Tidings of comfort and joy...

We saw it, we heard it, and now we're telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy! (1 John 1:3, 4 MSG)

Tonigt I am convicted that my motivation for sharing the Gospel is so that we can bring joy to others. The truth that we have seen and heard is not purely a message of hope, but a message of great joy! We have the potential to have so much joy in Jesus, but too often it's a gift that as Christians we leave unopened. There are so many things to be joyful about! That our God still loves us even though we put His son to death on the cross! That Jesus is alive! That the Holy Spirit is with us, empowering us and guiding us! That despite constant persecution, the Church continues to grow! That we no longer are chained to our sins! That we can tap into the power of prayer to help and heal people who are in need! That we can share in the incredible gift of new birth, and celebrate when someone gives themselves to Christ. Last night I focused on the negative aspects of the world that burden my soul, but tonight I will dwell on all the wonderous things that God gives us each and every day. The laughter of children, the warmth of the sun, a hug and smile from a friend, music, amazing acts of generosity and courage, weddings and new babies, couples who are celebrating thirty, forty, fifty years together, hot buttered toast, gardens that change with the seasons, family meals and celebrations... so many things to be joyful about. I believe God is a god of joy, and loves to jump, shout, clap, sing and laugh with the love of it, and I believe that He invites us to share in it. So if you are reading this, and perhaps haven't felt joy for a while, take a moment to bring to mind a memory that brings a smile to your face, and hold it in your heart for a few moments. Be blessed!

Waiting, hoping, praying...

The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 ESV)

Sometimes I get depressed by the state of the world. My heart breaks for those who are starving, abused, unloved, persecuted, grieving, dying or frightened. I try to imagine what God sees when He looks upon this world, and am quickly overwhelmed as I see image after image flash by of death, pain and despair. In my heart I cry out to God, why don't you put an end to this? Why do you keep us waiting for your return? How can you sit there and watch your precious children suffer so greatly? The problem of evil and suffering is not an easy one to wrap our heads around, and I don't for one minute want to suggest that this is a simple, neat explanation, but this passage from Peter comforts me. God loves us so much that He is waiting, hoping, aching for His children to come back to Him. Because He knows that once He comes again, there will be no more chances, everything that was will be swept away and only those who have been saved by the blood of Jesus will be taken into the new creation God has in store for us. God so desperately wants us all there, so desperately wants to make sure that no one misses out, that He delays so that we might repent and turn back to Him before it is too late. He is the loving parent who continues year after to leave the back door unlocked in case His son or daughter returns home. He is the loving teacher who doesn't give up on a difficult student, but continues to persevere and fight for them and their education. He is groom the that waits for his bride, knowing that if he loves her enough, is patient enough, and gentle enough, then she will let go of her fears and agree to marry him. And so God waits, and hopes, and celebrates with all of heaven every time someone opens their hearts to him, and accepts Jesus into their lives forever.

Leaders are not all made equal...

"But there were also lying prophets among the people then, just as there will be lying religious teachers among you. They'll smuggle in destructive divisions, pitting you against each other—biting the hand of the One who gave them a chance to have their lives back! They've put themselves on a fast downhill slide to destruction, but not before they recruit a crowd of mixed-up followers who can't tell right from wrong. (2 Peter 2:1, 2 MSG)

I believe that one of the greatest oversights of the Church today is thorough biblical teaching on leadership. Like so many aspects of our culture we swing between extremes; those who reject and oppose authority, and those who blindly follow anyone who calls themselves Pastor. Not all leaders who say they follow Jesus are trustworthy. Not all leaders who build up Churches are people of God. Peter is warning his Church that there will always be those in positions of authority who are lyers, and bring destruction with them. They draw the attention away from Jesus and onto themselves. They are divisive and get caught up in debates and conflicts over things that don't matter. And while they will ultimately bring about their own destruction, the cost to the Church may be devestating. I believe that Christians need to keep their eyes and their bibles open. They need to understand what qualities a good leader needs, and to seek our a Church community that has a clear leadership heirarchy. Ultimately, a good leader must first be able to submit to authority and be accountable, before they can be trusted with the responsibility of leadership. For how can anyone teach how to submit and obey, if they themselves are unable to?

So you want to marry my son...

"Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. (2 Peter 1:3 MSG)

I love the simplicity of the Gospel. In a world full of religion and rules and 12 step programs, the Gospel says that only one thing is required; a relationship with Jesus. The message puts it that everything, EVERYTHING, that goes into a life of pleasing God comes through getting to know Jesus. God is a relational God, not a rules God, and His word to us is filled with relational analogies. By far my favourite is when God describes His people as the Bride of Christ. When reading this passage tonight I had an image of a beaming Dad watching on as His son marries the love of His life. Any father who has watched their kids get hitched would identify with this verse. He would say that only one thing is required to please him - love my precious child with all your heart and strength. Dedicate your life to getting to know them deeply and intimately, and learn to love them for who they are, and not for who you want them to be. Jesus came to earth and invited His people to enter into a relationship as intimate and unbreakable as marriage. He died so that it would be possible for Him to love us forever in eternity, and for us to love Him. He died so that when the celebrant calls for anyone who has any reason why these two should not be married to speak, no one can object, because he has paid the price for all our sins! And when Jesus brings his beloved Bride to meet His Dad for the first time, God sees her through the eyes of His Son, perfect, whole and lovely, He requires only one thing from her. Love my son. Love Him for who He is and what He has done, and not for what you can get out of Him. Study Him, learn from Him, listen to Him, and never stop seeking Him. For He is worthy of all our love, and He is more wonderful than we can comprehend.