Jesus is the Question

God speaks today. He speaks in various ways including; through the Bible, His anointed vessels, and even through the heavens which declare his glory and speaks of his handiwork (Ps 19:1). The way that God speaks is also varied; often in a still small voice but also we find that God speaks in the form of a question.

When we ask questions, it is usually with the intention of obtaining information. When God asks questions however, it is not to inform Him of something He already knows but rather to help His people. From the outset of the story of man, when he sinned, though God already knew what had happened, He asks Adam the question; “Where are you?” followed by two more questions. Then another to Eve; “What is this that you have done?” The Gospels record over 300 questions that Jesus asked and which, in His divinity, He already knew the answers to. Meanwhile, He is asked only 183 questions.

Since God already knew the answers to these questions, we are left wondering why God would ask them. Of course it is for their benefit; in that they would begin to think about their behaviour. Upon consideration of their actions, they would confess which is the prerequisite for salvation and they would take responsibility for their actions/lives, which again is the primary component of repentance. Underpinning all of these reasons is the glaringly obvious principle of free will. Could it be that God asks the questions, not only because of His gentle approach to man, but so that man in exercising free will would not be coerced, intimidated or manipulated into choosing God? His questions are more like invitations to us personally to consider our lives in relationship to God. His love invites and asks questions and it’s love that responds.

Growing up, we may have been reprimanded with the statement; ‘Don’t answer the question with a question.”I am convinced however that so often the answer to thequestions in our lives are found in the questions that God asks of us. Jesus asked His disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” Matt 16:15. They had to answer this question for themselves and the outcome of which would determine the trajectory of their faith.

I am convinced that God is speaking to us all everyday. The question is what question is He asking you today?Questions that would have you consider and furnish a response.

One

The Bible is clear and emphatic; God is one. Jesus declared that the first and great commandment is; “Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God is one Lord: and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” Mark 12:29-31. Scripture after scripture declares the oneness of God, the Bible is replete with this proclamation and it is important that we don’t add our own non-Biblical ideas to the truth of God’s Word.

It is important also to understand that the concept of the oneness or indivisibility of God may also be reflected in other major themes of Biblical doctrine as outline by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:4-6.

There is one body - Referring to the Church, there’s only one. There may be innumerable local assemblies that gather regularly but we are all part of the one universal body of believers.

There is one Spirit - God is a Spirit (John 4:24) and God is Holy (Psalm 99:9) therefore the Holy Spirit is God and not another Spirit, there’s only one.

There is one faith - one belief system as opposed to what many in the world would espouse today that there are many roads that lead to heaven. This is a lie, there is only one way to heaven and that’s through the Gospel of Jesus Christ as preached and administered by His Apostles.

There is only one baptism - referring to the single act of being born again and realised in the dual aspects of being baptised in the Holy Spirit and baptised in water by full immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (John 3:5, Acts 2:38). There are not many modes of water baptism; where some would erroneously argue that it can be done by sprinkling water over someone’s head, by using the formula of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The disciples clearly baptised one way and that’s how we should all be baptised for salvation (Acts 10:48, 19:5, 22:16).

Finally, the absolute indivisibility of God, though not needed, yet intuitively we all recognise that it may also be reflected in the idea that we as human beings, although billions of us on this planet, are one indivisible beings. We may have different parts to us such as spirits, souls and physical bodies. We may have different relationships and sometimes we may look and act alike, yet we are indivisible creatures with individuality and autonomy. We are not part of another person but we all posses uniqueness and the knowledge of ‘self’. Why is this? Because we were created in the image of God, and there is no one else like him. Glory be to our Lord Jesus Christ, He is One!

Isaiah 45:5 - I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

IFaith

The new year was welcomed by most with great hopes of a very different year to the history making one we experienced last year, for the better at least. While we looked forward with optimism to 2021, unfortunately the first few Sundays still saw us limited with our numbers of church attendance. Our hopes is that the ebb and flow of restrictions would soon begin to cease and settle to a more consistent normal.

However, the fact of the matter is that what we have learned from the pandemic is that there are some things that are beyond our individual power to influence and beyond the church’s capacity to control. We are truly finite creatures at the mercy of the elements, our physical restraints and to the will of God. 

What we do have and what is our responsibility is to have faith in God and His Word. Our theme for this year as a Church is IF. Such a small word that carries a hefty and profound implication. So much of what we are promised through God’s Word and the gift of His grace can only be unlocked and accessed by faith. Thus the blessings and provisions of God, though immense and ready to be poured out, are contingent, and conditional, to our participation in faith and works. I like to see the word IF as a simple acronym for ‘I Faith’. 

