Wednesday March 1, 2017

“a second creation – another genesis”

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Born Again – The Doctrine of Regeneration

Pictures of regeneration

1.  Birth

2.  Creation

Today we continue our look at the doctrine of regeneration or in its literal meaning, “another Genesis.” Yesterday we discussed the imagery of birth and how the New Testament deals with this aspect of our relationship with God.

The second word picture is one which draws a parallel between what God did at the beginning of time and the miracle of his grace which brings us into that new time or a new age which we enter through Christ. It may well be that we are to see the merging of these two ideas in the New Testament’s word for regeneration – a second Genesis. The picture is a very dramatic one. Paul employs it when he is at the height of his powers of vivid and imaginative insight into God’s work within us. In a moment of great spiritual tension at the end of his letter to the Galatians, he affirms that the only thing that really matters is ‘a new creation’ (Galatians 6:15). Without this, everything is in vain. Again, later in his ministry the same imagery is employed at much greater length: the light which shines into darkness of our hearts, bringing us into the presence of God, can be paralleled by only two events in the history of the world – the creation at the beginning, and the resurrection of Christ [a foreshadowing] of the world to come (2 Corinthians 4:6 – 12).

Later in the same section of this letter he makes the glorious statement that to be in Christ is to share already in that world which is yet to be. Literally, his words are: “if anyone in Christ – new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Here, as elsewhere, Paul’s great purpose is to draw attention to the magnitude of what God has already done in our little lives by his grace. If we only would allow this to expand our minds, and so enter into the enjoyment of these great privileges, we would see something of the glory of God exhibited in the character and quality of our lives.

Challenge:

Use your imagination and run through in your mind, the amazing work of the creation of the universe. The formation of the heavens, the planets and galaxies. The vastness of the oceans and the creatures therein. Think about the great wonders of the world and especially the crown of his creation…man. Of all the splendors and unimaginable beauty of it all, how magnificent is it, that in Christ, we are His new creation!

This Day in Christian History:

March 1, 1546 – George Wishart was burned at the stake for his faith, lighting a fire in the heart of a young man, John Knox. Knox took Scotland by storm and was known as the “Thundering Scot.” His efforts inspired Scots for years to come and the Reformation triumphed in their land at last.

Memory Verse:

Pea tali ‘e Sīsū, ‘o ne folofola kiate ia, Ko au ē, ko au ē, ‘oku ou tala atu, ‘Ilonga ‘a ia ‘e ‘ikai fanau‘i fo‘ou mei ‘olunga, ‘e ‘ikai te ne lava ke mamata ki he Pule‘anga ‘o e ‘Otua. – Sione 3:3

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3

Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)

Week 9 – Numbers 3-5; Hebrews 12

Tuesday February 28, 2017

“Born of the will of God”

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:  – John 1:12

Born Again – The Doctrine of Regeneration

Pictures of regeneration

1.  Birth. Becoming a Christian, receiving Christ, begins according to John 1:12, by being born of the will of God. Later in the same gospel, Jesus says that it is the indispensable requirement for seeing and entering the kingdom of God (John 3:3, 5). It is a current which runs through 1 John - Christians are defined as those who are born of God (1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4).

But the idea of birth is not exclusive to John’s writings. James speaks of God bringing us forth by the word of truth, to be a kind of first fruits of his creatures (James 1:18). He uses a medical term for the end of a pregnancy. 1 Peter speaks twice about believers being the recipients of the new birth (1 Peter 1:3, 23). Elsewhere the same kind of language is employed – Christians maybe newborn infants they are to grow to full maturity (Colossians 1:28; Ephesians 4:13 – 16). Those with a pastoral responsibility travail over their spiritual children (Galatians 4:19 – my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you).

Challenge:

Rejoice, O Christian! For we have been born of God. It was not our own doing. Just as a child must be brought into this world by another, we have been brought into God’s family by his grace and his power. Praise him for this wonderful gift. We could not have come into his family on our own. It is God who initiated the birth. It is God who gets the glory for the result.

This Day in Christian History:

February 28, 1807 – Robert Morrison sailed from Britain to China as the first Protestant missionary with the London Missionary Society. At his death, there were only three native Christians in the entire Chinese Empire. But he opened the door. Today there are millions.

