The Mountains: A Place Of Encounter

 Scripture:

"...Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God." - Luke 6:12

"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." - Luke 5:16

A Reflection:

I saw the Alps from a distance.

I was a passenger in a car in a small town in Germany. We were turning around in a parking lot when one of my companions pointed to them in the distance.

I was traveling with my son-in-law and his associates - they were there for business - I was tagging along. While I was grateful to see so many beautiful sites in Germany, Churches, Castles, and other historical sites, I was disappointed we didn't make time to visit the mountains.

Mountains are significant in Scripture. 

They are holy places where we find God's servants encountering the Divine.

The Bible tells us stories of God - encounters on mountains - considered "Sacred sites' and places of "transcendent spiritual experiences."

" Ezekiel 28:13-15 places the Garden of Eden on a mountain. Abraham shows his willingness to sacrifice Isaac and then encounters God on a mountain" (Gen 22:1-14). Moses met God in a cloud on Mt. Sinai  (Ex 3:19). (1) 

 Jesus went to the mountains to pray(Mt 14:23) in solitude(Jn 6:15) and to be with his Father. He was transfigured (Mt 17:1-8) in the presence of his disciples, ascended into heaven(Acts 1:10-12), and "refuted Satan's temptations" (Mt 4:8) from the mountains.

We may not have access to a physical mountain to pray daily, but we can have that special place to commune with God. And to refute the devil's lies by believing and speaking the truth of Scripture (out loud). 

My companions and I allowed inconvenient obstacles like money and time to keep us from experiencing the Alps. Don't let distractions keep you from encountering the LORD.  We make time and sacrifices for what we value most. We have access to the throne of grace at any time.

Prayer:

 Father, we come into your presence through Jesus - by the Holy Spirit. Would you help us to find a place of solitude? It doesn't have to be a mountain but a place where we can meet with You undistracted. We ask for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know you better. We are desperate to encounter Your Presence. And to learn what it means to abide in You. Amen

(1) Source: Dictionary of Biblical Imagery

I'm Groaning

 The Scripture:

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." - Romans 8:22-26  ESV

Reflection:

Is it just me? Is it just my age? Or is anyone else groaning?  What about creation?

The answer is yes to all of the above questions. There is a lot of groaning - Scripture says that all creation is groaning.  We groan in our physical bodies and long to be "swallowed up" in immorality.

There is a heaviness in the air. Real opposition.

It is the world, the flesh, and the devil (in collusion) bringing depression and hopelessness to the inhabitants of the earth. The heaviness that the enemy of our soul brings is to keep us from completing the assignment God has given to his children to accomplish. 

The Apostle Paul wrote; "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." - 2 Corinthians 4:16 ESV

Whatever else predestination means - it means God has a people. A people being conformed to the image of Jesus and doing good works. 

Our assignment is to bring the values and ethics of Jesus to those around us. I have failed at this often.

Only spiritually transformed people (not perfect) can advance God's agenda on earth.

Transformation only comes to those who have the joy of the LORD through fellowship with the Father and the Son.

God wants to be known, loved, and valued. While He is not lonely he desires our company. Our time with Him in prayer empowers us to live a life pleasing to him and beneficial to those around us.

He reveals himself to those who humble themselves and acknowledge their spiritual poverty. Only through God's Word and Presence can this transformation take place. 

It's still possible to seek Him. As long as we have breath - it's not too late. 

Salvation is in Jesus alone. (John 14:6) Our hope is in Jesus the King who will return to set up his Kingdom and restore the earth to its original purpose. 

All things will be summed up in Christ - the maker of Heaven and Earth.

Scripture To Meditate On:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:3 NIV

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10 ESV

"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." - Romans 8:29 ESV

"When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

“O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?” - 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 ESV

" For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.  And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent." -  Colossians 1:16-18 ESV

"Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea." - Revelation 21:1 ESV

Speaking Truth To Power

 

My Thoughts:

Speaking truth to power is a phrase I hear often. It reminds me of the various protest movements against governments that date back to the volatile 1960s. We see it today from groups on the political left and right.