This year I want to challenge us to focus on our responsibilities; to believe, to pray, to fast, to act on our faith and unlock God’s promises to bless us, help and empower us. We’re believing God for revival and growth but they will not happen by God alone. No, He calls us into partnership with Him and to; preach the Gospel, make disciples of all nations, sacrifice, give, love others and all that is required of us. Then, I believe we will see the glory of God in our midst. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. 

IF My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chr 7:14

Welcome to 2021!

While it has not been the start we were hoping for, as far as community restrictions are concerned, once again we are thankful that we can still have services with limited numbers and rely on the ever essential livestream. It is incumbent upon us as a Church that we do our best to adhere to what our government is requiring of us to minimise transmission, including now having to wear face masks while in Church. I appreciate that none of these measures are for the most part welcomed, yet we endure, not only because we want to be good citizens and obey the laws of the land but, more importantly, we know that they are not forever. They are merely temporary with a goal and limited time frame in mind.

So for now, let us persevere.

Besides, we have seen in the last 10 months that God continues to move in His Church and beyond, to extend His Kingdom with people being saved and discipled, while others coming back after a long stint away. We are also thankful for the amazing start to the new year with 4 receiving the Holy Spirit and 2 baptisms at our NYE service.

Ultimately what is happening in our world is beyond our control, but in the midst of that, we have to focus on what we can control - our personal devotion and relationship with God. Unfortunately for many, they have drifted in their personal consecrations. This has corresponded with their inability to be in Church.

From the outset of 2021, don’t let what you have no say, or control, over deter you from your purpose but focus on what we can do. We can continue to pray, mediate on God’s Word, give, reach out to someone, teach a Bible study…. all of the First Works of the Church. Remember that the First Works are a natural outflow of our First Love. So whatever we must endure, let us remember, return, repent and Rebound to our First Love - our Lord Jesus Christ! (Rev 2:4-5)

King

Well we made it! To the end of the year at least, after a life changing and history making year, and with the major disruptions to our lives and our Church. We can do nothing less than to give thanks to our our good Lord and Saviour for seeing us through, not only as a Church but as a nation, in comparison to the rest of the world.

This time of year we are reminded of the miraculous nature of the birth of Christ. The very idea itself of God becoming man is one shrouded in mystery and wonder. The Apostle Paul tells us that “Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifest in the flesh….” 1 Tim 3:16. The mystery is in the ‘how’ of God manifesting in flesh. We don’t know how God did it, it’s supernatural, it’s miraculous but He did it.

While the world was oblivious to the fact that God had come into the realm of humanity as a baby on that Christmas day, the nativity story tells us that there were wise men from the east who had knowledge that a great King was born. Having finally located him in Bethlehem, they presented gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. The significance of these gifts may get lost in the other details of the narrative but perhaps they reveal aspects of profound importance in the life of this child. The Gold represents his Kingship, the frankincense his priesthood and the myrrh speaks to his suffering as the Messiah.

As King and Priest he carried out his calling, revealing his deity and absolute authority but ultimately his purpose was to go to the cross and as King and Messiah, pay the penalty for man’s sin. This is why today, we are victorious because our King has fought the battle against the tyranny and burden of our iniquities. He won by dying on the cross and being raise again the third day and our conquering King reigns and rules supreme forever. Glory to God in the highest!

Have Faith In God

The end of the calendar year could not be more welcomed to many of us after such a life-altering, world changing and tumultuous 2020. It’s like the football team who’s first half has just been so disastrous that the half time break is a welcome reprieve in an effort to regain some composure and start again. My sentiments are not too dissimilar with the hope that the close of this year and the start of a new one would represent a regaining of some normalcy and improvement.

At the risk of sounding somewhat bleak and pessimistic, the fact of the matter is, there is no guarantee that next year will be much better or that it couldn’t be worse, if not for society at large, perhaps in our individual lives. There is one thing that we can count on however, and put our whole trust in… God’s goodness and promise to be with us and for us. And if God is with us, then regardless of the situation we find ourselves in, it will always… always be alright!

