As an Arrow

How sure is genuine salvation? Is conversion reversible? Can we lose it?

Salvation is sure when our hope is firmly rooted in Christ. There is no way to undo what Christ has done and no way to dismiss it. No metaphor is perfect but here is an entry in from a book I have at home:

"Could an arrow, once released from the bow, return unto it? Once Christ has shown Himself to be saviour and the scriptures as true there can be no other way. Through divine revelation of Christ, a knowledge and conviction of sin, true repentance, belief in God by trust and faith in Christ Jesus - God pulls back the strings and sends the arrow toward Christ.

The wind may gust and contend with it but the power of The Almighty Archer will sustain it and keep it true in flight.

How could it return by it's own will to the Great Fletcher who wrought it, carefully chose it, and placed it within His quiver. How could it fly back to the Great Archer, who, when the time was right, placed it between His fingers and slid it into into the bow.

No, no. It could not turn back and deny the direction in which it was sent! Only when the arrow has flown its course and falls to the ground, spent, when the mortal energy given it is gone, then will the Archer and Fletcher (being the same) run to the place and raise up the spent arrow and take it home."

As I sit here, having just returned from church, my mind is lead to a recent entry in my journal. Many think that I am a bit mad and gone too far and that I have my head in my bible too much (you must be joking). I care not! (Psalm 56:11) Christ can be my judge.

A TV advert which I have despised has made me think. "I AM A PC!" Those words always evoke the response from me "No, I am not a PC!" But, having said that (and my hatred of the advert still remains) there are aspects that provide good lessons.

When it comes to hearing The Word and responding to the message, we can be very much like a PC. Take the Gospel, for example: We can hear it, we can know it, we can appreciate its depth, its meaning, we may be able to recite texts to explain it and possibly even believe what we have heard and yet something is missing.

Our modern terminology is not helping. The current phrases used for 'conversion' are now 'made a commitment', 'made a decision for Christ', 'accepted Jesus into his life'. It was not much different when I came to Christ in the late 70's. You just prayed this prayer and you were in. I have no recollection of the prayer that I was lead through but I did get a handout that was called the 'ABC of Salvation' and I was left in no doubt what Christ had done and what I had prayed. Acknowledgment of sin and a true repentance, Belief and trust in Jesus Christ, Confession of my previous life of sin and a promise to follow Christ.

Our new terms do not measure. I understand the term 'accepted Christ' but honestly, it is so misleading to put the whole contract into such a trite phrase. Surely, it is Christ who accepts us and not the reverse! Again, it is not whether or not 'I know Christ' but whether 'Christ knows me'. On the judgement day, to those who are banished, God will say 'Depart from me'... "I never knew you!" (Matthew 7:23) . If I go to Buckingham Palace and ask to be allowed in, I will not be allowed in because I know The Queen. Everyone knows her. The key would be, that The Queen knows me!

We need our thinking straightened out. A mere decision to follow Christ is not evidence of any conversion or salvation because that decision begins and ends with me. When Lazarus was called from the tomb, did he sit in there in the stink and death thinking "shall I go or shall I just stay here?" He arose and left the tomb. If a drowning man is thrown a life-belt in a raging sea, does he make a decision to reach for it? If a woman is surrounded by fire and the firefighter enters the room with breathing apparatus, an axe and flameproof blanket, does she take time to think about it? To all these, the answer is no. In modern terms 'it's a No-Brainer'.

Once it has been revealed to us our state in sin, our destiny, our utter hopelessness and depth of depravity, why would we need to make a decision. "Mmmmm.. well I know I am a sinner and bound for God's judgement without Christ and it all makes sense but no thanks, it's not for me." This does not happen! What does happen is that a person does not believe that God even exists, that Christ died for them, that they are sinful and in need of Christ - In fact, most unbelievers believe that they are good and in no need of saving. It has little, if anything to do with a decision. No one comes to Christ unless God draws him (John 6:44)

Anyway, with all this considered, thinking about our PC (getting back to my original point) nothing will make any difference to my life unless I 'hit the button'. I can get all sorts of warning messages on my PC, updates, changes to how a page is set up, global templates and all sorts. I can jump through lots of hoops, tick lots of boxes, agree to licence agreements etc. etc. And yet, unless I click the 'APPLY' box, nothing changes! I can have spent a long time altering, editing, learning and if that box is not clicked then it is meaningless and worthless.

The same is true for us. All we hear needs to be applied and if there is no fruit in our lives then, in all honesty, no changes have been made. Let us also remember that once significant changes are made to your PC, it requests that you restart your computer in order that the changes take effect. RESTART NOW! On my PC I am invited to postpone restart but scripture says 'today' (Hebrews 4:7)

As Christians, we believe that God is the maker of the universe and all within it. Am I then to make you believe that I could possibly have an encounter with Him and remain unchanged? This, as Paul Washer said, is no more likely than me being run over (having an encounter) with a logging truck and coming out unscathed.

Christian, have we left church today, having heard something that should change us? So let us apply what we have received. I hope this opens up some thought. Be challenged and encouraged.