It is great to have a democracy that, in theory, allows free speech. Although, the reality is that you could lose your job over your opinions.

Jesus taught his disciples to worship him in Spirit and Truth. He gave his disciples both then and now spiritual authority over the demonic. 

The Apostle Paul taught that the real powers in charge occupy the spiritual realm. They influence political decisions and policies we see played out on earth. Many politicians are puppets serving their dark overlords.

We need to face it: monovalent entities are pulling the strings of their political puppets whose policies are counter to the Kingdom of God.

When we hear lies, we should counter them with the truth of Scripture, not our political opinions. 

That is how we speak truth to power. 

When the spiritual powers hear the proclamation of the gospel and when people receive it - they tremble.

 Principalities and Powers are not fearful of believers who do not speak the truth in love. They scoff at our attempts to argue with the people they control.

Yelling at demons during a prayer meeting is not how we exercise spiritual authority. We pray to God and invite his presence to drive the darkness away. The proclamation of truth and prayer are effective ways to push darkness away. People who submit to Jesus through a lifestyle that reflects the values of the Kingdom see results. We have authority over demons, but our focus must be on God.

The Scripture:

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." - Ephesians 6:12 ESV (Read the whole chapter)

 "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." - Ephesians 5: 11 

"Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” - Luke 10:19-20 

Note: In Luke 10:19-20 Jesus is talking about ground-level spiritual warfare. Disciples of Jesus have the power and authority to cast demons out of people and sometimes places. We have not been - given the authority to cast out evil cosmic powers in the heavenly realms. Those Powers that influence cities, states, and governments can only be - removed through the proclamation of the gospel, repentance, and prayer.

Here is the Apostle Paul's spiritual battle plan:

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." - Ephesians 6: 13-20 

 

Formed By The Presence

 

The Quote:

"Our hearts need to come to the fixed conclusion that God is everywhere present - that He is more real than the things we may think of as "real" and is deeply and utterly committed to our transformation into the image of His beloved Son. Any Christianity that embraces a less-integrated worldview is rendered increasingly powerless. It is a Christianity whose God exists only in an abstract sense. Such a life is madness in the end. It cannot but be encumbered with doubt while fostering opinion and argument in the place of faith. The result is an intellectualized faith (however simple or sophisticated), always driven by culture, either in ignorant subservience or in whatever form its political masters direct for the "culture wars." What Christianity in its various secularized forms has not done and cannot do is to produce true culture. The production of culture is not the goal of the Christian faith, but a faith that is truly integrated and grounded in the God who is everywhere present cannot help but produce culture - for it produces a whole humanity. (1)

My Thoughts:

How we think about and interact with God determines how we live life. God is committed to our transformation into Christ-likeness. The things we speak and the actions we take come from our hearts. I hear very little about the awareness of God's omnipresence and our transformation into the image of His Son as the answer to our cultural meltdown. 

I fear many evangelicals have "kissed the ring" of political power to the detriment of the Gospel message. A secularized form of Christianity is weak and non-efective. 

Moral transformation only becomes a reality for those who - have been formed by the Presence of God. There is no division between the secular and sacred for those who acknowledge His presence. 

The Holy Spirit is here, among us now.

 God is not "the man upstairs" - He is ever present.

Scriptures For Meditation:

"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. - Colossians 3:2-4 ESV 

 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:2

"Where shall I go from your Spirit?

    Or where shall I flee from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

If I take the wings of the morning

    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

 even there your hand shall lead me,

    and your right hand shall hold me." - Psalm 139: 7-10

"Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” - John 18:36

(1) Every Where Present, Stephen Freeman, pages 95-96.

The Oxford Holy Club: The Wesley's and George Whitefield

(The picture above is where Charles Wesley and George Whitefield walked and prayed together while living in Oxford, England.)

