-------------------------<BrethrenVoice>------------------------- [which seeks to be guided solely by the NT Biblical pattern, facilitates free flow of Christian info. To God be the glory!] [eMail Moderator: brethrenvoice-owner@...] [<GLEANINGS-FOR-THE-DAY> Archives/Read online: http://associate.com/digests/brethrenvoice/ezmlm.cgi] <GLEANINGS-FOR-THE-DAY> <20 September 2002> Contents: ----------- (1) <Devotional> "Men without chests" - Ravi Zacharias (2) <Exhortational> "What is in my heart today?" Connie Giordano (3) <Prophetical> "The Redeemer's Return" (Pt-32)- A.W.Pink (1) <DEVOTIONAL> <SLICE-OF-INFINITY> MEN WITHOUT CHESTS Ravi Zacharias C.S. Lewis's book The Abolition of Man opens with a chapter titled "Men without chests." Lewis did not normally respond to his critics. But now he had picked up a book that compelled him to reply. To avoid a frontal attack, he changed the names of the title and authors. This is what he wrote: I shall call it The Green Book [and] I shall rename [its authors] Gaius and Titius. These authors were trying to teach children how to think about ethical choices, and one of the illustrations Gaius and Titius give [is the] illustration where two young boys are standing in front of a waterfall . . . The second boy just [gazes] at it with a sense of awe within him, reflecting on the grandeur of how God had made this wonderful universe, he looks at the waterfall, and he says, "This waterfall is sublime. There is such a sense of awe that it invokes within me as I stand back and see how marvellous such a piece of creation is." Gaius and Titius go to great lengths to point out that the young lad who described the waterfall as sublime was wrong-headed. And they go on to point out why, the reason being this: there is no such thing as sublimity out there. There is no such thing as sacredness out there. There is no such thing as an absolute that ought to invoke an "awe" within us out there. This boy had to be re-trained, for his training had taken him in a wrong-headed direction. Those feelings of sublimity were [merely] glandular [and] generated some sense of appreciation, which he ought not to describe as sublime, not as something awe-inspiring, not as some work of a transcendent being. Lewis latched onto this. He said, "The frightful thing about Gaius and Titius is that they are telling me mathematics is real; therefore, my brain is real. Food is real; therefore, my stomach is real. But the absolute moral order is not real. It is purely within me." Says Lewis, "If I take these men in their arguments, they will produce a generation of men with brains, men with stomachs, men with no heart, men without chests." Lewis is right. When we rob the universe of a moral structure, we rob our own hearts. And to connect this to yesterday's thoughts on wonder as the first component of meaning we may say: When naturalism robs this world of its God-given design and essential goodness, we are robbed of our own capacity for wonder, and thereby we are crippled in our search for meaning. --- Copyright (p)(c) 2001 Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM). Reprinted with permission. A Slice of Infinity is a radio ministry of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. _______________________________________________________ (2) <EXHORTATIONAL> WHAT IS IN MY HEART TODAY? Connie Giordano "As water cannot rise above its source, so our words and deeds cannot rise above our heart." - Encyclopaedia of Sermon Illustrations In a discussion on what veritably defiles a man, the Lord Jesus, in Matthew 15:18, taught us some very important principles - Matthew 15:18-19 - "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." Jesus pinpointed the source of all Sin to be the heart - "...out of the heart proceed..." He taught that the mouth was the usual indicator of what actually was stored up in it - "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart..." Then He listed several things to look for which could possibly flow from a man's heart and bring defilement to his soul and life - "evil thoughts" - This includes all wicked thoughts, purposes, devices, and motives against others. "murders" - Another name for this is malice which is a deep-seated, almost unexplainable desire to see another suffer. "adulteries, fornications" - These unclean and wanton streams flow from a heart where lust reigns. "thefts" - This includes the coveting as well as the carrying away of another's property without their knowledge or permission. "false witness" - This is giving a wrong summation of the facts as well as concealing the actual truth in order to injure another's character or reputation. "blasphemies" - This is speaking injuriously against God and His nature and ways as well as against another man's character. But what happens when a person lies in order to give a false impression or to present an entirely different picture than what is being seen by all? Then we have to fall upon another indicator besides the mouth to evaluate the true condition of another's heart. As we look into the Book of Proverbs, we find an example of a defiled man as Jesus described in Matthew 15. However, at first glance, the mouth seems to be showing one kind of personality when another is involved - "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." In this particular case, the words are deceitful and are not substantial evidence for what is really in the heart. His overall attitude tells it all. Proverbs 23 introduces us to a certain ruler who held a feast consisting of "dainty meats." Solomon warns us that, even though we may find ourselves in such a situation, we should not "be desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meats." We are then told why in Proverbs 