A new book will be released in September that takes a deeper look into the faith of teen icon Justin Bieber.

The book, Belieber! Faith, Fame and the Heart of Justin Bieber, is penned by Cathleen Falsani, an award-winning journalist with a specialty on the intersection of spirituality and pop culture. It is being published by Worthy Publishing.

Bieber’s cultural influence on today’s generation is seen to equal—if not exceed—that of the Beatles 50 years before. Despite his overwhelming success, he has remained consistent in his talk of his Christian faith.

Falsani covers Bieber’s story of fame from the time he was spotted on YouTube and also writes about behind-the-scenes observations she has had of the star.

Of her subject, Falsani says, “Justin has a message beyond what many critics quickly dismiss as ‘puppy love’. It is above love, God’s love for everyone. And his fans are listening.”

Bieber is consistent in interviews and TV shows in expressing his beliefs regarding his Christian faith, and talks of hope, gratitude and believing to his millions of fans, including some 11.6 million Twitter followers.

At the recent Teen Choice Awards, Bieber collected his trophy, then told the crowd, “I wanna say that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. You gotta keep God first and always remember to keep family first.” He then made a sweeping gesture to the audience and added, “Jesus loves every one of you!”

While it is not unusual for celebrities to mention God during award shows, it is rare that stars will specifically mention Jesus. This is because there is often a consciousness about image.

To mention God is considered to be more inclusive, and helpful to a celebrity’s image and career. To specifically mention Jesus means the risk of drawing a line.

Bieber, 17, has talked of his faith in Jesus with Rolling Stone, on television, on the red carpet. And it seems that as he matures, he becomes more confident of his own voice—beyond the singing voice, the voice that talks of what is on his mind and what he thinks.

This is a voice that is not worried about image, or about appealing to as wide an audience as he can. Bieber seems unworried about alienating his fans. Because of this, Falsani perceives Bieber to be a new breed in the celebrity world.

Falsani wrote in her RNS column that she perceives Bieber as someone who can express his faith in a way that does not offend others, and he is not defensive in doing so. He comes across as authentic and humble, and his millions of fans around the world are listening when he says, “Jesus loves every one of you.”

Pattie Mallette, Bieber’s mother, is a woman of deep faith who has said in interviews that she believes her son has been called to speak as a voice for this generation.

Falsani, who has done personal interview profiles of Barack Obama, Elie Wiesel, Anne Rice, and Studs Terkel among others, has written the critically acclaimed books The God Factor, The Dude Abides: The Gospel According to the Coen Brothers, and Sin Boldly.

Falsani said on the book website that in light of the fact that music and film remain the language of today’s generation, she is hopeful that faith leaders and parents will view popular culture with new insight and see it as a means to enhance communication with their children.

Last week my son asked me a profound theological question: “Why did God make stinging bugs?”

Stumped, I told him to talk directly to God about it. Pausing for just a moment to consider my inadequate answer, he countered, “You know I can’t talk to God; I’m not even dead yet!”

In my son’s literal but complex eight-year-old mind, prayer does not qualify as “talking to God.”

Thus, his many and variegated questions about the mysteries of the universe, the meaning of life, and the purpose of wasps and biting flies, will have to wait.

Truth be told, my son’s conclusion about “talking to God,” and more pertinent, God talking to us, is the conclusion most of us have. God doesn’t really talk to people, does he?

And those mystical types who routinely say things like, “God spoke to me” or “I heard God say,” are we to take them seriously, or should they be scheduled for a mental health examination?

I remember a bizarre story from two decades ago about a Texas pastor who crashed his car while attempting to elude police.

It was a bizarre story, first, because all 20 of the pastor’s parishioners were with him in his vehicle – 15 adults and five children – in a single Pontiac.

Second, and stranger by the details, the congregants were all naked. It seems the devil had cursed their clothing, God had told them, so the voodooed garments were cast off per divine instruction.

