Resource Review: Indescribable

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Have you ever looked up at night and wondered “How did this massive Universe come into existence”? ‘Indescribable’ is a fantastic DVD that explores this very thought and it will bring you closer to the creator of the Universe.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge (Psalm 19:1-2).

Night after night they remind us of just how small we are, and how huge God is. Looking out into the far reaches of the Universe, we find a seemingly infinite expanse of mystery and wonder, intricately fashioned by a God of unfathomable size and power. Just a glimpse of one of the billions of visible galaxies He has formed resizes us, shrinking us and the world we call home to a seeming insignificance in an instant. But as tiny as we may seem, the God who knows every star by name also knows yours, and mine. And in the most stunning rescue imaginable, God sent His Son to this spinning planet we call home - the Creator reconnecting us to Himself with life that never ends.

INDESCRIBABLE takes us on an image-rich journey through the Cosmos, allowing us to peer into God's universe to discover the amazing magnitude of His greatness and grace.

DVD Format
Price: Approx. $19.95 (Koorong)
Price: Approx. $12 (Amazon)

Am I Good Enough?

A lot of people feel like they’re not good enough to go to Heaven. It’s a pretty daunting thought, and can leave you feeling insecure, unsure and can make things like death seem really scary. As Christians, we have assurances given to us by God in the Bible that show us that we don’t need to be insecure about Heaven and whether or not we will be going there. Lets take a look at some of those assurances.

The first thing to consider is that no one is good enough to go to Heaven. Romans 3:23 tells us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” That doesn’t sound like much of an assurance, but lets think it through. If no one can be good enough to earn his or her way into Heaven (Ephesians 2:8-9) then our salvation (and therefore out way into Heaven) has to come from something else. So, if we don’t earn our salvation by being good, then where does it come from? Well, this one is pretty easy to answer. Let’s look at the Bible.

Jonah 2:9 says “But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD." This verse is taken from a prayer Jonah prayed while he was inside the fish (see the book of Jonah if you don’t already know the story). Notice what the end of the verse says? “Salvation comes from the Lord.” Alright that’s all well and good, but that’s just one verse and Jonah was inside a fish at the time, maybe he was just looking to be saved from his unpleasant situation. Let’s look further.

In Acts 4:10-12 we find another reference to God, and more specifically Jesus being the way to salvation:

“10then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11He is
" 'the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the capstone.’
12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by
which we must be saved."

Notice verse 10 talks about the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, then further down, verse 12 says that there is no other name that we can be saved by (keep in mind that being saved is what allows us to go to Heaven). Jesus comments on this also, in John 14:6 we find “Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

So now we’ve established that 1) No one is good enough to get himself or herself into Heaven and 2) Jesus is our way to Heaven. Our next question is what are we supposed to do about this? If Jesus is our way into Heaven, what do we have to do? Is there anything we should be doing? Lets go back to the Bible.

Romans 10 has several interesting things to say, particularly in verses 9-13:

9That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As the Scripture
says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

But hang on, doesn’t that look like it’s by our own actions (confessing with our mouths and believing in our hearts) that’s what’s getting us our salvation here? But that doesn’t add up with what we read in Ephesians earlier. So what’s going on here? Lets jump on over to 1 Corinthians 12 for an answer. 1 Corinthians 12:3 says “Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.” That seems to clear that issue up, although you might be thinking “But I can say that, and I’m not a Christian. What’s up with that?” Well, words can be empty. Just because you say something doesn’t mean it’s true. You can lie about anything to anyone, even yourself. Except that God is still going to know whether or not you are telling the truth, whether or not you’re really believing in your heart, and that’s something only you and God will know.

Now, I’m not saying that because our actions don’t impact on our salvation we can go ahead and do whatever we like and then clear it up with Jesus later. This is another issue that should be addressed separately (but check out 1 Corinthians 10 23-31 and 1 Corinthians 6:12-18 as a place to get started). But what I hope you can see is that our actions aren’t what earn us our place in Heaven. That comes from the work of the Spirit in us that allows us to believe (1 Corinthians 12:3).

