A great Co[mission]

Today I was looking at the bible app on my phone. (I felt that today I should attempt a real proper blog post as i’ve copped out the past few days- i’ve been really tired and still am!) From time to time, I find a piece of scripture and virtually highlight it for future reading. Today, I scrolled through these bookmarks and came across the great commission.

Whats the great commission you say? Well, why not read for yourself:

Matthew 28

New International Version (NIV)

The Great Commission

¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

So, basically, the great commission is the mission in life for christians; wherever you go, tell them about Jesus’ love and point them towards salvation. Teach them what Jesus taught (and still teaches) us! And the final verse is particularly lovely. Lets write it like a script in a movie, or something:

(ELEVEN DISCIPLES STOOD ON MOUNTAIN. SOME WORSHIP. SOME ARE DOUBTFUL. JESUS IS WITH THEM AND STARTS TO TALK TO THEM)

JESUS: ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND EARTH HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME. THEREFORE GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS, BAPTISING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU.

(PAUSE FOR EFFECT)

JESUS: AND SURELY, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE VERY END OF THE AGE!

END OF CHAPTER.

 

I think that this is wonderful. Jesus tells us exactly what needs doing. And even though its a scary prospect, He assures us that we do not do it alone – He is with us. ALWAYS. Even to the very end of the age! SIGN ME UP FOR SOMMA THAT! Oh wait, already did!

………

However, this is not the version of the great commission that I had bookmarked. No no no!

The plot thickens! Dun Dun DUUUUUUUUUUN!

Mark 16

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

¹⁵ He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.¹⁶ Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.¹⁷And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons;they will speak in new tongues;¹⁸ they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands onsick people, and they will get well.”

¹⁹ After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heavenand he sat at the right hand of God.²⁰ Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signsthat accompanied it.

New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

This version of the great commission is slightly different. It is more subjective fact based than the account in Matthew. We get the mission. Then we get the recipe for salvation:

RECIPE FOR SALVATION

1X belief in Jesus

1X repentance

1X baptism

Mix well. Enjoy.

(enjoy salvation responsibly. hahaha y’know, like the small print on those tv adverts? no? never mind then.)

After this, we get the signs of people who do believe in Jesus. AND HERE IS THE SCOOP! If you’re a christian too, then this stuff applies to us! Jesus says that in His name we will drive out demons! We will speak in new tongues! We will heal people with the laying on of hands! But my personal favourite is this: they will pick up snakes with their bare hands and when they drink deadly poison and it will not hurt them!

OH MY WORD THATS SUPER-AWESOME! KA-POW!

And then, after saying this, Jesus ascends to heaven. The disciples wait for the Holy Spirit.

Lets write this one out like a move script too!

(ELEVEN DISCIPLES EATING. SOME OF THEM HAVE BEEN REBUKED BY JESUS FOR LACK OF FAITH.)

JESUS: GO INTO THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO ALL CREATION. WHOEVER BELIEVES AND IS BAPTISED WILL BE SAVED, BUT WHOEVER DOES NOT BELIEVE WILL BE CONDEMNED.

(PAUSE FOR EFFECT)

JESUS: AND THESE SIGNS WILL ACCOMPANY THOSE WHO BELIEVE: IN MY NAME THEY WILL DRIVE OUT DEMONS; THEY WILL SPEAK IN NEW TONGUES; THEY WILL PICK UP SNAKES WITH THEIR HANDS; AND WHEN THEY DRINK DEADLY POISON, IT WILL NOT HURT THEM AT ALL; THEY WILL PLACE THEIR HABDS ON SICK PEOPLE, AND THEY WILL GET WELL.

(ATMOSPHERE BUILDS SIGNIFICANTLY. ITS A SHIVER-DOWN-THE-SPINE MOMENT)

(JESUS ASCENDS TO HEAVEN.)

(THE DISCIPLES GET TO WORK PREACHING EVERYWHERE, AND AS PROMISED, GOD IS WITH THEM THE WHOLE TIME.)

END OF CHAPTER.