23:6 - this man has an "evil eye." In other words, he is envious, grudging, and hard-hearted. He is sour, malignant, and given to lusts and passion. At first, we would never know it for his words are very congenial - "...Eat and drink, saith he to thee..." However, this is all a facade for the Scriptures say - "but his heart is not with thee." Here we have a man whose heart was defiled by "evil thoughts"(wicked devices against another), "murders"(malice and hatred for another), "covetousness"(lust and greed), and "false witness" (lies, trickery, and deceit). We would never know it simply by his words. We know it by his overall attitude or heart. His spirit indicated that he was not really sincere in his show of friendship and congeniality. Let's think about what is being said here. "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man." "For out of the heart proceed..." "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." "Eat and drink, saith he to thee: but his heart is not with thee." From our study, we can conclude that the mouth is a good indicator of what lies in a man's heart. If someone is overcome with bitterness, bitter words will spill out of their mouths from their hearts. If they are overtaken with a spirit of fear, then fearful words will issue forth from their mouths. If lust has control of their hearts, then filthy communication will pour out of their mouths, flowing from the spring of their hearts. On the other hand, if Faith has a hold of them, then the Word of God will be spoken. However, in the case of someone who is defiled and lies continuously, using deceit and trickery to conceal the true state of their hearts, then we can easily be deceived if we only go by their words. In this case, we must examine the entire spirit or attitude of a person. In Proverbs 23, with his words and compliments, the ruler pretended interest, concern, acceptance, love, and friendship for others, but his heart was not in it. In actuality, it was all a front. He did not welcome his guests at all. He begrudged every morsel that they ate of his "dainty meats." Have you ever been guilty of such dissimulation and pretence in friendships or relationships? In order to appear kind and loving before others, did you pretend generosity and acceptance when, in plain words, you were stingy, greedy, covetous, and self-centred? Did you compliment others when you really did not mean it in your heart? You had an ulterior motive for doing so. The Scriptures argue that we are very capable of speaking words to God and men that are empty and meaningless. We can give God lip service all day long in order to appear spiritual or righteous before men, and yet be so far removed from Him. We can speak kindly and lovingly to others yet in our hearts despise, scorn, ridicule, and look down upon them. As Christians, we know that we must love others. God commanded us to do so. But, oftentimes what comes out of our hearts is a weak, phoney, and ritualistic - "Love ya, Brother! Love ya, Sister!" - when in truth, we don't love them at all. We love ourselves too much to love another. This ought not to be! We can try to fool ourselves and others, but God, Who knows the hearts of all men, reads ours correctly. R. B. Kuiper once said - "A man's heart is what he is." George Swinnock said - "The heart is the metal of the bell, the tongue but the clapper." We are to be a people who are pure in heart, not defiled and unclean. What is pouring out of our hearts today in our everyday conversations? Do we harbor "evil thoughts" which are filled with malice, impurity, obscenity, deceit, trickery, betrayal, or an exalted view of ourselves? This is what we really are. "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he..." Our thoughts reveal our true character to ourselves; our words, for the most part, reveal our true character to others. The Word of God tells us that the Lord Jesus is soon to return for His Bride - the Church. Ephesians 5:27 - Nevertheless, He is coming back for a Church which the Apostle Paul described as being - "...a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and without blemish." That implies a church which is pure and not defiled - ...that does not lie nor live a lie - ...that does not say one thing and do another - ...that is overwhelmingly filled with the Presence of Jesus so much so that the fruits of the Spirit are evident in her life daily. That is the kind of Church Jesus wants for a Bride. Will He marry you? May God Bless His Word. Connie --- Copyright 2002 by Connie Giordano _______________________________________________________ (3) <PROPHETICAL> "THE REDEEMER'S RETURN" (PART-32) THE FACT OF THE REDEEMER'S RETURN Arthur W. Pink .... 7. The Fact of the Redeemer's Return had a spectacular setting forth on the Mount of Transfiguration. (2/2) "And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with Him" (vs. 3). From the fact that Moses (representative of the Law) and Elijah (standing for the Prophets) were with Christ at this time we may learn that the Old Testament saints shall have their part and place with Christ in His Millennial Kingdom. There is also another fact revealed here--precious thought!