Monday February 20, 2017

“He touched me, and made me whole”

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” – Acts 2:37-39

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

We have a saying in Tongan after a sermon, “na‘e tau e Malanga” (that message hit home/touched me). Often seen in evangelistic meetings, throngs of people make their way to the altar to receive their salvation after their hearts have been touched by the message of the preacher. This is what happened in our text for today.

The immediate result of this was deeply felt conviction: now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, brothers, what shall we do? (Acts 2:37). These are the words of men who have been convicted of sin. The prophecy of Jesus had been fulfilled.

Evangelical Christianity has generally held that this Pentecostal conviction of sin was not the only fulfillment of Christ promise. In more recent times, however, questions have been raised about the validity of these assumptions. Today, generally speaking, the necessity of conviction as a forerunner of commitment to Christ is rarely emphasized, and may even be denied. There are three questions we must therefore consider.

B.        Questions about Conviction

            1)  is conviction necessary?

Undoubtedly some people become Christians without an agonizing sense of conviction of personal guilt. For example, there are Christians who know nothing of the radical upheaval in which others first experience of Christ and salvation began. They also those who apparently come to Christ in adolescents or maturer years with little of the signs of battle which others know. It is vital that we should recognize this unless we stereotype the operations of God’s Spirit without biblical ward. This is precisely why Paul emphasizes that there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone (1 Corinthians 12:6).

Challenge:

Think of the day you came to Christ? Do you remember? Was is a radical transformation? Or was it a gradual way? Regardless of the “way” it happened, Praise Him that you’re His child through His grace alone.

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 12-14; Psalm 111; Hebrews 5

Sunday February 19, 2017

“the devil has been defeated”

13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

– Colossians 2:13-15

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

A.        The author of conviction (tokotaha ‘oku lea o‘o)

            Conviction of sin

            Conviction of righteousness

            Conviction of judgment

The conviction of judgment is produced because the prince of this world is judged (John 16:11). Men laughingly despise the notion of a judgment to come, and they do so because they have been blinded by Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4). But on the cross Christ conquered and judged the prince of this world and made an open show him in his triumph (John 12:31; Colossians 2:13 – 15). The death of Christ, which unbelieving men took to be the judgment of God on him, was in fact the judgment of their master, and therefore the guarantee of their own impending doom.

The ministry of the Spirit thus produces a total reversal, a conversion in our thinking. Instead of calling Christ in question, we discovered that we are being called in question by his Spirit. The contempt or indifference or opposition which we poured on him now rebounds upon us. The positions are reversed.

It is not Christ who on the cross is declared guilty of sin – but I am declared guilty.

It is not Christ who is condemned – but I am condemned.

This interpretation is borne out by the fulfillment of these prophetic words on the day of Pentecost. When the Spirit came in in the preaching of Peter, the Lord Jesus Christ was proclaimed in exalted, three things resulted:

1)  men were impressed of their unbelief (acts 2:23, 36).

2)  they were persuaded of the righteousness and vindication of Christ

(Acts 2:24, 32, 33).

3)  they recognized his exultation as Lord over all his enemies (acts 2:34 – 36).

Challenge:

Satan is a defeated foe. Do not give him credit he doesn’t deserve. All our defeats (daily falls) are not his doing. We struggle with the flesh and the world. But we are conquerors in Christ!

This Day in Christian History:

February 19, 441 – date ARMENIAN MONK MESROB died. He did more than almost anyone else to preserve the Armenian culture. Armenia had been the first nation in the world to declare itself Christian. Unfortunately, its language had no written form at that time. Mesrob was a gifted interpreter. Although successful at court, he desired a closer walk with God and left the king’s service to become a monk. Mesrob determined to create a form of writing that could express the sounds of his native tongue. With financial backing from the king and assistance from other religious leaders, he devised an alphabet of thirty-six letters. Mesrob, his associates and their students, created a whole religious literature. In addition to translating the Bible, they wrote and translated other Christian texts.

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 8-11; Psalm 110; Hebrews 4

Saturday February 18, 2017

“Point us back to Christ”

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:

He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

1 Timothy 3:16

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

A.        The author of conviction (tokotaha ‘oku lea o‘o)

            Conviction of sin

         Conviction of righteousness is produced because Christ goes to the father (John 16:10). It would be possible to understand these words in isolation as referring to the sense a awakened in the hearts of the convicted that they lack righteousness, and that this is what Christ supplies. But that does not clarify the whole statement, nor does it take account of the emphasis of the spirits work in directing attention to the Lord Jesus Christ.

The words “because I go to the father” provide us with a clue to interpretation. Christ goes in the father, in John’s terminology, by death, resurrection and ascension (John 14:12, 28; 16:28). It is to these events at the Spirit will bear witness because they provide the divine vindication of Christ. They show that God has justified his son in the face of man’s rejection of him. He seems to be to this that Paul alludes in 1 Timothy 3:16, when he says that Christ was vindicated by the Spirit (perhaps primarily in the resurrection, Romans 1:4). When the Spirit displays Christ righteousness, he thereby displays man’s guilt, and the springs and abiding sense and conviction as a consequence.

