Noah, Jesus and New Beginnings

Seen the movie Noah yet? It has attracted much attention everywhere. Good casting, very creative, well thought out, full of godly righteous principles and attention-gripping all the way.

But it’s Hollywood style and only a little biblical, like DeMille’s Bible-inspired The Ten Commandments. Diehard ‘black and white only Christians’ eyebrows have been raised and it’s felt that ‘far too much artistic licence has been taken.’ Any who dare suggest believers should see the movie have been slammed.

We enjoyed it for several reasons. As well as having a good time out we had wanted to see why critics are so up in arms.

Yes, several aspects are definitely not biblical, immediately questioned (but then Hollywood has to spin a yarn to extend four short Genesis chapters to make a two hour movie!). And one could wish that ‘The Creator’ was actually called God.

But beyond this, it’s a delight to realise audiences worldwide are hearing the biblical seven day creation account told simply, believably  and meaningfully by Noah (Actor Russell Crowe).

                                        (Photo: Paramount Pictures)

And how else but in cinemas can you get thousands of captive audiences to sit quietly and hear a clear visual declaration that:
•    Original sin brought more sin into the world
•    Evil is inherent in everyone
•    The creator’s wrath must come on sinful people
•    Even the most pious person (like Noah) is not perfect
•    We all have choices to make
•    Miracles can and do happen
•    One can hear from God - he has a plan for each of us
•    God has a place of safety for those who obey
•    A new beginning is possible.

Themes of forgiveness, faith, trust, responsibility, courage, hope and new possibilities flow throughout the movie.

We like Christian Computing Magazine’s Steve Hewitt‘s response  when criticised for promoting the movie - Why did I Help Promote the Noah Movie? (Link: www.ccmag.com).

‘I am distressed that this movie has caused such uproar in the Christian community. I had found several things about History Channel’s Bible Series contrary to my beliefs about scripture, but said nothing because I felt the opportunities that series provided us to discuss God and our beliefs about the Bible were worth it.

‘What grieves me most is once again the nation gets to witness Christians throwing stones at each other, and at someone's attempt to produce a movie based on a biblical character. The church in America is dying. More Christians stay away than attend, and one of their main reasons is because we are so quick to judge, condemn and shun.

‘I am distressed that this movie has caused such uproar in the Christian community. I had found several things about History Channel’s Bible Series contrary to my beliefs about scripture, but said nothing because I felt the opportunities that series provided us to discuss God and our beliefs about the Bible were worth it.

‘What grieves me most is once again the nation gets to witness Christians throwing stones at each other, and at someone's attempt to produce a movie based on a biblical character. The church in America is dying. More Christians stay away than attend, and one of their main reasons is because we are so quick to judge, condemn and shun.

‘One of my staff members said it best: If we killed the movie, and instead spent millions to rent theatres across this nation and paid to pack them full of people in order to have someone simply read the biblical account of Noah, there would be lots of arguments, complaints, name calling and judging... over which translation they chose to use for the reading.’

Steve Hewitt includes two links (a video and text) to comments from major Christian ministries that are excited about the potential of this movie -

http://vimeo.com/89714097 and http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/noah-movie-review-study-encouraged/
 Theologian Rusty Wright, in his ASSIST article Noah movie: Courage, Faith, Hope, challenges: ‘The essential framework of the biblical flood story - human evil, divine judgment, hope and salvation - remains in Noah. Consider these facets of that story and their modern implications.’ (Link:  www.assistnews.net)

We particularly like colleague Dr Ed Delph‘s blog comments (Link: www.NATIONStrategy.com) - ‘It’s interesting that every major culture has the story of a huge flood that took place in times past. Why is Noah significant at this time? Some practical lessons can be learned. Here are seven “lighter side” ones …

1. Don't miss the boat.
2. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
3. Stay fit - when you're old, God may ask you to do something big.
4. Don't listen to critics; get on with the job that needs doing.
5. For safety sake, travel in pairs.
6. The ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
7. No matter the storm, with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.’

Ed adds: ‘I do appreciate the fact that Hollywood is beginning to take notice of the Bible, for whatever the reasons. God can work with that. It brings awareness to those outside of the church, many of whom have never even heard of Noah.’

Here are some of our own thoughts: The ark represents safety and a new beginning. So does Easter which comes up soon - for those who know Jesus.

Noah‘s production  designer had so many ideas about the ark that it was interesting to learn that Jewish director Darren Aronofsky , himself an original thinker and visualist, insisted that the image be based on the Bible dimensions – God’s plan.

As we celebrate Easter shortly – the gift of forgiveness of sin and the promise of a miraculous new beginning, let us be thankful to ‘the Creator’ - Father God - for his great salvation plan, the gift of his only Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

God wanted true rest for his creation. He is truly greater than the cleverest digital graphics person and  his plan to bring about salvation that doesn’t depend on our strength was sealed in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

Every person can find forgiveness from sin through accepting Jesus as his or her Saviour and ark of safety. Easter brings opportunities to share the message of hope and the new life and beginning found in having Jesus as Saviour and friend.

‘Noah’ means ‘rest’ but ‘Jesus’ – the real rest -  indicates ‘God is salvation.’ May we remember too his Matthew 24: 37-39 warning about his return:  ‘The Arrival of the Son of Man will take place in times like Noah's. Before the great flood everyone was carrying on as usual, having a good time right up to the day Noah boarded the ark. They knew nothing - until the flood.’

Yes, God’s plan was an ark for Noah and his family. Today our ark is God’s plan established in Jesus. May we assist others to find the real ark and get on board!

Some good advice: Read the real Genesis 6-9 flood story of Noah and God grieved (means 'heartbroken') because of his creation’s sins. As with many movies, the book is so much better! This movie is really a current talking point for Christians with non-Christians as was The Ten Commandments and Robert Duvall’s The Apostle!

In knowing what the word really says, and knowing the Creator personally through Jesus, we can talk from strength.

The Power of Prayer

A good friend called asking us to pray for her sick husband and also regarding their need for a new rental accommodation.

The first matter was of top priority as the future was looking bleak, the second would be a great homecoming blessing from hospital.

We prayed, knowing that this couple value prayer; that they know their God is interested in everything to do with his spiritual children’s daily life journey.

Prayer immediately brought God’s miraculous touch into action and he continues to bless them one step at a time, one day at a time, one miracle at a time.

Believing and trusting
A great key is that we knew that here are Christians who believe in the power of prayer, that God really cares and that they especially know how to trust him.

As pastoral mentors and counsellors we have contact with many ministers and people from all over. Email, Skype and phone systems have their advantages!

Naturally we do our best to encourage everyone to believe that God cares and will move to assist in meeting our needs – as we seek his help and are willing to operating in simple trust.

And there are often times we require to give advice and make suggestions asking that people do a certain something themselves. For example, instead of seeking a prophetic word from God through us, they need to seek God direct and listen to him.

In other words, instead of ‘What’s God telling you, Robert and Maureen?’ it must be ‘Have you sought God? What’s he told you and what have you done?’

Prayer is free and brings results
Some time back we were invited to two dinner engagements. One was with a famous senator, a fundraising drive that would cost us $500 each! That fee put the night out of the question!

The other was a dinner with a Christian college. A special time just for pastors so that the principal and his board could inform us of the college’s outstanding advances, progress, vision and plans.

We responded to this invite…and not just because the night was free and not a fundraiser per se, the restaurant surroundings relaxing with excellent a la carte food, and company amiable. But mainly because we wanted to hear the presentation and learn of practical ways in which we could help.

Sadly only a few city ministers turned up! It almost seemed that not many had a real heart for Christian education...perhaps others were unaware of the great gains and advances over the past 20 years in Christian colleges, and the need for such institutions in these days of scholastic compromise, mixed values or lack of high standards in teaching circles.

From what we learned city churches – and Christians – can be proud of Christian colleges. Progress has been tremendous, current programs are based on strong Christian values, Jesus Christ is at the core of all that is done, taught and envisaged, and the vision and future plans are exceptional. 

First priority
Then the principal mentioned one major thing – simple but powerful – that not only ministers can do for Christian colleges, but also every Christian, especially those that know the power of prayer…PRAY!

Pray! This is the first priority - beyond needed finance - in this principal’s agenda for pastoral and church input into assisting the college and pupils that he is proud of.

We liked that …for we know that without prayer (never mind a vision) ‘the people perish.’ And this goes for any Christian personally, family, Bible college, ministry or church as well as local Christian colleges!

So many times we’re able to bring great comfort to people by explaining that the Bible word for ‘prayer’ - in Aussie dictum - simply means ‘to yak.’ Such as a bereaved lady a while ago.

Her eyes light up and peace entered immediately. Gone went the harsh wrong Sunday school upbringing that ‘You had to pray’ with no given explanation of how or why. Realisation came that it is possible to have meaningful relationship with a caring, loving God simply by talking prayerfully with him and trusting!

Prayer, when properly understood, is a power key to touching God’s heart and changing/shaping future events. It’s also the means of bringing about blessings into situations, organisations, ministries, churches and people’s lives! Many times we’ve seen God heal people, change situations and enrich lives through the power of prayer!

In these days of ongoing uncertainty - including health and financial future, our advice is:

·         Know God personally. Pray, believe and trust

·         Invest tithes and offerings into one’s local church

·         Donations? Don’t forget worthy Christian colleges.

Most churches have some great prayerers. We encourage such to be active.

As James once wrote: ‘The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results’ (5:16NLT). (c) 2013.08

Seasons

Solomon, regarded as the wisest of all people, put it so well when he wrote about seasons in Ecclesiastes 3:1 ‘For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.’

 

Then, in following verses, he lists many things that have a season in God’s timing. The word season indicates ‘a fixed time or an appointment’ and the Message Bible puts verse one this way: ‘There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time…’

Opportune times?
Feeling that God has been endeavouring to speak to your heart regarding an opportune time - about moving into something new that you’re not quite clear on? You’re not alone!

As we’ve ministered in different churches this year we’ve casually mentioned that something was in the air, that the Lord was seeking to do something new with those with open hearts and were willing to move on. That it was difficult to put a finger on it all, but that things would become clearer toward year-end. That it is all a matter of trusting God and being open to whatever he had destined for us

Some listeners agreed, saying ‘I’ve been feeling that in my heart.’ Others, over cautious, remained content with the status quo. But we’ve heard of many moving willingly into positions of responsibility as God has provided opportunity to serve him more deeply.

And recently we’ve heard of those in ministry who’ve been aware that God is opening new doors for them and have willingly accepted the challenge to move on, even resigning from secure positions, yet not knowing exactly how everything is going to work out.

It speaks of steps of faith, trust and an awareness of God’s timing. 

Trusting God in everything
There are indeed times when the Lord calls us to move on into new areas…career, locale and ministry. 

But we need to know that we’ve really heard from him. I’ve had unsure Christians say, ‘Dr Robert, you move in the prophetic…I think I’m meant to move on to (somewhere). Tell me that I’m right.’ I immediately ask if they have really sought the mind of God and the usual answer is ‘No.’ So I challenge them to seek the Lord, not me! 

We can’t afford to stab in the dark if we claim to have committed ourselves to him. ‘Season’ refers to an appointed occasion – not a willy-nilly, shot-in-the-dark, hope-it-works-out possibility.

Solomon, in Proverbs 3:5-7 wisely advises: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.’ 

This means what it says… he will direct us in everything - if we commit all, everything, to him in faith and trust!  The Message Bible puts it this way: ‘Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all.’

 

Verse 23 gives comforting assurance: ‘You’ll walk safely, and your foot will not stumble.’ That’s good news indeed! If we are willing to acknowledge God in absolutely everything, he will clearly lead us. 

At times we won’t get immediate step-by-step directions … the dedicated Christian life is lived on a daily step-by-step basis. But virtually every day will present some opportunity to commit to God something simple or something involved and discover his leading.

Examples
Over many years we’ve proven God in respect of his fatherly concern to lead us aright in every aspect of life…career, health, finance, schooling and careers for the kids, counselling troubled people, encouraging pressured ministers, homes and cars, little things, huge matters, new ministry and more.

A simple practical example: Recently we went to our favourite restaurant for lunch and found the background music was unusually extremely loud. I went to find the manager to have it turned down. But even as I approached him, he was already doing this.

Returning to Maureen, she said that she had claimed the scripture above: ‘God is concerned with everything to do with us and I simply committed the noise to him, requesting that he move the manager act. Robert, you didn’t even have to move, oh ye of little faith!’

A more serious example: Some years ago, it became obvious that the Holy Spirit was speaking to our hearts to move on into new areas of ministry. This meant, what seemed to others, to be taking a chance, a huge step with no guarantees, no financial or specific local church support, no new church or ministry to go to. But late one Monday night before each other and before the Lord, we agreed to do so, committing to a resolute decision to trust God completely and to dare to take a faith step into the unknown. 

I typed up a resignation letter regarding our then current ministry. Admittedly for a few moments we wondered about our future. But we had sensed deep in our hearts that God had spoken to us and as we know his voice and leadings from decades of experience, we knew it was the right thing to do. We also knew that often we have to make a move to allow God to make his. So we relaxed and enjoyed a good nights’ sleep.

The very next morning the phone rang, not at the business hour of nine but much earlier, and a voice enquired: ’Dr Robert? Where have you been all these years? We’ve been searching for you…can you come next Sunday and minister for us?’ It was the beginning of our new season!

Move and see God confirm
An out-of-the-blue God-confirmation from  his fatherly heart! His way of letting us know we were on track as we committed our future to him and trusted him completely to direct our path. 

For us, it was the commencement of a broad itinerant ministry of moving around many churches of different denominations and blessing many with inspiring clear teaching from God’s word as well as moving encouragingly in the Holy Spirit’s supernatural.

Still sensing that something is stirring within? Search your heart in case it’s just some inner dissatisfaction that needs to be dealt with. If you really know that the Holy Spirit is leading, keep searching God, read his word, be open when visiting ministries speak at your church, talk with your pastor, if married talk with your spouse (a priority!) and - without seeking out ‘some prophet’ - be open to prophetic words that are spoken over you in your local church. 

Don’t miss whatever it is that God wants of you as we move toward and into a new year. Jesus warned in Luke 12:56-57 (Mge), ‘You know how to tell a change in the weather, so don’t tell me you can’t tell a change in the season of God, the God-season we’re in right now. You don’t have to be a genius to understand these things. Just use your common sense...’