So yeah, that was the great commission. Wait, no. What am I saying???? IT STILL IS the great commission. It still applies today. As a christian, it is my duty to spread the gospel to people and to share God’s unfathomable love. Through Jesus, I have the capacity to perform miracles. And even when I get scared, its ok. Y’know why? Because Jesus is with me. And God is with me. And the Holy Spirit is with me. WOOOP!

HYPERLINKS

have a surprised goat

Hey there! Since I had a mega early start today and now i’m incredibly tired i’m going to do a short, but christianity themed post. I want to plug a few websites that deserve a good plugging!

1. Do you love manga? How about the King James Version of the bible? If you answered yes to one or both of these, why not download Siku’s KJV Manga bible for free off Biblefresh (THATS RIGHT ITS FREE!!!) Also, if you want it as a book it will be available on amazon later! Interested? Click this link!
2. Are you a worship leader? Do you enjoy worshipping God? Need some inspiration or perhaps some fresh music to sing/ play? Check out worship central. Its like the toolkit for anyone who wants to worship God. Or something like that. Anywho, check it out!
3. Soul survivor! Need I say more? Ok then – great articles for christians, free sheet music, the latest worship tunes, funny videos, events, etc. I implore thee, checketh this link and findeth joy. Eth. 
4. ONE HERE ON WORDPRESS! Thats right! Congratulations, its a blog! If you would like a daily reading plan for the bible and some commentary (and also video commentary), be like me and do the Bible In One Year.
5. Oh yeah, to do point 4, you might as well use an online bible. There are many translations available, and its free! LINKETY LINK LINK

Oh yeah, and heres a bonus for you. A track from OWL CITY!!

If I’m more awake tomorrow, I’ll get back to the usual post style! These links might be hyper, but i’m flippin’ tired!

 

Laying down a verse!

I didn't have a picture of a bible on my computer so this will do!

Yesterday, at the CU meeting I attended, they were talking about the Biblefresh campaign and the fact that its 400 years since the release of the King James Bible. Sometimes, I like reading the KJV because its more oldy-worldy and dramatic! It has a certain eloquence. Anyways, there were many bibles around the room, positioned strategically as thought-evoking art installations. One of these installations was simply a bible with a few post-it notes and some highlighter pens; people could highlight a verse with particular meaning to them, or a verse they liked, or a verse that they thought would encourage others. At first, I thought i’d contribute by highlighting Romans 8:31. If you don’t know it, here it is:

Romans 8:31

New International Version (NIV)

More Than Conquerors

³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

New International Version (NIV)Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

If our God is for us, who can stand against us? Wow thats deep. And theres real power in that phrase. Theres a song by Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman and a few others called ‘Our God’ which is based on this verse. Its a really powerful one that you can belt out like nobody’s business! We sing it at my church. Heres the link: http://youtu.be/j_t_87NyHx0 . I thought highlighting this verse may encourage others. I felt I was poised for action when that pen was free!

But whilst queueing to highlight the verse, I was suddenly compelled to highlight an alternate verse instead. This verse has particular meaning for me. It has been prophesied over me a few times and over many years. It even appeared at my baptism! Here it is:

1 Timothy 4

New International Version (NIV)

¹² Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. ¹³ Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

For a lot of my life I have had the displeasure of having my opinions disregarded in favour of those of older people. I found this hard to accept, because some of the times when my views were overlooked, they were disregarded in favour of the views of someone who had not been a christian as long as I had. But even when I felt I was having it rough, this verse kept on popping into my head. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Set an example for the believers. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

And thats just what I did. Or at least, I tried. I tried not to let people look down on me, but they did. I did however, through God’s grace and persistence, manage to get myself into the worship team. In terms of setting an example, I tried to lead by example. I tried to develop good christian relationships with my peers in the church, but I guess they weren’t up for it like I was. I started bands, I wrote songs, I prayed with people… and I appeared to get nowhere. I read my bible in public places. I read it in Starbucks. I read it in college. I had it as an app on my phone (I still have it as an app on my phone). I read it in different languages to try and evoke questions from people. I tried to set up a cell group, but the ‘leaders’ said no. I shared my testimony at youth meetings. I tried so so so hard to live this verse out but I.GOT.NOWHERE.FAST. So, I shamefully admit, I mentally put this verse to one side. I thought that perhaps it might come back to me in the future, but now wasn’t the right time.

