Posted in theology

To all those who are sick

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

I’m getting old. I’m officially in my senior phase now. The next phase is ‘elderly,’ and after that, death and translation to heaven. It’s remarkable how fast this life went. It really is a vapor. Things I remember clearly like ‘that new show Hawaii 5-0 reboot’ started 16 years ago. The movie Jaws which startled me so much is 50 years old. When I think of movies being that old I think of old black and whites like It’s a Wonderful Life. But that one is now 80 years old! Metropolis, that old masterpiece, is almost 100 years old. Yes, time flies.

With senior seasons of life come health challenges. It seems like a lot of people are having health challenges now. This summer I had some things pop up for which I needed to see a doctor. This was unusual for me. Normally I only go once a year for my annual checkup and that’s that.

So, in addition to being reminded every day that “life is a vapor” (James 4:14), aging also reminds me that this flesh is but flesh, transient, subject to the curse, and not meant to last. Only our glorified bodies will last, but we have to wait for those. The flesh is just a body of death waiting to break down until we die.

A while ago I made an order at Chapel Library. One of the pamphlets I’d ordered was called Christ and Lazarus: Comfort in Sickness and Death, By Robert Murray McCheyne. When I ordered this I did not know I’d need a doctor this summer, but the Lord did. I find the pamphlet a comfort. Here are some excerpts. You can order this for free to be sent to you in hard copy (or download yourself, or read online)

“Of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha” (v. 1).

Bethany is a sweet, retired village, about two miles from Jerusalem, in a ravine at the back of the Mount of Olives. It is at this day embosomed in fig trees, and almond trees, and pomegranates. But it had a greater loveliness still in the eyes of Christ—it was the town of Mary and Martha. Probably the worldly people in Jerusalem knew Bethany by its being the town of some rich Pharisee who had his country villa there—or some luxurious noble who called the lands after his own name; but Jesus knew it only as “the town of Mary and her sister Martha.” Probably they lived in a humble cottage, under the shade of a fig tree; but that cottage was dear to Christ. Often, as He came over the Mount of Olives and drew near, the light in that cottage window gladdened His heart. Often He sat beneath their fig tree telling them the things of the kingdom of God. His Father loved that dwelling, for these were justified ones. And angels knew it well, for night and day they ministered there to three heirs of salvation. No wonder He called the place “the town of Mary and her sister Martha.”

After that introduction, McCheyne spends a bit of time explaining why Christ sends sickness. I’ll post only the headings but be assured he explained more fully with verses:

The reasons why God sends sickness are various:

1. In some it is sent for the conversion of the soul.
2. Sometimes it is for the conversion of friends.
3. Sometimes it is a frown of judgment.
4. Another case is now before us: that of a child of God sick, (Lazarus) that Christ might be glorified in him.

“Lazarus was evidently a child of God, and yet Lazarus was sick. How he had come by his grace we are not told.“

Not how McCheyne calls illness “a grace”. This belief is hard for unbelievers to understand but it is true. A friend of mine is a paraplegic, made so in a high school football game. He said it is a grace and he would not trade it. He said he has seen and received much grace due to his condition.

But when illness comes “Learn not to judge others because of affliction.” And, “God’s children should not doubt His love when He afflicts.”

Even if the affliction continues long and hard, do not lose hope. Christ’s love is in it completely. Though you may be in pain, or adjusting to a new life circumstance, or even seeing it in others, such as the sisters Mary and Martha watched their dear brother sink, don’t doubt the love of Jesus.

“And so with Christ; He bends His eye most tenderly over His own at the time He is afflicting them. Do not doubt the holy love of Jesus to your soul when He is laying a heavy hand upon you. Jesus did not love Lazarus less when He afflicted him.”

Van gogh, The Raising of Lazarus

Such afflictions, conditions, or illnesses spark the most fervent prayer in us. McCheyne-

Learn that urgency in prayer does not so much consist in vehement pleading as in vehement believing. He that believes most the love and power of Jesus will obtain most in prayer.”

Jesus sent word that the sickness of Lazarus is “not unto death”.