Memory Verse:

Pea tali ‘e Sīsū, ‘o ne folofola kiate ia, Ko au ē, ko au ē, ‘oku ou tala atu, ‘Ilonga ‘a ia ‘e ‘ikai fanau‘i fo‘ou mei ‘olunga, ‘e ‘ikai te ne lava ke mamata ki he Pule‘anga ‘o e ‘Otua. – Sione 3:3

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3

Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)

Week 9 – Numbers 1-2; Psalm 64; Hebrews 11

Monday February 27, 2017

“The process of becoming a Christian”

So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. - Matthew 19:28

not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit - Titus 3:5

Born Again – The Doctrine of Regeneration

In yesterday’s devotional, it was mentioned that the word regeneration appears only twice in the New Testament. The two verses are our texts for today’s reading. Matthew 19:28 looks ahead to the day of judgment and regeneration refers to the new heaven and a new earth. The second verse is Paul’s letter to Titus, where regeneration appears to deal with the symbolism for baptism.

However, although the word regeneration does not appear to be well used in the Gospel or in the early church, the concept of a new life is in every discussion of the experience of the Christian.

Sometimes, regeneration is taken to mean the whole process of becoming a Christian, and is understood as a comparatively broadly based term. We will take regeneration to refer to the fundamental imparting of a new life by God which lies at the heart of being a Christian.

 This Day in Christian History:

February 27, 1838 - BIRTH OF HYMNIST WILLIAM J. KIRKPATRICK in Duncannon, Pennsylvania. He wrote the tunes to many favorite hymns, among them “Jesus Saves,” “‘Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” “Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It,” and “He Hideth My Soul.” His studies of composition enabled him to make his music fit fluidly to lyrics.

Memory Verse:

Pea tali ‘e Sīsū, ‘o ne folofola kiate ia, Ko au ē, ko au ē, ‘oku ou tala atu, ‘Ilonga ‘a ia ‘e ‘ikai fanau‘i fo‘ou mei ‘olunga, ‘e ‘ikai te ne lava ke mamata ki he Pule‘anga ‘o e ‘Otua. – Sione 3:3

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3

Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)

Week 9 – Leviticus 26-27; Psalm 112; Hebrews 10

Sunday February 26, 2017

“You must be born again”

1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ – John 3:1-6

Born Again – The Doctrine of Regeneration

So far in our study devotional, we have covered introductory features of the Christian life. We have dealt with a summary of our need of God’s grace to the plan of God which lies behind the whole of our experience of it. We also touched on the call and summons of God which awakens us from our natural slumber and indifference to sin, bringing about conviction about guilt before God and eating to the path of salvation.

We now come to a critical topic and doctrine that we must examine. The doctrine of regeneration. To have clear views here is to pave the way for all the other doctrines of the Christian faith; to make a mistake here, would mean that the whole focus of our understanding is seriously at fault.

Regeneration of the gospel.

Evangelism, like so many other things in life, tends to pass through phases. Sometimes its emphasis centers on the necessity of regeneration, the new birth or being born again. All of us, in one way or another, have been confronted with the question of whether or not we are born again Christians. To someone who might be seeking a specific commitment from someone, would ask whether he or she were a born-again Christian. Whether the commitment to Christ was true.

In many ways, this may be a good thing that one encounters this less and less at the heart of evangelism. For one thing, you must be born again, is not in itself good news. For another it is nowhere in the New Testament suggested this is the heart of the gospel or the object of faith. Paul apparently did not cross the ancient world with this emphasis on his lips. His message was of Christ crucified, risen and exalted to whom men should turn in faith and repentance.

It is therefore not surprising that, in reaction to this very evangelistic emphasis, it has frequently been said that the New Testament has virtually nothing to say about regeneration. The word is used on only two occasions in Scripture, according to the King James version. In other versions, rebirth or regeneration may appear only once. In Matthew 19:28 it refers to the renewal of all things in the last days, the new heavens and the new earth; in Titus 3:5 it refers either to the personal experience of new life, or to the symbol of it in baptism. This is meager evidence on which to build what has already been described as perhaps the most crucial doctrine of all.