At this year’s soul survivor festival, I went expecting to be filled again with the Holy Spirit. I went there, longing to meet with God powerfully. I longed to hear His voice. The days passed. The nights passed. I heard nothing.

I questioned myself. Was it me? Was I holding back? Was I blocking God out? Was my faith that weak that I couldn’t even hear from Him? I was desperately seeking a solution.

A few more meetings passed and we came to the end of the week.  Just when I thought I was going to hear nothing from God, I get LOADS from Him at once. All one after the other. BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM! He told me to bring dance into worship. He told me He was going to use my language skills in the most random places, to spread the gospel to those far from home. He told me I was going to reach people through my art and drawings, and that I would reach others through the things I’d write in public places, like Facebook or texting and whatnot. I was so happy that I’d heard from Him, I think I cried tears of Joy. And then I realised something. I had a massive mission ahead of me. Being a pretty introverted guy, this would prove to be an exciting adventure!

So, with regards to not letting anyone look down on me because of my age; God had opened some doors, but had my timidity closed them? I decided to just go for it in whatever I was doing. I used to be a bit scared because there were so many people watching when I was leading worship. Now, I don’t really give a hoot what people think. hoot hoot. I breakdance in worship. I jump up and down. Think thats shocking? Why? King David did it and he was nearly nude when he was doing it! (I dance fully clothed). Besides, its not for people, its for my audience of one, the King of Kings.

And concerning setting an example, I’ve gone for it with dance. I’ve textified. I’ve prayed with and for people. I’ve seen visions (prophetic). I’ve tried to change the world for Jesus as best I can. I’ve planted seeds in people that might one day sprout into a passion for Jesus. I’ve declared His love for me. I’ve raved on about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to people who would listen.

And with an eye to devoting myself to the public reading of scripture, preaching and teaching, I’ve started the Bible In One Year. I posted messages about Jesus on Facebook. I posted worship songs on my friend’s walls. I invited people to various events. But I did not feel that this was enough.

So guess what? I set THIS little humdinger of a website up. I’m giving YOU my thoughts on life. I hope you enjoy them, and that if you haven’t already, you discover the unfathomably brilliant love of Jesus, and the unexplainable joy that comes with knowing and following Him.  Deciding to follow Jesus is the best decision you will ever make. Trust me on this one! I never saw myself as a blogger, but hey, here I am blogging. And I know for a fact that this blog is reaching further across the world than I can physically go in a day! That just shows how great God is. He can take the thoughts that I have and use them to talk to others – even those I haven’t met.

You may be pleased to know that I did end up highlighting the verse from 1 timothy. And I hope that when somebody reads it, God speaks to them through it. He sure spoke to me through it!

If you’re an older person, I implore you to let the younger people with a passion for winning the lost and spreading the love of Jesus have a chance at making a difference. Don’t hinder their spiritual growth.

If you are the young person that people are looking down on, just keep going. Live to make Jesus famous. Live loud. Even if things don’t appear to be happening or lining up for you, God can suddenly burst in at any time and change everything. And I mean absolutely everything. You just have to believe.

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.  Until Jesus comes again, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Spread the love of Jesus! And to paraphrase Romans 8:31, If our God is for us, what can stand against us?

Money Never Sleeps

 I didn’t have a real picture for this post, so I doodled this bloodshot-eyed guy with a bag of money. Perhaps he’s trying to make it sleep?

Earlier this evening I watched WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS. I wouldn’t say its one of my favourite films, but it is a good one nonetheless. Michael Douglas is spectacular in it. In case you haven’t seen it, or worked it out from the title, the film is about money, and various ruthless investment bankers trying to make the most money that they can, regardless of ethics or laws. And theres a bit of a love story in there too. I won’t give the whole plot away. I’m not sure how true to life it is as a film, but it does make you wonder about the world’s love of money, and the power it can buy.