In summary, our actions aren’t what save us (Ephesians 2:9-10), our salvation comes from Jesus (Jonah 2:9, Acts 4:10-12) and what we are required to do is confess that Jesus is Lord, and to truly believe this in our hearts through the work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 10:9). Salvation is what gets us into Heaven.

All verses are taken from the New International Version (NIV)

Life (6): Who wants their tab paid?

You’re out with your best mate – you both order a beer and something to eat. The night draws to a close and your mate realises that he or she doesn’t have any money left – what do you do? Do you (A) tell him to get in the kitchen and start cleaning, (B) Run, or (C) Pay the bill for him?

Without a doubt, one of the most Aussie things to do is pick up someone else’s bill at the pub or restaurant. I have 9 years of pub attendance experience, 4 months in England and absolutely picking up the bill sets us apart as a bill paying nation. Think about, you’re out with your mates and family at a nice restaurant and everyone is having a great time reminiscing about the third test. Each person orders a delicious meal, a few drinks and a dessert. The night draws to an end, and rather than splitting the bill, your buddy stands up and says, “This ones on me, I’ve got this one”. It’s awesome when someone does that hey? Real Aussie blokes aren’t about hugs and kisses, pinches on the butt, or even back waxes and hair styles, but rather, us Aussie men are about picking up someone else’s bill!

Christians believe that the bible is about God who created the universe to be in relationship with him. It explains that we have all rebelled against him and do our own thing rather then what he wants. When we do things like lie, cheat, steal, not do something we should do or do the right thing out of the wrong motive we work up a bill, which we owe to God. The bible says that the payment for our bill is death and eternal separation from God.

What we need is someone to come and pay our bill for us. That’s right, we need a real Aussie bloke. So, God came to earth 2000 years ago – you might know him – his name was Jesus. His mission was to pay our bill. That’s right; Jesus was a good Aussie bill paying bloke! He didn’t have long flowing hair and a nice waxed back; he was a bloke! The bible says that Jesus lived a perfect life – he never rebelled against his Father. He was arrested, tortured and eventually, crucified – basically they executed him. Three days later Jesus was resurrected and he is now reigning in heaven as the king. The bible says that whoever believes in Jesus death and resurrection will have eternal life – because Jesus has paid the bill for those who trust him. When you let him into your life, he starts working things out and fixing you up so you can live for the King. Christians aren’t claiming to be really good people who get to go to heaven because we are good, but we are people who have had our bills paid for by Jesus.

For our sake God made Jesus to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become part of God’s family (2 Corinthians 5:21)

So, if you sit there now with your bill starring you in the face, why not give it to Jesus to pay.

Resource Review: Death by Love

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Most men don’t like to talk about, but really need it. Women watch TV series and movies about it, but can’t define it. What is love? The bible tells us that God demonstrated his love for us by dying on the cross to rescue you and I from our rebellion and death (see Life Part 5).

This gospel (good news) has implications for our lives today and in this book, Mark Driscoll expertly discusses how Jesus death in our place transforms lives. Death by Love is a great read, which I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend – plus it is a real eye opener! The book is a bunch of letters Driscoll sent to members of his congregation, who were struggling with:
* Porn additions,
* Adultery,
* Self righteousness,
* The memory of terrible actions of the past (rape etc),
* Death and cancer,
* Hate,
* How to know God,
* Hell,
* Demonic attack.

Real people. Real sin. Transformed lives. A compilation of heartfelt letters written from a pastor to his people that explains Jesus' work on the cross.

Death by Love is a unique book on the cross of Jesus Christ. While many books debate the finer points of the doctrine of the atonement, what is often lost are the real-life implications of Jesus' death on the cross for those who have sinned and have been sinned against. Written in the form of pastoral letters, Death by Love outlines the twelve primary effects of Jesus' death on the cross and connects each to the life of a different individual.

