Neither Man Nor Woman - James A.E. MacLellan

Often Christians are accused of a illogical "slippery slope" phobia. The old joke when I was growing up was: "Why don't Baptists dance?"  Answer?  "Because it leads to pre-marital sex!" For some years now Christians have raised concerns over homosexual unions being legitimized.  This concerns follows the weight of Scripture which classifies practicing homosexuality as a sin.

Prophets who spoke up warned the nation that such a blatant dismissal of God's design for marriage was in a sense a dismissal of God.  Atheism.  That's a slippery slope isn't it?  Well no it isn't.  Not only are we denying God's creation of a heterosexual, monogamous, lifetime marriage, but now we deny creation.   The fine print under the picture in the upper left reads:

VICTORY: The Australian High Court's judgment means that Norrie May-Welby, 52, cannot now be classified as either male or female. Picture: EPA

The article in the Herald, Scotland's paper is entitled: Court declares Scotswoman born a man is now genderless.  It was printed on April 3rd.   You can read the article online by clicking HERE.

This decision is a direct, undeniable affront to God's Word.  “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27, NIV)

"There is no status distinction among bearers of the divine image; they are equal while having distinct capacities and roles in fulfilling the divine mandate to steward the earth." [1]

Just when you thought ungodliness had reached it's pinnacle, the depravity of mankind takes it to an all time level.


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1.  Barry, J. D., Grigoni, M. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Ge 1:27). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

Fear versus Faith - Part 2 (Genesis 12:10–20)

“But the Lord inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram’s wife Sarai.” (Genesis 12:17, NIV).  

Abram, in fear of his own life, jeopardized his wife's life and (humanly speaking) jeopardized the eternal plan of God to bring the Messiah through the Abrahamic lineage.  Of course such usurping of the decree of God is absurd. The sin of Abram teaches us something of God's sovereign providence over the affairs of mankind. One would think that God would have dealt with Abram on this, but instead God brings events into Pharaoh's life to the degree that he would have to discover whose wife Sarai was and make the necessary changes. 

The interaction into the lives of men and women affirms the Biblical truth that God is involved and presides over all His creation.  He is neither passive or impotent.  Wayne Grudem defines God's "Providence" this way:

"God is continually involved with all created things in such a way that he (1) keeps them existing and maintaining the properties with which he created them; (2) cooperates with created things in every action, directing their distinctive properties to cause them to act as they do; and (3) directs them to fulfill his purposes." [1]  God's sovereignty is never at odds with man's will.  In fact the will of man is a necessary means to God's will being carried out.   The difference though is two-fold:

1. Man's will is always subservient to God's will.

2. God's way of using man's will is to cause man to be willing.

"All our actions are under God’s providential care, for “in him we live and move” (Acts 17:28). The individual steps we take each day are directed by the Lord. Jeremiah confesses, “I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). We read that “a man’s steps are ordered by the LORD” (Prov. 20:24), and that “a man’s mind plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps” (Prov. 16:9). Similarly, Proverbs 16:1 affirms, “The plans of the mind belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.” [2]

Father, it is so easy to assume that I command and control the destiny of my life.  No so!  My life and times are in Your hands.  You have and continue to direct my life in accordance with Your perfect and sovereign will. It is a great mystery how you fold up my choices and the choices of millions of people and shape them in conformity to Your eternal, unchanging and holy will.  Your ways are not our ways; and Your ways are beyond human knowledge.  The joy that we have in Christ is to know that indeed all things are working together for our good and for the glory of God.  Today I surrender to Your will for it is there I know I will be amazingly happy in this life and unbelievably happy in the life to come.  

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1. Grudem, W. A. (2004). Systematic theology: An introduction to biblical doctrine (315). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House.

2. Ibid,  (320).

Fear versus Faith - Part 1 (Genesis 12:10–20)

“Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.”” (Genesis 12:13, NIV).

So God appears to Abram.  Abram obeys.  In fact the New Testament commends him. “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.” (Hebrews 11:8–9, NIV).  Now the very next event, rather than the expected blessing, was "famine."  (Obedience doesn't always get what we want -- but it gives what we need!)  So Abram went down to Egypt.