A word of promise: “This sickness is not unto death.” This was an immediate answer to prayer. He did not come; He did not heal. But He sent them a word enough to make them happy: “This sickness is not unto death.” Away the messenger ran, crossed Jordan, and before sunset perhaps he enters breathless the village of Bethany. Good news! “This sickness is not unto death.” Sweet promise! The hearts of the sisters are comforted, and no doubt they tell their joy to the dying man. But he gets weaker and weaker; and as they look through their tears at his pale cheek, they begin almost to waver in their faith. But Jesus said it, and Jesus cannot lie. If it were not so, He would have told us. “This sickness is not unto death.” At last Lazarus breaths his latest sigh beside his weeping sisters. His eye is dim, his cheek is cold, he is dead. And yet Jesus said: “Not unto death”! The friends assemble to carry the body to the rocky sepulcher; and as the sisters turn away from the tomb, their faith dies. Their hearts sink into utter gloom. What could he mean by saying, “not unto death”?

Are your hopes sinking: Is your faith weakening? Is your trust in Jesus wavering?

McCheyne: “Learn to trust Christ’s word whatever sight may say.“

Do not allow grief, pain, heartache, or affliction to prevent you from approaching Jesus. His throne is open to His children. Come often, come boldly, come believing. He may or may not heal, but the belief is in His power to do good to those who are called and love Him. The belief is in His sovereignty, that His will is perfect. That our flesh wastes away but “this sickness is not unto death”. That no matter the outcome, even amputation or paralytic or memory loss, we WILL be restored and that restoration in glory will be forever.

Or perhaps He will heal and you come out the other side saying, yes, I prayed, yes I believed, yes, it was a grace from our beautiful Savior to be so afflicted.

“Some trust Christ with their soul, but not with their body—with their salvation, but not with their health. He loves to be sent for in our smallest troubles”.-end M’Cheyne

Posted in exaltation

Jesus, the name high over all

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

“And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son,a with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.” (Matthew 17:1-8)

I was listening to Drive By Pneumatology , and in lecture 10 by Emilio Ramos, I was struck by some insights by the lecturer.

The Holy Spirit’s ministry is to point to Christ (John 16:13-14). Christ is the pre-eminent Person in all the universe (Colossians 1:18). Peter, in his boundless and sometimes unthinking enthusiasm, wanted to make a tabernacle for all three of the glorified beings he saw before him. One for Moses, one for Elijah and one for Jesus. In verse 4 Peter makes it clear, he says it twice, ‘three tents’ and then explains, ‘one for you and you and you…’

WHILE He was speaking, God interrupted Peter. Peter was off on the wrong track. We cannot put anything or any one equal to Jesus. He is preeminent.

 God said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” God says it twice, ‘this is My Son,” and ‘listen to Him.’

Do we get the message?

Jesus is preeminent. He is counted to have more glory than Moses (Hebrews 3:3). he speaks with more authority than Elijah, the prophet, and all the prophets. (Hebrews 1:1-2).

My prayer for you is that you put Jesus at the highest exaltation point in your mind and heart. He is pre-eminent, better than our idols, our celebrities, our traditions, and better than any picture or shadow of anyone else in the bible.

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11).

Jesus, the Name High Over All, written by Charles Wesley
Posted in theology

Why should the church always be on guard?

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

The Lord will build His church. It will never fail. That’s not to say that it won’t be under attack. It’s under attack every day. So the Holy Spirit inspired the Bible authors to warn us in many of the books to stay vigilant.

From the John MacArthur Daily Bible, entry on July 18,

Why should the church always be on guard?

“Paul told the Ephesians that he had declared to them “the whole purpose of God” (Ac 20:27). The entire plan and purpose of God for man’s salvation in all its fullness: divine truths of cre ation, election, redemption, justification, adoption, conversion, sanctification, holy living, and glorification. And now that he was leaving, he gives them a warning.”

“False teachers were already plaguing the churches of Galatia (Gal 1:6) and the Corinthian church (2Co 11:4). “Be on guard for yourselves” (v. 28), a warning that proved true by later events at Ephesus (1Ti 1:3-7, 19-20; 6:20-21; Rev 2:2). Paul repeated this call to self-examination to Timothy when his young son in the faith served as pastor of the Ephesian congregation (1Ti 4:16; 2Ti 2:20-21). The “overseers” are the same as elders and pastors. The word stresses the leaders’ responsibility to watch over and protect their congregations- an appropriate usage in the context of a warning against false teachers. Church rule, which minimizes the biblical authority of elders in favor of a cultural, democratic process, is foreign to the New Testament (1Th 5:12, 13; Heb 13:17).”

“He warns of “savage wolves” (v. 29)-a term borrowed from Jesus (Mt 7:15; 10:16). This metaphor stresses the extreme danger false teachers pose to the church. “From among your own selves” (v. 30). Even more deadly than attacks from outside the church are the defections of those (especially leaders) within the church (1Ti 1:20; 2Ti 1:15; 2:17; Jude 3, 4, 10-13). These wolves would speak “perverse things.” The Greek word means “distorted” or “twisted.” False teachers twist God’s Word for their own evil ends (13:10; 2Pe 3:16).”

