Weeks 09 & 10 (11) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

I was reading the Book of Romans Chapter 1 on Friday, as the last of my readings for Weeks 9 & 10. What Apostle Paul said was most insightful, and they are timeless and most relevant for our time.

Paul called himself the worst of sinners in [1 Tim 1:15,16]:



“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”

He made the point of Christ Jesus’ mercy in saving sinners. He talked about Jesus’ unlimited patience for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Indeed God the Father and the Son of God Jesus have patiently waited 2000 years for men to repent. Jesus, although He was God, selflessly allowed Himself to be crucified by sinful men, so that we who believe may inherit eternal life.

Because Paul knew that he had been shown mercy, he tiredlessly served God. God allowed Paul to write 13 of the 66 books in the Bible. All his teachings are invaluable in helping all Bible-believing Christians to become what God had in mind for His Church.

Paul powerfully made plain God’s thoughts in [Romans 1]:

[Rom 1:18-25 NIV]

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator — who is for ever praised...

Mankind has come a long way since the first man 6000 years ago. Today, we can have clean water by turning on the tap. We can instantly contact someone 8000 miles away by telephone or chatting on line. We have put man on the moon. We have discovered and invented many things that allow us to enjoy a more comfortable life. On average we are much better educated than our ancestors. People in general are more knowledgeable, yet, morally we have not advanced an inch. Our sinful nature is evident in the deeds that are reported daily in the news – murder, sexual immorality, fraud, cruelty, injustice ………

We, the crown jewel of God’s creation, have become prideful, selfish, greedy, lustful…….what Paul described as “their thinking became futile and hearts were darkened”. It is the result of not honouring and glorifying our Maker, although we know God through what has been made - the universe, the different seasons, different kinds of animals, birds, fish, plants, flowers......!

Although God has been patient, His righteousness and His justice cannot be withheld forever. Like Paul said “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness”.

I hope I do not sound insensitive at a time of great distress and disaster in many parts of the world, most recently in Japan, but I believe God’s judgment of the world has already begun. Like what I shared in my last message “wars, famine, earthquakes are signs of the end that will increase in intensity before the end – the 2nd coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Whilst I would not say for certain that the 7-year tribulation has started, I do not think it is far off!

If you think what we are seeing is dreadful, wait for the great tribulation which will last for 3.5 years. The Bible says that it will be like “labour pain on a pregnant woman” and will come after the Antichrist reveals himself. And I am seeing small signs of his schemes which I will share another time.

Our Lord Jesus is coming back for His bride – the Church that is “without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” Make sure all Christians measure up when He turns up!

I am working on mine. I pray for God to help me to do the impossible - man changing himself. “Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer — it does not rise from deceitful lips. May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right………I have resolved that my mouth will not sin…….I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer……And I — in righteousness I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness.” [Ps 17:1-15 NIV]

God is not unfair and unjust. He gives everyone the opportunity to repent. He always give plenty of warnings. But for those who remain stubborn and unrepentant, God will judge accordingly. This is what happened to the Israelites. “the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying: "This is what the LORD Almighty……says: Go and tell the men of Judah and the people of Jerusalem, 'Will you not learn a lesson and obey my words?' declares the LORD. 'Jonadab…..ordered his sons not to drink wine and this command has been kept. To this day they do not drink wine, because they obey their forefather's command. But I have spoken to you again and again, yet you have not obeyed me. Again and again I sent all my servants the prophets to you. They said, "Each of you must turn from your wicked ways and reform your actions; do not follow other gods to serve them. Then you shall live in the land I have given to you and your fathers." But you have not paid attention or listened to me…….."Therefore, this is what the LORD God Almighty….says: 'Listen! I am going to bring on Judah and on everyone living in Jerusalem every disaster I pronounced against them. I spoke to them, but they did not listen; I called to them, but they did not answer.'" [Jer 35:12-19 NIV]

Time is running out and there is a real urgency to share the Gospel. During the week, I treat my work as a ministry. I am praying for a Bible class for not-yet believers at work to start. On the weekends, I run the BBC school. I am serving God 24/7 for “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…….For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."……’ [Rom 1:16-25 NIV]

God has been trying to get our attention. He has been calling us to respond. “……Let all who are simple come in here!"……."Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding…….rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer." [Prov 9:1-12 NIV]

Amen and amen!