Faith is so simple, yet immensely and profoundly powerful that without faith it would be impossible to please God. Even though Abraham wasn’t perfect, yet he was considered righteous because he believed God, taking Him at His word. The ultimate demonstration of the trust that he had in God was when he called him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. Filled with such confidence that when speaking to his companions, Abraham declared that he and his son would return together from the sacrifice. No longer reluctant to take God at His word, Abraham proceeded to kill his son in obedience to God just before God’s command stayed his hand. You talk about trust. It was the lack of trust that ultimately kept Moses and Aaron from entering the Promised Land (Num 20:10). It was the lack of faith that kept David from realising his desire to build the temple of God. Not to say that these men were failures but they were human and missed certain experiences due to their failure to trust God.

In all that we’ve gone through, one thing we must hold steadfast; “That no matter what, I will trust you with my life”. Trust God!

“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.” Mark 11:22

Turning Point

In the 27 years of Turning Point Conference, for the very first time we are forced to cancel this keystone event in our Church calendar. Being the year 2020, unless you’ve been living under a rock, little explanation is needed as to the reason why. However, we will commemorate Turning Point later this month as we continue to forge ahead with the work of God’s Kingdom in spite of the restrictions.

Our late Bishop Ted Slack started Turning Point in 1993 to commemorate our move from the very first UPCA building in Belmore to our current location in Campsie. The name of the event is profound, not only because it memorialises the significance of this event but also serves as a reminder to us that there are times and events that can define and determine the trajectory and destiny of our movement. 

It’s been repeatedly said; that we don’t measure life in minutes but in moments. In the two greek words for time; we live in the continuum of kronos time, determining the seconds, hours, days, weeks, seasons. However, we don’t remember the constant ticking of the hours and consistent passage of days or even seasons but we remember the Kairos or God moments. Kairos moments are when our faithful consecration and steadfast hope in God intersects with God’s timing and intervention. The turning point moments when we give our life to God, when we step out by faith to sacrifice, feel the touch of his hand, discern his still small voice. It’s when he breaks through in our lives with deliverance after a period of ongoing struggle, when he heals our chronic illnesses or when we are flooded with his blessings that become milestones of note.

The wedding day, the birth of our children, the promotion to an unexpected position, teach our first Bible study - these are moments that not only leave indelible marks in our memories but they shape our characters and transform our perspectives forever. 

It is said of the sons of Issachar that they had an understanding of the times and knew what Israel should do (1 Chr 12:32).  It is no doubt that 2020 is a turning point in the history of the Church and as God’s people we should have an acute and prophetic understanding of this time that we are living in. That we are in the last days and what we are seeing in our world is simply prophecy being fulfilled of the signs of the last days. I must confess that I have been frustrated and a little discouraged by the halting of the amazing momentum we have been experiencing the last couple of years, upon the lockdowns. However, I have clearly seen that despite every obstacle, God continues to bless his Church and use the Church to continue to make disciples and bring people to salvation.

This is a turning point year, and I am convinced this current pandemic will serve to spring board us to the next level of Apostolic Revival not only at POS but throughout Sydney, and Australia and also the world.

A New Normal

As we enter into the sixth month of this pandemic and all the restrictions associated with it, there’s a sense of becoming adapted and accustomed to the conditions. The new normal of social distancing, hyper vigilance with hygiene and limited numbers in church is becoming part of the rhythm of daily life. That is no surprise since we as human beings are built for routine and habits and have the incredible ability to adapt to virtually all circumstances.

Man has learned to live for months in a steel tube under water in confined spaces with no sunlight, in a capsule hurtling in outer space with zero gravity. Humans have adapted to living in subzero temperatures in the tundra of the polar regions living on seal meat. Others have learned to exist in the arid environments of desserts in the outback of Australia. The saying could well go; ‘have water, will live’.

As much as this is a testament to human ingenuity and determination to survive, it is also an indictment to the saddest conditions by which man has learned to live in; sin and separation from God.

People may be getting used to the new normal of masks, and elbow bumps but as the Church we are compelled to share the message, that they do not have to remain in their sin and thereby be doomed to eternal destruction. A life of sin does not have to be the norm but Jesus Christ has paid the price for all humanity to be able to live a new normal of victorious living for Christ. We don’t have to accept that we are hopelessly bound to destructive vices or addictions, or to the dysfunctional patterns of our family of origin, or negative mindsets reinforced by our environments.

No, we can live above the beggarly elements of our world to a life that transcends even our material dispositions, as we sit in heavenly places. It’s easy to get disorientated in these confusing and challenging times, but when that starts to happen, go back to the basics of your faith; looking and meditating upon God’s Word, pray everyday, fast every week, give, serve and let the “peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phi 4:7)

And remember “that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.” (Eph 2:5-6 NLT)

A Come Back

What a blessing it is to be able to worship together again as a Church, after months of lockdowns and restrictions! Praise the Lord!