Even though I’m still fairly young, I have noticed that the world is a very capitalist place. Most people in the west subscribe to the western dream: grow up, go to university, get a job, get married, have kids, get a nice house and a car. Then eventually, it comes to retirement age and perhaps you’ll travel the world and take in the sights. Maybe emigrate to a lovely holiday destination? –  But, all the while you have to make sure theres a good healthcare programme nearby! And so on and so forth. Theres something about western culture that drills this into us. And whilst we’re thinking of cars and classy suits and stuff, there are people out there who dream of having their next meal, an education or a roof over their heads. Often, we are too caught up with chasing the dream that we forget the poor and those less fortunate than us. And this is sad, so very very sad. Jesus teaches us to love the poor, but society wants us to love money. “Save the economy – spend more!” Whilst we’re at it, how about that €30 trillion buyout to save the euro? And whilst this is happening, people are dying for lack of clean water and food – things that we often take for granted.

It reminds me of some scriptures:

Ecclesiastes 5:9-11

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ The increase from the land is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.

¹⁰ Whoever loves money never has enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.
This too is meaningless.

¹¹ As goods increase,
so do those who consume them.
And what benefit are they to the owners
except to feast their eyes on them?

Matthew 6:23-25

New International Version (NIV)

²³ But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

²⁴ “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Do Not Worry

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

1 Timothy 6:9-11

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Final Charge to Timothy

¹¹ But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

New International Version (NIV)Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

Here are just three examples of money in the bible. Lets examine them, shall we?

Ecclesiastes is wisdom literature written by King Solomon, son of King David. In this passage from ecclesiastes, Solomon tells us that money is a never ending cycle – whenever you love money, there is always a desire inside for more. And when people who love money get more money, they spend it on meaningless things that consume them, and eventually define them. Money never sleeps.

The passage from Matthew tells us that you cannot live for both God or the world – you are bound to be more inclined to prefer one to the other. Matthew puts it plainly – you cannot serve both God and money. Following God requires your all, but following money leads you up the slippery slope to a never-ending greed cycle, and other nastinesses. (Is that a word? Well, if it isn’t, i’ve just invented and used it!) Matthew says that money will not always be around for you, but if you put your hope in God, He will provide for you. Just have faith.

The passage from 1 Timothy is the really famous passage about money that people always misquote. Thats right, they misquote it. Did you know that? Firstly, the passage tells us that people who desire affluence, wealth and immense riches on this earth fall into temptations and harmful desires which eventually ruin them. This is because THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL KINDS OF EVIL. THE LOVE OF MONEY. NOT JUST MONEY, BUT THE LOVE OF MONEY. Do you get what i’m telling you here? It is misquoted so often and it annoys me greatly. Money on its own is alright. However, if you start to love money then it takes you down a dark and destructive road. To quote the rap group the 29th Chapter: “We need to be careful people, stack that cash but don’t fall in love with it!” Love of money will destroy you. It will take you away from God. The solution to this? Flee from loving money and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. In short, live for God, not for money. God will lovingly save you, but loving money will destroy you.

There is a song, which I have already quoted, that explains this nicely. It is called ‘Money’ and it is by the 29th Chapter. For some reason, theres only a Britney Spears-esque remix of it on youtube :O ! Here is the itunes link instead (it is track 12): http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/money/id214573641?i=214574333

So, as i’ve pointed out, the love of money is not a good thing. Greed is not good. Besides, in the grand scheme of things, its all meaningless, right? I’ve heard so many people say “you can’t take it with you”.

Matthew 6

New International Version (NIV)

Treasures in Heaven

¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

Jesus lays it out pretty clearly here! Do not store up treasures here on earth (i.e. money, material goods, etc.), but store up everlasting treasures in heaven. Follow Him, give Him your all – Live for Him! If your heart is in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and letting Him work through you on earth, then your treasure will be with Him – in heaven! By living for Jesus, you will end up helping those less fortunate than you too! However, if you live for money and material goods, your treasure starts and ends here on earth.

Money won’t sleep. That is, until the end of time when it will become meaningless. Then it will be laid to rest. But for now?

Don’t live for money. Store up your treasures in heaven instead!