And finally, the police were chasing the naked and mobile congregation because they had attempted to forcibly procure a parked RV, an RV that God said now belonged to them.

God gets blamed for a whole lot of the kookiness in this world, and stories like this one make me appreciate my son’s conclusion.

If this is how God speaks, I’ll be happy to wait till I’m dead for such divine instruction.

And let’s be honest; sometimes the stories are more tragic than comical. Some of history’s greatest atrocities have been committed because someone “heard God speak” to them.

Absurdity aside, I still believe God speaks.

Now, I don’t believe God’s instructions ever include harming others, stealing their property, or committing violence. Such voices are patently inconsistent with the way and person of Christ

And no, I don’t think God’s voice arrives in our inboxes as an unalterable blueprint for life. Further, it’s not likely that many of us will find God standing at the foot of our bed some early morning with a heavenly telegram in his hand.

Besides, if God did speak that clearly (and maybe he does), most of us would miss it anyway (maybe we have), for it seems God prefers communicating through quiet and stillness rather than through the pyrotechnics of signs, wonders, and naked-RV-stealing-hijinks.

“God didn’t speak through the whirlwind, the earthquake, or the fire,” the prophet of old tells us. Instead, God spoke “in a still, small voice.”

It’s summed up by Dan Rather’s magnificent interview of Mother Teresa more than twenty years ago.

Paraphrasing, he famously asked her, “What do you say to God when you pray?” She offered him a simple answer, “I don’t say anything. I just listen.”

Rather then asked the obvious follow-up question: “Well, what does God say?” Mother Teresa gave Rather that crooked little smile of hers, and said, “God doesn’t say anything either. He just listens.”

Does such a wordless “conversation” sound as bizarre as a Pontiac filled with naked Pentecostals? Hardly. In a relationship of love and trust, being together is enough, and more is understood in the silence than when using all the words in the world.

A great deal of religion, I fear, is built upon the desire for divine fireworks, megaphoned and crystal clear answers, God showing himself in flamboyant and undeniable style.

Yet, God only requires the quiet and silent heart to quietly and silently speak.

In other words, keep your shirt on. Getting quiet will do more to sharpen one’s perception of God than all the religious gymnastics in the world.

Ronnie McBrayer is a syndicated columnist, speaker, and author. His books include “Leaving Religion, Following Jesus” and “The Jesus Tribe.” Visit his website at www.ronniemcbrayer.net.

Question: “Does God still speak to us today?”

Answer: The Bible records God speaking audibly to people many times (Exodus 3:14; Joshua 1:1; Judges 6:18; 1 Samuel 3:11; 2 Samuel 2:1; Job 40:1; Isaiah 7:3; Jeremiah 1:7; Acts 8:26; 9:15 – this is just a small sampling). There is no biblical reason why God could not or would not speak to a person audibly today. With the hundreds of times the Bible records God speaking, we have to remember that they occur over the course of 4,000 years of human history. God speaking audibly is the exception, not the rule. Even in the biblically recorded instances of God speaking, it is not always clear whether it was an audible voice, an inner voice, or a mental impression.

God does speak to people today. First, God speaks to us through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Isaiah 55:11 tells us, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” The Bible records God’s words, everything we need to know in order to be saved and live the Christian life. Second Peter 1:3 declares, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

Second, God speaks through impressions, events, and thoughts. God helps us to discern right from wrong through our consciences (1 Timothy 1:5; 1 Peter 3:16). God is in the process of conforming our minds to think His thoughts (Romans 12:2). God allows events to occur in our lives to direct us, change us, and help us to grow spiritually (James 1:2-5; Hebrews 12:5-11). First Peter 1:6-7 reminds us, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

Finally, God may sometimes speak audibly to people. It is highly doubtful, though, that this occurs as often as some people claim it does. Again, even in the Bible, God speaking audibly is the exception, not the ordinary. If anyone claims that God has spoken to him/her, always compare what is said with what the Bible says. If God were to speak today, His words would be in full agreement with what He has said in the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God does not contradict Himself.