By the way. Don't ever think that I am lecturing from a place anywhere else than alongside. At times I do not apply, I ignore, I delay.. I have rebelled as much as anyone. It took time for some changes to take place and God calls us onwards. But even when struggling with overcoming particular sin, the change is that the nature and desire is not to sin. There is a heart change that takes place, even though we still live in this body of flesh. Read Paul. (Romans 7:17 onwards), which I am sure you know well.

The Mouth Tells All

What is happening in our everyday conversation, as Christians?

I ask that question, simply because of the increasing amount of foul bad language I hear, coming out of the mouths of professing Christians and I ask myself, 'What is going on!'

It appears to be ever more prevalent and even more sad is that has become acceptable. Acceptable to the point that it is not even through a moment of great stress or an outburst of frustration that these words flow from the mouth - It is woven into everyday talk. Foul language, including taking God's name and using it as a curse is somehow seen as a new colour on a verbal palette to help portray a picture, when it is nothing of the sort. Christian, we ought to be ashamed that such would come out of our mouths. And on the occasion that they do, turn from them and repent 'immediately'.

'But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth'. Colossians 3:8

Some think it unimportant and after all, it's only words. To these, let me ask - What have you at your disposal to show Christ in your life to others? Scripture is plain:

'Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers'. Ephesians 4:29


We might believe, we might think, we might pray, we might read our bible. But there are only two ways to communicate to others what lies within our hearts: What we do and What we say. That's it!

'A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks'. Luke 6:45

If what comes out of our exhaust is not right (and I speak to my own heart also) then we need to lift the bonnet and check the engine. It is no use trying to stop swearing, God is not interested in 'behaviour modification' he desires a consecration of heart and a love for Christ. Out of that comes a different will to live and desire for holiness.

'Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure' 2 Peter 1:10

Others may curse and swear, it is crystal clear from scripture that the Christian ought not to. Let us support, challenge and rebuke where necessary in order that we are kept in the way.

'Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.' 2Tim 2:19

'preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching'. 2 Timothy 4:2

For those who do not swear and believe themselves to be above such, hear the words of Pastor James Smith in The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, just yesterday evening.
"...We are never so liable to wander, as when we fancy there is no fear of it; nor so likely to fall as when we think it impossible. Beloved, if you are not daily seeking divine protection, you are in danger of being overcome. Examine. Watch. Pray."

http://www.facebook.com/notes/the-believers-daily-remembrancer-pastor-james-smith-1802-1862/hold-up-my-goings-in-thy-paths-psalm-175-january-14-evening/282841019125

My favorite book as a boy

I was not much of a reader as a boy. Not before school or during. My reading began much later in life and I love to read now, even though I am not a great story reader.

Surely everyone had their favorite story. Lately 'Where the Wild Things Are' has hit the box office. (I cannot remember the book as a child). There are stories which I have read to my children which I now love but never had any time for as a boy.

My favorite book was 'Tinker and Tanker. Knights of The Round Table'.

This is my book. It was given to me as a Christmas present from my Auntie Pat and Uncle Gordon in 1968. My uncle died in September 2007 and so it is very precious to me.

My tribute to Uncle Gordon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3xpjpvVBFw

I have read it to my boys over the years and they love it too. There were others, but at the top of the pile and the story which captured my heart and had me almost entering the scenes in the pages was this one.

All this beg some questions, 'Why? Why that story? Was it the illustrations? What was it about that story that engaged my heart and became a place I wanted to repeatedly return to?
In my favorite story there are two nobodies working in a petrol station in Tinkertown. Tinker is a mouse and Tanker is a Hippo. Two more incompatible and unsuitable heroes could not be invented. And yet, a herald arrives one day to invite them to a wedding. A wedding of the princess and at that wedding Sir Wicket Dragon (a crocodile in a deep green suit of armour) captures the princess and takes her away to his castle. There is a pursuit and whilst Tinker fights gallantly with Sir Wicket Dragon on the battlements and overcomes him, Tanker rescue the princess via the most precarious ladder you have eve seen. Of course, they are both hailed as heroes and quietly return the their beloved petrol station as before.

There is no secret that every boy wants to be a hero, every boy wants to defeat a powerful enemy and rescue the princess. All the ingredients are there. Every epic story has a Villain, an Adventure, a Battle to fight and a Beauty to rescue. Is it possible that these stories are echoes of the original story, our story, God's story? Look at the gospel. There is the evil one, Adam and Eve are invited into an adventure, there is a tragedy and they fall and just when it seems all hope is lost a hero comes and Christ fights the battle against the devil, sin and death. The church is the beauty he rescues and invites us to join the battle.

So, what was your favorite story as a child? Could it be telling you anything about who you truly are and is it even possible that all this time you have missed the real epic unfolding before you? When was the last time you read any part of the bible? The true epic!

Instead, we have settled for vicarious adventures and fictional stories with fake heroes. I invite you to read John's gospel this new year. Maybe Christ himself will invite you up into an adventure you never knew existed.

Just a thought!

The Sunset Chase

Ever headed off in pursuit of a sunset?

We were at it again. I looked out of the window at home and announced to the boys "It's going to be a good one, shall we go?"