When we celebrated the start of a new decade on the 1st of January this year, none of us would have envisaged that the next six months starting that same week, would be filled with unprecedented events that would profoundly impact not only our local communities but the entire world. Suddenly our Church services were restricted to merely a live online broadcast.

To say that I was deeply disappointed after the tremendous momentum we had built up from the previous year into the new one is understated. Our services seemed to go from strength to strength but all of that was gone and for how long, we could only speculate. Our Konnect groups, Youth, Sunday School and all other ministries could no longer meet face to face and though we are thankful for online meetings, it simply wasn’t the same. Guests were no longer coming and what’s more, those who may have been struggling spiritually may have drifted even further.

This was a great blow to all of us but I am reminded that whatever happened this year, and what will happen in the future, our God already knew and He is leading the Church through turbulent times to a position where His Kingdom will be extended. I’m also buoyed by the many examples in scripture where God’s people experienced a set back only to be set up for a come back!

Esther is one such story that exemplifies this. She and the Jewish people were in jeopardy of annihilation but they began to pray and fast, and with boldness they took the step of faith. Ultimately, they were vindicated and flourished in the Kingdom of God. The story of Job, David, Paul and Ruth all speak of God’s ability to redeem our ‘set backs’ for a greater good and bright future. Of course, the ultimate example for us is the Gospel message itself; Jesus was crucified, died and was buried. Three days later however, He rose from the dead and reigns forever more as our Lord and Saviour.

With what we are facing still today, we can take the utmost confidence that God is setting up his Church for a world shaking revival that will bring glory to his name and victory for his Kingdom.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

We Are Closed

Driving into the church car park on Easter Sunday morning and seeing a sign on the front door of the church that said, ‘We Are Closed’ sent a sudden sadness over me. It was the first time I had been at church since the restrictions were put in place.

I was there because I had a ‘job’ to do…give out the communion to those there facilitating the live stream. I felt so emotionally overwhelmed standing inside the empty sanctuary that is usually buzzing with people, children and the sound of joy!

But this is how it is in 2020 for now… having ‘church’ at home.

Thankfully, just because the doors of the church are shut, the work of God has not ceased! Bible studies, baptisms, prayer meetings and Konnect groups are still happening via online!

We are the church. We are the body of Christ. If you consider our physical bodies, if we were to cut one of our arms off and put it to the side, we would long for it…wouldn’t we? It is there but we can’t use it. That’s the best way I can describe how it feels at the moment. You and I are part of the body of Christ…and the body is not able to physically be together…and that is what I and I am sure many of you, long for. Our brothers and sisters in Christ!

During my prayer time, I believe the Lord gave me this thought to share. In Matthew 25, we have the story of the ten virgins. We know that five of them were wise and five were foolish. Here are some points to consider:

• At some point, the foolish virgins did have oil….

• The foolish virgins were not diligent in ensuring their lamps had oil…

• All the virgins were unaware of when the bridegroom was going to come. They just knew that at some point, He would…

We know that Jesus promised that He will return for His bride, the church. We are admonished to pay attention to the signs of the times…because that means it is getting closer. Watch and pray!

I felt overcome with grief when I realised that when the second coming of Christ occurs and the church is taken, there will be those who once did know God and had walked away, that would understand what had taken place. There would also be those who know God but are not spiritually ready for His return.

I can imagine them coming to the church, trying to get in and realising that the doors are locked. There is no one there.

Even if I want to attend a service at church, at present, that is not possible due to the restrictions in place. That is very sad. But, there is hope because at some point in the coming months, that will change! Restrictions will be lifted.

But, what about after Jesus has returned for His bride? How devastating it would be to know I had missed the rapture? Coming to the church building and not able to get in…the doors are locked…the church is gone?

If you are reading this today, then God has given you an opportunity to make sure you have oil in your lamp. He has given you the opportunity to repent if you need to. Be baptised in Jesus name if you haven’t had your sins washed away. To be filled with His Spirit if you have not received the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in tongues.

I know many of us cannot wait until we are able to be together and worship and praise God together! If this pandemic hasn’t taught us anything else, it has taught us the value and honour it is to have the opportunity to be in God’s house, with God’s people…to feel His presence in the House!

Be wise! Keep oil in your lamp! Today is the day of salvation!

This is a blog post from Jena Grech, Assistant Pastor of the POS

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash