Fellow Labourers-
I read the following today, "A man really believes not what he recites in his creed, but only the things he is ready to die for."-Richard Wurmbrand.
I also read "Remember that you are men, that God created you lords of this creation. Lift up yourselves, take yourselves out of the mire and hitch your hope to the stars, yes, rise as high as the very stars themselves. Let no man pull you down; let no man destroy your ambition; because man is but your companion, your equal; man is your brother, he is not your lord; he is not your sovereign master." - Marcus Garvey.
I further read, "Languages goes beyond syntax and grammar. Language frames a reality and structures the context out of which one relates." - Ravi Zacharias.
As you read this last quote do so with the attached in mind. We indeed have an unhindered gospel. "The book of Acts is largely concerned with documenting the history of the early church within the context of the unhindered work of God from the beginning to the ends of time and earth Jesus foretold. "Indeed," says Peter, "all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers" (Acts 3:24-25). We are a part of a story that will not fade away because it is told by the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. Despite all appearances, the gospel was and is and always will be a testimony that exists without hindrance. No man can thwart the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is sealed by a Spirit who presses it ever-onward and invitingly unto the unexpected places of the world. Nothing can hinder the presence of God's kingdom among us, for God himself brought it near.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
People with a Past
Fellow Labourers-
Ignoring history leaves us without a good point of reference. Hence, everything we do we do for the moment. The only time we consider is the present. When we live like this we fail to see the big picture. In other words we can see only the tree and not the forest.
Listen to this quote taken from "Tortured for Christ": "It was strictly forbidden to preach to other prisioners, as it is in captive nations today. It was understood that whoever was caught doing this received a severe beating. A number of us decided to pay the price for the privilege of preaching, so we accepted their terms. It was a deal: we preached and they beat us. We were happy preaching; they were happy beating us-so everyone was happy."
Only a people with a sense of history and destiny would make a deal like this. A deal which to most of us today seems quite ludicrous. But, to the people in communist Romania who knew the love of Christ and had a sense of history, no price was too great to pay for the cause of Christ.
When I read the following paragraph taken from the Editor's Introduction to Jacob Burckhardt 'The Greeks and Greek Civilization' I develop a thirst for history. "Burckhardt's most famous book, on which his reputation still rests, was 'The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy (1860).' Lord Acton, the founder of modern historical studies in Cambridge, described it as 'the most penetrating and subtle treatise on the history of civilization that exists in literature.' It is indeed this book which still shapes and challenges all subsequent attempts to explain the central phenomenon in European history." Most of us will recall that Lord Acton is best known for this quote "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." And remember Paul to young Timothy "Study to show yourself approve unto God----."
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor
Ignoring history leaves us without a good point of reference. Hence, everything we do we do for the moment. The only time we consider is the present. When we live like this we fail to see the big picture. In other words we can see only the tree and not the forest.
Listen to this quote taken from "Tortured for Christ": "It was strictly forbidden to preach to other prisioners, as it is in captive nations today. It was understood that whoever was caught doing this received a severe beating. A number of us decided to pay the price for the privilege of preaching, so we accepted their terms. It was a deal: we preached and they beat us. We were happy preaching; they were happy beating us-so everyone was happy."
Only a people with a sense of history and destiny would make a deal like this. A deal which to most of us today seems quite ludicrous. But, to the people in communist Romania who knew the love of Christ and had a sense of history, no price was too great to pay for the cause of Christ.
When I read the following paragraph taken from the Editor's Introduction to Jacob Burckhardt 'The Greeks and Greek Civilization' I develop a thirst for history. "Burckhardt's most famous book, on which his reputation still rests, was 'The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy (1860).' Lord Acton, the founder of modern historical studies in Cambridge, described it as 'the most penetrating and subtle treatise on the history of civilization that exists in literature.' It is indeed this book which still shapes and challenges all subsequent attempts to explain the central phenomenon in European history." Most of us will recall that Lord Acton is best known for this quote "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." And remember Paul to young Timothy "Study to show yourself approve unto God----."
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor
By This All Will Know
Fellow Labourers-
The message of love is on my heart so when I saw this article I was convinced of something I plan to do. On two occasions this week as I turn on my car radio the message was about love. The world is clamouring for love, and we have an opportunity to reveal this love. As the writer says the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost.
I have come to discover that love is a compelling force. This force cannot be concealed for ever. It has a way of showing up. This love cannot go anywhere without leaving a trail. Many people believe love is a sensation that magically generates when Mr. or Ms. Right appears. No wonder so many people are single.
An excerpt from "Head to Heart."
How do you define love? Some say it's mysterious, magical, complex, difficult, imaginary, thought-provoking, inspirational, intuitional, joyous, immeasurable, ecstasy, and undefinable. Perhaps.