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; - 1 Peter 2:9

Ka ko kimoutolu ko e ha‘a fili, ko e tu‘unga taula‘eiki fakatu‘i, ko e kakai tapu, ko e fa‘ahinga ‘oku ma‘ane me‘a tonu, koe‘uhi ā ke mou ongoongoa atu ‘a e ngaahi lelei ‘o ‘Ene ‘Afio, ‘a ia na‘a ne ui mai kimoutolu mei he po‘uli ki he maama fakaofo ‘a‘ana: - 1 Pita 2:9

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

Week 6 – Exodus 22-24; Psalm 109; Eph 6

Friday February 17, 2017

“Point us back to Christ”

remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. – Ephesians 2:12 (ESV)

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

A.        The author of conviction (tokotaha ‘oku lea o‘o)

            Conviction of sin is produced because men do not believe in Christ (John 16:9). This does not mean that men are sinners because they do not believe. It is sometimes mistakenly said that since Christ coming, the only sin is that of unbelief and faithlessness will be the only ground of condemnation. But this is not at all what our Lord means. His teaching is that men do not believe because they are sinners. The apex of their sin, is, unbelief in the face of the full light of divine revelation. What therefore takes place when the Spirit of God comes upon a man’s life, awakening him, is the realization of his guilt before God, the fact that he has no resources to meet God’s charge and no Savior in whom to hide from God’s wrath (for he does not believe in Christ). He is Christ-less and hope-less (Ephesians 2:12).

Challenge:

Beware of your “unbelief.”

This Day in Christian History:

Memory Verse:

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— 1 Corinthians 1:30

He ‘oku mei He‘ene ‘Afio ho‘omou tu‘u ni pea ‘ia Kalaisi Sīsū: ‘a ia kuo fokotu‘u mei he ‘Otua, ko hotau poto‘anga, ko hotau fakatonuhia mo fakamā‘oni‘oni‘anga, pea mo hotau huhu‘i – 1 Kolinito 1:30

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

Week 7 – Exo 32-40; Lev 1-7; Ps 26-27; Phi 3-4; Heb 1-3

Thursday February 16, 2017

“He is Mine, and I am His”

And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment – John 16:8

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

A.        The author of conviction (tokotaha ‘oku lea o‘o)

           

Na‘e palomesi mai ‘a Sisu, te ne tuku mai ‘a e Laumalie Ma‘oni‘oni ke ne fakamaau‘i ‘a mamani (lea o‘o) fekau‘aki mo e angahala, ma‘oni‘oni mo e fakamaau. Ko e “lea o‘o” (convict) ‘oku ‘uhinga ko e “lea lahi“, “fakaloto‘i”. Ko ha lea fefeka ke ofe‘i mo liliu ha fa‘ahinga me‘a.

Jesus promised that he would send the Holy Spirit to ‘convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment’ (John 16:8). The word John uses for convict means ‘to scorn’, ‘to pour contempt’ and to ‘convince’. It is this severe ministry which the Holy Spirit exercises in his office as Advocate. It is in his work of glorifying Christ and vindicating him that, of necessity, the Spirit must accomplish this painful work in men’s hearts. He defends Christ and vindicates him; but in so doing, he serves as the Council for the prosecution in God’s indictment against sinners.

It is important for the proper understanding of Jesus’ words to recognize that in the context of his message the primary reference of these words is to the Day of Pentecost. For the Spirit will convict concerning sin and righteousness and judgment only ‘when he comes’ (John 16:8). The whole thrust of our Lord’s sermon indicates that the Spirit will come after Christ’s death and resurrection, and upon his ascension and return to the right hand of the Father (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7). The day when he comes (John 15:26; 16:8) is clearly the Day of Pentecost (acts 1:8; 2:1). If we examine the prophecy of Jesus in the light of its particular fulfillment on that day, we should also be able to uncover the ground plan for this ministry of the Spirit in every age.

Challenge:

We walk by faith and not by sight (feelings). The work of the Spirit in convicting the world (us) is a “real” on-going work. It is not some vague sensation or guilt. Guilt is real but being convicted of sin is a work of the Holy Spirit. Tell God the Holy Spirit that you love Him for his “extreme work” of breaking you down, to build you back up by His power. Be sensitive to areas of your life that God is speaking to you about. His work of conviction is a sign that you are “His.”

This Day in Christian History:

February 16, 1688 – On this day, James Renwick, a young Scottish preacher smuggled a note of encouragement to his mother just before he was executed for his faith. “There is nothing in the world that I am sorry to leave but you… Farewell, mother. Farewell, night wanderings, cold, and weariness for Christ. Farewell, Sweet Bible and preaching of the Gospel. Welcome, crown of glory. Welcome, Oh Thou blessed Trinity and one God. I commit my soul in today eternal rest.”

