Posts Tagged With: Christianity

God’s Protection

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Pieter Stok

If you are like me, you are quick to complain when things go wrong. I don’t always vocalise these grumbles but God must be only too aware of my grumbling heart.

God’s eternal care really came home to me on our recent trip to Tasmania. God reminded me that He takes care of me all the time. Even when I am oblivious. I am always “in his grip” (as a fellow blogger describes himself).

DSC_0067

Narcissus Bay, Lake St. Clair, Tasmania

After a strenuous hike my wife and I pitched our hiking tent in, what seemed at the time, a suitable location. We slept there that night. At one point in the middle of the night I left the tent to take care of “necessities”. The following morning as my wife was making breakfast I packed up the tent. A short while later a fellow hiker, whom we had met a day earlier, passed through and said “Hi”. After a chat she continued on her way. A few seconds later we heard a scream. We jumped up and ran to find out what was going on. Our hiker friend had spied a black snake.  When she described where it had come from and where it had gone she pointed to where we had pitched our tent that night as its place of origin.

As danger lurked around us we were ignorant. On how many other occasions in my life has that happened?

I only grumble about the problems and struggles that I see, but how much more should my life be a hymn of praise for all the blessings, protection and care that God bestows moment by moment!

Categories: christian, Christianity, Devotional, Faith, Hiking, Tasmania, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , | 3 Comments

The Value of Life and the Media

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Pieter Stok

On the day of the horrific Boston bombings there were many other atrocities around the world. Fifty people died in Iraq, children were killed in Syria, and thousands continued to die from starvation, disease and abuse around the world. But our televisions, computers and newspapers were filled with images from Boston. Newspaper pages and TV hours were crammed with this one story.

Being a first world country there were of course lots of images to broadcast. Also the American networks were pouring out reams of material that others could plug into. But I felt uneasy. I don’t want to decry the seriousness of the Boston event. It was awful and undeserved.  However in the international scheme of things it was not the worst thing that happened in the world that day. Here in Australia the media would make it appear that it was.

There are so many questions and issues that arise out of this situation: What is news and who determines what we should be shown? Are western lives more valuable than others? What impact does this skewed reporting have on our sense of justice for all? What about the child dying in its mother’s arms in a forgotten village – shouldn’t she be noticed? What about the Christians who are dying and having their churches bombed in towns and villages in Asia and the Middle East? Sadly, the list is seemingly endless.

Another question which directly confronts us, is, are we simply watching the news to be entertained? Neil Postman confronted this attitude with his LIAR principle – Low Information to Action Ratio. His point, we gain so much information, but we do so little about it. Is the news just another ongoing sitcom or is it a means by which we can gain understanding of the needs in the whole of God’s world?

I understand that this a very complex area and I am only scratching the surface. Yet we can start with ourselves and critique what we see, and explore other sources of news, such as the news that comes from mission and aid organisations. This would broaden our input, remove some of the power of the big news organisations and would also have the effect of putting us, to some degree, in charge of our own news sourcing. We would also have a more complete perspective from which to pray and act. And acting afterall, rather than being curious voyeurs, is the heart of Christ at work.

Categories: christian, christian education, Christianity, Church, Ethics, Faith, Reflections, World Views | Tags: , , , | 6 Comments

A Trove of Memories

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Pieter Stok

Yesterday I reflected on the importance of local museums to keep the culture and history of an area alive. Some countries, such as Sweden, do this very well. Spiritually this is important too.

In the OT in Joshua Chapter 4 God ordered his people to collect 12 stones from the river bed as memorial to what he done for His people. In contrast, we have not been good at remembering our past in recent times. One can enter many modern churches and could nearly believe that faith started with them. The songs are new, there is no reference to the the traditions or history of the church. It is as though 2000 years of church history doesn’t exist. Hasn’t happened. Even the Bible is used as a lucky dip of quotes or examples of warm and fuzzy ideas. There is a spooky sense of being disembodied from the church universal.

We see this self centredness in a variety of other ways too. God is all about keeping me happy. Prophecies and Bible predictions are about now and our time in history and no thought is given to the context of the Bible passage. My pet peeve is the way Jeremiah 29:11 (He has plans to prosper you) is bandied about without any thought to why God said it and when. The modern attitude is: It feels good to me so I will apply it. We aren’t so glib with passages that promise punishment or disaster however – that won’t make me happy.

We need a trove of memories of how God has dealt with his people in the past – both from Biblical times and 2000 years of church history. This gives perspective, balance and puts God and His purposes in the centre of the picture and not ourselves.

Categories: Bible, christian, Christianity, Church, Devotional, Faith, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | 6 Comments

Walking

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Pieter Stok

DSC_0288I have been walking most of my life. I believe I was about 10 months old when I took my first step but it has been only in recent years that my wife and I have taken up walking as a pastime – hiking.