Driscoll, one of America's most influential pastors, and Breshears, a respected theologian, help readers understand, appreciate, and trust in Jesus' work on the cross in a way that will transform their lives. Both deeply theological and intensely practical, this book shows how everyone can find hope through the death of Jesus Christ.

Hardback, 256 pages
Price: Approx. $22.95

Resource Review: Gospel in Life

Timothy Keller is a fantastic author, Pastor and theologian. I found this book easy to read, which thoroughly addresses the basics of Christianity and the importance of fellowship.

Join author and pastor Timothy Keller in an eight-week video-based study of the gospel and how to live it out in everyday life. In week one you and your group will study the city, your home now, the world that is. Week eight closes with the theme of the eternal city, your heavenly home, the world that is to come. In between you'll learn how the gospel can change your heart, your community, and how you live in this world. The Gospel in Life Participant's Guide is designed to help you and your group engage with and discuss the topics presented on the Gospel in Life DVD.

Session titles:
* Session 1, City - The World That Is Session
* Session 2, Heart - Three Ways to Live
* Session 3, Idolatry - The Sin Beneath
* Session 4, Community - The Context for Change
* Session 5, Witness - An Alternate City
* Session 6, Work - Cultivating the Garden
* Session 7, Justice - A People for Others
* Session 8, Eternity- The World That Is To Come

Book:
240 pages
Price: Approx. $14.95

DVD:
Price: Approx. $29.95

Resource Review: A Fresh Start

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Don't you think it's time for a fresh start? Are you searching for answers to what God whats from your life?

Probably the best-selling Australian Christian book of our generation John Chapman's clear, persuasive and engaging presentation of the news of Jesus is as fresh, and readable as ever. The book gives a straightforward explanation of our problem before God, his solution how we can know it is all true, and what we should do about it. This rightly remains at the top of the list of books to give to non-Christian friends and colleagues.

224 pages
Price: Approx. $9.95

Gospel (2): What is the Gospel?

What would you do if you knew that world was going to end? I know some people would probably quit their job, head to the pub, buy a stack of beer and booze the remaining nights away. What if you knew that there was one location on earth that would guarantee your survival from end the world? Would you (a) continue to drink up, (b) drink up and then do something about it or (c) gather as many people as you could and rush them to safety?

There is a growing cloud of answers to the mystery of life (see Religion 2). Almost everyone can see that the world is not the way it is supposed to be. All religions and philosophies have a take on the answer. There are even people who claim to be believers in Jesus that offer conflicting answers to this problem, i.e. it's about being good or spirituality is the answer. Today, I want to take the first step to ordering this out. Let’s go back a moment and remember our “end of the world” sequence. The bible makes this claim that one day, we will meet our maker and have to give an account (Romans 2:12; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 11:18). Let me ask you now, how do you think you will go on that day? Judging from my actions, I will be in a bit of trouble, unless there was another way to survive:

Jesus claims that his death and resurrection is our only hope of surviving the oncoming calamity (John 14:6; see Gospel 1). This is the core message of Christianity that he [Jesus] has rescued those who trust him, and because we trust him, we will therefore work to obey him. This is not always easy and that is why we rest on his cross. I plead to you now, come to Jesus today and be rescued! It is the only way.

Resource Review: Vintage Jesus

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This is a brilliant book for those investigating Jesus and Christianity. Easy to read and funny throughout, Vintage Jesus tackles the myths and false views created through two thousand years of religion. I strongly recommend this book as we head into the ‘Who was Jesus’ series.

Some two thousand years after he walked the earth, Jesus Christ is still a hot topic. And for all the ridiculous, twisted, Da Vinci Code-esque- conspiracy theories and lies about Jesus that have permeated popular culture and even the academy over the years, the truth about his character, nature, and work has not changed. So what exactly is the truth about Jesus Christ?

That's the question the authors of Vintage Jesus seek to answer by breaking it down into a number of sub-questions about Jesus, including
• Is Jesus the only God?
• Why did Jesus come to earth?
• Did Jesus rise from death?
• Why should we worship Jesus?

