THE GREAT I AM
“Before Abraham was, I am” [John 8:58].
“Was” and “Am” are two parts of the verb “to be.” However, the Greek text uses two different verbs. “Before Abraham was made (came to be) I am.” Abraham was a mere creature and came into being. The Son of God is eternal and uncreated. Jesus Christ, therefore, claims absolute, eternal deity.
This is good news for sinners. We need a Saviour who is truly human [1 Corinthians 15:21]; we also need one who is truly God, for only God can save sinners [Isaiah 43:11]. Well did Abraham rejoice to learn of such a Saviour and well may we join in his exultation. As the great, I AM the Lord Jesus is our divine deliverer, our covenant God and redeemer, our immutable and all-sufficient Saviour.
William Van Doren summed up the message beautifully: “Are believers weary? I am their strength. Poor? I am their riches. In trouble? I am their comfort. Sick? I am their health. Dying? I am their life. I am justice and mercy, grace and goodness, glory, beauty, holiness, perfection – all-sufficient through eternity.” Hallelujah! What a Saviour! [Dr. Alan Cairns].
“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” [Exodus 3:14].
THE POWER OF THE WORD
A dying infidel commanded that his grave should be covered with a massive slab of concrete and then said, “If this should ever crack, then there might be a resurrection.” His grave was thus covered, but beneath it, a little seed of a tree was buried. Nature took its course, the seed germinated and the plant wound its way upward towards the light, cracking the concrete as it grew. The infidel was condemned, and God’s Word was vindicated. So the powerful seed of God’s Word vindicates God and silences the infidel.
“The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” [Hebrews 4:12]
CHURCHES AND THE ELECTION
Canada goes to the polls again on September 20th. Christians should remember the old saying, “Evil men take over when good men do nothing.” There are certain things that registered Canadian churches can or cannot do during an election. These have been concisely listed by the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. They are reprinted here for your information.
“A church that is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency and able to issue tax receipts for donations must follow CRA guidelines in order to keep its charitable status. Church staff, volunteers or members of a church are free to engage in political activity outside the church with their own time and resources. But a church must be non-partisan, not supporting a particular party or candidate (even if they attend the church).
CHURCHES CAN:
Invite the congregation to pray for all of the candidates, to become informed and to vote.
Hold an all-candidates meeting or invite all candidates to speak at the same event or service.
Provide information on issues that flow from Biblical teaching as long as the church does not link its views to any party or candidate.
CHURCHES CANNOT:
Promote or oppose a particular candidate or political party or encourage church members to vote for them, including distributing their literature or posting signs on church property.
Use church resources to support a particular candidate or party or collect an offering for a candidate or party.
Invite candidates to speak at different times or at separate events or services.
Highlight or publish how one particular party or candidate voted on a given issue.
Link church views on issues of concern with those of a particular party or candidate.
Allow party memberships to be sold on church premises.”
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn.” [Proverbs 29:2].
”Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” [Romans 13:1].