Over the last week and a half we have been doing a lot of day walks and one overnight stay. We clocked up quite a few kilometres. Apart from the obvious physical benefits there are many others as well.

Personally, the most amazing revelation is the beauty of creation from the smallest flower to the largest tree and from a ferned gully to a majestic mountains and cliffs. One’s heart cannot fail to declare, “O Lord our Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth.” That is reinforced when out in the blackness of the bush at night away from city light pollution; the numbers of stars in the sky is breathtaking.

As a couple another benefit is time together. We don’t talk the whole time but we can simply enjoy each other’s company away from the hurly burly of life. In some places we walked we wouldn’t see other people for many hours. We had to like each other because there was no one else. We can sometimes become so busy we fail to acknowledge the importance of those around us. Walking is an antidote to that condition.

But there is also time time to reflect within yourself. It is a good time for a personal audit of your priorities, relationships, faith, work and life in general. One can stop, breath and be reminded why God has placed us on the earth in the first place.

My knees and ankles are, for the moment, thanking me that I have stopped. The problem with taking up serious walking later in life  is that body is in a state of shock – for days.

Categories: christian, Devotional, Faith, Hiking, Walking | Tags: , , , | 2 Comments

A Criminal’s Amazing Insight

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Pieter Stok

There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the Jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “ Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Luke 23:38-42

Koln Dom

Koln Dom

There is remarkable incident is recorded by Luke in the 23rd chapter of his gospel. Jesus is on the cross and the Roman soldiers have mockingly added a sign that declared that Jesus was the king of the Jews. One of the criminals joined in the abuse of Jesus, but the other, in what can only be described as Spirit filled insight, rebukes his comrade in crime and asks Jesus to remember him when Jesus enters his kingdom.

Jesus replies with those amazing words, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

In a moment of revelation the second criminal understood he was in the presence of a king – more than a king, but THE king. This king wasn’t just the king of the Jews but the king of all creation. In a few days this crucified king would reveal the extent of that kingship when he arose from the dead. Jesus was the conqueror of death, destruction and decay!

This single event, the death and resurrection of Jesus, is the motivating reason for Christian education. Christian education has the role of declaring that Christ is truly the king over all creation. From Art to Maths, and Food Tech to English, these areas of creation (and every other one) are also what Jesus died and arose for. Christ died, not just for a loose collection of individuals but for the kingdom that Adam and Eve had plunged into disarray at the dawn of creation.

A Dutch theologian, Abraham Kuyper, famously put it this way, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!”

This Easter it is crucial to remember that Jesus died for our sins but let us not forget that he also died for a creation that, like us, needs to be redeemed. Jesus is our Saviour and also our King!

Categories: Bible, christian, christian education, Christianity, Devotional, Faith | Tags: , , , , , | 5 Comments

Jesus, Our Personal Trainer – Not!

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Pieter Stok

“Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.”   Joshua 5:13

Lord’s Day 1 Heidelberg Catechism

1. Q. What is your only comfort in life and death?
A. That I, with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who with his precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, wherefore by his Holy Spirit he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.

Westminster Shorter Catechism

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

Window in Chartres Cathedral

Window in Chartres Cathedral

There is a common thread that runs through these three texts, that is, we are here to serve God, not the other way round. In western culture there has been a strong tendency for Christians to treat God as a personal trainer, a guru or spiritual aspirin. In other words God is there to serve us, make us comfortable and look after our needs. We are then massively disappointed and angry when this doesn’t occur. We have turned our Saviour into a servant and Lord into a lacky. We see it in so many sermons which have become “feel good” ear ticklers filled with trite psychology. Prosperity theology and the gold dust idiocy of recent years are just some of the more extreme examples of our tendency to twist Scripture to serve our purposes.

How has that happened? In part it is because we have failed to look at the more comprehensive picture of Jesus. Yes, he is a Saviour and he did come to save us, but he is also a king who has come to reclaim his kingdom. If we forget the second half of this picture it is easy to see how we fall into a self focussed faith.

As Joshua found out as he prowled around Jericho, and David when he was anointed King, and  as Paul declares every-time one of his letters heralds “therefore” and as the Apostle John was enlightened on the island of Patmos, Jesus has a rightful claim on our lives, our service and our obedience, not the other way round. As his adopted brothers and sisters we have been co-opted into the Father’s business which is Kingdom building – rightfully declaring, claiming and striving for Christ’s rule over all things.

Looking at faith from this perspective removes our human tendency to self absorption and spiritual pride. Christianity would have died in the first century if the early church had our modern self centredness. Following Jesus was the cause of their problems not the solution, yet they rejoiced in the calling they had to serve the king.

Between Palm Sunday and Easter is a most appropriate time to reflect that the one who was crucified, rose from the dead as a triumphal King and liberator. We are privileged to be called citizens in this eternal kingdom!

