we need to know Him as our Father. We need to be in relationship with Him, just like children can be with their earthly fathers (all being well). And the only way we can be in relationship with our heavenly Fatherly is by knowing His great love to us in Jesus Christ. If we know Jesus as our Saviour, then we can know the Father in heaven, after all, they are One. If we don’t know Jesus as the One coming from the Father, we cannot know the Father and that would leave us rather empty (1 John 2:23). Jesus had a wonderful relationship with His Father in heaven. Not only were they one in their desire to save sinners who repent from their sins, Jesus often prayed to His Father in heaven. On one occasion, the disciples heard Jesus praying, and that prayer so impressed them that their immediate response was, “Teach us to pray” for they wanted to share in that close relationship. And today, that is exactly what we can do as well. We can have a personal, intimate relationship with the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, all because of what He did for us through His Son. As Jesus prayed, so can we, by saying “our Father in heaven…” (Mat 6:9ff). After his resurrection, Jesus told the weeping Mary Magdalene, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to myFather and yourFather, to myGod and yourGod’” (John 20:17). What a wonderful truth to celebrate this Father’s Day. We have Jesus as our brother; we have the same indwelling Holy Spirit and we have the same heavenly Father, who calls us His sons (and daughters) (1 Jn 3.1). No longer do we need to earn his love or appease His anger for our sin. On the contrary, as believers in Christ, we are eternally secure in His love for us, achieved for us by Christ’s work on the cross. Have a blessed Father’s Day today. JZ

I realize that we live in a broken, sinful, world and many relationships are broken. Unfortunately, our ‘broken’ human relationships can colour the way we think about our spiritual relationships, especially with our heavenly Father. Some have even said that they have difficulty calling God their Father because the relationship with their human father has been such a disaster. As a result, they sadly tend to keep God at a distance.    

Interestingly, some Christians and even preachers on occasions seem to speak about our loving, Father God in terms that makes Him seem very distant. For example, some will say, “You need to believe in God” or “God will hear your prayers” or “God loves you” or “I thank God for you.”  Now let me say that I am sure many of these people mean much more when they refer to God in such a manner, but it can sometimes come across as though our God who means everything to us is some non-personal entity. 

In our reading of the Psalms over recent weeks, the emphasis is often reflecting a very personal relationship.  For instance, “The Lord is my Shepherd” (Psa 23) or “God is my refuge and strength” (Psa 46) or “God is my rock” (Psa 62).  In reflecting that personal relationship, the psalmist often uses the covenant name “Lord” (small capitals in most English versions) for God, indicating a personal relationship with God.  Throughout the Old Testament, the Pentateuch, the historical books, the major and minor prophets, “The Lord my God” is found, again reflecting a personal relationship (Num 22:18; Jos 14:8; 1 Kgs 5:4; 1 Chr 22:7; Jer 31:18; Dan 9:4). 

It seems that if the Psalmist and other writers of the Old Testament Scriptures could have such a personal relationship with God to call Him Lord, how much more so for us today, this side of the cross.  Jesus instructed his disciples to pray, beginning with the words, “Our Father, who is in heaven…” (Mat 6:9).   The Apostle Paul mentions in Romans 8, that because of what Jesus has accomplished on the cross and beyond, we are God’s adopted children, and we can call out to him, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). 

The fact that we can call the Creator God our Father in Christ is of great comfort. Just as little children will run to their earthly fathers (assuming all things are good) for love, care and protection, so we can run to our heavenly Father.  Our heavenly Father knows we need clothes, food, shelter and many more things besides, and He provides them with all in perfect measure (Mat 6:25-34).   Our heavenly Father knows our spiritual needs and has provided the perfect Saviour and together they have promised to hold us for eternity (Jn 10:28ff). 

So, two things. Fathers, being a dad is more than what it seems. Let us make sure that as we practice earthly fatherhood, it may reflect our loving heavenly Father in such a positive way, that our children especially, but also others will never have reason to keep their heavenly Father at a distance.  Second, let us use language that reflects a personal relationship with our loving, Father God, and that He is everything to us in Christ, now and forever.   JZ

I am sure that you have often heard about different ‘World Views.’  I am not speaking about the latest photo we have of this world from outer space, but a fundamental understanding of who or what you think is in control of this universe if anything at all.   It’s a very important question and one that everyone will have to answer sooner or later.