Recommended Resource: Hearing God’s Voice by Henry & Richard Blackaby.

The daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. announced recently that she is leaving a megachurch that she has been with for eight years to pursue her own ministry.

Bernice King, the youngest daughter of the late civil rights leader, said in a radio program in Praise 102.5 that she will leave New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, headed by the controversial Bishop Eddie Long, to begin a ministry of her own.

King, who is an ordained minister, did not give details of her plans, but said, “I’m not calling it a church right now,” the AP reported.

Last year Long was sued by four young men who accused him of coercing them into engaging in sex acts with him. However, last week the lawyer for the men said the matter had been “resolved” out of court, Reuters said.

Pastoral calling

When asked about the timing of King’s announcement she said, “I’ve always followed what I believed to be the voice of God and I’ve sought to be obedient to that voice. I know that I have a pastoral calling on my life and I have to accept it. I’m in the process of pursuing that,” The Christian Post reported.

King said on the radio program, “I did what I felt what was appropriate in leadership, which was sit down and talk with him and gave him the timetable of when I would leaving. I didn’t just leave. That was the decision the Holy Spirit placed in my heart, which was Sunday, May 29. I have never wavered from that,” according to The Christian Post.

King also said that she had spoken to Long about her choice to leave so that she could start her own ministry, which she felt a strong leaning to do especially after her mother died in 2006, according to Reuters.

In a statement, Long said that he had been “in discussion and prayer” with King for some time, and that she wished to pursue the legacy of her parents, according to the AP.

Long said in his statement, “I am in full support of her decision to leave New Birth in pursuit of this worthy endeavor. Reverend Bernice King has made tremendous and profound contributions to New Birth as an elder and faithful servant. We ask that you join us in extending unequivocal support and love for Reverend King as she embarks on this new calling,” the AP reported.

Gratitude

King said that she is grateful to Long and to New Birth for having helped her weather many difficult events in her life, in particular the deaths of her mother, Coretta Scott King, and her sister.

King said on the radio program, “I want to thank him and all the New Birth family for all their love and support for all the time I was at New Birth and for all of their prayers,” The Christian Post reported.

A recently-held summit for North American Native people held in Springdale, Ark. became an opportunity for dialogue, understanding and a deeper appreciation of the relevance of the gospel in their setting.

The North American Native People’s Summit was organized by the Southern Baptist Fellowship of Native American Christians, with the intent to bring together Natives and non-natives who are in ministry, according to the Baptist Press.

However, the summit also became an opportunity to give Native American Christians a voice, lend inspiration and encouragement; and to bridge understanding and learning in sharing the gospel among Native peoples, the BP reported.

Some 200 people attended the conference, most of them Native peoples. But non-Natives also came because of their interest in this ministry. The delegates hailed from 31 states and four Canadian provinces. They converged at Cross Church in Ark. For the two-day event that was held late April this year.

Stan Albright, one of the 13-member team that planned the event said told BP, “This is the first time Native peoples have had a setting in which they were free to speak their minds.  And what’s on their minds is their desire to lead their people to the Lord.” Albright is also director of missions for the Baptist Convention of New Mexico.

There were three keynote speakers at the summit, namely Henry Blackaby and his son Richard Blackaby (both recognized for their concern for Native peoples), and Ronnie Floyd, pastor of Cross Church, which plans to plant 50 new churches within three years.

Doug Sarver, who heads Cross Church’s global missions said, “I don’t know anything about reaching Native Americans—yet. Is it okay to say ‘yet’? Maybe the Lord will lead us to connect with you.” Some 2,000 volunteers have signed up with Cross Church for short-term mission trips next year, BP said.

Gateway people

Mark Custalow, a Native from Virginia said that he believes God wants Native Christians to be gateway people to other Natives. He said, “God wants to use us to be a gateway people, to be a blessing to all those who call this nation home,” the BP reported. He shared his experience using “story circles,” to spread the gospel with bible stories.

Alan Dial, a strategist for starting Native churches in Anchorage, Alaska said, “I think we really needed to do this conference. I don’t think Southern Baptists as a whole grasp the breadth of lostness. Native people have needed a voice to tell that story to their Southern Baptist brothers and sisters…. If we’re not praying for each other, we’ve already given up the fight,” the BP reported.

Eugene Baker, pastor of Native American Totah Baptist Church in Farmington, N.M. told BP, “On one end [before the summit] they were saying one thing, that we’d get opportunities to meet people and help people, and when we get here, we learn we are our own resources. That goes along with what I’ve been thinking. The Lord gives me a vision ahead of meetings like these — we just had one in Oklahoma City and then in Albuquerque — and the meetings give me assurance I’m on the right track.”

Testimony

During the summit there was a testimony by Bez Bull Shows of Crow Agency, Mont., of Set Free ministry which ministers to people afflicted with drug and alcohol abuse. Bull Shows said, “I went home for a visit and started rounding up people from the res. Now we have prayer circles and meetings in several homes.”

Another pastor, Jimmy Anderson of Many Springs Baptist Church in Holdenville, Okla., said that missionaries on the reservations have a strong impact on people, and many of those whom they have reached out to on the reservation are leaders today.

Anderson, who has worked in Native ministry since 1956 said, “The early missionaries got the Gospel out and churches started on a scriptural basis. They helped get the churches organized,” the Baptist Press reported.

Anderson told the Baptist Press, “This summit was worthwhile and really needed. One thing we need is a burden to see the scope of the need among our own people. We’ve heard it before but I think we need to keep hearing it.”

Participants agreed that the summit has established a new, fresh start in Native American ministry. As a result, the Southern Baptist Fellowship of Native American Christians decided to have a succeeding event on June 13, at 10 a.m. to noon as one of the activities during the Fellowships annual meeting at the Phoenix Convention Center. All are invited, the BP said.

Rebecca St. James is widely known for having been the voice of purity among Christians since her hit song, “Wait For Me,” was released in 2000. Now, with her recent marriage to Jacob Fink, she will be a voice for marriage.

The Sydney-born singer, who married Jacob Fink in the presence of family and close friends last Saturday, has been as vocal about the importance of unity in marriage, according to her website.

In her website she said of marriage, “I believe both people can be stronger in their calling because of each other. I really see that in Jacob and my individual lives—we are stronger together. We have a real desire to be glorifying to God in our life and marriage.”

The wedding took place at the Junipero Serra Museum in San Diego, California, which is situated near California’s first mission founded in 1769 by Spanish Francisco missionary Fr. Junipero Serra, Christian Today said.

Purity rings

During the ceremony the bride and groom exchanged the purity rings that they had each worn before they married. There was also an exchange of personal, spiritual vows as they committed to serve each other in marriage, followed by the washing of one another’s feet, according to the bride’s website.

The music during the wedding ceremony included the song “You Make Everything Beautiful,” which was performed by the brothers of St. James, namely Joel and Luke. The song, which the bride co-wrote, is included in her newly-released worship album, I Will Praise You, according to her website.

Evie Tornquist Karlsson, longtime spiritual mentor and friend of St. James said, “This was a glorious day of celebration! A marriage ceremony where from beginning to ending Jesus was the absolute focus and the special guest of honor of the bride and groom,” the website reported.

Queen of contemporary Christian music

St. James had been for some 10 years the queen of contemporary Christian music. However, for the last five and a half years she took an informal hiatus. Her album, I Will Praise You (under Reunion Records), marks her musical comeback, Christianity Today said.

During her five-and-a-half year break, St. James focused on writing books such as Wait For Me, S.H.E. and Loved. She is about to finish her ninth book by September, entitled What is He thinking, Christian Today said.

St. James also ventured into acting, and played the lead in the film Sarah’s Choice, a movie with a prolife theme, Christianity Today said.

St. James told Christianity Today that Fink proposed marriage to her on Christmas Day last year. “It was the first time I’ve ever brought a guy home for Christmas; I had spent Thanksgiving with his family,” she recalled.

St. James added, “He kept on saying, ‘This is going to be the best Christmas ever,’ and I was like, ‘Well, I hope you enjoy hanging with my family, and I hope you’re not disappointed.’”

Fink proposed in the backyard of the St. James family’s farm located in Franklin, Tennessee, Christianity Today said. Of the event, St. James said, “It was absolutely magical.”

On her wedding day St. James posted on her Facebook page, “Today has been a very special day for which I waited a long time. I married the love of my life, Jacob. Thanks so much for your prayers and support,” Christian Today reported.

Fink worked as a missionary in South Africa for two years, after which the groom pursued a college degree in film and creative arts at a university in California. He works as a bass player with a band, according to St. James’ website.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom said recently that Egypt’s recent focus on conducting reconciliation sessions between Muslims and Christians is ineffective and promotes further assaults against Christians with impunity.

The Voice of the Copts said that in recent years the Egyptian government has tried to resolve tensions between Christians and Muslims through reconciliation sessions. However, this has taken away focus from bringing perpetrators of abuse of Christians to the courts.

In its recent yearly report on religious human rights in Egypt which the USCIRF submitted to the U.S. Department of State, they said that reconciliation sessions have “prevented the prosecution of perpetrators of crimes against Copts,” according to Voice of the Copts.

The sessions have also ruled out the option of seeking restitution from the judiciary. Because they know they will not be penalized, this has added to further assaults against Christians, Voice of the Copts said.

The USCIRF has urged the U.S. to pressure the Egyptian government to take legal action against those responsible for violence and human rights violations. They also would like to take away supervision of religious affairs from the state security services, except when cases involve violence or its advocacy, Voice of the Copts reported.

For example, they cite the case of three Muslim men who were charged with the murder last January 6 of six Christians and one Muslim security guard during Coptic Christmas eve in Naga Hammadi, southern Egypt, Voice of the Copts said.

The trial of the three Muslim men began in February in a state security court but up until now, court hearings have been delayed and postponed continually and there is no clear view that there will be an ending, and that the guilty will be brought to justice, according to Voice of the Copts.

The trial is expected to resume tomorrow at the Qena governorate. The USCIRF has asked that the trial definitely push through tomorrow, voicing concern that parliamentary elections which are slated in November may shift government’s focus away from the trial, Voice of the Copts reported.

Leonard Leo, USCIRF chair said, “The government knows well that accountability could serve as a deterrent, and would demonstrate that the government is interested in addressing the issue through application of the rule of law and not just reconciliation sessions,” according to Voice of the Copts.

He added, “Justice delayed is justice denied. Is it possible for Coptic Orthodox Christians to get justice in the Egyptian court system?” Leo noted that initially they were encouraged that Egypt would bring the case to trial quickly but eight months have passed with no convictions, and no indication that an end is near, Voice of the Copts reported.

Leo said, “this only encourages further violence and is reminiscent of so many past trials where justice was never served.” Egypt has been on USCIRF’s Watch List since 2002 because of continual and serious violations of religious freedom, Voice of the Copts said.

Question: “What should we learn from the life of John the Baptist?”

Answer:
Although his name implies that he baptized people (which he did), Johns life on earth was more than just baptizing. Johns adult life was characterized by blind devotion and utter surrender to Jesus Christ and His kingdom. Johns voice was a lone voice in the wilderness (John 1:23) as he proclaimed the coming of the Messiah to a people who desperately needed a Savior. He was the precursor for the modern day evangelist as he unashamedly shared the good news of Jesus Christ. He was a man filled with faith and a role model to those of us who wish to share our faith with others.

Most everyone, believer and non-believer alike, has heard of John the Baptist. He is arguably one of the most significant and well-known figures in the Bible. While John was known as the Baptist, he was in fact the first prophet called by God since Malachi some 400 years before his own birth. Johns own coming was foretold over 700 years previously by another prophet. In Isaiah 40:3-5 it states: A voice of one calling: In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” This passage illustrates Gods master plan in action as God selected John to be His special ambassador to proclaim His own coming.