In one of Dr. John Gray's audio cassettes he defines love as follows: "Love is a feeling directed at someone which acknowledges their goodness." On the same cassette, he refers to the definition by M. Scott Peck: "The willful intent to serve the well being of another."
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. - 1 Corinthians 13:5-7
My favorite is by Paramahansa Yogananda: "To describe love is very difficult, for the same reason that words cannot fully describe the flavour of an orange. You have to taste the fruit to know its flavour. So with love."
Love itself is a universal experience. Yet, every individual occurrence - while perhaps bound by a common thread - seems absolutely unique. Love is what love is! To everyone it expresses itself differently.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor
The message of love is on my heart so when I saw this article I was convinced of something I plan to do. On two occasions this week as I turn on my car radio the message was about love. The world is clamouring for love, and we have an opportunity to reveal this love. As the writer says the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost.
I have come to discover that love is a compelling force. This force cannot be concealed for ever. It has a way of showing up. This love cannot go anywhere without leaving a trail. Many people believe love is a sensation that magically generates when Mr. or Ms. Right appears. No wonder so many people are single.
An excerpt from "Head to Heart."
How do you define love? Some say it's mysterious, magical, complex, difficult, imaginary, thought-provoking, inspirational, intuitional, joyous, immeasurable, ecstasy, and undefinable. Perhaps.
In one of Dr. John Gray's audio cassettes he defines love as follows: "Love is a feeling directed at someone which acknowledges their goodness." On the same cassette, he refers to the definition by M. Scott Peck: "The willful intent to serve the well being of another."
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. - 1 Corinthians 13:5-7
My favorite is by Paramahansa Yogananda: "To describe love is very difficult, for the same reason that words cannot fully describe the flavour of an orange. You have to taste the fruit to know its flavour. So with love."
Love itself is a universal experience. Yet, every individual occurrence - while perhaps bound by a common thread - seems absolutely unique. Love is what love is! To everyone it expresses itself differently.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Convention 2010
Fellow Labourers:
It is indeed an honour for me to write to you today. First let to from the bottom of my heart and soul give thanks to Almighty God for the blessings convention has been. You know in what way you have been blessed, and you saw how God has blessed. There is know denying the fact that those who planned the event, and those who supported the event can say certainly "The Lord was in this place."
In my readings today I noted the following from an article by Martin Henry in the daily Gleaner and here I quote, "One of the prevailing myths of the culture is that Marcus Garvey was some kind of proto-Rasta. The Rastafarian movement, aided by 'scholarship', has (mis)appropriated Garvey a special icon of the movement. --- One of its principal proponents, Mutabaruka, is an atheist."
In "Tortured for Christ" the writer said, "Every soul won for Christ must be made to be a soul-winner. The Russians were not only converted, but became "missionaries" in the Underground Church. They were reckless and daring for Christ, always saying that it was the least they could do for Christ who died for them."
Let us then be true and faithful, trusting every day.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor
It is indeed an honour for me to write to you today. First let to from the bottom of my heart and soul give thanks to Almighty God for the blessings convention has been. You know in what way you have been blessed, and you saw how God has blessed. There is know denying the fact that those who planned the event, and those who supported the event can say certainly "The Lord was in this place."
In my readings today I noted the following from an article by Martin Henry in the daily Gleaner and here I quote, "One of the prevailing myths of the culture is that Marcus Garvey was some kind of proto-Rasta. The Rastafarian movement, aided by 'scholarship', has (mis)appropriated Garvey a special icon of the movement. --- One of its principal proponents, Mutabaruka, is an atheist."
In "Tortured for Christ" the writer said, "Every soul won for Christ must be made to be a soul-winner. The Russians were not only converted, but became "missionaries" in the Underground Church. They were reckless and daring for Christ, always saying that it was the least they could do for Christ who died for them."
Let us then be true and faithful, trusting every day.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Is the Future Determined or Free?
Fellow Labourers-
As I read this article I come to terms with my own failure to grasp certain concepts. Most of us are familiar with the term "A quantum leap" which we interpret to mean a very large distance. However, for the particle physicists a quantum of energy is so small that it is difficult to describe this to an untrained mind. In our realm of reality we can speak of a time-space continuum which is definable. Let us now try to understand eternity. In my mind, eternity seems to be void of space, hence cannot be compared with anything inside of time. Hence, time has restricted my understanding of anything outside of time.
But, I thank my God who has made me to understand some of the mysteries of our time. The bible is a book that explains my past, present and future. "Now if any man be in Christ he is a new creature. Old things are past away and behold all things are become new." 2 Cor.5:17. "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen. Being understood by the things which are made, even His eternal power and God head so that they are without excuse." Romans 1:20.
So, is the future determined or free?