Memory Verse:

Pea tali ‘e Sīsū, ‘o ne folofola kiate ia, Ko au ē, ko au ē, ‘oku ou tala atu, ‘Ilonga ‘a ia ‘e ‘ikai fanau‘i fo‘ou mei ‘olunga, ‘e ‘ikai te ne lava ke mamata ki he Pule‘anga ‘o e ‘Otua. – Sione 3:3

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3

Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)

Week 9 – Leviticus 24-25; Psalm 81; Hebrews 9

Saturday February 25, 2017

“Before the Eyes of God”

And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

– Hebrews 4:13

Conviction of Sin (ongo‘i tautea ‘i he angahala)

B.        Questions about Conviction

            1)  is conviction necessary?

            2)  How much conviction is necessary?

            3)  What is the purpose of conviction?

As we close out this chapter on conviction, we can praise God for this gift to both the sin and the saint. As we’ve seen in this brief look at this dynamic and mysterious work of God, we can only sit back and give thanks and glory to God for this great work.

What lies in our hands in that, with whatever measure of conviction our hearts are filled, we should come to Christ and trusting wholly and only as our Savior. Thus, as we become increasingly conscious of our need of him, we will learn to live out before the eye of God lives of whole-hearted thankful obedience to him.

From the depths of woe are raised to Thee

The Voice of lamentation;

Lord, turn a gracious ear to me,

And here my supplication:

If thou shouldst be extreme to mark

Each secret sin and misdeed dark,

Oh, who could stand before Thee?

Although our sin is great indeed,

God’s mercies far exceed it;

His hand can give the help we need,

However much we need it:

He is the Shepherd of the sheep

Who Israel doth garden keep,

And shall from sin redeem him

(Martin Luther – translated by Richard Massie)

This Day in Christian History:

February 25, 1208 – Francis of Assisi attended Mass in the little church of Saint Mary of the Angels. He heard a reading of Matthew’s gospel chapter 10:5, 8-10 about Jesus’ commands to His disciples about going out and not taking gold, silver and travelling light. He was moved to become an itinerant evangelist in the mold of the original apostles. He gathered followers and travelled throughout the countryside preaching and attending to people’s needs. Thousands joined his order and today, it is the largest religious order in the Roman Catholic Church.

Memory Verse:

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."

— John 12:32

Pea ko au, kapau ‘e hiki au ki ‘olunga mei he kelekele, te u tohoaki ‘a e kakai kotoa pē kiate au – Sione 12:32

Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)

Week 8 – Leviticus 8-23; Psalm 110, 111, 31; Hebrews 4-8

Friday February 24, 2017

“We are without excuse”

18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse – Roman 1:18-20

Conviction of Sin (ongo‘i tautea ‘i he angahala)

B.        Questions about Conviction

            1)  is conviction necessary?

            2)  How much conviction is necessary?

            3)  What is the purpose of conviction?

The Spirit convicts us of sin in order to bring us to Christ. Conviction of sin is a process by which we gain a proper perspective on our lives in the sight of God so that we may cast ourselves up on his grace and mercy in the cross. There are two ways that conviction enhances Christian character.

It produces humility. Romans 1:18 – 3:20; every man’s mouth is stopped and the whole world becomes conscious of its guilt. That leaves a lasting impression in a person’s life. To be silenced before the throne of God is an unforgettable experience.

It produces thankfulness. It is in proportion to our sense of need that we are able to grasp the measure of God’s grace. Thankfulness grows best in the seedbed of conviction.

Challenge:

We usually find ourselves praying something like this for a friend or family member who may not be a Christian yet: “Lord, please speak to [Sione]. Touch him in a special way so that he may come to know you.” What we are asking is for that person to be “convicted” of his sin. But as we have seen, some people take little time and God “cuts” their hearts (as in Pentecost) and others take longer and may require more events and circumstances (harsher means) to bring them to salvation (like Paul). Do not lose heart. Press on and be faithful to do your part.