Categories: christian, Christianity, Church, Devotional | Tags: , , , , | 8 Comments

Blind to Blessings

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Pieter Stok

I don’t know if other people are like me but sometimes I fail to recognise how blessed I am.

My child bride is adding another notch on her belt of life on Tuesday. She is turning ** years of age. Her age has remained on 50 for a few years now. I first met her when she was 16, we were engaged when she was 17 and married at 18.  She liked older men – I was 21 when we met. We have known each other now for over 40 years and in that time and from early on she grew to be my best friend and has remained so all that time.

Simply put, God has given given me a fantastic life partner and I have to confess that I have not always recognised that. There were times when work took priority and she loved me regardless. There were other times that I neglected the family and this is when her wisdom and tenacity really shone. There was one infamous occasion when I was in my office (I was a pastor at the time) and the intercom buzzed, “There is someone here to see you.” she chimed sweetly. “Send them up,” I replied. A few minutes later, who should walk into my office but the child bride. I was about to splutter that I was busy, had meetings, a sermon to write and etc. Anticipating what I was going to say, she declared, “If it had been anyone else in the church, or outside of your family for that matter, you would have dropped everything immediately and listened. Now listen! As you are my pastor I need to tell you something. My husband is never at home, he is always busy, the kids never see him and he is working himself into an early grave.” She continued but I won’t bore you. Except, that her husband listened and changed his attitude. And now, whenever he is tempted to lose sight of his priorities, she simply says, “Can I make an appointment to see you?” Usually that is enough. The hint is loud and clear.

God has been good to me through my ‘better half’ but I still need to remind myself of that because often I take the people closest to me for granted. It is an insidious and nasty habit I have.

I believe it illustrates a larger problem that many of us encounter: we are blind to the manifold blessings that shower our lives. They can be physical, spiritual, relational and emotional – family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues, team mates. Rather than looking at the problems, issues, crises, conflicts and loads to carry, I know that I need to take stock often and starting very close to home, remember how God has blessed me.

If I am not careful my child bride may ask for an appointment.

Categories: christian, Christianity, Faith, Family, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , | 8 Comments

The Knowledge of God and Self

Posted on March 20, 2013 by Pieter Stok

Knowledge of God
And knowledge of ourselves:
These two make up
Almost the whole of sacred doctrine.

John Calvin
Quoted in: The Piety of John Calvin
Categories: christian, Christianity, Faith, Reflections, Reformation | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

Franklin and Whitefield

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Pieter Stok

Every so often we come across a friendship that is truly unique. The affection that Benjamin Franklin, scientist and humanist, and George Whitefield, evangelical Anglican preacher and evangelist, had for each other, was one of these.

Franklin

Source: pbs.org

Source: pbs.org

Sadly, they did not meet at a level of faith. Whitefield constantly challenged Franklin to believe in Christ but the rational scientist resisted. However they met at the level of human respect. Franklin respected Whitefield’s intelligence and desire to improve the world in which he lived. In one letter Franklin suggested that they move to Ohio together (in 1756), away from the constraints of the East Coast and set up a new society there – “A strong body of religious and industrious people.” Dallimore Vol. 2 p448.

Franklin was amazed by Whitefield’s oratory and ability to speak to huge crowds. On one occasion he estimated that Whitefield was speaking to a crowd of 30,000.

Even though Franklin disagreed with the siting of Whitefield’s orphanage in Georgia, in time he came to support the project both financially and through his newspaper.

Whitefield also admired Franklin as a thinker and man of action. Aside from faith, he recognised in Franklin a kindred spirit. Both were prepared to be scorned and ridiculed rather than compromise their values. Franklin, in reply to his sister who was concerned for his reputation, said that when, from a distance, you see boys throwing stones at a tree, you can be assured it is laden with fruit. In other words, receiving slander, libel and ridicule are evidence that the recipient is holding onto treasures.

In 1763 Whitefield even wrote to Franklin of his concerns regarding the growing tension in the relationship between the U.K. and the American colonies. It is clear that they were open with each other on all topics, from faith to politics.

These friendships in public life seem to be rare today. Wouldn’t it be a breath of fresh air to see an agnostic evolutionist scientist have a respectful and lasting friendship with a conservative evangelical. This would certainly be an example of how discussions and debates could be held – without the vitriol and character assassination which is all too prevalent from both sides.

Sources:

Arnold Dallimore’s two volume biography of George Whitefield.
http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/pds/becomingamer/ideas/text2/franklinwhitefield.pdf
Categories: George Whitefield, Reflections, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , | 1 Comment

The Origin of Prophecy

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Pieter Stok

Flinders text

Categories: Bible, christian, Christianity, Photo | Tags: , , , | 2 Comments

Blog at WordPress.com.