BITS and PIECES
A random collection of news and views compiled by Frank McClelland for the Toronto Free Presbyterian Church.
217th Edition – November 17, 2024
THE NEW BIRTH
Jesus told Nicodemus, the religious Jewish leader, “ye must be born again” [John 3:7]. Nicodemus was puzzled and, not understanding, asked,“Can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?”
Jesus used a physical illustration of a spiritual truth, hence Christians are said to be born again. It was an excellent teaching, and we can learn some spiritual lessons from the natural birth.
We have nothing to do with our natural birth. We did not plan it. We were passive recipients of the creative genius of God. Our salvation, or new birth, was not of ourselves, but of God. He planned it “before the foundation of the world” [Ephesians 1:4] and brought it to pass in due time.
We are only physically born once. That one birth suffices for all our life. Likewise, we are born once spiritually. There are some who speak of several experiences, but this is not scriptural. We are only spiritually born once, for time and eternity.
Natural birth is effected when a seed is implanted in the womb. Spiritual birth is also brought about by the implantation of the seed of the Word of God in the sinful heart. The verse reads literally, “ye must be born from above.”
Natural birth puts us into an earthly family, and the new birth is necessary for entrance into God’s family. “As many as received Him (Christ) to them gave He power (right, privilege or authority) to become the sons of God.” [John 1:12].
Paul speaks of the “whole family in heaven and earth” [Ephesians 3:15]. You cannot enter God’s family without the new birth.
NIHILISM IN SCHOOLS
Most Christians were perturbed to learn of the High School in Ottawa playing an inappropriate Arabic song during their Remembrance Day service. The principal later apologized for any offence caused.
This should not surprise us. Some years ago I was invited to go to a well-known Scarborough High School to assist a student with his presentation on rock music to his class. I arrived early and had time to look at the projects other students were working on. Some featured rape, prison, murder, battered wives and several other depressing subjects.
At the end of my presentation, I asked the class why so much negativity, depressing topics, and not one on an uplifting, encouraging aspect of life? Little wonder so many young people wander around like zombies with the feeling that life is not worth living. The teacher was not happy with my comments, but they were necessary.
Such nihilism is firmly entrenched in our society today, and nowhere more so than the entertainment industry. When people turn their backs on God and His Word, little wonder there is such crime and personal problems in the modern world.
Paul encouraged the Philippian Christians to focus on the positive things of life, things that are “true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report” [Philippians 4:8] and “The God of peace shall be with you.”
FRUSTRATED HUMANISM
Many schools, churches, and news media in reality have left God out of the equation of life. They may pay lip service to some sort of supreme being, but as far as helping people come to grips with themselves in relation to a personal God, they are silent.
They do not recognize a sovereign God, neither do they regard His infinitely holy Nature. That leads to a rejection of the root cause of man’s problems, sin in the human heart. Therefore, they are left with a gospel of nihilistic gloom.
They place man on a pedestal as the one who can solve all his own problems but, when faced with the multitude of difficulties stemming from sin, their lofty ideals for utopia are frustrated. Water cannot rise above its own level without outside assistance. Nor can man rise above himself without the help of God.
What a blessing to turn from the world’s depressing and unworkable remedies to the glorious Gospel of redeeming grace that gives peace, and a purpose in life.