The response was emphatic. So off we drove to our local hill, The Wrekin in a race against our rotating planet. The hill is ascended from the north east, as a rule and so we walked in shadow as the darkness descended around us and we feared that we might miss it. As we got higher, we could see the colours beginning to richen up but you never know at what point the sun will lose its battle to stay with us and sink so low that it can no longer play upon the clouds.

Today, we were so very blessed with the most wondrous of sunsets. The pics are OK but they can never truly display the colour or the vastness of the sky. A watercolour artist would, in fact, do a better job than an average camera in the hands of a less than average snapper.

We saw it all develop and die in around ten minutes, then it was gone! As the last of the orange cream ran out of the sky, we were joined by a puffing and panting man who approached the summit with shoulders hung low. "Have I missed it?" He asked.
My boys, oblivious of sensitivity to the disappointment of others, proceeded to describe what had happened five minutes earlier in technicolour detail. We left this poor guy on the summit with his thoughts and journeyed back down.

What struck us was all those we met who were coming down, on our way up. They were leaving with either little idea or care that a fantastic, heavenly display was taking place right behind them. We may miss much as this life just passes us by because we do not notice what is happening all around. We may miss opportunities and experience disappointment and trial. All the more important that we appreciate those good times when we are blessed with something special.

For me, being a Christian, I thank God for the precious time I have, the sunset I was so privileged to witness and especially for those entrusted to me who He destined to share it with me, my boys.

Thank you Lord.

The Great Outdoors

Well, it's been a while, but a good friend of mine just sent me an article he has just written on the value of outdoor education and wanted my thoughts. That inspired me to blog:
Thanks Alan!

Christmas Eve we again launched into a walk and found snow, snow and lots more snow on our very own Stiperstones. 27 came and we had a great time. So, why do we walk, climb, canoe, sail, run when the weather is not fit for men to be out (and very few women). :)
When taking part in outdoor pursuits, especially in the wild places, we have an increased chance of getting something we did not expect. Alan called these, the 'unplanned encounters'. I like that term! They are the perfect contradiction in outdoor pursuits. We plan so they hopefully will not happen, at the time we generally do not enjoy them but that is so often what makes the time so memorable over less eventful days. The edge along which we walk in these unplanned encounters is the very edge which sharpens and catapults learning and growth. Even if you don't get one, they are always lurking and just the knowledge that you are in a potentially unsafe environment can be enough to give you something you did not have yesterday.

That is what adventure is! Not the planned, safe routes but those things which we did not expect and cause us to dig a little deeper, draw on resources and find a new place within ourselves - It stretches our envelope of experience and enriches our life injecting some vitality and adrenaline along the way for good measure.

Adventure does not have to be a great expo'. It is absolutely geared to the individual and no one must ever pour cold water on what another might consider adventure because his own experience is greater. Adventure can meet you anywhere but outdoors is a great place to start looking.

As a man, I can feel tamed in so many areas of life and we need the wild places so that part of us does not die. I mean this with the greatest of respect and I don't wish to generalise but women can want to marry the dangerous man who has a wildness about him and yet, if allowed to, might spend the rest of her life domesticating and taming him until the danger and wildness is dead. Many men confess to having affairs, not for the sex but for the danger and adventure. All men must have a place where they can take adventure - If it is with his wife and family, all the better.

So, what is it about the outdoors itself which seems to flick a switch within us? - At least it does in me! It is about reconnecting! Modern life forces us and children out of the country into towns and the connection is lost. Everything in the world of the town is built, designed, driven and controlled by man and his convenience. In the wild, its wild! We become - and more specifically, young emerging men and women become intensely aware that there is something so much more powerful and great and incomprehensible (mountains, wind, rain, snow, heat, crag, sky, river, sea, coast) that forces the questions - "who am I in this vastness?" And we can face the fact that out here we are so insignificant. It is a sobering place - A good place.

I often look up at the stars and struggle taking in the size of creation and I confess, at times it has caused me a struggle in faith. Then I read somewhere "The expanse of the universe was never intended to make you think how small you are but how great God is!" And that settles it for me - He again is true to His word, He is unfathomable, indescribable, uncontrollable, inconceivable, uncontainable....... yet, He knows me. Deal with that with intellect!?

Psalm 8:3-4.
When I consider the heavens, the work of thy fingers,
the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
What is man that thou art mindful of him?

The reconnection runs deep and can be the catalyst for a new respect of the planet and an understanding of the rhythms of life which in towns and cities goes by unnoticed and sometimes ignored. In the town, it can be a major breakthrough to even get some darkness at night. I like it the rhythms! The tides, the weather, sunrise and sunset. In the wild places you can learn not to fight it. Moreover, something within even changes and there is no desire to fight it. Especially when camping, you certainly go with it and work around the more difficult aspects of it.

There most certainly are lessons to be learned on a climbing wall and in a gym but
"Some things cannot be learned," as Bagger Vance says, "they must be remembered".

These are my thoughts on this day. Waffle, maybe, but it's good to write.

Happy New Year to all.

Now, Get Out There!

God bless,

Steve.