This was no small journey.  There is an interesting motif in the Scriptures about "famine" and "going down to Egypt", isn't there?  Abram has fear; and we must emphasize that he fear is not irrational.  His fears are realized: the Pharaoh does take Sarai, his wife. His fear consisted of the idea that knowing the beauty of his wife, that it would be nothing for the Egyptians to kill him and take Sarai into their custody. So he tells a lie -- sort of .   It wasn't false to say that she was his sister for that was a half-truth. (see Gen 20:12).

"Abram’s selfish actions imply that he thinks God is unable to protect him. Yet when the plan backfires, it is the Lord who rescues him (12:17)." [1]  Abram's wrongdoing was not simply the "half-lie;" nor was it his unwillingness to trust God.  Abram's sin was ultimately his selfish motive to save his own skin.  “But the Lord inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram’s wife Sarai.” (Genesis 12:17, NIV).  Abram had been called to be a blessing to all nations.  But instead, because of selfish fear he became a curse.  God's grace, though, is patently obvious.  He dealt in grace to the Pharoah.  He dealt in grace to Sarai.  He dealt in grace to Abram. Why?  Because of their great merit?  No.

God was protecting His own interests.  Within the family of Abram there was to be a Seed; a seed that would bring salvation to the world.  God had to protect His self-interests.  He had covenanted Himself to do that.

When mankind acts in self-centeredness, he brings destruction on others.  When God acts in self-centeredness He brings blessings.  The most loving and gracious thing that God can ever do is act according to His own self-glory.  "Because God is unique as an all-glorious, totally self-sufficient Being, he must be for himself if he is to be for us. The rules of humility that belong to a creature cannot apply in the same way to its Creator." - John Piper [2]

Father, fear is a natural human response.  You have created us toward a healthy fear -- a fear of You; and a fear of what is legitimately hurtful.  But Lord today I see that a fear that is self-serving and a self-centered is a destructive fear.  How many times in my life do I act in self-interest, failing to trust You?  Forgive me Father for such an Edenic flashback.  Living life protecting self when I am called to serve You and be a blessing to others is a great tragedy. Cause me to walk in faith today, not only thinking of my own interests, but the interests of others. Lead me by Your Spirit on level ground and teach me Your precepts that I might know You and love You.  

 

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1.  Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (73). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

2. http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/god-is-not-an-idolator

Stepping Out in Faith - Part 3 (Genesis 11:27- 12:9)

“The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him.” (Genesis 12:7, NIV)

 

The land that God promised to give Abram and his children was the land of Canaan -- the Promised Land.  This land is named after the 4th son of Noah: Ham.  They were pagan inhabitants.

 

"The Canaanite religion featured many gods. These gods were worshiped with elaborate ritual. Various kinds of cultic personnel, or priests, officiated at these pagan ceremonies. Their religious system also featured many different places of worship, varying from simple outdoor altars to massive stone temples."[1]  "These were wicked people, and in 15:16ff. and Deuteronomy 7:1ff. they were later to be destroyed because of the abominations they practiced. So in the place of God’s calling, there were testings that came from his neighbors. [2]

As New Testament Christians we know that the ultimate offspring of Abraham is Jesus Christ. “The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ.” (Galatians 3:16, NIV).  And the ultimate "land" is the whole world. “It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.” (Romans 4:13, NIV).  And this promise to Abraham through Christ is the blessing of all Christians. “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham.” (Galatians 3:7, NIV)  “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:29, NIV ).

In the midst of this hostile land -- a land God promised first to Israel but a land that prefigured the whole world to all who believe, Abram set up and altar and worshipped God. Even in this land we learn that Abram was looking for a heavenly city.

“By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” (Hebrews 11:9–10, NIV)

We as the seed of Abraham too live in a hostile world -- but this is Christ's world.  He reigns in the midst of His enemies (Psalm 110:2).  In this world of hostility we continue to worship the one and only true God, for someday the kingdoms of the world will become the kingdom of our Lord and Christ. (Revelation 11:15).

Father, from the earliest times you have planted Your people in strange and sometimes hostile places. Through Your chosen ones You are establishing Your reign on this earth.  As our father Abram moved from place to place, so we too move and the bidding of our Savior.  The world is not our home, yet in Your plans and purposes this world, renewed and redeemed, will be our home, forever and ever.  May we , like Abram, follow You faithfully, worship You sincerely and live in such a way that our lives show to others that we too are looking for a city whose designer and builder is God. Amen.