Memory Verse:

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— 1 Corinthians 1:30

He ‘oku mei He‘ene ‘Afio ho‘omou tu‘u ni pea ‘ia Kalaisi Sīsū: ‘a ia kuo fokotu‘u mei he ‘Otua, ko hotau poto‘anga, ko hotau fakatonuhia mo fakamā‘oni‘oni‘anga, pea mo hotau huhu‘i – 1 Kolinito 1:30

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

Week 7 – Leviticus 4-7; Hebrews 3

Wednesday February 15, 2017

“The Awakening”

17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’ – Luke 15:17-19

8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. – John 16:8-11

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

Have you ever been roused from a deep sleep? That state where everything is lost to you. We have an expression in Tongan, “hange ha ‘akau kuo tu’usi mei he tefito” (like a tree cut from its roots). When shaken to be awoken and accompanied with a call, we slowly come to. It is as if we have travelled to a distant land and we are gradually coming back to reality.

We have been dealing with the concept of God’s call to salvation, which we understand as “effectual call”. But as we are learning these important doctrines, it is easy to make the assumption that they happen “Instantly.” But in Biblical teachings and in our experience, this can happen over a period of time. This inward spiritual process of God’s call can be looked at as an “awakening.”

In the story of the Prodigal Son, the young man “came to himself” (Luke 15:17) and returned to his father; responding to echoes of his father’s call in his subconscious. Paul was confronted by the sovereignty of God by speaking to him through his Word and piercing his heart with the Law (Romans 7:6-13). He experienced the conviction of sin.

We ought to give much more attention to this aspect of spiritual experience than we do. It is intimately related to the character of the whole of our Christian lives. Its neglect has left the quality of Christian living of our day relatively poorer, for grace often grows strongest where conviction of sin is pierced deepest. This was the perspective of Jesus: those who are most conscious of what has been forgiven are those most likely to love much (Luke 7:36 – 50). But those who are most conscious of forgiveness are invariably those who have been most acutely convicted of their sin.

Challenge:

Praise God for His gift of “conviction of sin.” This is one thing that confirms you are a child of God. If there is no conviction of sin, then I would seriously evaluate whether of not you are of the faith.

Memory Verse:

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— 1 Corinthians 1:30

He ‘oku mei He‘ene ‘Afio ho‘omou tu‘u ni pea ‘ia Kalaisi Sīsū: ‘a ia kuo fokotu‘u mei he ‘Otua, ko hotau poto‘anga, ko hotau fakatonuhia mo fakamā‘oni‘oni‘anga, pea mo hotau huhu‘i – 1 Kolinito 1:30

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

Week 7 – Leviticus 1-3; Psalm 27; Hebrews 2

Tuesday February 14, 2017

“Happy Valentine’s – True love is born of God”

8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:8-13

Because today is Valentine’s day, we will depart from regular devotional to talk about “love.” The greatest love, of course, comes from God and rooted in God. All others are mere reflections of His supernatural love. Anything else that doesn’t find its source in God is a counterfeit and a lie. Most of what the world “calls” love is anything “but”… We will never make progress in our Christian walk if we continue to look to the world and the culture for clues and ideas. We are to be “in the world” BUT NOT “OF” the world!

Dear young lady and young man, God designed you and everything that makes “you” you…so follow His guidelines for happiness and not the counterfeit. Of course, the world entices us with the things that gives “instant” gratification…But only God’s way gives LASTING satisfaction! If you want a “friend,” ask God to give you someone who loves God first, and will be a positive influence on you. So much more need to be said in this topic…I will come back to it later. But for now, let’s take a look at what a Godly young man who loves God writes about someone who he is taken with…

19-year-old Jonathan Edwards wrote this to the girl he was falling in love with in the summer of 1723. On the front page of his Greek grammar he wrote the only kind of love song his heart was capable of. Take a deep breath.

They say there is a young lady in [New Haven] who is beloved of that great Being who made and rules the world, and that there are certain seasons in which this great Being, in some way or other invisible, comes to her and fills her mind with exceeding sweet delight, and that she hardly cares for anything, except to meditate on him—that she expects after a while to be received up where he is, to be raised up out of the world and caught up into heaven; being assured that he loves her too well to let her remain at a distance from him always. There she is to dwell with him, and to be ravished with his love and delight forever…. She has a strange sweetness in her mind, and singular purity in her affections; is most just and conscientious in all her conduct; and you could not persuade her to do anything wrong or sinful, if you would give her all the world, lest she should offend this great Being. She is of a wonderful sweetness, calmness and universal benevolence of mind; especially after this great God has manifested himself to her mind…. She loves to be alone, walking in the fields and groves, and seems to have someone invisible always conversing with her.

Sarah was thirteen years old at the time! Four years later they were married. In the next 23 years they had eleven children, eight daughters and three sons.

Memory Verse:

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— 1 Corinthians 1:30

He ‘oku mei He‘ene ‘Afio ho‘omou tu‘u ni pea ‘ia Kalaisi Sīsū: ‘a ia kuo fokotu‘u mei he ‘Otua, ko hotau poto‘anga, ko hotau fakatonuhia mo fakamā‘oni‘oni‘anga, pea mo hotau huhu‘i – 1 Kolinito 1:30

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

Week 7 – Exodus 38-40; Hebrews 1