The Holy Club was a small group of college students at Christ Church in Oxford, England. The club was founded by John and Charles Wesley in 1729 - in reaction to the dead religion, they observed at Oxford. Mocking students nicknamed this group The Holy Club. They were also known as Bible Moths, Bible Bigots, Sacramentarians, and Methodists. These men were perceived as fanatics because they refused to partake in worldly activities with the other students. They prayed and studied the Bible together. They fasted and took the sacraments and read and discussed books. This group of young men was focused on spiritual growth and ministering to prisoners and the poor. 

George Whitefield would become one of the most effective Evangelists of that era. He was about 19 years old when he joined this group. The Wesley brothers influenced the founding of the Methodist Church. Their goal was not to divide the Church Of England but to see it reformed. The establishment of the Methodist Church was not John or Charles's idea - they never left the Anglican Church.   

The Church of England was full of compromise at that time. Whitefield, in particular, resorted to extreme measures to ensure his salvation. His health declined from excessive fasting and neglect of his body in hopes of earning his salvation. Try as they did - their good works could not save them. John and Charles Wesley sailed to America as missionaries in search of redemption. That did not work! 

On one voyage, John was on board with Moravian Christians. When a massive storm began, John feared for his life. He noticed that the Morivians had no fear as they sang hymns. The faith of the Morivians impacted Wesley's life dramatically. These three men experienced true salvation when they discovered child-like faith. 

The rediscovery of Justification by Faith Alone was the key. They each read a book by Henry Scougal, "The Life Of God In The Soul Of Man." That book had a profound impact on all three men. All three came to see the need to experience the life of God on a personal level. True salvation comes from experiential knowledge and encounter with Jesus. 

This was Whitefield's response after reading Henry Scougal's book:

"Shall I burn this book? Shall I throw it down? Or shall I search it? I did search it, and holding the book in my hand I thus addressed the God of heaven and earth: 'Lord, if I am not a Christian, or if not a real one, for Jesus Christ's sake show me what Christianity is, that I may not be damned at last!' God soon showed me, for in reading a few lines further, that 'true Christianity is a union of the soul with God, and Christ formed within us,' a ray of divine light was instantaneously darted into my soul, and from that moment, and not till then, did I know I must become a new creature." (1) 

 Speaking of his salvation experience, Whitefield wrote:

"I know the place: it may be superstitious, perhaps, but whenever I go to Oxford I cannot help running to that place where Jesus Christ first revealed himself to me, and gave me the new birth."

John Wesley describes his salvation experience this way:

"In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther’s Preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation, and an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death." (2) 

Charles trusted Christ through conversations with the Moravian Peter Böhler (who had influenced John) and his discovery of the gospel in Martin Luther's commentary on Galatians. He writes:

"I marveled that we were so soon, and so entirely, removed from him that called us into the grace of Christ unto another gospel. Who would believe our Church had been founded on this important article of justification by faith alone! I am astonished I should ever think this a new doctrine, especially while our Articles and Homilies stand unrepealed, and the key of knowledge is not yet taken away." (3)

Charles's encounter with God happened three days earlier than John's. He wrote this hymn:

"Where shall my wondering soul begin

How shall I all to heaven aspire?

A slave redeemed from death and sin,

A brand plucked from eternal fire,

How shall I equal triumphs raise,

Or sing my great Deliverer's praise?

Flowing from the complete assurance they felt in God's love and forgiveness, their faith was lived out in lives that went on to influence millions.

Charles went on to write over 6,000 hymns, while John used his organizing genius to turn a spontaneous movement into the structured body which became the origin of today's world-wide Methodist Church". (4) 

(1) Goerge Whitefield: God's Anointed Servant In The Great Revival, Kindle, location 17.

(2) Wesley and the Anglicans p 59

(3) Charles Wesley (Kimbrough and Newport, Manuscript Journal, 1:100)

(4) www.methodist.org.uk