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1. Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary. 1995 (R. F. Youngblood, F. F. Bruce, R. K. Harrison & Thomas Nelson Publishers, Ed.). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.
2. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (44). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
 


 

 

 

Stepping Out in Faith - Part 2 (Genesis 11:27- 12:9)

“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”” (Genesis 12:2–3, ESV)  

Since the Fall of mankind, this is the first recorded appearance of the God of glory.  After the debacle at the Tower of Babel, God turns from nations to one man -- one solitary man. Out of all the nations, the God of Heaven sets His sovereign, electing hand on one man.  God makes (what theologians call) a covenant with Abram.  This is the first record of the Abrahamic Covenant.  You will note that this is unconditional.  God obliges Himself to the terms.  "I will, I will and I will," says the Lord.   

"The Abrahamic covenant includes three commitments by YAHWEH. First, Abram personally would receive abundant blessings, including wealth, fame, and influence, and would be a source of blessing for others (v. 2). In fact, the verb in the final phrase of v. 2 is grammatically an imperative. Abram is instructed to be a blessing. Thus, his call was from the outset a missionary mandate encompassing all people. Second, Abram would be protected by God. Third, Abram’s blessing would extend to his descendants (v. 7; lit. “seed”), who would be an instrument of spiritual blessing to all the families of the earth (v. 3)." [1]

Abram's whole life was centred upon these promises. In fact these promises will form the basis of believing Israel's faith and more importantly the faith of the Christian Church.  Prior to God revealing this Covenant, He said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1, ESV).  "The call of Abram shows us the starting-point of the life of faith. The first requirement is separation from the world and from our place in it by nature. Abram was called upon to leave his “kindred” as well as his “country.” Terah was an idolater, whereas Abram had become a believer in the living God, therefore it was expedient that Terah should be left behind for “how can two walk together except they be agreed” Even the closest ties of human affection cannot unite souls which are sundered by opposite motives, the one possessing treasure in heaven and the other having nought save that which moth and rust cloth corrupt and which thieves may steal." [2]

Father you have made varied and many promises to us who believe.  You have said that if any come to You, You will never turn them away.  To all who fall in humble trust upon Christ, You grant full pardon and eternal life.  We are called to come out of the world and many times we are called to live and believe differently than even our closest relatives.  This is not a condition to be saved; it is a consequence of Your redeeming grace.  Help us this day to stand faithfully to Your calling.  Even when loved ones oppose us, may Your mercies enable us to “. . .  hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, . . ..” (Luke 14:26b, ESV).  We know that is a hyperbole, yet it describes for us the massive affection due to You versus human relationships and endeavours.  Kindle a deep and abiding love for Christ in us, Father, by that all-effectual work of the Spirit.  Amen.

 

 

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1. Believer’s Study Bible. 1991 (W. A. Criswell, P. Patterson, E. R. Clendenen, D. L. Akin, M. Chamberlin, D. K. Patterson & J. Pogue, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (Ge 12:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

2.  Pink, A. W. (2000). Gleanings in Genesis (electronic ed.) (141). Escondido, CA: The Ephesians Four Group.

Stepping Out in Faith - Part 1(Genesis 11:27- 12:9)

“Now these are the generations of Terah. Terah fathered Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran fathered Lot.” (Genesis 11:27, ESV)

The descendents of Noah's son Shem conclude with Abram.“When Terah had lived 70 years, he fathered Abram, Nahor, and Haran.” (Genesis 11:26, ESV). Abram becomes the next major character in the ongoing story in Genesis. These first verses give us a summary of what is to come.  It explains why Lot is fatherless and why the family is re-located.  It also introduces us to the idea that Abram's wife will be without children. 

“Terah took Abram his son and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram’s wife, and they went forth together from Ur of the Chaldeans to go into the land of Canaan, but when they came to Haran, they settled there.” (Genesis 11:31, ESV)   It would appear that God spoke to Abram in Haran as a second instance. Stephen makes it clear in Acts 7:2 that God first spoke to Abram in Ur.