Some people have a very fatalistic World View by suggesting that whatever will be, will be.  There is only one world, which is basically centred around materialism.  It is also very secular in its thinking and is largely based on ideas, feelings, visions that simply come from the workings of the brain.  They think it is a good thing to help other people but not because they believe in God.  Right or wrong is relative to the situation but there are no absolutes and you do what is right for you at any given moment.   They do not allow for a spiritual aspect and don’t hold to an almighty God who created and sustains all things by the power of His Word.   

There are other World Views, including material humanism. Briefly, you have a thesis (an idea) and an anti-thesis (an opposing idea) and then a synthesis, a coming together of the two.  Socialism and communism stem from this World View. With this world view, power comes from the top and so long as you are secure and happy, freedom doesn’t matter.  They do not acknowledge a creator God or a spiritual aspect of our existence.   

The Post-modernist World View is largely based on pragmatism.  Whatever works is what people go with.  It is very individualistic, where I, me and myself are at the centre of all decisions.  Again, no God or spiritual aspect.  

When one thinks about the above examples, they leave a lot to be desired because they leave God completely out of the picture.  One famous theologian and Prime Minister of Holland, Abraham Kuyper, proposed a Christian World View.  This holds the biblical view that every square inch of this world belongs to Christ. Therefore, his Lordship should be seen in all aspects of human life, including politics, the arts, education, our spiritual welfare, indeed everywhere.  

With respect, it is only the Christian World View that gives great comfort and answers every question about life.  For instance, “What do you think of this universe, the beauty of its design and how it functions? What do you think of our planet, mankind and their troubles?   How are you coping with your serious sickness?  How are you going to cope with death when it comes your way?” 

These are all basically World View questions and it is really good for us to be able to say, “I believe in a loving caring heavenly Father, who not only created all things but sustains them for His glory and for the benefit of the elect in Christ, of whom I am just one.”  That dear friend is why having a right and proper “world view” is essential, for not only does Scripture testify to it, it gives us great comfort that we belong in life and death, body and soul, to our faithful Saviour, Jesus Christ.  That is something World Views without God cannot say.  JZ

It has been one of those weeks.  On the international front we have seen two mass shootings in America; tensions rising with Iran and on the Korean peninsula; another Ebola breakout in Goma (DR of Congo), and there are no less then fifteen African countries involved in a war or are experiencing post-war conflict and tension.  On the national scene, a woman has become the first person to end her life under Victoria’s new voluntary assisted dying laws.  The NSW government is debating the abortion bill and whether to decriminalise the termination of an unborn baby in the third trimester.  I could mention more on the local scene but let this suffice for now.   One thing is sure, there is a lot of ungodly stuff happening.  

Should we be surprised?  I guess not, for Scripture tells us that sinful, wicked people who deliberately and continually reject God, even though His eternal power and divine nature is plain to see from all that He has made (Rom 1:20), will only become more depraved and sinful (Rom 1:28).  And although this is true and it saddens us, we shouldn’t let it lead to despair or that we become downcast.  

There have been many times throughout history where people have rejected God and evil was the result.  The Psalmists, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, Elijah, all found the apparent triumph of evil more than they could handle. “How long will the enemy mock you, O God? Will the foe revile Your name forever?” (Psa 74:10; see also Jer 12:1, Job 21.7). Letus also take comfort that God is still on the throne and He remains firmly in control and is faithful to His promises.   We may not always know why God allows evil to seemingly flourish, but we can be sure He has a purpose, not least His own glory, and the benefit of the elect.  

The Psalmist writes, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want … and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psa 23).  Job writes, “I am sure my Redeemer lives and that in the end he will stand upon the earth …I myself will see Him…how my heart yearns within me” (Job 19:25-27).  Our victorious Shepherd and Saviour said of His people, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one” (Jn 10:28-30).  And again… “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Mat 28:20b).  