Nonbelievers and new Christians looking to sit down and delve into the topic of Jesus, asking the toughest, most confounding questions they can think of, will find solid, biblical answers presented in a relevant, accessible way.

176 pages from Re: Lit
Price: Approx. $21.95

Resource Review: God’s Big Picture

If you have been stirred by Christians Believe (6), why not have a read of God’s Big Picture. Very easy to read outlining the basic points of Christianity.

Sixty-six books written by forty people over nearly 2,000 years, in two languages and several different genres. A worldwide bestseller published in countless sizes and bindings, translations and languages. It has been sworn by in court, fought over by religious people, quoted in arguments. The Bible is clearly no ordinary book. How can we begin to read and understand it as a whole?

In his excellent overview, Vaughan Roberts gives the big picture - showing how the different parts of the Bible fit together under the theme of the kingdom of God. He gives us both the encouragement and the tools to read it with confidence and understanding. He points us to the Bible's supreme subject, Jesus Christ, and the salvation God offers through him.

160 pages
Price: Approx. $16.95

Gospel (1): The Glorious Gospel

The Gospel is our hope and joy. I ask you, what is the gospel? Is it relevant to you?

About five years ago, I went surfing at Cronulla beach with some mates. There had been large storms around the days prior to our outing. When we arrived at the beach, the surf was massive and there were sign placated all over the beach- “BEACH CLOSED”. My mates and I ignored the warning signs because we thought we knew better. We trusted in our swimming ability, which as a result failed us. Both my friends were swept out by a rip and were in a dangerous situation. Only through the grace of the life savers who were, mind you off duty, came out and rescued my friends. If it were not for the life guards, who knows where my friends would be today?

Firstly, what is the gospel? God has presented to us, in his scriptures, the state of humanity and the answer to our humanities problems- this is the gospel! We all are created in the image of God (Genesis 1 & 2), loved and prized by him. We are made to honour, serve and ultimately, follow him. In hind sight, you probably could say, I do that! I lead a good life, work hard, haven’t murdered anyone- God just wants me to be happy- right?

This is partly true. By living a good life we will honour him, but I ask you how many of us truly honour him? Ok, are you a good person?
• Have you ever lied?
• Have you ever stolen? (Anything?)
• Have you had sex with someone you aren’t married to?
• Have you ever wanted to have sex with someone you aren’t married to?
• Do you idolize people (athletes, movie stars etc) or possessions?
• Do you honestly live for and worship God whole heartily?

I have taken these from the 10 commandments (read Deuteronomy 6 in the Old Testament). This is exactly what Jesus explained to Nicodemus, the Jewish leader, that we have all sinned and we are all spiritually dead as a result (read Ephesians chapter 2 New Testament of the Bible). We are lost, stranded and broken (needing a life saver). Jesus, in the Gospel of John (chapter 3) goes on to explain, that he is God the Son, who came down from heaven to rescue us from all of our sins. Jesus, the God-Man, who lived a perfect life and loves you dearly, died a sinner’s death on the cross for you so all your sins may be taken away. He then rose from the grave three days later so that those who trust in him may have NEW life (born again- spiritual life= eternal life).

If your neighbour’s house was on fire, would you yell and shout for their rescue? This friends is no different. Our world is on fire by sin and our only answer is the Gospel- Jesus who died on the cross for you. I ask you now, would you like to be forgiven. Repent (turn) and come to Jesus and ask for forgiveness. The bible empathically says that he loves you and is faithful to forgive. There are communities of people who want to live for Jesus just like you- this is called the church. If you are a Christian and read this, ask God the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts and lead us to Jesus our Lord and Saviour. We all need him!

If you would like to get in contact with me or find some great resources to explore further or even pose a question, please email vintagejc@hotmail.com . I will post a list of websites shortly, that have great resources for those who would love to further explore the Kingdom of God.

Over and out until next time! Praise God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!