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor
As I read this article I come to terms with my own failure to grasp certain concepts. Most of us are familiar with the term "A quantum leap" which we interpret to mean a very large distance. However, for the particle physicists a quantum of energy is so small that it is difficult to describe this to an untrained mind. In our realm of reality we can speak of a time-space continuum which is definable. Let us now try to understand eternity. In my mind, eternity seems to be void of space, hence cannot be compared with anything inside of time. Hence, time has restricted my understanding of anything outside of time.
But, I thank my God who has made me to understand some of the mysteries of our time. The bible is a book that explains my past, present and future. "Now if any man be in Christ he is a new creature. Old things are past away and behold all things are become new." 2 Cor.5:17. "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen. Being understood by the things which are made, even His eternal power and God head so that they are without excuse." Romans 1:20.
So, is the future determined or free?
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor
Friday, August 6, 2010
Is the Bible Sexist
Fellow Labourers-
Is the Bible sexist? This is the cry of the women's liberation movement. A cry that is borne out of impatience, miseducation, and rebelliousness. There is such an urge for autonomy among people that we accept anything as truth these days. We have become so "enlightened" that our own darkness is hid from us. We seem not to care anymore and since everybody else is doing it we might as well join in. Our children are growing up without a center, there is no point of reference. Those of us who should be defenders of what is right and what is good have bought into the lie called 'culture'.
So is the bible sexist? The answer is a resounding no. Yet for some this is a moot point. I listen to some decisions we make and I hear "why not ask a sister?" Should it be that our decision be based on sex, or should it be that our decision be based on the right person for the job? ...one on whom the Spirit of God rests? ...one whose desire is to fulfill the will of God in the earth?
Just last week in New Converts' class a brother was accused of being a feminist because of his personal views. The same person who accused him then proceeded to give views not too dissimilar, so I asked her if I should call her a masculinist? Our use of these emotionally charged words are nothing more than a mirage. They obfuscate more than enlighten. They give off more heat than light.
Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters we are only different, not deficient. Let us therefore use our obvious differences to build up each other.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor
Is the Bible sexist? This is the cry of the women's liberation movement. A cry that is borne out of impatience, miseducation, and rebelliousness. There is such an urge for autonomy among people that we accept anything as truth these days. We have become so "enlightened" that our own darkness is hid from us. We seem not to care anymore and since everybody else is doing it we might as well join in. Our children are growing up without a center, there is no point of reference. Those of us who should be defenders of what is right and what is good have bought into the lie called 'culture'.
So is the bible sexist? The answer is a resounding no. Yet for some this is a moot point. I listen to some decisions we make and I hear "why not ask a sister?" Should it be that our decision be based on sex, or should it be that our decision be based on the right person for the job? ...one on whom the Spirit of God rests? ...one whose desire is to fulfill the will of God in the earth?
Just last week in New Converts' class a brother was accused of being a feminist because of his personal views. The same person who accused him then proceeded to give views not too dissimilar, so I asked her if I should call her a masculinist? Our use of these emotionally charged words are nothing more than a mirage. They obfuscate more than enlighten. They give off more heat than light.
Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters we are only different, not deficient. Let us therefore use our obvious differences to build up each other.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor
Of Mystery and Semantics
Fellow Labourers-
Is the glass half empty or half full?
Perspective, perspective, perspective. But, what is reality? One of our greatest challenges, is to be able to ask the right questions. It is through our questioning that we are going to be able to develop a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Nicodemus heard and saw something in Christ that challenged his belief. What did he do? He sought an answer.
In Malcolm Muggeridge's "A third testament", commenting on Blaise Pascal's penses he says the following: "Man is great only in that he knows he is wretched. The very reason on which he so prides himself leads him to conclude that there are an infinite number of things beyond it. Pride separates him from God, and induces him to believe that he is god himself. When he "licks the earth" he is cast into the other abyss and seeks his good in sensuality, which is the lot of the animals. Egomania and erotomania, the two sicknesses of the godless, afflict him."
"Ask and it shall be given unto you, Seek and ye shall find, Knock and it shall be opened unto you."
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor
Is the glass half empty or half full?
Perspective, perspective, perspective. But, what is reality? One of our greatest challenges, is to be able to ask the right questions. It is through our questioning that we are going to be able to develop a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Nicodemus heard and saw something in Christ that challenged his belief. What did he do? He sought an answer.
In Malcolm Muggeridge's "A third testament", commenting on Blaise Pascal's penses he says the following: "Man is great only in that he knows he is wretched. The very reason on which he so prides himself leads him to conclude that there are an infinite number of things beyond it. Pride separates him from God, and induces him to believe that he is god himself. When he "licks the earth" he is cast into the other abyss and seeks his good in sensuality, which is the lot of the animals. Egomania and erotomania, the two sicknesses of the godless, afflict him."
"Ask and it shall be given unto you, Seek and ye shall find, Knock and it shall be opened unto you."
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor
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