“And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up” (v. 32). The Scriptures, the record of God’s gracious dealings with mankind, is the source of spiritual growth for all Christians. And since the church is “the pillar and support of the truth” (1Ti 3:15), its leaders must be familiar with that truth.” –end quoted MacArthur Bible entry

Stay vigilant. Be vigilant of our flesh and kill our own sin. Be vigilant over what we absorb from the world, which is at odds with the Lord Jesus. Stay vigilant over enemies and spies who come into the church, either your physical church or the digital Christian world via speeches, books, podcasts and the like. Jesus commended the church at EPhesus for being vigilant-

I know your deeds and your labor and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people, and you have put those who call themselves apostles to the test, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured on account of My name, and have not become weary. (Revelation 2:2-3).

How do we remain on guard but not get weary expending that energy? Rely on the Lord. His sustenance is the word, prayer, and fellowship with the saints. These things revive us.

Posted in encouragement, prophecy

We take refuge in a mighty God

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

Though we are in a battle, “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Psalm 9:9). Our Lord of hosts is God commanding, ordering, summoning the hosts of heaven. These are the angels, in and among the starry worlds.

He organizes and dispenses helps from these realms to those who love Him. If you are feeling troubled, take refuge in Him. “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah” (Psalm 46:7)

His protections are never ceasing, constant, and uninterrupted: “He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.” (Psalms 121:3). He misses nothing, He is not unaware of anything. We do not have to be fearful of him being overtaken by stratagems or surprise. He does not sleep.

Even when it seems to us that His helps are meager, not enough, ineffectual, they are not. “And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place.” (Judges 7:7).

Hearken to God, precious brethren. The days are going to grow darker, but He is LIGHT!

“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” (Proverbs 1:33).  Of those who love Him we have a new heart: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26).

He strengthens this new heart, “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalms 27:14). Eventually, precious brothers and sisters, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8).

He is our shield and our reward!

“After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” (Genesis 15:1)

Therefore, we will not be afraid.

Posted in theology

You have to know when to stop evangelizing

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

Matthew 28:19-20 famously says,

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.“

This is known as The Great Commission, where Jesus, upon the occasion of His departure from earth, told His disciples to evangelize, baptize, and raise up more disciples.

Mark 16:15 says, And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

So, we do. We share the Gospel (using words). It is our duty and our privilege.

So it seems like it would be a dereliction of duty to quit giving the Gospel to someone who rejects it. But it isn’t. If a person has been shared with and given the blessed Gospel of God, not only once but a few times, and they reject, it is OK to stop. In fact, sometimes they entrench further into their depravity and sin each time we bring it up. Rather that push the issue, stop and let the Holy Spirit do His work. If that person has been chosen and elect, they will at some point come to see as the scales fall from their eyes.

As Paul is a great model for sharing the Gospel he is also a great model of when to stop sharing the Gospel:

Acts 18:6, But when they resisted and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood is on your own heads! I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.“

If they were blaspheming, their minds were definitely not ready and that meant their heart was not accepting either. Let them go and move on to more fruitful fields. Also, if they were blaspheming, they were heaping sin upon themselves. We don’t want that for them. Just let them go and let the seed germinate if it is going to.

Here is another example-

Acts 19:9, But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people, he [Paul] withdrew from them and took the disciples away with him, and had discussions daily in the school of Tyrannus.

They were becoming hardened. Sometimes when we share the Gospel with a loved one, we can spiritually see them hardening. We feel them moving away from Jesus, not toward.

Sometimes it is OK to stop giving the Gospel if they ask you to stop. If you have shared and are satisfied with your clarity in that share, and the next time or two you’ve raised the issue and they say ‘stop’ then respect that and just love them.

This verse is kind of a brutal description, but remember, it’s advice from the All Omniscient One-

“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” (Matthew 7:6).

And we remember Matthew 10:14, where Jesus instructed them,

And whoever does not receive you nor listen to your words, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust off your feet.

So, is the person you’re sharing with stomping on the Gospel, rejecting it in a blaspheming way, or just weary of the ‘Jesus-talk’? It is OK to stop. It is actually loving to keep on loving them but refrain from continuing the Gospel share so that they do not blaspheme or harden. But pray for them.