--when our Lord returns to the earth He will be accompanied by two classes of saints here represented by Moses and Elijah, namely, those who have passed through death and those who have been "changed" and raptured to heaven without seeing death. The three disciples--Peter, James, and John--may be regarded as representatives of the Church, not, of course, the Church in its Divine unity, but in individual capacity. "While He yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud which said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye Him" (vs. 5). The mention of the "bright cloud" here is deeply significant, the more so as it was out of it that the Voice of God was heard speaking. This was the "Cloud" which had been withdrawn from Israel centuries before but which now suddenly appeared again. This was the "Cloud" in which Jehovah appeared of old--the Cloud of the Shekinah glory. It was the "Cloud" which filled the Tabernacle--"Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle" (Ex. 40:34). This was the "Cloud" which guided Israel throughout their wilderness wanderings--"And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went forward in all their journeys: but if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up" (Ex. 40:36, 37). This was the "Cloud" in which Jehovah appeared in the Holy of Holies upon the mercy-seat (Lev. 16:2). This was the "Cloud" which filled the Temple of Solomon (1 Kings 8:10). Little wonder then that the disciples "fell on their faces and were sore afraid" (vs. 7)! The appearing of the Shekinah "Cloud" on the mount of transfiguration was the intimation that it shall be visible to Israel again in the Millennial Kingdom. That it will be is further evident from the prophecy of Is. 4:5--"And the Lord will create upon every dwelling-place of Mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for above all the glory shall be a defence"--the context here, shows that this has reference to the Millennium. See further Ezek. 43. "And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only" (vs. 8). This touch to the picture is a very beautiful one. It tells us that in the Millennium our blessed Lord shall be exalted high, above all, that He shall occupy the position of pre-eminency, that all human glories shall pale and disappear before His. As it is written, "And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low; and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day" (Is. 2:17). The hour when the Transfiguration occurred is significant. From Luke's account we gather that it happened at night, for we read, "But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep" (Luke 9:32). Thus will it be at the close of the long, dark night of Israel's dispersion--they shall look up and behold their Messiah returning in power and glory, accompanied by ten thousands of His saints who shall be on such terms of holy familiarity with Him (compare "Moses and Elijah talking with Him") that the world shall marvel at that wondrous grace which made them "joint-heirs with Christ." The Transfiguration also revealed the blessedness of that time when Christ shall set up His millennial Kingdom. "Lord, it is good for us to be here" (vss. 4) was the exclamation that fell from the lips of the astonished Peter. Thus will it be in the Millennium. "Lord, it is good for us to be here" will well express the contentment and the joy of those who will be upon earth in those days. O! what a time that will be. Satan removed, the Antichrist destroyed, and all that opposes the Gospel swept from the face of the earth. Israel penitent and restored, the heathen nations then completely evangelized, and creation itself delivered from its bondage of corruption. The saints "with Christ," wearing their glorified bodies and participating in His reign over an earth full of the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. Christ Himself on the throne, the Holy Spirit poured out upon all flesh, and outwardly, God's will done upon the earth as it is in heaven. Yes, then indeed, shall it be said, "Lord, it is good to be here." Striking indeed was the vision vouchsafed to the three favored disciples. Remarkably full was that manifestation of the glory of Messiah's coming Kingdom. But, the sequel to the Transfiguration was equally wonderful in its typical signification, and was needed to complete this spectacular setting forth of the Redeemer's Return to the earth. "And when they were come to the multitude, there came to Him a certain man, kneeling down to Him, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is a lunatic, and sore vexed: for oftentimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.** And Jesus rebuked the demon: and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour" (vss. 14, 15, 18). What a sight was this which confronted our Lord and His disciples as they came down from the "holy mount"! What a picture of Israel in particular and of the world in general! Thus will it be at the time of our Lord's Return to this earth. The first thing which the Saviour did after He had given the disciples a vision of His glory in the coming Kingdom, was to cast out a demon; and the first thing He will do when He returns to the earth, will be to cast out the Devil and secure him for a thousand years in the Bottomless Pit (Rev. 20:2, 3). God hasten that blessed day! Thus we see that the Fact of the Redeemer's Return not only occupies a prominent position in the didactic instruction of the Church Epistles, but that it was also the subject of Old Testament prophecy and typology, was pictorially illustrated in the miracles recorded in the Gospels, and received a spectacular setting forth in the wonderful scene which was enacted upon the Mount of Transfiguration. [To be concluded] _____________________<BrethrenVoice>_____________________ Subscribe, eMail:<brethrenvoice-subscribe@...> Unsubscribe, eMail:<brethrenvoice-unsubscribe@...> FAQs/Faith Statement, eMail: <brethrenvoice-faq@...> <BrethrenVoice> Home: http://associate.com/digests/brethrenvoice/ <eFellowship> Home: http://groups.msn.com/BrethrenChristiansForum/ "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith." 2 Cor 13:5 "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Jn 8:32 _______________________________________________________