Without doubt, there is much trouble and sorrow in this world, and ‘getting-off’ so that we do not have to deal with this ugly stuff anymore is not an option that is given to us in Scripture.  Rather, we are encouraged to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Christ who has come to make all things new.  He has dealt with our sin and He continues to work through us with his Holy Spirit so that we can be a salting salt and a light in this dark world and thereby have a restraining influence on evil.   Prayer:Relent O Lord! How long will it be?  Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:13-14). Amen.  JZ

“Waiting at tables and the rest…”

This morning we have the privilege of installing a new deacon to serve the Lord on our behalf in this congregation, community and even beyond. The basic meaning behind the English translation “deacon” suggests the notion of service and servanthood (John 2:5; Romans 15:8; Matthew 20:26; Luke 10:40; Acts 11:29; 12:25), especially in regard to providing practical help with respect to the basic necessities of life (Matthew 4:11; 8:15; 27:55; Luke 10:40; Romans 15;25).  So, what is the biblical mandate for a deacon?  

The first deacons we read about in Scripture are recorded in Acts 6:1-7. In the early church, the twelve Apostles (including Matthias), were concerned they were neglecting the ministry of the Word because much of their work was being taken up by serving at tables.  And so, they met with the disciples and decided to search out seven men who were known to them to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom and to turn the work of caring for the widows (and others) over to them.

Some people would like to suggest that the work of the deacons as it was done in the early church is no longer necessary today for, we now have a welfare system which enables widows and others in need to care for themselves.  Without doubt, we are thankful to the Lord for a good welfare system, but that does not diminish the work of the deacons.  

Today, the work of the deacons, along with the Care-Team, is not just to care for the widows, but also those who are experiencing sickness, the homeless, the unemployed, the mums who just had babies and need a helping hand, the abused which includes children, husbands or wives and others, some who have fallen between the cracks of our welfare system.   

But the work of the deacons isn’t just deeds, they are also involved in the ministry of the word.  Stephen, one the first deacons spoke the word so well concerning the things of God and the work of salvation, he was brought before the Sanhedrin. They became so angry with his testimony, they had him stoned to death (Acts 7).   Philip, another deacon, preached Christ in Samaria and many evil spirits came out of many people and others were healed.  On another occasion, the Holy Spirit told him to see an Ethiopian eunuch and explain to him the good news of Jesus Christ as it appeared in Isaiah.     It is obvious that the work of the deacons along with the Care-Team hasn’t decreased but increased.  As a congregation, we continue to prayerfully support our deacons and Care-Team and assist where we can and ensure they have the resources so they can be a blessing to many, not just in deed, but also in Word.  May the work they are involved in be a blessing to them and be used to extend the Lord’s kingdom.  JZ

Some years ago, while I was still at the seminary, we had a special one-off session with a man named Scott who spoke to us about proper dress and appropriate decorum as we enter into the ministry as under-shepherds of the Great Shepherd.  I am not sure why this particular class is no longer done with students today, perhaps we just needed it more. 

Be that as it may, one student who loved to wear an ear-ring (that was coming into fashion in those days – yes also for guys) asked whether it was appropriate for him to keep wearing it?  Scott answered by saying that if it proved to be a stumbling block for one of his parishioners, he would encourage him to consider removing it.  But it wasn’t just ear-rings that we needed to be careful about.  He also suggested that those who had ‘transitioning glasses’ should change them so that people could always see our eyes.  He also encouraged those who had a moustache and/or beard to ensure they were kept neat and trimmed, for people needed to see our lips when we spoke, which is especially important to people who are suffering from hearing loss. 