Little is actually known of John, although we do know that John was a Levite, one of the special tribe set aside by God to take care of all of the work associated with the temple (Numbers 1:50-53). John was the son of Zechariah, a temple priest of the lineage of Abijah, while Johns mother Elizabeth was from the lineage of Aaron (Luke 1:5). John was also related to Jesus as their mothers were cousins (Luke 1:36). John lived a rugged life in the mountainous area of Judea, between the city of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. It is written that he wore clothes made out of camels hair with a leather belt around his waist. His diet was a simple onelocusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4). John lived a simple life as he focused on the kingdom work set before him.

Johns ministry grew in popularity, as recounted in Matthew 3:5-6: People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. We also see that he spoke very boldly to the religious leaders of the day, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, calling them a brood of vipers and warning them not to rely on their Jewish lineage for salvation, but to repent and bear fruit in keeping with repentance (Matthew 3:7-10). People of that day simply did not address leaders, religious or otherwise, in this manner for fear of punishment. But Johns faith made him fearless in the face of opposition.

While his ministry was gaining strength, Johns message was gaining popularity. In fact, it became so popular that many people may have thought that he was the Messiah. This assuredly was not his intent as he had a clear vision for what he was called to do. John 3:28 tells us, You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.’ This verse speaks of John cautioning his disciples that what they had seen and heard from him is just the beginning of the miracle that was to come in the form of Jesus Christ. John was merely a messenger sent by God to proclaim the truth. His message was simple and direct: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near (Matthew 3:2). He knew that once Jesus appeared on the scene, Johns work would be all but finished. He willingly gave up the spotlight to Jesus saying, He must become greater; I must become less (John 3:30). Perhaps there is no greater example of humility than the one demonstrated by both Jesus and John in Matthew 3:13-15. Jesus came from Galilee to be baptized by John in the river Jordan.

John rightly recognized that the sinless Son of God needed no baptism of repentance and that he was certainly not worthy to baptize his own Savior. But Jesus answered his concern by requesting baptism to fulfill all righteousness meaning that He was identifying Himself with sinners for whom He would ultimately sacrifice Himself, thereby securing all righteousness for them (2 Corinthians 5:21). In humility, John obeyed and consented to baptize Jesus.

Johns ministry, as well as his life, came to an abrupt end at the hand of King Herod. In an act of unspeakable and violent vengeance, Herodias, Herods wife and the former wife of Herods brother Philip, plotted with her daughter to have John killed. So incensed was Herodias at John for claiming her marriage to Herod to be unlawful that she prompted her daughter to ask for the head of John on a platter as a reward for her pleasing Herod with her dancing. John had previously been arrested by Herod in attempt to silence him, and it was a simple thing to send the executioner to the prison and behead John, which is exactly what happened (Mark 6:17-28). This was a sad and ignoble end to the life of the man about whom Jesus said: I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John (Luke 7:28).

There are several lessons we can learn from the life of John the Baptist. First, whole-heartedly believing in Jesus Christ is possible. John the Baptist could have believed in and worshipped any number of gods available to him before Jesus arrived on the scene. But at some point in his life John knew that the Messiah was coming. He believed this with his whole heart and spent his days preparing the way for the Lords coming (Matthew 11:10). But the road was not an easy one to prepare. Daily he faced doubters of various influence and popularity who did not share his enthusiasm for the coming Messiah. Under hard questioning from the Pharisees, John shared his belief: I baptize with water, John replied, but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie” (John 1:26-27). John believed in the Christ and his great faith prepared him for hardships, but it kept him steadfast on his course until the time when he could say as he saw Jesus approach, Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29). As believers, we can all have this steadfast faith.

