Going Going… gone

TOAM BRIGHTON 2009

Once again ‘Together on a Mission’ was outstanding! Personally very moved to hear what God is doing around the world. One story that was both inspirational and amazing:

A young girl from Lesotho (Lesotho is one of the poorest nations on earth) who most had ignored was saved and began to feel called to serve God in the UK. She pursued this impression from God and trained as a nurse. As her wages improved she started sending money back to the church in Clarens. When she returned home for holidays she would consistently serve in the church.

She noticed the community in Lesotho had serious transportation problems, even for simple things like getting their weekly shopping so, even though she earned relatively little she has bought a 40 seater bus from Japan (via the internet) and had it exported to Lesotho where it will be used by both church and community.

This is empowerment of the poor!!

So many, many amazing and wonderful stories of God’s love and power. We really can do more together than we can apart.

More soon

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4 1-6

The gospel, when preached properly, attracts people from all walks of life. It crosses national and cultural boarders with ease, it is unhindered by economic downturns or tremendous wealth. It, therefore, causes us, who are deeply influenced by all these things, real and pressing problems.

We like people who are ‘like us’, we are naturally suspicious of people who are not ‘like us’. In my experience the band of people we might consider to actually be ‘like us’, is very narrow indeed.

Jesus had no problem loving and leading all kinds of diverse characters. Think, for a moment, about His disciples. Matthew was a tax collector, Simon was a zealot. These two groups not only wouldn’t have mixed, they hated each other, passionately. Yet there they are both following Jesus.

Paul recognises this and calls on Christians to be united.

be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit

Ephesians 4 v 3

The NIV renders this verse ‘make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit’

We are also given instructions as to how this might be achieved.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love

Ephesians 4 v 1

To maintain unity in the midst of diversity what is required is that we clothe ourselves with humility and gentleness. We go back to our own salvation to find what is required in our relationship with others.

1. How were you received by Jesus?
2. What was given that you might be included in Jesus great victory?
3. He has made a family of you who were is enemies.
4. He chooses to remember your sins no more.
5. He redeems your foolishness and rewards you for His faithfulness.

Go and do the same – unity will follow you wherever you go.

Lyme Regis

On Sunday afternoon I went fishing with my sons to Lyme Regis. Sitting on the harbour wall looking at the stunning view I got to thinking about God’s creative brilliance.

The apostle Paul tells us;

since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Romans 1 v 20

The point Paul is making is that any attempt to explain the universe which does so without any reference to God is to deliberately deny the obvious.

King David writes;

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard. ^[a]

Their voice ^[b] goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.

Psalm 19 1-6

Our western 21st century, western culture is staggeringly arrogant. We assume we know better than all generations before us and all cultures poorer than ours.

I continually hear spokespersons form the scientific community ridiculing Christianity as ridiculous, foolishness.

The fascinating observation is that this community is doing exactly what the Christian establishment did to them in the 15th-16th century. Ridicule, ostracize and dismiss. It would seem that while advances in scientific discovery (which are all reasons to stand in awe and worship) continue there has been no change in the heart of man.

Jesus alone addresses men’s hearts. If there was no ‘creation’ there can be no ‘new creation’ no salvation and no changed heart. The skies, however, really do proclaim the work of HIS hands!!

spot the difference

AND

spot the difference

Not sure which is which?

I am informed that one is a pigmy hippo?

Josh (my eldest son) and I spent a very happy afternoon at fishponds last week, he was outstanding in his patience and proved to be a quick learner. (that’s my boy)

Here is the result

well done josh