This Day in Christian History:

February 24, 303 – Emperor DIOCLETIAN decreed that all who would not serve the gods of Rome should lose their offices, have their property seized, and be demoted if they were persons of rank. He forbade Christians to meet for worship, ordered their churches destroyed, and their holy books burned. As soon as this proclamation was posted, a Christian tore it down, and loudly reproached the emperors. For this, he was roasted alive over a slow fire, but died without uttering a groan. Down came the great church at Nicomedia, and the persecutors burned its books.

Christians suffered terribly, especially in the eastern empire. Some were thrown to wild beasts, others burned alive or roasted on griddles. Some were skinned or had their flesh scraped from their bones. Others were crucified. A few were tied between trees that were bent so as to meet and, when the branches were released, the force ripped these victims limb from limb.

Memory Verse:

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."

— John 12:32

Pea ko au, kapau ‘e hiki au ki ‘olunga mei he kelekele, te u tohoaki ‘a e kakai kotoa pē kiate au – Sione 12:32

Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)

Week 8 – Leviticus 8-23; Psalm 110, 111, 31; Hebrews 4-8

Thursday February 23, 2017

“His patience is to save us”

And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him—

– 2 Peter 3:15 (NLT)

Conviction of Sin (ongo‘i tautea ‘i he angahala)

B.        Questions about Conviction

            1)  is conviction necessary?

            2)  How much conviction is necessary?

The answer is; Whatever is necessary! Just as Christians are diverse, the means that God will use to draw us to faith will be as diverse as the individual. The point of the matter is, conviction is needed but the amount and intensity will vary from person to person.

We see in this play out in disciplining children. One child only needs a look from the parent while another will need strong words. And there will always going to be that one child who will test the boundaries all the way to spanking. God, in our very limited understanding, works likewise in us to bring us to repentance. He may allow some to experience a “harsher” road in order to accomplish His purpose. But some, He only needs to “gently” nudge.

Challenge:

I continue to praise God for bringing me up in a home where God was honored and His Word taught. I struggled with the notion of “when” I came to faith because I was always a “good” kid. And when we came through the 1^st denominational break (“motu”) through Senituli, the emphasis was only “receiving” Christ (tali ‘a Sisu). But we prayed and asked Jesus to come in every time we gathered so I didn’t know when I was actually saved. Some of you may be in this boat. I don’t want this to be more confusing to you, but the concept we are learning is, that God “convicts” and He “draws” and He “saves.” We believe (trust God for who he is and what he has done), therefore, we are saved! End of story.

This Day in Christian History:

February 23, 155 - BISHOP POLYCARP FOLLOWS CHRIST INTO THE FIRE. POLYCARP holds a special place in church history. He was an intermediary between the age of the apostles and the church of the second century, as well as being one of the earliest martyrs about whom we have an eyewitness account. A magistrate ordered Polycarp to renounce Christ and give obedience to Caesar as Lord. Polycarp answered: “Eighty and six years have I served Christ, nor has He ever done me any harm. How, then, could I blaspheme my King who saved me? You threaten the fire that burns for an hour and then is quenched; but you know not of the fire of the judgment to come, and the fire of eternal punishment. Bring what you will.”

Memory Verse:

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."

— John 12:32

Pea ko au, kapau ‘e hiki au ki ‘olunga mei he kelekele, te u tohoaki ‘a e kakai kotoa pē kiate au – Sione 12:32

Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)

Week 8 – Leviticus 21-23; Hebrews 8

Wednesday February 22, 2017

“vision of ministry”

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. – Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,

but blessed is he who keeps the law. – Proverbs 29:18 (ESV)

Conviction of Sin (ongo‘i tautea ‘i he angahala – Lea o‘o)

**As we are going through this material (teaching) I am taking a “time out” here to make a personal observation. From the beginning of this “devotional” I (Solopani) made it clear that we would be going through a book by Scottish scholar and minister, Sinclair Ferguson (“The Christian Life”). The topics in the book are important biblical themes that all believers should be familiar with. I have tried to break them up in “bite” sizes for easier consumption.

But I do realize that with my best efforts, there are portions that will still come across as “technical.” To this, I apologize. I’m sure most of you, if, and when you open the App, you just want to get a “morsel” (quick bite) and go. Please be patient and take the journey as we are all learning together. I will try to “simplify” what I can in order to make the material more understandable. As for now, we are not able to interact in the App (like social media) but hopefully soon this feature will be available. Until then, you can still post comments or questions in the "blog."