The question inevitably came up about whether wearing, jeans or shorts, leather jackets etc was appropriate.  Scott encouraged us that we should be careful not to dress-down, but to dress a ‘cut’ above the rest.   Scott reminded us that in the first place, it was not a question of whether we were comfortable or keeping up with the latest fashion.  In our role as ministers of the gospel, we should remember that we were representing a holy God who was rather particular about how people dressed when they approached him in the temple.  Secondly, Scott reminded us that as gospel servants we want to give our listeners the idea that the gospel is worthy of our best efforts and if they see us dressing-down, it may give the wrong idea that we don’t think the gospel message is not all that important.  And then thirdly, related to the previous point, Scott encouraged us not to be a stumbling block to people hearing the gospel by the way we are dressed. 

Since all the above primarily refers to ministers of the gospel, the question may be asked how should congregational members be dressed?  Well, in a sense, not all that different than those who bring the gospel message, after all, we are all ‘ministers’ of the gospel.   It is worthwhile asking the questions when you are preparing for worship, “Is what I am wearing showing proper respect to my God and Saviour? Will it cause further and unnecessary offence to the gospel? Will, what is emblazoned on my jeans or jacket or cap (hat) or tee-shirt hinder a brother or sister from hearing the good news of Jesus today?   

Please do not be dismissive of these questions.  Sunday worship is not the day to make a fashion statement or any other statement.  It is a day we can worship the Lord together and so let us be careful not to be a stumbling block. We want people to hear the good news of Jesus and that our worship is pleasing in His sight. JZ

I would hope that Pastors encourage Christians to read the Scriptures as part of their devotional life.  Trust me, it is good for the soul to read God’s word and to meditate on it, even if you would only do so for fifteen minutes a day.  By the way, don’t just read what a devotional says, although that can be very useful, also read the bible passages listed.  

This past week or so while we have had family over from NZ, instead of reading our usual devotional material, we agreed we should do something a little ‘lighter’ for the grandkids.  As a family, they had been reading through the Psalms and it just happened they were up to Psalm 119.  

Psalm 119?  Did I hear some chuckles?  That’s the longest Psalm in the Psalter, surely the grandkids couldn’t cope with that! It will take forever to read it.  Well, it may surprise you, it didn’t take all that long actually.  We only read two Hebrew alphabet letters every day.  That is just sixteen verses for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet in Psalm 119 contains just eight verses (sometimes we read four letters – evening devotions as well).

But hey, what a beautiful Psalm. Throughout, the Psalmist is delighting in, and taking pride in the fact that God is good and that His law is good and that he lives by it.  He delights and loves to meditate on God’s law (vv15-16, 47, 97). His soul is consumed by longing for God’s law (v20).  He finds comfort in God’s law (v50). Even when things are not going well and he is afflicted, it is good for him for it drives him to God’s word (vv71, 76). He delights in God’s law and becomes upset when his foes forget God’s law (v139). 

As a ministry couple, we have been blessed having our children and grandchildren close for ten days and we have been blessed to read Psalm 119 together.   It not only speaks about the goodness of God’s law but also speaks about comfort, knowing that God is for him.  God’s law and word also give assurance of God’s salvation for those who love Him.   And if that was true for the Psalmist pre-cross, how much more so for us being post-cross, knowing what Jesus has done for us who have been loved by God from the beginning in Christ.  

Without doubt, Psalm 119 is a long Psalm, 176 verses, but so worthwhile reading.  It has been good for our souls and I pray it may be good for your souls as you take up the challenge to just read two letters of the alphabet a day for the next few days.  JZ

Taking the Lord’s name in vain is something that has often made me bristle.  Someone is surprised and I have to hear it again, “Oh my…” or some derivative of it (Gosh or Gee).  There is hardly a TV program where it is not heard.  On occasions the OMG has been used for advertising in shop windows.   Sadly, increasingly I hear it from the lips of Christians too.  Do we not understand that when use the name of our God, we need to do it carefully? God’s name is not to be played with or to be used loosely as it is done by so many today.  

The third commandment warns us not to take the Lord’s Name in vain. It is speaking about Yahweh, Jehovah. It appears in our Bibles in capitals “Lord.” It was the Name that God gave to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:14, “I AM who I AM”.  In the OT, the nation of Israel became the bearers of God’s Name.  They were to make it known through their thankful obedience so that nations around them would come to know about Israel’s great God who saved and provided for them (Deut 4:5-8).  