The Bible records for us this record: “Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”” (Genesis 12:1–3, ESV)

These verses mark a pivotal point in Genesis and in the history of redemption as God begins to establish a covenant people for Himself. The progress of God’s redemptive plan is evident in His setting Abraham apart (v. 1)." [1] 

God's work of redemption starts with a call.  God's work starts by setting His hand upon a person. Setting them apart.  Sanctifying them for His purposes.  "Note: If God loves us, and has mercy in store for us, he will not suffer us to take up our rest any where short of Canaan, but will graciously repeat his calls, till the good work begun be performed, and our souls repose in God only. In the call itself we have a precept and a promise." [2]

"The call which came to Abram comes to each one of his believing children—the call for absolute confidence in God; the call to take Him at His word and step out in simple and unquestioning faith; the call to separate ourselves from the world to a life of pilgrimage in dependency upon Jehovah." [3]

Dr. R.C. Sproul writes, "The call of God is not always to a glamorous vocation, and its fruit in this world is often bittersweet. Yet God calls us according to our gifts and talents, and directs us to paths of the most useful service to His kingdom. How impoverished we would be if Jonah had made it to Tarshish, if Paul had refused to preach, if Jeremiah really had turned in his prophet’s card, or if Jesus had politely declined the cup." [4]

Father, it is nothing but astounding grace that you would even call any human.  We are sinners by birth and violent offenders of Your holiness.  Yet, in love you chose us and called us through the Gospel.  Without any hesitation You further called us to be ambassadors of Christ.  You dignify us Your creation, through the glorification of Christ in our lives.  The fact that You called us into service is a non-issue.  The issue is whether I and my brothers and sisters will respond in obedient faith.  So grant, holy Father, not only the call, but grant the grace that enables us to obey.  

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1.  Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Ge 12:1–3). Nashville: T. Nelson.
2. Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: Complete and unabridged in one volume (34). Peabody: Hendrickson.
3. Pink, A. W. (2000). Gleanings in Genesis (electronic ed.) (146). Escondido, CA: The Ephesians Four Group.
4. http://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/responding-gods-call/

The Gracious Invitation of our King - Revelation 22:6-21

““Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”” (Revelation 22:7, NIV). 

In these concluding remarks of John's vision, the reader is faced with the affirmation of the trustworthiness of this Book; and also John includes the Seventh benediction recorded in the Book of Revelation. But the key is that reminder of Christ's "soon" Second Return.

⁶ The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place" . . . ⁹ But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!” 

"This is remarkably like the opening verse of the Book of Revelation, where the sequence was as follows:

God → Jesus → angel → John → servants" [1]

"The unique truth and trustworthiness of the revealed word (and words) of God are underscored seven times in the last two chapters of Revelation, as indicated first in 21:5, as repeated in 22:6, 7, 9, 10, and then in the solemn warning in vv. 18 and 19 to anyone who “takes away from the words of this book.” [2]

Here is a summary of the benedictions (blessings in this Book):

Blessed is the one who reads aloud, hears, and keeps the words of this prophecy	1:3
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord	14:13
Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on	16:15
Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb	19:9
Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection	20:6
Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book	22:7
Blessed are those who wash their robes	22:14

The promise of Christ's coming, also includes an invitation to come. “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” (Revelation 22:17, NIV).

The point of the Revelation is assurance -- assurance to the Church that Christ is on the throne and has conquered.  The Church is encouraged to be faithful even unto death.  But the Book is also an evangelistic Book.  In view of God's truth, "Come."  “Surely I am coming soon.”[3]  This promise not only assures the Church of the proximity of Christ's coming but also the assurance that there is no more revelation outside of this Book.  This ends all time.  There is no more.  These words comfort the Church ". . . by guaranteeing that his final advent, which he promised at his first coming, will soon occur and thus bring to completion what he has revealed throughout the book." [4]

"Then listen to the voice from the throne. It is the pleading voice of the Master, His tender, final invitation: ‘And he that is athirst, let him come: he that will, let him take the water of life freely.’ The emphasis is on the word freely. Glorious sovereign grace! This is the love of God, so touching and tender, which is addressed here to all those who have been made conscious of the need of living water. Let them not hesitate. Let them come. Let them take. It costs them nothing. He paid the price. So let them come, take and drink." [5]

Those who hear and head this inspired and authoritative Word from You are blessed seven-fold. This is all of your grace. Those that hear the invitation to come are given eternal life.  May the Church be an intentional voice that recites Your invitation to a lost and perishing world. Maranatha, come Lord Jesus.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” (Revelation 22:21, NIV)  

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1. Easley, K. H. (1998). Vol. 12: Revelation. Holman New Testament Commentary (417). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

2. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2496). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

3. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Re 22:20). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

4. Beale, G. K. (1999). The book of Revelation: A commentary on the Greek text. New International Greek Testament Commentary (1155). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.

5. Hendriksen, William (1998-06-01). More Than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 210). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition