LIVINGSTONE FELLOWSHIP

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Redeem the Time

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

To Waste Time is to Waste Life
Time is the most valuable commodity of all. It is a non-renewable resource. Some people say that time is money. Time is vastly more valuable than money! Time is life! You may get some more money, but you will never get your time again. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10.

In Pilgrims Progress we are warned against By-path Meadow, the Slough of Despond, being detained by Giant Despair in Doubting Castle and the time wasting distractions of Vanity Fair.

Redeem the Time Because the Days are Evil
In Ephesians 5:16, we are taught: “Redeeming the time (Kairos) because the days are evil.”

The Progression of History
Hence, we see all of history in a linear view: Creation, Fall, Flood, Call, Egypt, Exodus, Conquest, United Kingdom, Temple, Divided Kingdom, Fall of Samaria and Exile of the Northern Tribes, the Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of the Temple, the Babylonian Captivity of the Tribe of Judah. The Return after 70-years of Captivity in Babylon, the Rebuilding of the Temple, rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem, the Birth of Christ, the Life and Ministry of Christ on Earth, the Betrayal of Christ, His Illegal Trial, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension and Pentecost. The Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of the Second Temple. The Physical, bodily Return of our Lord Jesus Christ to earth, the Day of Eternal Judgement, Heaven and Hell, Eternity.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones." Proverbs 3:5-8

We cherish health for our bodies but most tolerate disease in their souls. Holiness is to our soul and spirit what health is to our bodies. We are body, mind and spirit. Our thoughts affect our emotions. Our understanding affects our decisions. It is all interconnected. Many people today are living far below their potential and failing to fulfil their purpose, or accomplish their destiny, because of spiritual diseases.
Sleeping Sickness
A widespread epidemic prevalent throughout large sections of the Church is sleeping sickness. It results in members being inactive, passive, neutral, lethargic and apathetic. Consequently numerous blessings are lost, countless opportunities are missed and enormous dangers arise unnoticed. "How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep - so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler and your need like an armed man." Proverbs 6:9-11. “His watchmen are blind, they are all ignorant; they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.” Isaiah 56:10

Lockjaw
This condition paralyses the jaws of believers when the opportunity to witness arises. Sometimes silence is golden. Other times it is just plain yellow. "…always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you…" 1 Peter 3:15

“And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4:6

Warning
The Book of Malachi begins with a blessing and ends with this warning of a curse. Repentance and Faith in Christ will be seen in the restoration of family relationships. Certainly that was my experience.

Restoration
Shamefully, I clashed with my Father frequently. I argued over many issues. However, my conversion to Christ brought conviction of sin. The first sin I repented of was lack of gratitude. The second, disrespect for my parents, particularly seen in my argumentative relationship to my Father. Regeneration led to a radical transformation of my relationship with my parents. In time this led to both my parents turning to Christ. Although, in my Father’s case, it took eight long years. By God's grace my Father experienced the life transformation that comes with repentance and Faith in Christ. God turned my heart to truly love, honour and respect my Father and God graciously turned my Father’s heart to me. Before he died on Christmas Eve, 1986, I heard my Father say, for the first time in my life: “Son, I am proud of you.”

As Goes the Home So Goes the Nation
Much of the world today is under a severe curse. The Old Testament ends with the warning of a curse. Families are the basic building block of civilisation. As goes the home, so goes the nation. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honour your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.’ And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.’” Ephesians 6:1-4