Since Pentecost, God’s name, “I AM who I AM” has now become interchangeable with the name ‘Jesus’.  So now, everyone who calls upon the name of the Lordwould be saved (Acts 2:21; Acts 4:12; Rom 10:13, Phil 2:9-11).   Sadly, for many people, not only is God’s Name continually misused, the name ‘Jesus’ has become nothing more than a swear word.  

Every time someone uses God’s name or the name of Jesus in a disrespectful, abusive way they are breaking the third commandment.   It is extremely sad and distressing that the name of our God and Saviour Jesus are as light as breath for many people in this world. We can only pray that it may not be said of us as Christians!  

The misuse of God’s name offends God and it offends us, but in some way, it also accuses us.  So often, people who misuse these names which we value so highly, do so without knowledge of who God or who Jesus Christ is and what He means for us and what they should mean for sinful mankind.  I find it interesting that you never hear anyone misuse the name of Mohammad or Buddha or some other religious person.

Perhaps we could simply, but respectfully ask people to please refrain from misusing the Lord’s Name in our presence, for that Name is dear to us.  Perhaps we can take a leaf out of Paul’s book when we hear the name of our Lordor Saviour misused and we could say to them, “That’s interesting. I see you are religious.  Well, let me tell you about this God and about this Jesus whom you have mentioned.”  

The preacher in Ecclesiastes 5:2 says, “Do not be quick with your tongues, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” Proverbs 10:19 reminds us, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Last but not least, the Psalmist writes, “Set a guard O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psa 141:3).  

Today, Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit.  Therefore, we can rightly claim that the Holy Spirit lives within us and He now controls our tongues.  May we not grieve Him by misusing the Lord’s name.   JZ

One of the great things about John the Baptist’s ministry is his continual emphasis on Christ’s worth. Time and time again, despite the fact that John’s followers were offended at the attention Jesus and his followers were receiving, John the Baptist keeps emphasizes Christ’s greatness. 

Sometimes in our rush to read a passage of Scripture, we can miss the thrust of what God is saying to us through his Word and Spirit.  When you have some time, read John 3:27-36 and notice how John the Baptist keeps heaping one truth upon more truths about the majesty, honour, worth and greatness of Christ. 

In verse 29 he speaks of Jesus as ‘the bridegroom’.  In verse 31 he reminds us that Jesus who comes from above (from heaven), is above all. In verse 34 he reminds us that Jesus is the one whom God has sent who has been given the Holy Spirit without measure to speak the word of God.  In verse 35 he reminds us that God has placed everything in Jesus’ hands.  And then last, but certainly not least, he reminds us whosoever believes in Jesus has eternal life and those who reject will not see life for God’s wrath remains on them.  

This meditation is cannot expand on all these truths for each of these phrases are full of rich and deep meaning and would amply supply material for many meditations.  These verses contain some of the deepest truths about our Saviour, and one would do no harm to their soul to meditate on each.   For this brief meditation, let us focus for a few moments on verse 36. 

‘Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.’  Note, it is a present and not distant reality.  We do not need to work tirelessly in some form of ministry to pay the loan before we can claim the title to heaven and glory.  We do not need to meet any conditions.  We do not have to serve a time of probation to see whether we are worthy of a place in heaven.   We do not need to worry or be downhearted about the possibility some sin remains unforgiven.  

Our title to heaven is ours from the moment we believe in the Son, Christ has paid our debt.  Christ has met all the conditions with his perfect sacrifice.  We may not be worthy, but our worth is now in Christ and that can never change.  And his death and resurrection are of infinite worth, so all our sins are covered.   

This dear friend is the beauty of believing in Christ and this is why we are unashamed of the gospel.  John the Baptist was right, Christ must become greater for He did what we could never do. We can now say with confidence, even more so than John the Baptist, that Jesus is greater than all.   And so, we pray, that all people everywhere, from the least to the greatest sinner would bow their knee, repent and believe, that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father.  For from the moment they do so, they will have Christ and to have Him as Saviour and Lord makes all believers unspeakably rich. JZ