Please continue to pray for the Mo’ui Fo’ou Youth ministry leadership and the future of the work. I am praying that a “syllabus” for all the youth (singles) would be made available for all of us to follow throughout all regions. This syllabus would also serve as the basis for our devotional. As we wait for these developments to be realized, please be patient and let us “walk together” and trust God will provide and guide us through.

This Day in Christian History:

February 22, 1906  – WILLIAM SEYMOUR arrives in Los Angeles at the request of Julia Hutchins. But after a disagreement regarding his preaching style, especially his emphasis on tongues, they parted ways and Seymour found a place on Azusa Street and set up his ministry. They were known as Apostolic Faith Mission, better known as Azusa Street Mission. Crowds gathered, and revival broke out. Men and women of many doctrinal backgrounds, white and black, confessed their sins, testified of God’s power, and spoke in tongues. They claimed visions, danced, shook, barked, and manifested other strange behavior. Many modern churches and ministries look back to Azusa as their inspiration.

Memory Verse:

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."

— John 12:32

Pea ko au, kapau ‘e hiki au ki ‘olunga mei he kelekele, te u tohoaki ‘a e kakai kotoa pē kiate au – Sione 12:32

Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)

Week 8 – Leviticus 19-20; Hebrews 7

Tuesday February 21, 2017

“by gentler means”

11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord  passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. – 1 Kings 19:11-12

Conviction of Sin (ongo‘i tautea ‘i he angahala)

B.        Questions about Conviction

            1)  is conviction necessary? – (continue)

This account expressed by C.H. Spurgeon gives insight to the gentle way the Spirit of God works in some cases;

Among the many thousands of souls who have been brought to know the Lord under my instrumentality, I have often noticed that a considerable proportion of these, and of the best members of our church, too, were won to the Savior, not by illegal terrorists, but by gentler means… I asked an excellent young woman, ‘what was the first thought that set you really seeking the Savior?’ ‘Oh, sir’, she replied, ‘it was Christ’s lovely character that first made me long to be his disciple. I saw how kind, how good, how self-sacrificing he was, and that made me feel how different I was. I thought oh I am not like Jesus and that sent me to my room, and I began to pray, and so I came to trust him’.

These words are illuminating for several reasons. They indicate that we should look twice at Scripture before raising the experience of Paul, for example, into the soul prototype of conversion. Events of the day of Pentecost are not the norm for all forthcoming experiences of repentance and faith. But Spurgeon’s words are almost significant because they show that even when God uses gentler means to bring us to Christ, there’s always (at least in those who have reached natural maturity), some sense of conviction of sin. ‘Oh, I am not like Jesus’ is an expression of such conviction. It is difficult to see how this, or something akin to it, can be avoided if we are to be awakened out of our slumber in sin and transferred to the Kingdom of God.

We need to learn that conviction is not something which we ourselves create. The fears and anxieties which often accompany it are not duties to be fulfilled if we are to become genuine Christians. It is a great mistake to be impressed by the depth of conviction of a great man of God and to seek the same for self. God does not deal with us like that.

Challenge:

Be careful not to compare your salvation experience with someone else. You are unique and God uses various means to draw us to Himself.

This Day in Christian History:

February 21, 1945 - ERIC LIDDELL, OLYMPIAN FOR CHRIST died on this day. Following the Olympics, he completed his education and became a missionary in China, where he met and married his wife Florence. He sent her and their daughters to safety in Canada after the Japanese invaded China, but remained himself in danger from Chinese Communists and Japanese invaders.  Everyone in the camp mourned, for by then his infectious smile and concern for others were widely known. Norman Cliff, one of the young men who witnessed Liddell’s life in the prison camp, believes the champion runner would have taken no credit for his life, but would have said instead, “When you speak of me, give the glory to my master, Jesus Christ”

Memory Verse:

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."

— John 12:32

Pea ko au, kapau ‘e hiki au ki ‘olunga mei he kelekele, te u tohoaki ‘a e kakai kotoa pē kiate au – Sione 12:32

Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)

Week 8 – Leviticus 15-18; Psalm 31; Hebrews 6