Second, anyone can be a strong and serious witness for Jesus Christ. Johns life is an example to us of the seriousness with which we are to approach the Christian life and our call to ministry, whatever that may be. We pattern our lives after Johns by first examining ourselves to be sure we are truly in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Second, like John, we are to know and believe that to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21), so we can be fearless in the face of persecution and death. John lived his life to introduce others to Jesus Christ, and knew the importance of repenting of ones sins in order to live a holy and righteous life. And as a follower of Jesus Christ, he also was unafraid of calling out people such as Herod and the Pharisees for their sinful behavior.

Third, John shows us how to stand firm in our faith no matter what the circumstances. Paul reminded Timothy that everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12). But for many of us who live in freedom, persecution takes on a very mild form. As he lived in an occupied country, John had to be aware that anything contrary to utter devotion to the king or emperor was asking for trouble. Yet his message was unchanging, bold and strong. It was Johns belief, his message, and his continual rebuke of King Herod that landed him in prison. While it is hard to know for sure what John was feeling as he sat in prison, we can be sure that he might have had some doubts about the Lord who tested his faith. In fact, John gets a message out to Jesus asking, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3). As Christians we all will have our faith put to the test, and we will either falter in our faith or, like John, cling to Christ and stand firm in our faith to the end.

Recommended Resource:
The Great Lives from God’s Word Series by Chuck Swindoll

We are studying the detail in Luke Chapter 22 at verse 47 where Judas and that gang approach Jesus Christ to have Him arrested.

It is possible to be physically close to Jesus Christ and have rebellion in your heart. Jesus makes no attempt to frustrate Judas’s hellish scheme. Jesus is calm and poised and in control.

Jesus knows what has to happen, that we might be saved, rescued, washed, forgiven, justified, sanctified, and anointed with the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus shows no fear as he faces the enemy. Jesus is Master of the whole situation.

Judas had started well, being appointed treasurer of that band of disciples, but what counts is not how well we run at the beginning, but how we complete the course remaining faithful to Jesus.

Jesus was going to the Father, but not so Judas.

Peter barges in with his sword and cuts off a man’s ear, but Jesus heals the severed ear to show that brute strength and physical resistance is NOT the way for the disciple of Jesus to walk. Peter in a sense missed! He was not going for the man’s ear, but for the man, and Jesus makes amends for Peter’s mistake.

Is this what we do today when someone makes a mistake? Do we minister to that person? Do we make amends? Or do we gossip about the mistake, and spread rumours about the person? There are deep lessons here as we see how Jesus acted on this dark tragic occasion.

This gracious healing miracle should have made the gang stop and think. It should have made the mob consider what they were doing – but NO.

A religious festival is on, but look at the behaviour of the leaders of Worship in the Temple. It is the Feast of the Passover.

Verse 52. You come out to Me as I were a common thief. Can you imagine these men in their resplendent robes trampling out down the valley to the Garden of Gethsemane? As well as the religious leaders there were around 200 soldiers, armed with weapons one would use to go and hunt a wild animal.

Verse 53. They had been such cowards. They couldn’t do this openly. They were not only in natural darkness, but they were in spiritual darkness too.

Verse 54. Jesus is led away, humbly but with dignity. And Peter follows, afar off and at a safe distance. There is no safe distance when you are distancing yourself from Jesus. Peter is watching, trailing behind, and in great danger.

We are called to come close, and draw near and be right at the very heart – involved – participating – faithfully following and serving Jesus – where He has placed you and appointed you.

The religious leaders finally had Jesus in their hands, but not His Love in their hearts.

They should have been in the hands of Jesus – the tender, loving, healing hands of Jesus. But, they took Him and led Him to Caiaphas’s house, the House of the High Priest.

They wanted to kill Christ, and have Him removed from their sight, and His Voice silenced once and for all – this troublemaker – this radical, popular preacher.

Originally here:
Word from Scotland

Author bio:
Alexander “Sandy” Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness – on the Moray Firth Coast – not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40 a.m., New Orleans time, at wsho.com.